Chapter 6
Lucia
That was fucking weird.
I glanced back at his office, but the glass door was closed and he was nowhere to be seen. Nothing seemed to be amiss in my drawer. I could leave the packing for Monday, since I was only moving one floor down.
Dubois Enterprises had eight floors in total and two offices in London, not to mention locations across Europe, Asia, and America.
Irrespective of Laurent Dubois’s eccentric behaviour, I was grateful to be employed by a multinational company in the private sector.
It meant job security—and that was all that mattered.
Posturing to Laurent Dubois was an easy sacrifice.
My phone buzzed.
Evelyn: Where are you? Are you smooching with the boss one final time? ??
She was shameless and relentless. I shook my head before tapping away on my screen.
Me: Nah, you’re obviously into him. I’ve left him untouched for you.
Evelyn: I’m a respectable married woman. Well, married anyway.
I chuckled.
Me: I’m on my way.
They’d invited me out for drinks, but truthfully, I didn’t drink much. I was going for the gossip. If anyone had dirt on their bosses, it was the secretaries and PAs.
?? ?? ??
My internal clock woke me at 5 a.m. the following morning. Since my budget for alcohol had only stretched to two drinks, I felt surprisingly chipper.
I changed into my running gear and threw on a baggy T-shirt before lacing up my trainers.
After a few Tube stops, I began a gentle jog, eventually reaching the river.
London was dead at this hour. The sun hadn’t yet broken through the sky.
A lone fox darted across the path.
We were all just trying to survive.
I ran a little harder when my demons followed.
?? ?? ??
Allison reminded me of Evelyn—smart, quirky, but guileless.
As it happens, Evelyn was one of us before she worked her way up the ranks. It explained why she was normal.
I handed Allison the detailed list of all of his preferences.
“I’m only downstairs, and I don’t know my new extension number yet, but you can email me if you have any questions.”
“I appreciate all the help—and how organised everything is.”
I couldn’t help but blush.
“Honestly, most of it came from my predecessor,” I said with a shrug.
She raised an eyebrow. “Some of it, maybe. But you’re a grafter.”
I smiled and picked up my box.
It was time for a new beginning.
?? ?? ??
I was in a meeting with the board of directors when an email popped up on my tablet. I glanced up and they were still going over the figures. Allison had been emailing me regularly this week.
To: Lucia Hart
Subject: How are you still sane?
It was from Allison.
I tapped on the email, trying to smother my grin.
Hi Lucia,
I’m hitting 47 and I’ve worked in a LOT of positions. The man is impossible.
How did you manage to get his coffee the right temperature? Omg. The amount of steps I’m going to get in this job.
He wants a BBQ pulled pork sandwich from the other side of the city.
He never uses the stairs so, I can’t push him down any. ??
Save me.
Allison Durant
Modern Slave to Laurent Dubois
Dubois Enterprises.
I covered my mouth with my hand, shoulders shaking as I leaned back in my chair. My tablet hovered above my lap, just out of sight.
I replied quickly.
To: Allison Durant
Subject: RE: How are you still sane?
My Dearest Allison,
Follow my list for the morning ritual—by the time you reach his office, the coffee should be at an acceptable temperature.
Call Holy Smokes and ask for Kevin. He’ll sort the sandwich situation out.
Last but not least, speak to facilities and see if they know how to sabotage the lift.
If all else fails, join us for drinks on Friday and we can regroup.
Stay strong. You can survive this.
Lucia Hart
Still in Therapy but a Survivor of Laurent Dubois
Dubois Enterprises
It wasn't long until her reply hit my inbox.
To: Lucia Hart
Subject: RE: RE: How are you still sane?
Thank you, oh wise one.
P.S. Let me know where and when for Friday. I need this regrouping in my life.
P.P.S. I think Mr Dubois misses you.
Allison Durant
Lowly Peasant to Laurent Dubois
Dubois Enterprises.
I still didn’t know how I managed to keep a straight face in that meeting—Allison was so far off the mark.
Why on earth would Dubois miss me?