The Friends and Family Connection: Get Unplugged

By K.E. Mullins

Chloe Daniels who is recently retired from the Navy lands a position as a property manager at a private held property management company, On-Time Management. At the company, she finds out managing property is not the only thing on the agenda. Chloe quickly becomes friends with Anita Johnston. Anita is an undercover Drug Enforcement Agent (DEA) who is hot on the trail of a known drug lord, Gabrielle. After being fired from the company, Chloe and Anita become closer while Chloe dedicates more time to her writing career.

Gabrielle, a young attractive Latino is busy seducing the owner of the company and expanding her portfolio. She has everyone around her finger, the boss, his sister, and the drug cartel. After things begin to heat up, she quickly relocates to Washington, D.C. Once in D.C., she becomes reacquainted with her long, lost sister.

While Chloe is off, an unexpected relative turns up, Ellen. Chloe and Ellen are first cousins, but they were more like sisters. During Chloes childhood she was molested by her mothers ex-husband and it was Ellens goal to avenge her attacker. Upon Ellens visit, Chloe quickly discovers Ellen has an unforgivable secret. The story quickly unravels once Ellen is apprehended, the company falls apart, and Gabrielles twin sister begin working together.

This story is a frank look at a young womans transition to the workforce after being in the military. She quickly finds out the civilian sector is full of complications and trials. Friends and Family are not trustworthy or always thinking in your best interest. Chloe discovers it is best to have a back-up plan in mind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781479765829

K.E. Mullins

K. E. Mullins is retired from the Navy and currently works as a Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Instructor in Gainesville, Fl. She graduated from National University and the University of Central Florida. She is a Jacksonville, Florida native and has enjoyed reading and writing since her early childhood. In addition to writing poetry, Kimberley also does spoken word venues in Urban Grind, Atlanta, GA, Busboys and Poets in Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas.

Book preview

1

BACK AGAIN

N ine forty-five a.m. The car slowed to twenty miles per hour, and then ten before it came to a complete stop. Chloe pulled into the parking space closest to the door. The sign in front read: On Time Management, Inc. (OTM) The door to the office reminded her of last evening’s events, and she remembered opening the door to the bedroom to see her husband with his eyes rolled back while one hand gripped the woman’s hair and the other balanced his body against the dresser. The woman took on Mista with one gulp and then another. He groaned while he pulled her head closer. She cupped his large jewels in one hand. Her head rocked back and forth bobbing on his cock. Chloe’s nine clicked. The woman nearly choked on his semen. His eyes were wider than saucers. Smith and Wesson were pressed firmly against his temple. Piss rolled down the woman’s inner thigh.

Don’t fucking move bitch, snapped Chloe.

Let me explain, he pleaded.

Unless I’m seeing things, bro, it’s self-explanatory. So, you’re going to pull your pants up, grab that whore you brought in our house, and don’t look back or I’ll kill both of you now. Understood?

He nodded. Chloe looked in her direction.

She nodded too.

On three—one…

His pants and hers were both up.

Two.

She ran toward the door. He caught up with her.

Three!

They both left the house and jumped into their cars.

Abruptly, Chloe was awakened from her reverie by Alex knocking on her window. He waved as he passed her car. The knock startled her for a second. She’d forgotten where she was. Daydreaming. Yeah, last night was a mess.

The alarm chimed as the door opened. Chloe walked over to the large white board with the long list of manager’s names. Each name had its own ebony circle. Another tracking device to signify staff location. Chloe’s dot now adjusted to show her arrival to another day of hell. For a Monday, humor still lived in the office. The large desk hid the receptionist’s small frame. With her dark sunglasses hiding most of her pale face, she resembled a female version of a CHiPs’ officer from the TV show. She wore a tie-dyed sky blue tank top and a Mexican canopy skirt. Pink, red and green were present in the skirt, but no blues to pull the colors together. Chloe shook her head. A hello wasn’t even in order. Another friend’s child to fill the position. Obviously, no one had told her about professional dress. It wasn’t even Friday, casual day. It was Monday. Of course, not a soul would say a thing to her.

The mailroom was across from the receptionist’s desk. Many small squares with names underneath had envelopes of varying colors sticking out. Some boxes were full and some held only one or two envelopes. Her box had enough space for one more envelope.

Dee sat in the corner sorting mail.

Good morning, Dee.

Morning, Chloe.

Her tone seemed indifferent. She answered, never looking up, but continued to sift through papers. Chloe wanted to share her weekend with her. Later for that. She walked upstairs to her office where papers were stacked in separate piles, correspondence in one and bills in another. She had just gone to the copy room to make copies of a homeowner’s request when Stevie came in.

Good morning.

Morning, she said, with her back to Chloe.

Whatever. It didn’t faze her. Stevie’s attitude reminded her of a cat. Unpredictable.

Chloe returned to her office to find the red message light on her phone flickering. Anita walked in.

What’s up, girl?

You, of course.

We still on for lunch?

No you didn’t. We haven’t been here for an hour, and you go there already.

And your point is? Anita continued. Are we on or what?

On. See you in another two hours. Now get out, so I can get some work accomplished here woman.

Yeah, yeah. You know you’re hungry.

Not yet, but if you keep talking about it, I’m sure my stomach will growl soon.

Girl, I’ll be back in a bit, Anita said. She headed out the door with her cell phone ringing in her hand.

Chloe thumbed through her notes from Friday. Four people remained to be called before processing requests for payments. She pressed the speaker and dialed the first three numbers. Before the homeowner picked up, the call disconnected without her help. Lola and Melody walked in and closed the door behind them. Lola held the position of General Manager and Melody was Senior Manager at the company. They surprised her, coming in at the same time. Melody barely spoke. So they had her attention.

Good morning, Lola said.

She looked around the office for something to focus on.

Good morning, ladies. How can I help you?

Chloe, I hate to do this, but you’re terminated as of today, Lola said.

Okay, said Chloe, doing her best to cover the initial shock.

Due to the company receiving a termination letter from Magnolia Condominiums and constant homeowner complaints, Lola continued, we had no other choice

Did you say lack of communication, Lola?

Yes, I did, she said confidently.

I’m sorry, but didn’t I copy you and accounting on emails to the Board? You don’t remember our discussion regarding all the problems and lack of funds available? Don’t you recall the emails?

Lola’s face turned a rosy red. The wrinkles in her forehead bunched together, and her eyes narrowed as she glared at Chloe. Melody looked down at the floor, her shoulders slumped forward.

Well, that’s neither here nor there, she went on. You can either resign or be terminated from the company. Which option do you want?

Terminate me.

Lola stood stunned for a moment. Chloe’s response hadn’t been in her plans.

Okay, Lola said, turning to Melody and handing her the other paper. You’re terminated effective immediately. You need to gather your belongings and leave.

Sounds good. It’ll take me a moment.

We have a box here for you.

Melody stepped out of the room and produced a large brown box from around the corner.

No need. I have three right here. Thanks for the offer.

Their mouths dropped to the floor.

Did you expect us to fire you? Lola asked.

Lola, I know more than you ever give me credit for. But as you said, that’s neither here nor there. However, time will reveal your true intentions. So close your mouth and try not to look so surprised.

They both stood still for a moment. Again speechless, Lola’s face became a rosy red.

Can I help you ladies? asked Chloe.

No. But we’ll give you a hand with your boxes, Lola said.

No thanks. It’ll take me a couple trips. If you insist on staying, just don’t get in my way.

No need for such hostility.

Hostility? You’re not in a position to use those words towards me, Lola. Here it is—I’m fired, and the two of you are watching me pack. I’m not a criminal. Who’s being hostile?

Well, that’s not why we’re here. Not at all, Melody spoke up.

Well what? Chloe asked.

We have to ensure no materials or property belonging to OTM leave with you.

Really? Well, that sounds hostile. You’re watching to ensure nothing leaves with me.

They didn’t utter another word, just watched Chloe pack and gather her belongings.

Trust me, Chloe warned. This won’t be the last time you see me.

Each step produced a different creak down the stairway. Chloe held on to the guardrail. Anita gave her a mischievous grin when they passed each other in the narrow stairwell. She winked her right eye while Chloe continued her descent. The door chimed once again. One more box remained in the office. Melody and Lola whispered to each other, but stopped when they saw Chloe. They stood before her.

Are you finished? Lola asked.

I am. Too bad I can’t say have a nice day, but have a nice life.

Whatever, Lola snapped. Her face tightened, exposing wrinkles around her eyes and mouth.

I wouldn’t be so flippant with the mouth if I were you, Chloe said.

Lola’s eyes narrowed again. My brother owns this business. Neither you nor anyone else can take it away. Melody stepped in front of her, as if to guard her best friend during a school brawl.

That may be so, Lola. But your brother’s business is not untouchable. Trust me. Remember, not all that’s done in the dark stays there.

She lunged, pushing Melody forward, but not enough to come in Chloe’s space.

Are you threatening me, Chloe? she fumed.

No, Lola. This is a promise. And unlike you, I keep them all.

The wooden door closed behind Chloe. The accounting staff looked out of the window like kids seeing snow for the first time. She placed her last box in the trunk and made a peace sign. They backed away and returned to their cubicles. No one waved goodbye. It seemed like a part of Chloe’s life had ended. But she knew a better job awaited her. After all, her writing contract seemed close. She could feel it. Sales for her current book exceeded expectations, and she was close to completing the sequel.

The next hour rushed by in a blur. Anita was meeting her at the International House of Pancakes. The events of the morning pushed their plans back. Now they’d be discussing what happened with her at work.

Chloe’s phone beeped when she was in the IHOP parking lot. A text message from Anita—be there in five minutes. Instead of going inside, she thumbed through the Atlanta Journal Constitution for upcoming book signings. Her favorite author, E. Lynn Harris, was signing his new book at the Shrine of the Black Madonna next Thursday. A sudden tap on the window jarred her from her thoughts.

Chloe turned toward the window and saw Anita’s nose and mouth pressed against the glass. She resembled a huge gold fish in a bowl. When Chloe tapped on the spot by her mouth, she moved away from the door and waited for her to step out.

Anita smiled and fidgeted like a kid about to get a new toy. A month earlier, Chloe’s first impression of her was that she was a typical New Yorker—loud, opinionated, and never satisfied. Her attitude proved different. She turned out to be well mannered, articulate, and on top of her game. Anita sported a flipped bob and dressed causally except for monthly meetings. On those days, she wore her corporate attire, blue suit, pumps, and matching baby blue shirt. She’d been at OTM almost a year now.

Although Anita had all the traits of a property manager, she wasn’t one. Her real loyalty rested with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). She was investigating the new property manager, Gabrielle, who’d been with the company for a month. Also, a pending discrimination claim against the company remained open. The FBI handled the case, but she had no leads on their progress. However, Chloe’s firing provided more information for them to investigate further.

Hurry up, girl, you know I’m hungry and you’re still putting on lipstick. Why? You know you’re going to eat it off in five minutes. You ain’t got a job. So, what’s all the prepping for?

Be quiet woman. You remind me of a leaking facet. It never stops. Just because you have two jobs doesn’t give you the right to rub it in.

Don’t be bitter. You know we got your back. Plus, you can use this material for your new book.

My next book will be a fiction book on gays in the military. So far, it’s a topic untouched in the industry. So I’ll go for it.

We strolled across the parking lot like we didn’t have a care in the world. A sea of noise greeted us once we entered the crowded restaurant.

Damn, this place is packed, Anita said.

How many? asked the hostess.

Two. How long is the wait? Chloe asked.

The hostess looked around with menus in hand. For a moment, it looked like her first time seeing the crowd.

It’ll be about five minutes.

She called the elderly couple seated beside them.

You were so right. Almost like clockwork, Chloe said.

I told you. My friend Alyssa told me Richard and Lola discussed firing you either Friday or Monday.

Ain’t that some shit? said Chloe.

Ladies, you can come on back, the hostess interrupted.

They followed her to their booth and sat down. She was a short, thick black woman with a gold front tooth.

Now, she’s a sight you don’t see often, Chloe commented as she left.

What’s that? Anita asked.

Black people as servers here in Roswell.

Did you forget Atlanta had an influx of people from the Gulf Coast?

You’re right. I’ll ask where she’s from when she comes back. Ten dollars she’s from New Orleans.

Okay, twenty she’s from Mississippi, Anita replied.

So, how did your girl get all that information? Chloe asked.

Remember, they have almost completed their discrimination and sexual misconduct investigation.

Yeah, and?

Well, Richard put a job ad in the paper a few months back. Our girl, Alyssa, received a call for an interview. During the interview, someone called Richard out of the office. She used the opportunity to put additional bugs on his phone and in his office. After the interview they continued to monitor him and determined the exact dates. They planned on firing me next week.

What? Why?

I’m too outspoken, explained Anita. They wanted a little color, but we got out of hand. So my reason for termination is lack of job performance too.

Girl, stop, Chloe said.

Enough about them. You know I’m about done with this case against Gabrielle.

So soon?

Yep. Well, like I told you, I’ve followed her since she left New York. She’s the cover for a major identity theft ring and the middle woman for a drug lord from up north.

Stop playing. How long has she been involved in all this?

For over five years now.

So why haven’t ya’ll arrested her?

She’s good with disguises and changing her ID, so it makes it hard to keep up with her. The DEA also has reason to believe she’s having an affair with Rich.

No way. Rich is twice her age.

We know, but he’s so dumb he took the bait. Little does he know, all this can shut down his operation.

How so? He has no knowledge of her plans.

True, but he didn’t let the human resource guy, Paul, do his job. It was his job to do a background check. He suspected she wasn’t right from the start. Instead, Rich let it go. He insisted Gabrielle start right away.

Are you saying questions arose about the validity of her license a few days earlier?

Yes. Paul questioned it, but Richard dismissed his concerns. Anyway, she presented an illegal license a few days later.

It’s an obligation on his part as a broker, Chloe added.

Yep. You’re right, and he let it slide. Why? Because his third leg wanted a bite from the cookie jar. She promised him cookies and milk on the day of hiring.

What? No way!

"Trust me. This girl’s a pro, and whores do what whores got to do.

Ladies, are you ready to order? the waitress interrupted.

Yes, but before we order, where are you from? We noticed you have an accent and it doesn’t sound like anyone from Georgia?

She smiled and exposed one gold tooth on top. Several teeth had gold trim on the bottom. I’m from the 9th Ward in New Orleans.

Her pen tapped against the pad.

Oh, said Chloe, that area sustained the most damage during Katrina. Did you move here before the storm hit?

Yes. My son, Tron, and I evacuated four days before the storm hit. We were able to get most of our stuff out. Some of our family live in Stone Mountain, but we stay in Lawrenceville now, she added, smiling.

Good for you, Chloe replied and winked at Anita. I’ll take the Rooty-tooty breakfast. Eggs, over easy, strawberry topping on my pancakes, and the turkey sausage links.

She turned to Anita and tapped her pad. And for you ma’am?

Do ya’ll have turkey bacon? Anita asked as she continued to look over the menu.

Yes, we do.

Well. I’ll take the Belgian Waffles with a side of turkey bacon and a large orange juice.

Anita handed the menu back to her.

Thank you, ladies. Is there anything I can get you while you wait?

No, we’re fine. Thanks, Chloe said, and smiled.

They both watched her strut away and head for the kitchen.

Well, I believe I’m now twenty dollars richer. Did you not say sister girl was from Mississippi?

Yeah. Yeah. Here’s your twenty bucks, Anita said, slapping the money on the table between them.

No, play fair. Don’t be a sore loser.

Anita smiled as Chloe picked up the twenty from the table. They finished their breakfast and walked out of the restaurant. A ten dollar bill lay under the syrup for the waitress. She could use it.

So where you headed now? Anita asked.

Off to Barnes and Noble. My computer is in the car, so I’ll start writing my next book."

You’re working on another book so soon? Don’t you still have reserves from the first advance?

Yep, but it’s never too soon to write another one. Plus, I need to finish editing the first book. It’s due with my editor next week.

And you said I had two jobs! Looks like you’re in the same position. No wonder you’re not stressed about the job.

No, not at all. My retirement will cover some things. Plus, I can do freelance writing in the meantime. Always have a backup plan.

I know that’s right, Anita chimed. See you on Wednesday, but give me a call tomorrow.

Okay.

Anita walked toward her black Land Rover. Her flip bounced with her every step. She never looked back. She enjoyed her job and looked forward to wrapping up this case. Off into the hustle and flow of the lunch hour traffic, they both went their ways.

2

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

C hloe looked stunning as always. She placed her last box of personal belongings in her trunk. Her blonde, rust, and brunette highlights shimmered in the sun’s rays as her hair blew with the gentle breeze. She waved toward accounting before getting into her car. The tires screeched as she headed out of the parking lot toward the intersection. Richard continued to watch until Chloe’s Cadillac could no longer be seen.

He stood at the window feeling like a prisoner in his own business. Again, his sister and her girlfriend, April, had created tension in the office. And again, an employee was lost due to their errors. Lola always covered her buddy, blamed the manager, and turned the Boards against them. For some reason, Chloe’s termination didn’t rest well with him. She was smart, funny, and a very attractive African-American female. Her smile and upbeat attitude made his day. Now she was gone, and he was to blame for this entire fiasco. How could he let this get out of control?

The knock on his door made him turn in that direction.

Come in, Richard said, waiting for the person to emerge from behind the wooden door.

We’ve washed our hands of her. The bitch is gone, Lola said as she walked toward the mahogany leather chair and flopped in it, facing Richard.

The bitch? Why does she have this new title now? How can you justify your actions? You and April are to blame for this mess. I leave one week for vacation and come back to find hate email to Chloe from both of you. You know, I smell lawsuit. Chloe could file for discrimination and possibly win. What has gotten into you?

Lola’s shoulders slumped. She began to shake her right leg up and down, a nervous twitch of hers since childhood. Her eyes were focused on the floor as if looking for the right answer. She looked up, but no words left her mouth.

Well? Richard asked.

I’m sorry, Lola said, drowned