Chapter 12

HARPER

S itting at my desk, I sift through the boatloads of redundant emails piled up over the weekend. My eyes blurred from staring at the computer screen for hours.

There was chaos at one of the clubs in downtown Miami, and everyone wanted to tell their side of the story. That happens every time there is a little disturbance somewhere popular. Since we are small time, at the Daily Gazette, we attract those people looking for their fifteen minutes of fame.

I work for a small newspaper Monday through Friday. I don't get to write anything; I mainly do errands and get my boss coffee, and anything else he screams at me from his office.

Growing up I always wanted to be a writer, it stemmed from my love of literature of all kinds. So, when I saw an opening here, I was quick on my feet to get in for an interview. I was hired on the spot, but even after three years, I still haven't written a word. Whenever I raise the issue, I'm dismissed as inexperienced, but in my opinion, it's a clear case of nepotism. The editor's niece gets to do most of the writing.

I thought about leaving, but it's not a hard job, and it pays the bills so, until something promising comes along, I'm going to stick to it.

My phone vibrated in the top drawer of my desk, making me sneak a glance. There was a response from J.W., but since we're not allowed to use our phones in the building, I'll have to wait to read it.

I'd hate to be called into Mr. Kelvin's office again. The office is small and cramped and with the door shut it leaves no room between you, and the desk. It puts me entirely too close for comfort in those types of situations. The smell of musky old body odor, and cigarettes is even stronger up close and the way he eyes me when he thinks no one is looking turns my stomach. I avoid any one-on-one interactions at all costs.

"Harper, get in here!"

D amn, did he see me when I only peeked at my phone? I was quick and I didn't even pick it up.

I got up quickly before he had time to yell my name again.

He's very impatient sometimes.

"Yes, Mr. Kelvin," I asked standing in the doorway.

"Get in here!" he snapped, pointing to the chair in front of his desk. I let out a silent sigh and took a deep breath before walking further into the pit of no return.

"Listen very carefully, I have a very prestigious interview coming today. A lawyer from the big case from last month, the ‘Walters' case. Have you heard of it?" Mr. Kelvin snapped, waving his hand at me, as if that gesture would somehow impart knowledge of which case he was referring to. Unlike him I don't keep up with court cases that have nothing to do with me, I haven't even stepped foot in a courtroom since I was sixteen. Even then, it wasn't the most pleasant experience.

I lie. "Oh yes, I remember."

"I need you to run out and grab some of that bougie bottled water, set up the interview room, put extra batteries in the handhelds, and do anything else needed to get this place in shape for a guest. I don't want to mess this up." he snapped with a bite.

"Be ready by four-thirty." he waved me off with a flick of his wrist.

I walked out of his office and closed the door behind me then took a few seconds to inhale fresh air, my lungs and stomach were grateful.

I had a ton to take care of to prepare the interview room on time. It had been so long since we had someone come to our office, we mostly do phone interviews but apparently, this guy was insistent on coming in person.

Weirdo .

I managed to clean, sanitize, and arrange everything in time. hurrying to purchase water and batteries. As usual, I completed my task right before the deadline. I put the handheld devices on both sides of the table once I replaced the batteries. I grabbed a towel and furniture polish and quickly wiped down the tabletop.

I was on the verge of asking Mr. I was at the sink washing up, waiting for Kelvin's last few directions when I heard someone come in behind me. I didn't bother looking back; figured it was Kelvin checking on my work. But then, when I didn't catch that usual funky smell of his, it made me stop for a second. Turning slowly, I found myself locking eyes with a face I recognized.

"Harper, what a surprise, do you work here?" Mr. Whitlock asked after a long moment of silence. I was caught off guard at the sight of him, standing there looking at me, while I wore flushed cheeks and a goofy smile. If he noticed he was a true gentleman for not acknowledging it. There was another uncomfortable silence before I managed to say something, anything really.

"Uh, I. Yes, um I am an assistant to the chief editor." I stuttered.

"I'm sorry, are you here for the interview?" Just before he could answer me Mr. Kelvin's voice rang loudly in the small room.

"Ah, Mr. Whitlock I presume," he announced with his hand out. I couldn't help but burst into laughter when Jasper, in a blatant attempt to block out the odor, brought his hand to his nose as if to stifle the smell overwhelming the room coming from my boss. He corrected himself immediately, but I saw it, and because of that, it was hard to keep a straight face.

"Have a seat Mr. Whitlock, can I offer you a water?" he asked with his arm stretched out, gesturing to the chair in the center of the room.

"No, thank you. Please, call me Jasper. My father was Mr. Whitlock" Jasper said as he declined the water, which stifled a very low almost inaudible giggle out of me. Mr. Kelvin is going to be pissed that he bought the ‘Bougie' water for no reason.

I thought my words went unnoticed until I saw Jasper giving me a curious look with a slight smirk. His dimples teased to make an appearance. I turned to walk away to get back to the emails I had so happily reviewed earlier in the morning, but just before I made it out of the door I was stopped.

"Where are you going?" Mr. Kelvin asked.

"Did you need something more from me? I was going to give you two some privacy."

"No, I need you here. Go ahead and grab your things I'll need you to take notes please." He seemed annoyed, as if he decided I would be sitting through the interview earlier on but somehow forgot to pass the memo.

"Alright, got it, boss," I quickly grabbed a seat at the table and snatched up the pad and pen I had set out before the meeting.

I sat across from Jasper, and with his attention on me, I started to sweat. I was so nervous trying not to look up at him if I didn't have to and there was no reason for my behavior. I've done sit-ins on interviews before, so I shouldn't have felt so exposed.

I felt so nervous and out of my element, but it wasn't the nervousness I was used to. Normally, being in a confined room with two men would cause my brain to scramble and fear to creep up causing chaos in my head and on my emotions but for some reason, I wasn't afraid instead, I was … I don't know what.