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Chapter 70: LET GO
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No Strings Attached Chapter 71
Jen looked at her boss with sad eyes. "I warned you. You should have left him some dignity. The way you did it was really cold, boss." "I had to do it that way! I was sending a message to everyone. No one is bulletproof if you're not performing to standard. How did the rank and file take it?" "Truth?" "Always." "Well, Bev, it's divided. Most of the men and some of the women think you're a screaming bitch. A few admire you, but it's very few. A surprising number are updating their resumes, saying that a company that fires people with no warning whatsoever is not a company they want to work for. Two more of your salesmen say they've seen the writing on the wall. One already has an interview lined up, and I suspect that in two-week's time, he'll be gone. The other is thinking about relocating to be closer to his aging parents, and this is the incentive he says he needs." Beverly couldn't believe her words. This wasn't what she had in mind at all. She thought that if she showed them
No Strings Attached Chapter 72
Curious, Bev had him escorted to her office. He was a large man with a friendly face, dressed impeccably in a nice suit and tie. He thanked her for her time, and got down to business. "Ms. Beverly Patterson? Or should I address you as Mrs. David Waxman?" "I go by my maiden name here, for professional reasons. What can I do for you today?" He really looked apologetic when he handed her the papers. "I'm sorry ma'am, but you've been served. Good Day, I'll find my own way out." Beverly looked at the large envelope, and fainted. She came to her senses on her sofa, Jen and X had placed her there, and Jen was wiping her face with a cold cloth. "What happened?" "You fainted." "I fainted? Why would I faint?" Jen held the envelope and it all flooded back. Bev started crying uncontrollably. It took her twenty minutes to cry it out. In a trembling voice, she asked Jen to open it and tell her how bad it was. Jen opened it up and nearly fainted herself. She read through them with intense c
No Strings Attached Chapter 73
Dave knew that Sal hadn't asked the question casually, and grinned. "Yeah, I know of them. I'm even kind of friends with the youngest son of the owner, but I haven't talked to him in over a year." Sal looked a little embarrassed. "They're expanding into our area. I talked to a few people who've used their product, and all seem to be satisfied. I haven't responded to them, mostly because of you. Your stuff is higher, but you always kept your word, always delivered on time, always followed up if we had a problem. "We, Stuart, and a few others took your advice when you demonstrated the latest version, and we've been retooling for the better part of the year, using up old inventory. I don't know about the others, but I have about a month's supply before I'll be completely changed over. We find ourselves in a unique position; RGP's version fits even better into our plans than your old company's version does. The main reason I wanted you to come by was to ask your advice and offer you a j
No Strings Attached Chapter 74
Beverly squirmed, and gave her coached answer. "That is correct, but as CEO, I have the authority to terminate anyone, at will. The numbers had dropped so radically I thought we were in danger of losing some very old and lucrative accounts, in fact, that is exactly what is happening. I felt I had no choice." The Arbitrator nodded, then turned to Dave. "Sir, does this sound reasonable?" Dave actually grinned. "Not at all. There was a reason the numbers were low. I even tried to explain it to Ms. Patterson a few times at work and in our domestic situation, but she told me I needed to stay out of things above my pay grade, so I dropped it." "Tell me then, why did your numbers drop so dramatically?" "Believe it or not, it was planned. We were coming out with a new and improved product, and there was a lot of old inventory still available. I talked the customers into buying the new product by discounting the old, and clearing it out of inventory. I have here statements from four of our
No Strings Attached Chapter 75
She enjoyed the look on his face as she left, and couldn't wait to see it when they lowered the boom that afternoon. Pushing him out of her mind as she drove, she worked on her presentation to Sal and his new purchasing manager. It had to be just right if she were to have any chance. Sal was waiting at the restaurant, even though Bev was fifteen minutes early. He stood and seated her, and she appreciated it. Dave had always been well mannered, taught by a great uncle who instilled in him that manners never went out of style. She missed that, among other things. They chatted for a minute, but when she started talking business, he stopped her. "Please, Beverly, let's wait for my purchasing director. I want his opinions and insight on anything we go over. He should be here any minute, in fact, here he is now." Bev turned to greet him and the words died in her throat. Dave! He was the new purchasing director? If she wasn't dead in the water before, she was now. He must have seen the de
No Strings Attached Chapter 76
Some of it filled her with unease. The anniversaries she'd missed, always promising to make it up to Dave, the birthdays, the special events in his life, her parents, his parents, and their friends lives, all missed while she chased the next deal. She remembered seeing the fleeting look of pain in Dave's eyes when the toddler of one of their friends' children tottered up to him with upraised arms. He cuddled the child, and for a moment Bev had a vision it was their child. She shook it off. Unless Dave would consent to being a full time house husband, there would never be any children in their future. She'd seen many a woman, full of talent and promise, get sidelined and passed by because they couldn't commit fully to the job because of family. Besides, she was 36, so that ship had probably already sailed. She sat straight up in shock at her realization. God! Dave was right. He would always be second in her priorities, as long as she continued on the path she had committed to. It must
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"Does that mean I don't miss her? No. I remember the little things, before she became important. The spur of the moment trips to 'sight see', which was code for making love in a strange bed, the conversations about life we used to have, years ago, when we actually shared a vision, I remember all that, but those memories are dim, and the ones fresh in my mind are of her egotism and arrogance. She was like a sports star that read her own press, believing every story. She wants me back? Why?"Most importantly, Susan, if she wants me, why hasn't she come to me? She's still in queen mode, waiting for the errant knight to return. If she's not willing to put any effort into our almost dead marriage, what makes you think she wants it that bad? I haven't even received a phone call. Doesn't sound like she's all that heartbroken to me. In this case, Mohammed needs to come to the mountain. Now, I love you both dearly, and your husband is my boss, but this is the last conversation we're having abo
No Strings Attached Chapter 78
Beverly was shaking a bit when she pulled into his drive. It was the first time she had seen the house, and she was surprised at how big it was. Why would an almost single man, childless, need such a big house? It gave off an air of old-fashioned charm, from the graveled paths to the porch swing on the wraparound porch, where several people were gathered. They looked at Beverly curiously as she walked to the door, wondering who she was. She was just about to knock when it swung open. There he was. His eyes widened with surprise. It had been ten weeks since they'd laid eyes on each other. Before he could speak, she rushed out what she had planned to say. "Hello, Dave. Please don't be upset, Susan invited me and I wanted very badly to see you. If you don't want me here I'll go, but please, can I stay?" He stood for a moment before grinning. "Come in, Beverly. I'd like to show you my house, and sometime later I think we need to talk, don't you?" He reached out, and she locked down on h
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No Strings Attached Chapter 139
Five days later I was in my Class A uniform and escorted into an office in the Pentagon.The General was there, along with a major from the Adjutant General Corps and a corporal holding a camera.The General said, "Let's get it on, Major."The Major said, "Attention to Orders:" They gave me a medal for the ding, and another with a "V" for valor for helping Waters and the overall mission.I thought it was over, and relaxed. The general smiled and said, "Not yet."The major repeated, "Attention to Orders:" I received an early promotion to Captain and the general put on the two silver stripes—railroad tracks—when we were done.After the pictures were taken, the General dismissed the Major and said, "Follow me, Captain, Corporal."We went down a corridor and came to another door. I opened it and saw Elke in a simple yellow dress with Sophie in front of her holding a bouquet of flowers. Next to Elke was First Sergeant Franklin
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We landed ten minutes later. The First Sergeant was running the show—two ambulances were there to load up Waters and me. A staff car with two nurses, a driver and a guard took the children away, and two MP jeeps were there to take the duffel bag. They cut away my pants leg in the ambulance. As soon as we reached the hospital I was wheeled into an X-ray room and then the gurney was pushed into a brightly lit room and I could feel them cut away the rest of my uniform. It was no longer a spasm of pain; my leg now hurt like hell. Minutes later I looked up at doctor holding a mask over my face. As he pushed it against my mouth and nose he said, "Take a deep breath, Lieutenant. You got something in there so we're going to dig around and get it out of you." I took a breath and then everything disappeared. Chapter 5 Someone was lightly shaking my shoulder; I woke up. A voice said, "It was a ricochet. The round went in three inches; hit an artery and then some muscle tissue, but no bone.
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Waters immediately posted an outside guard and sent the other sergeant to watch the kids. When it was time to leave we would wake them and give them candy that was treated with a drug that would keep them drowsy and quiet. He turned to me, "Do your thing, Lieutenant." I walked into the communications room and found both safes open. I opened a duffel bag that I had brought and dumped the contents of both safes into it. There would be plenty of time to see what we got later. I searched the rest of the room and found nothing else. Next was the Commander's office. It had a desk with a phone, a bed, filing cabinet, and a bookcase—it was exactly as Elke had described it. I searched the filing cabinet first. It was unlocked, which made me suspicious. There were some folders in it that I put in the duffel bag, but I didn't believe any sensitive information would be left in an unlocked filing cabinet. I searched the bookcase next, but other than some pornographic picture books there was
No Strings Attached Chapter 136
"Well, Lieutenant?" I really had no choice. The operation was for Elke, and Elke was my responsibility. "Yes, Sir, I volunteer." The Colonel nodded as if this was expected and said, "You're relieved from all duties. I'll speak with Captain Myer. Go with the First Sergeant, and he'll explain how it's going to happen." We drove to a building some distance from the office. Something had bothered me ever since Elke came back from Choiden. "Top, they never were going after Sophie, were they?" "Lieutenant, you and I don't know the answer to that question. War and spying is nasty business, and sometimes bad things happen. No good can come to you and Elke if you let that question fester in you. "You should focus on the mission. "Right now you're going to meet the team. You're going to face a great deal of hostility from these men. They train as a team and you're breaking up the team. They know you didn't make the decision, but you're an officer. Their attitude against you doesn't make
No Strings Attached Chapter 135
The next morning Elke was released from the hospital. However, before she physically left the building she sat down with the First Sergeant, an intelligence officer from the 2nd Armored Division's S2 office and a sketch artist. I was politely, but firmly, told that they would be more productive if I weren't with Elke when they talked. It was obvious to me that they were trying to identify the other four women whom the Russians had either coerced or talked into spying in our regional sector. When the meeting was over Top walked over to me and said, "She's trying, Lieutenant. It's just going to take time to learn everything that she knows. "When does she go back to work? "Monday," I replied. "Why do you ask?" "Lieutenant, that's how she passes any information to the Russians—a customer comes in and buys something and the exchange is made then. I'll talk to the Colonel and make sure we have something for Elke to give them." The following Monday Elke passed on the news that in four
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"She won't be really conscious for quite a while—probably until tomorrow morning. "Lieutenant, this appears to be a suicide attempt. At a minimum we have to notify the German authorities, and I would guess she'll need some psychological counseling. I'll take care..." "Major," I interrupted, "there are some things that you aren't aware of, and before you do anything I suggest you talk to Colonel Weldon or First Sergeant Franklin." He looked at me in surprise. "Isn't Colonel Weldon the Commander of the intelligence battalion?" "Sir, please talk to the Colonel or First Sergeant. "Can I see Elke now?" He considered my request and then said, "Follow me." We walked down the hall until we reached a door. He opened it and said, "Just look." Elke looked terrible. Fluids were going into her through an intravenous line, her hair was wet and plastered against her face, and an oxygen mask was over her nose and mouth. "Major, she looks awful." "Lieutenant, we saved her life; she looks wor
No Strings Attached Chapter 133
An hour later we came close to shore and she put on her blouse. She put her bra into the lunch bag. It was another night of slow, loving sex. When we were done I said, "I love you." She didn't answer; she was asleep. Our last day at the resort we hiked the hills again and then tried to swim in the lake. The water was ice cold and it was impossible to stay in it for more than thirty seconds. We gave up and dressed and walked to the small town two miles away and shopped for trinkets. In the early evening we were still in the town and decided to eat at a small restaurant off the main street. The fish just caught from our lake tasted great and the sweet German wine complemented the meal. Our table had a single candle burning and the light reflected off Elke's face and chest. She seemed happy. We walked back to our cabin and took our shower together to get the day's dirt off. We opened a bottle of wine and sat on the porch watching the last light of day disappear into the water. I pu
No Strings Attached Chapter 132
"Dave, what are you..." and she gasped as I sucked her tender, little point of pleasure. Quickly her groans became louder and she started to spasm violently as my tongue brought her to climax. She cuddled next me later and said, "No one has ever done that to me before." "Did you enjoy it?" "But should we be doing it, Dave?" "Answer me, Elke. Did you enjoy it?" "Yes, you drove me crazy with pleasure—I lost control of my body." "Then we should be doing it. Anything that I can do to give you pleasure, we should be doing." With a breakthrough in her sexual shyness, I thought it was a wonderful weekend for both of us. I wanted to sleep with her Sunday night too, but she sent me back to my base housing. Early the following day I joined Top for our ritual cup of coffee. He was always first in the office and I, being an early riser, was always the second one in. Top said, "Captain Myer tried to reach you Saturday night to see if you were free for a meeting Sunday morning. I called y
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I looked forward to the weekends. I would come to her apartment early and she prepared breakfast for us. Then we would start out on our weekend plan. Sometimes it would be a day at the park where Elke and I would spread a blanket and enjoy the lunch that she had prepared. Other weekends we would take a commuter train to nearby cities and explore them. One Saturday in the late afternoon Elke took me to a beer garden on the other side of the city. The music was happy and lively, and the teenage kids danced and raced through the tables as they played their games. After a few beers Elke giggled, "Dave, you must dance to the happy music." "But Elke, I'm not a good dancer and I've never seen this type of dance before." She reached out her hand, "I will show you." The band was on break so I took the opportunity to buy another pitcher of beer for Elke and me. Just as I arrived at our table I heard a familiar voice say, "Good evening, Lieutenant." I turned and answered, "Good evening to
