Twisted Read Free Page B

“She’s just trying to be funny.”
    Tina glanced into Erik’s office as they passed. He still hadn’t arrived. She’d hoped that he might have entered through the other door and would be busy at work when she walked by. Tina sighed. Who was she kidding? Erik never looked busy or productive at any time. The only time he showed any promise was when he was with clients. He felt administrative type duties were beneath him and better left to Alexis.
    Alexis, of course, had gotten a big laugh out of this when Erik told her, and she all but told him to kiss her butt. Alexis wasn’t Erik’s personal secretary, just Tina’s, and now Kevin’s. She had no doubt that Alexis would quit if Tina ever suggested she do anything for Erik.
    Tina stopped in front of a door. “We’re here,” she told Kevin, who hadn’t said much since they walked away from Alexis. She turned the knob, opened the door, and then she stepped aside, allowing him the first look. She’d had it remodeled weeks ago to fit his needs after he agreed to join her in the business.
    “This is wonderful,” Kevin said, stepping inside. He walked over to the window. “And what a spectacular view of Central Park.” From his window, he could see the East Meadow lawns recently restored by the Central Park Conservancy.
    “I thought you’d like it. All that greenery promotes harmony.”
    Kevin put his briefcase down on the modular desk. There was also a black meshed chair she’d purchased to help his back.
    “There is also a private bathroom and another room through that door for you to relax in,” she told him.
    She led him over to the two doors on the other side of the room. The bathroom had a private shower, toilet and sink. The second room had a sofa bed, a nightstand, a telephone, and a television. “It’s for those nights when you’re working late on a project and are too tired to drive home.”
    “That is very thoughtful you,” Kevin said. “Is your office similar?”
    “Yes,” Tina replied. “Almost exactly the same, except my bathroom has a bidet.”
    “A what?” Kevin asked.
    “Never mind. Come on, let me introduce you around.” She paused. “And can you not mention that I’m one of your students?” Kevin smiled at her and her heart sped up and then skipped a beat.
     “Does it embarrass you?”
    “No,” she said, trying to get her heartbeat to calm and return to normal. “It’s personal. Martial arts are what I do for me.”
    “I understand,” he said, looking very charming.
    That’s what she liked about Kevin. He was easy to please and never made waves. She took him around to the different sections, not missing the look of interest from the other female employees. Less than an hour later, they had completed the tour of the facility and had returned to the administration area. The rest of Alexis’ crew had arrived and were helping themselves to coffee cake.
    She looked over toward Erik’s door.
    “He hasn’t arrived or called,” Alexis told her before she could ask.
    “I hope he hasn’t been involved in an accident,” Tina replied.
    “Who?” Kevin asked.
    “Erik. He hasn’t shown up for work yet and hasn’t called.”
    “Didn’t he tell you his plans before he left home this morning?” Kevin asked.
    Tina shook her head. “He was gone by the time I woke up.”
    Kevin scowled. “Is that normal?”
    “No,” Tina said. “That’s why I’m so worried.”
    “When was the last time you heard from him?”
    “Around ten last night. He came home, ate dinner, and went into the den to watch the news. I went up to shower and to get ready for bed, but when he didn’t show up by midnight, I went to sleep.”
    “Stupid fellow,” Kevin replied.
    “What?” Tina asked.
    “Nothing,” Kevin said, pushing his glasses up on the bridge of his nose. “Why don’t you try calling him?”
    Tina pulled her phone out and dialed Erik’s phone. This time, he answered.
    “Hello?”
    “Where are you?”
    “I had a couple of