Targu Province - Dragon Corporation HQ - Natalie Hassell
Natalie Hassell sat behind her desk in Kerrigan's office, biting her nails. It was 11:30 and Kerrigan was still not in, and she had not called. Breanne had been by to say Kerrigan wasn't feeling well but that was bullshit and Natalie knew it. In the past five years, Kerrigan had never been sick. She had only taken one holiday, and Natalie had been with her. Truth be told, they both worked from beach chairs the whole time, but the warmth of the sun and change of scenery had been nice.
Katie stepped into the office with a cup of tea. "Still no sign?"
"No. have you managed to clear the rest of the schedule?"
"Yes, but there are several people who keep insisting that they see her as soon as possible. The trade delegates from the Spice Consortium are threatening to sue over the spice rights and one of the lobby secretaries called to warn me, Kelan is in the building. I am not sure if he is looking for me, or Kerrigan! Natalie, I am scared!"
Natalie stood and hugged the hysterical girl. "Peace, Katie. He may be arrogant but even he is not dumb enough to pull something here."
"But Miss Lokir is not here. Will he really not try anything if she is not here?"
"He better not." Natalie reached over and pressed a button under her desk. A moment later Breanne stepped through the door.
"You are aware Kelan is here?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Will you please remain here with us in case he tries anything with Katie?"
"Of course. My team has the floor secure. Lear and Stevic are just outside."
"if you three are here... who is with Miss Lokir?" Natalie asked, sudden panic creeping into her tone.
"Never fear on that account. There are more of us that even you are aware of. Miss Lokir is guarded day and night with Dragoons that even she is not always aware of. I promise you; we are very good at our jobs." Breanne then turned to address Katie. "Miss Lokir did want me to give you something. She wanted to thank you for letting her use your car. She felt that it was... beneath one of your station, serving her as faithfully as you have, so she wants you to have this one." Breanne handed Katie a set of keys to Kerrigan's older company car. "It's not new, but it's in much better condition and the heat works. Oh, and here is your scarf that she borrowed too."
Katie hesitantly took the keys and the scarf, clearly at a loss for words. Hesitantly she whispered, "Thank you... but what about my old car?"
"I don't think it is useable anymore." Breanne said plainly.
Katie wrapped the pink scarf around her neck, clearly still unsure what to do with the new set of keys. Just then a knock came on the door, and Leer stuck his head in.
"Ladies, "Mr. Benedict is on his way up. Please be prepared."
Breanne bristled and took up position by the door.
From outside the doors, they heard Kelan's arrogant voice. "Stand aside boys. I have business to attend to."
Stevic's deep voice growled, "Miss Lokir is not seeing visitors today."
"She will see me."
Stevic chuckled, "Doubt that."
"Then get her aid out here. Miss Hassell knows we have pressing business."
"No." Came Leer's booming tones from the other side.
"Fine, I will simply find out for myself what it is occupying her." Kelan shoved the doors open as Stevic and Leer both stepped to subdue him.
Natalie stood and raised a hand, stilling both guards. "That is enough gentlemen. Mr. Benedict, I am afraid Miss. Lokir is not taking visits from self-absorbs arrogant asses today. She likely has time on her schedule for you on the follow Wednesday after... never. Thanks for stopping by."
"Why you insolent little Bi-" Kelan's words died on his lips as he spotted Katie standing beside Natalie. "Katie? I thought... but you were supposed to be de- I mean didn't you say you were turning in your resignation last week? I expected to find you working at Benedict Group when I returned. Didn't we discuss quite the generous signing bonus?"
"I changed my mind." Katie said simply, fingers playing nervously with the hem of her scarf.
Kelan's face drained of color as his eyes locked on the scarf. Natalie thought he might have seen a ghost by the way she nearly tripped over himself trying to head out the door. He hit the elevator doors and keep tapping the button until the doors opened and then stared at Katie's scarf until the doors slid closed.
Natalie looked around the room and locked eyes with a hard-faced Breanne. "What was that all about?"
"I have an idea, but now is not the time. Hold the fort, ladies. Business as usual, as much as possible." Without any further explanation Breanne slipped out the doors and disappeared, leaving Lear and Stevic on guard duty.