Secret Agenda. Rochelle Alers

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      Although she and Sean had talked about starting a family, their timing was always off. And whenever Congress was in recess and Sean returned to Stamford it wasn't to spend time with his wife. Congressman Gregory's social calendar was filled with golf outings, yacht and lawn parties, backyard cookouts, and lunch and dinner meetings with constituents whom he could count on to back his reelection bid.

      The chiming of Vivienne's cell phone interrupted her thoughts, and she reached down between the cushions of the sofa to answer it. “Hello.”

      “I'd like to speak to Vivienne Neal.”

      “This is she.”

      “Ms. Neal, this is Caitlin Novak, and I'm calling to inform you that we would like to welcome you to ColeDiz International as our newest employee.”

      Vivienne felt her stomach muscles contract. “Are you saying I'm hired?”

      “That's exactly what I'm saying, Ms. Neal.”

      “But…but you told me you had to check my references.”

      “We will, but it's just that Mr. Cole-Thomas needs an assistant this coming weekend.”

      Vivienne went completely still. “This weekend?” she repeated. “Are you talking about the day after tomorrow?”

      “Yes, Ms. Neal. And, because we are dealing with such a short time frame, I suggest you pack whatever you'll need as quickly as possible. Mr. Cole-Thomas wants you ready to begin working Friday evening.”

      She wanted to tell the personnel director that Mr. Cole-Thomas was fortunate because she only had to pack her clothes and personal items, but didn't. Her winter clothes, along with her furniture, were in a Connecticut warehouse.

      “You'll receive a packet from a messenger service later this afternoon. He's been instructed to wait while you sign several documents we'll need to complete your employment process. I'm also including the name and number of a moving company that will transport your possessions to Mr. Cole-Thomas's house.”

      Vivienne tried processing all that'd happened that morning. She'd been interviewed by a man who unsettled her more than she'd wanted to admit, hired four hours later and was expected to move in with him before the start of the weekend.

      “Please let Mr. Cole-Thomas know that I'll move in tomorrow.”

      There came a pause before Caitlin said, “I'm sorry, Ms. Neal, but that may prove to be a problem.”

      There was something in the personnel director's voice that sounded ominous. “What kind of a problem?”

      “Mr. Cole-Thomas expects you to move in today. If you require assistance packing, then I'll have someone come over and help you. Don't worry about moving supplies…”

      “Kindly tell Mr. Cole-Thomas that it's impossible for me to move in today, even with assistance,” Vivienne said, interrupting the woman.

      There was no way she was going to jump just because her so-called new boss asked her. After all, as an employee she did have rights. He'd probably fired her two predecessors because they weren't willing to give in to his unreasonable demands.

      There was another pause on the other end of the line. “I'll let Mr. Cole-Thomas know that you won't be available until tomorrow.”

      Vivienne managed a tight smile although Caitlin couldn't see her. “Thank you.”

      She ended the call, fuming inwardly. The nerve of him! He wasn't a boss, but a tyrant. If, and she meant if, they were to have an association of any duration, then he would come to know that Vivienne Neal didn't frighten easily, nor had she ever been one to play fetch.

      Within minutes her cell phone rang again; she recognized the number on the display. “I guess you've heard,” she said without her usual greeting.

      “I can't believe he hired you so quickly,” Alicia said, her voice rising in excitement.

      “He wants me to move in today,” she informed her friend.

      “What's the problem, Viv? You only have to pack your clothes and books. I can run you over to his house when I get off.”

      “That won't be necessary. He's arranged to have someone move my things.”

      “Then what's the holdup? Don't you want this job?”

      “Yes, I want it.”

      “Then, act like you want it, Viv. You and I both know that returning to work is what you need to deal with your depression.”

      Vivienne wanted to tell Alicia that she wasn't depressed, but angry. She'd allowed herself to become her mother—a trophy wife. She only visited D.C. when Sean was invited to state dinners or White House gatherings and when he needed her on his arm. In essence she'd become arm candy. She'd always been amused by the curious stares directed at her whenever Congressman Gregory introduced her as his wife. After a while she wondered if the men knew something she didn't. Did Sean have a mistress tucked away in D.C.? Had he fathered a secret love child—a child that should've been theirs?

      “I am not depressed, Alicia.”

      “Then, what are you? You tell me you're ready to go back to work and I've managed to hook you up with the perfect position. I know you don't need the money. However, I do need the commission.”

      “Why didn't you tell me you needed money?” Vivienne asked her friend.

      “I'm not broke, Viv. It's just that I don't want to use my personal funds to subsidize my business. The commission I'll get from ColeDiz will cover my office expenses for three months.”

      She knew Alicia rented desk space in a posh Palm Beach office building. She claimed her clients were more amenable to her fees with an exclusive address. One thing she did know about Alicia Cooney was that she was terrified of being poor again. Instead of looking to marry well the second time, she'd decided to go into business for herself. Her staffing agency was small, but her elite clients afforded her a comfortable lifestyle, and Vivienne didn't want to do anything to jeopardize her friend's commission, so she decided to compromise.

      “Call Caitlin Novak and tell her that I'll be ready to begin working tonight.”

      Why, she mused when she ended the call, did it sound as if she'd made herself available for a rendezvous?

      As promised, Diego sent two men over to pick up eight cartons containing her clothes, books and other personal items. Three hours later Vivienne came face-to-face with Diego Cole-Thomas for the second time that day. The man who stood in the foyer of his oceanfront Palm Beach condo looked nothing like the one who'd interviewed her earlier that morning. A white guayabera shirt had replaced his custom-made one. Jeans had replaced his Italian suit and a pair of sandals replaced his custom wing tips. She didn't know why, but a dressed-down Diego didn't appear as intimidating. But, that was not to say he would be any less difficult to deal with.

      Stepping back, Diego extended a hand to the woman who stared up at him with narrowed eyes. He wondered what was going on behind her suspicious gaze. They were strangers, but he hoped that within a matter of days she would come to understand what he expected from her.

      His СКАЧАТЬ