Phantom of Execution Rocks

by MJ Miller

  “Yeah, sorry, Kat. My sister’s kid. Sweet but a bit nerdy.”

  Luce reached into the outside pocket of her purse and grabbed her business card.

  “Here, have her send me her resume. I’ll see what I can do.”

  She was startled to see Andy’s face light up. His smile just beamed. And she was struck once again with how aristocratic he could appear at times. Chiseled features, flashing dark eyes and a full thick head of sandy blonde hair. The kind she wanted to run her fingers through. Perish the thought.

  “Thanks, Luce, really, you don’t know what this means. There is one thing, though.” This was it. He hesitated, not sure how she’d react, just hoping.

  “She’s in a wheelchair.” He waited.

  “And?” Luce looked at Andy curiously.

  “And she’s in a wheelchair.”

  “Do you want to elaborate? Is she independent, or does she have a caregiver? Is she smart and capable?” Luce didn’t mean to sound inconsiderate, but she really didn’t care whether Kat was in a wheelchair. As long as she could learn and do what’s asked of her.

  “Not at all, I just thought to warn you,” Andy responded a bit brusquely. “Look I’ll understand if you don’t want to hire her, I just wanted you to know.”

  “Andy,” She sighed. “If I hire her, It’s because I think she can do the job. Do you think she can do the job?” Luce hoped that sounded more professional than snarky.

  “I do. Absolutely.”

  “Then just have her send me her resume. If she’s got some merit, I’ll interview her. I don’t hand out job favors.”

  “Okay, I’ll have her get in touch, and thanks.” Andy slipped the card in his pocket. Looked around for someone to save him. He didn’t like asking favors from anyone, Luce, in particular. He was also quite fond of Kat and wanted to help her out. Whether putting her in the same space as Luce was wise… that was yet to be seen.

  “It’s all good, Andy, really. This business is all about who you know, nothing else. If your niece wants in, we’ll give her a shot. If she’s not compatible, I’ll send her to someone who is. Deal?” Luce hoped it eased his mind. She didn’t have any nieces or nephews yet, hopefully soon, but she did know what it was to have family. Seeing the crack in his armor when it came to family was more than interesting—just one more piece of the puzzle she needed to work out.

  By the time Luce arrived home, she was exhausted and exhilarated all at once. The whole idea of the Mystery Dinner was truly more than she could grasp. Her investigative inner nerd was screaming with excitement. Having all her friends along for the ride? Even better. Though Andy she wasn’t so sure about. He was that temptation sitting in the bakery window, screaming at her to indulge, while her better self reminded her to stay in control. She wondered about his niece. And his motivation. She didn’t have to wonder long.

  Chapter Three

  Like any true type A, Luce found that organization and routine were essential. And bedtime rituals were sacred. A cup of Lemon Balm tea, one last check of her email, a chapter or two of a good romance, and then sleep. Every night was the same. The routine was something she hated but somehow craved. Maybe she needed to add one more thing to her bucket list. Something to change her life from ordinary to extraordinary. Whatever that might mean.

  As she sat at her café table by the window, she gazed out at the softly lit up street lined with brownstones and carefully placed trees. Her uptown Manhattan townhome was her one indulgence in life. Her comfort zone. After her parents’ tragic and sudden death, Luce purchased it with her share of the life insurance money. Annie lived with her for a short time, then found her own place. It was better that way, grown sisters shouldn’t live together. She and Annie were different as night and day. But Luce, being older, felt a responsibility to make sure Annie had what she wanted and needed in life. Up until now, it had been all about Annie. But Annie’s life was on track now. And it was Luce’s turn. At least that was what everyone kept telling her.

  Opening her email, she was surprised to see that Andy’s niece had already submitted a resume. Opening it, she scanned it briefly. And was immediately impressed. 4.0 GPA. The attached recommendations were stellar. But it was her cover letter that sealed it.

  Dear Ms. Porter:

  Thank you so very much for allowing me the chance to apply for an internship. As you know, I’m sure, the only way to really experience what media production is like is to hit the pavement running per se. Which, as I’m sure my uncle mentioned, is not something I can physically do. Which makes me no different from half the women in New York trying to race to the subway in stilettos.

  Luce chuckled. Good. A sense of humor goes a long way. Kat seemed direct, as well. She continued reading.

  What I can do is provide you with a keen and creative eye, as well as a damn good cup of coffee when needed. Or tea if that’s your thing. I’m driven, and I’m hard working. And most of all, I need to step into the real world and get off my figurative ass and do something! I’ve spent my life being coddled. Being the exception. Not having to live up to any great expectations (no pun intended.) I’ve heard rumors that you are tough but fair and an excellent mentor. Which is why I begged Uncle Andrew to talk to you. I heard all about your adventures last year, so I can’t wait to hear your version.

  What? Luce had no idea why Kat thought her version would be different, but there’d be time enough to find out. And Uncle Andrew? She’d never heard anyone use his full name.

  I look forward to hearing back from you soon, and hopefully scheduling an interview… please, please, please! Sorry about the begging, but let’s be honest. I need this!

  Respectfully yours,

  Kat Downing

  Luce smiled and immediately hit reply. Her schedule was wide open, but no need to let Kat know. Better to see how eager she is.

  Dear Ms. Downing:

  After carefully reviewing your resume and credentials, I feel an interview is warranted. I have an opening Monday morning at 7am. Our offices are at 401 7th Avenue, in the Hotel Pennsylvania. Use the main entrance and take the elevators to the 18th Floor.

  If you are unable to make it, we can reschedule.

  Regards,

  Luce Porter

  Executive Producer

  New York Today

  KNNY

  Luce sat back in the chair, sipping her tea, and waited. If Kat were eager, she’d be waiting at the ready to respond. Ding. Luce smiled and glanced at the time. Two minutes, not bad.

  Dear Ms. Porter:

  7am Monday works perfectly. Thank you so, so much! I will see you then.

  Regards,

  Kat Downing

  Luce shut her laptop with a smile, grabbed her book from the end table by the sofa and headed to her bedroom. She found herself smiling all the way. And looking forward to meeting Kat. She had a feeling she was going to like her. A lot. Spunky, self-deprecating, clearly a fabulous sense of humor.

  Her phone buzzed just as she was setting it down on her nightstand. Incoming text. Odd. Not typical for midnight on a Saturday. She glanced over and saw the familiar nickname. Satan’s Spawn. She could have labeled him anything, but when he put his number in her phone, uninvited, she was in a huff. She wondered if he knew she’d done it.

  Did you hear from Kat?

  Clearly he knew she had. But she’d play along.

  Yes

  Well?

  I believe that’s confidential

  Come on, Luce, please?

  That made her grin. The detective is begging…

  Is that you begging?

  Not nearly. But if you’d like…

  No. I am not going there, she thought. But that was the problem. Now she had a hot detective on her brain, begging… and that would never ever do. As much as she complained about being single and never finding quite the right guy, deep down, she knew it wasn’t the men she was meeting, it was her. She had perfected the art of repelling men.

  Except for Detective Andy Holman. Sh
e didn’t seem to quite put him off. She could be the ice queen, and he saw right through it. Which means he could probably break her heart. Which was the one thing that was never going to happen to her again.

  Chapter Four

  Luce looked up as she heard the elevator ding. Poking her head out into the hallway, she saw the young woman carefully wheeling her way down toward her. Making sure to check each door to avoid getting lost.

  “You must be Kat,” she called out as the girl wheeled toward her. As she approached, Luce realized the chair was never going to squeeze through her doorway. “Looks like you need a smaller chair, do they have different sizes?” She smiled as she said it, and then outright laughed as she saw Kat’s eyes widen in disbelief.

  “Sorry, was that out of line?” Luce asked her, still smiling.

  “Um, no, it’s just well, people usually don’t joke about it.” Kat was clearly mystified. “I can walk a bit, so if you need me to leave the chair out in the hall, I can do that.”

  “Not a chance, Kat, sit tight, I’ll come out there, but first, a phone call.”

  Luce pushed the intercom button on her desk phone and chewed on her lower lip as she picked up the cordless receiver. Diplomacy was required. And she didn’t have enough coffee yet.

  “Dan, yes, it’s Luce Porter… yes, I’m fine, just need a favor.” She took a breath. “Seems my office door is a few inches short of ADA regulations, can you fix that?” She waited, nodding. Listening to his excuses about how it takes time and work orders, etc. “OK, I’ll handle the work order red tape, but I’ll need this done by tomorrow.” She hung up and leaned back with a satisfied look on her face. She was totally pissed off that the door wasn’t regulation size—another bit of skimping to save a buck. The previous station owners weren’t exactly on the up and up, one of the reasons they’d been bought out.

  She looked up at Kat, who still sat outside the doorway in her chair, her facial expression a bundle of nerves. She was pretty, Luce noted. Her golden-brown hair, thick and wavy but neatly framing her heart-shaped face. She dressed simply, but Luce realized her clothes were intended to be functional and simple. A loose cotton skirt and blouse, nothing flashy. Andy had said she was independent, meaning she probably lived alone and cared for herself. Not sure of her physical limitations yet, Luce understood the need to ease into it. She certainly didn’t want Kat to be uncomfortable. But she also knew she had to be able to cope with a fast-paced work environment and the lack of decorum at times.

  “Let’s head over to the conference room, we’ll talk there.” Kat was still staring at her. Hesitantly.

  “Something wrong?” Luce asked, concerned.

  “Did you really just ask them to fix the door instead of having me walk into the office? I mean, I could have. I just want you to know that.”

  Luce sighed and nodded. “I get that, I do. But it’s on us to accommodate when necessary, please don’t think that means I won’t have you making coffee runs. I will. Frequently!” She smiled, happy to see Kat relax.

  “So. Obviously, I’m Luce Porter. I’m assuming you’re Kat Downing. And now that the introductions are out of the way, let’s go hit the coffee bar.”

  “Not the conference room?” Kat looked confused again.

  “Sorry,” Luce laughed. “Same thing, actually.”

  Luce kept pace with Kat as they headed down the hall to the meeting room. It truly was an all-purpose room with snacks and beverages and a great big table for everyone to sit and brainstorm. Rarely used by anyone for more than a few minutes otherwise.

  “What can I fix for you?” Luce waved her arm towards the beverage center in the corner, complete with everything from a complicated cappuccino and espresso maker to an Iced Tea brewer.

  “Wow! Um, can I? I mean, can I make something? What do you like? I’ve used these before at my grandparent’s so I know how…”

  Luce grinned; she saw how excited Kat was. Who was she to deny her?

  “Absolutely. I like a good strong brew, 14 oz, cream, and a shot of that monk fruit extract over there for sweetness.”

  “Got it,” Kat grinned as she wheeled over. At least the coffee machines were at waist height, not the executive height counters that made it difficult.

  Luce took a seat and rifled through the folder she’d brought with her with Kat’s information as well as some notes she’d put down regarding the job responsibilities. She had a really good feeling about Kat and wanted this to work out. Her budget was tight, but judging from Kat’s clothing, mannerisms, and extremely tasteful jewelry, Luce could smell the money. Somehow she had a hunch this wasn’t about money. She just needed to make sure. New York isn’t cheap, and internships don’t pay the rent.

  Kat returned to the table and placed the cup in front of Luce. Taking a careful sip, she sighed.

  “Perfect! You’re hired!”

  Kat laughed. “Really?”

  “Not yet, but let’s talk and see,” Luce smiled. This was working out well.

  She waited for Kat to fix her own and watched as she carefully made a cappuccino. Yep, working out well. They chatted about nothing for a bit. The weather, the humidity, the cherry blossoms coming into bloom. Then it was time for the nitty-gritty. This was always the part that made the interviewee uncomfortable, but Luce knew how necessary the pressure was.

  “Your grades obviously are impeccable. Your recommendations, as well. What I want to know is why? Why media? Why this internship? Where do you see yourself going with it?”

  Kat relaxed, took a sip of her coffee, and looked at Luce directly.

  “People always tell me not to let my disability define me. To limit me. But clearly, it does. Clearly, at times,” she paused and grinned, “it makes getting your foot in the door impossible.”

  Luce chuckled. “Touché”

  “But nobody seems to mind me and my chair with a camera. They let me wander around, taking photos and video, they smile and react well. I realized I could do something with this. And of course, there are no limits to what I can do with digital media. There’s nothing in my way.”

  “I don’t want to burst your bubble or step on your reality, Kat, but I know some incredible CEO’s in a variety of industries who have one or more physical limitations. Though I’m guessing they had to work three times as hard and fight a lot more battles to get there. Society is a cruel mistress at times. And changing perceptions? Too slow. I just want to know you aren’t settling for something when there’s a dream around the corner waiting for you.”

  “Not at all. I love it. It’s just that loving it is almost the icing on the cake. I just want to be honest. I think that’s important.”

  “It is. How’s your arm strength? Some of our equipment can get heavy.”

  “Well, I’m the Tri-State Women’s Wheelchair Tennis Singles Champion 3 years running… so I’d say my upper body strength is pretty damn good.” Kat grinned.

  “I’d say that’s as good as it gets. How about salary? Internships aren’t known to pay well, I’m sure you realize that.”

  “Not a concern for me, though I know that sounds privileged and all, but the truth is, whatever you pay is fine. My family supports me, as much as I usually resent it, right now I’ll take the humble route and appreciate it.” Kat shrugged. “I can afford to be a lowly intern. I know some can’t, and it’s unfair.”

  “You’re right, Kat, and I’m glad you realize that. It is difficult for most students to give up higher-paying part-time jobs for the time-consuming grunt work of an internship. It’s a sacrifice for most. Which begs the question, what do you feel you’ll sacrifice for this? What are you willing to put into it?”

  “As it will be full time, independent study credits, I won’t have any classes to interfere. I spent the first two summers taking the additional credits I needed, so I guess you could say I already did make the sacrifice, in a way…”

  “All right, then moving on, what questions do you have for me?”

  They went on like that for
another half hour or so, chatting and getting to know each other and about each other. Luce was not only satisfied that Kat was perfect for the job, but she also looked forward to having her around. While Luce’s façade for the world was the cool, collected, untouchable one… that’s all it was. A façade. Having some refreshing honesty around her was just what she needed.

  “Well, Kat, I think we’re done here. I’ll let you know what we decide within the next few days if that works?”

  “Oh, absolutely. And Ms. Porter?”

  “Luce, please.”

  “Luce. I just want to say thank you again. I know my Uncle called in a favor for this, and I sure hope whatever he gave you in return is worth it.”

  “I’ll tell you what I told him. This isn’t a favor. I wouldn’t meet with you nor hire you if you weren’t qualified. Rest assured on that.”

  “Well, thank you again for the opportunity.” Luce watched Kat as she wheeled herself to the elevator and smiled. She’d make her wait, of course, but this was a no-brainer.

  Her phone buzzed, not 10 minutes later.

  Well? Did it go well? She’s great, isn’t she? You’ll hire her, right?

  Luce decided to mess with him.

  You’ll be the last to know, I promise

  But you liked her, right?

  Luce shook her head grinning.

  What do you think?

  Come on, Luce…

  Time to turn the tables, she thought.

  Impatient much?

  When it comes to you?

  Luce had no idea how to respond to that, so she left it alone. Instead, she put her proposal together for HR and emailed it. She hadn’t been kidding about the salary. But she could sweeten the deal by allowing her to start in June rather than September. As long as HR approved it. But Luce was sure they would. She wasn’t normally one to push for someone based on their disability, but the HR director was big on diversity and actively seeking to hire a broader spectrum of employees. All she could do was cross her fingers and wait.