Chapter 2 - Joyce

It had only been six months, but I was confident that I had proven myself and would soon be able to approach the boss. I wanted a promotion. The salary increase would only be an added-on perk. Working my way up would offer me better benefits and more time to live my life. But the increase would also be nice. Working at Elite Import and Export wasn’t easy, but I loved it.

I knew I would have to make a move soon as my family history was sure to surface somewhere in the future. If my family association with Jax had to come out, I might never be liable for a promotion. Working with clients, making sure all custom and border needs were met was satisfying.

Stepping out of the elevator on the second floor, I smiled at the receptionist. “Morning, Gale. How was the weekend?”

Gale, who was a skinny, tall woman, grinned. She flipped her head, causing her orange locks to fly back over her shoulder. Her large brown eyes appeared to have a shine as she leaned slightly forward. “It was, well, outa this world, sugar,” she breathed out between chews of bubble gum.

Every time I interacted with her, I could see why she was still only the receptionist after ten years. Gale knew a lot about the business, but her charm and attitude longed for a finesse I was sure she didn’t have.

“And what ya been up to?” she continued as I moved past her desk.

“Nothing exciting to report. I gathered reports and checked some manifests.” I replied over my shoulder.

“Ya should get a life, girl. Go out, have some fun,” she shouted as I moved down the corridor to the bullpen.

At this point in my life, I was working hard to get noticed by management. I wanted to build my career before focusing on anything else. I kept my nose in the books and graduated last year with honors. Excelling in life was my goal; I didn’t want to struggle or end up on the wrong side of the tracks like Jax.

There was no time for dating, jollying, or any other activities that could distract me from my goals. I was one of the lucky ones. After graduation, I moved to the city and almost instantly found a job. I have worked longer hours than most of my colleagues and even worked the weekends. I wanted to move up and was determined to show my worth.

Pulling out the stiff office chair out of my cubicle, I sat down and started up my computer. My dream was to go out and catch the bad guys. Grinning at my reflection on the screen, I pulled up the application I had started for firearms training. I thought it was now or never as I pressed the submit button.

I had scheduled a meeting with my boss for next week. By then, I would know if I qualified for the training program. If I got in, he would have to allow me to prove that I could cut it. I wanted to work for the government, I wanted some of the action at customs and border patrol. I quickly browsed through my emails. There was nothing pertinent, and I could leave them for later.

Grabbing the folder from my bag, I opened it and started submitting the numbers. I took it home on Saturday and completed it on Sunday. Now, I only needed to enter the final figures into the program. Once this was through, the electronic company could collect their order. Everything checked out according to their manifest.

Once that was done, I headed to the small kitchen. I had to pass by Gale again as the kitchen was down the other corridor. I just wanted a warm cup of coffee so I could get started on my emails. As I left the bullpen and headed back through the corridor, the elevator doors opened.

A muscular, dark-haired man stepped out and moved to Gale’s desk. He wore a deep blue suit. Well, I thought as I approached, at least Gale would be busy, and I didn’t need to stop for more chit-chat. I passed quickly, wanting to get my coffee and move back to my cubicle before Gale’s distraction disappeared.

She was an excessively friendly woman. She liked talking about her dates, fashion, and things that didn’t interest me. I never knew what to say if she asked me about the latest fashion or a new club that opened. It was easier to calculate risk factors than to talk to her.

After pouring a cup, I added milk and peeked around the kitchen door. He was still standing there. I stepped out of the kitchen and headed back. As I got to her desk, Gale looked up, smiling broadly. “Joyce,” she said. Her tone sounded like it reached a new high pitch as she spoke, lifting a finger into the air.

Glancing at the floor before me, I cursed silently before stopping and looking at her. I noticed his black shoes were so polished, that I could almost see my reflection. “Yes, Gale?” I said hesitantly.

“This man,” she said, pointing at him and batting her eyelids. Her smile was so wide, it looked like her ears were about to be swallowed. “He wants to talk to someone about shipments. Can you assist him?”

“Shipments?” I retorted, looking at him questioningly. “I don’t know if I can assist, but I can maybe find someone that can.”

“Oh, I just need basic information,” he replied in a deep voice.

For a second, I just stood staring at him. His grey eyes appeared to be hypnotic. He was enigmatic. Before I could stop myself, I invited him to follow me to my office. As I walked ahead of him, I could feel his eyes scanning my body. I cursed myself silently for allowing one look to overpower me.

Entering the bullpen, I walked to my cubicle. I stepped to the side, pulling one of the other intern’s chairs closer. “Please have a seat,” I said.

He unbuttoned his suit jacket before sitting down. I took my chair while pulling out a paper and pen from my drawer. “Right, Mr….,” I said, glancing up. I waited to get his name.

“Excuse my manners. You can call me Anton,” he replied charmingly. Leaning forward, he held out his hand.

For a moment, I hesitated. My body was reacting in a way I had never experienced. For some reason, I felt hot. My stomach churned, and my breath caught in my throat. Not wanting to appear abrupt or hostile, I leaned forward and shook his hand.

His hand was softer than it looked. Even though his grip was firm, it was gentle. His muscular physique was clearly visible as his shirt pulled tight.

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Joyce. How can I assist?” I heard my voice cracking as I spoke. Looking down at the notepad before me, I waited for him to reply.

I didn’t dare look at him. There was a clear attraction. I didn’t know why or understand it. All I knew was that I wanted him out of the bullpen as quickly as possible. I couldn’t afford to get pulled into a relationship now.

“I started working at this company recently,” he replied in a friendly tone. “They import and export specific items. Before I can move forward, I must ensure I understand all the legalities of the shipment process.”

Glancing at him, I caught his charismatic smile. “I hope you can help me out. I would be truly grateful if you could help, as I want to keep my job,” he added.

Something was puzzling about him. I couldn’t put my finger on it. But I felt the attraction. It was strong. In a sense, he was in the same boat as me. He was just trying to keep his job while I was working in hopes of being promoted. I could surely assist him. It wouldn’t kill me. But I was sure we couldn’t spend too much time together as my emotions were indisputably going to betray me.

“Alright then, what do you need to know?” I replied, giving him a slight smile.

“Thank you so much,” he said suddenly all businesslike. He instantly changed from being overly friendly and charismatic to being formal and professional.

My mind flooded with red signals as alarm bells rang. Pushing them aside, I wrote his name at the top of the sheet. “What company do you work for?” I enquired.

“Oh, it’s a start-up,” he said, pushing his hand through his black hair. “Could I ask you to come with me? Come meet my boss, he will be able to give you all the information you require.”

Placing the pen down on the pad, I wondered what this stranger was up to. “I don’t think that is necessary. What information do you need?”

He looked around the room before answering. “Basic details such as weight limits, scheduling needs, validation times, and such. I might also need to get a list of prohibited items.”

Raising my eyebrows, I felt suspicion infiltrating my mind. “What products does the company generally import and export?” I questioned.

“Mostly electronic gadgets,” he responded quickly.

Pulling open the second drawer, I pulled out a stack of papers. I collected a list and scheduling procedure papers. Handing them to him, I rose from my desk. “Here is what you need to know,” I said as I walked towards the bullpen door. “Can I walk you out if there isn’t anything else?” I added, wanting to get rid of him.

He stood as I opened the door. Turning to me, he appeared cheerily. “Could I get your number should I have more questions?” he said.

Walking back to my desk, I removed a square paper from the holder. After scribbling on it, I handed it to him. As our fingers touched, I felt a heat shooting through me. My stomach turned again, and a smile formed on my lips without cause.

Looking down at the floor, I strode to the door and held it open. He spoke while he moved out of the room, glancing back at me. “Thank you again for everything.”

Feeling obliged, I walked behind him to the elevator. I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. My mind, body, and heart all appeared to have different agendas. The doors opened, and he stepped in.

At last, it was over, I thought as I watched him get on the elevator. But he held out his hand as he spoke in a low tone. “Thank you again, I hope you don’t mind if I call.” His smile and entire body language screamed at me.

Stepping into the elevator, I reached out to shake his hand. His grip was firmer this time as he grabbed my hand with both of his. “I really feel you must come with me. My boss has many more questions,” he whispered as the doors closed behind me.

“I’m sorry, I really can’t do that,” I breathed out, pulling my arm back with all my strength. Realizing I wasn’t going to be able to free my hand, I turned to press the emergency button.

My heart felt like it was suddenly beating in my throat. My mind raced with all the possibilities, with all the bad things that could happen. Reaching out, I opened my mouth to scream, but nothing came out.

He let go of my hand and pulled me into his arm as his other hand closed over my mouth. “I tried getting you to come willingly, but you just wouldn’t. I’m sorry, but I really must insist,” he whispered into my ear.

I noticed the basement button was highlighted. I tried to recall him pushing the button, but I couldn’t. It seemed like my mind had left the building. My heart pounded in my chest as it dawned on me that I was being kidnapped.

As the doors opened, I felt his grip around my waist intensify as he picked me up. My feet were dangling just off the floor as he moved swiftly through a couple of rows of cars. He stopped in front of a silver van. It only had windows for the driver and passenger. The back section held none.

He pressed a button on the remote in his hand. I wasn’t even aware he had it in his hand. The back door slid open. Lifting me, he stepped inside. There was a bed in the back with straps attached to the sides. Kicking back, the door closed behind us. “If you scream, you’ll regret it,” he whispered before removing his hand from my mouth.

Subduing the urge to scream, I felt my skin going cold as he pulled a roll of tape from the box beside the bed. I wondered what I had done to get myself in such a situation. He moved quickly, binding my hands, and then placed a piece of tape across my mouth.

Once that was done, he forced me onto the bed and strapped me in. I watched him move between the front seats and slip onto the driver's side. My mind flooded with images of girls’ bodies being found on the beach, in the woods, in skanky motel rooms.

I closed my eyes as the van started moving. I felt my tears running down the sides of my face. What was this man going to do to me? I tried regulating my breathing as fear settled. But I wasn’t going to go easily, I decided. Once we stopped, I would fight.