by Kira Chase
The woman took Johanna's hand and shook it. “I'm Rae Collins.”
“It's nice to meet you, Rae. Please have a seat.”
Her voice was so soft that Johanna barely heard her. It seemed to match the limpness of her handshake. Johanna doubted she'd get much from this one. She ran a series of questions through her mind wondering how to break the ice. Like Frankie said, it was supposed to be a homey piece, so she decided to put on a little charm and dive right in. Maybe it would loosen Rae up, who sat stiffly watching her.
“Excuse me a moment,” she said as she retrieved her reading glasses from her purse and perched them on the edge of her nose. She picked up the pen and wrote Rae's name on a blank page. “It must be exciting working here.” She smiled widely hoping Rae would pick up on her enthusiasm.
She nodded. “I enjoy it. Everyone is friendly and helpful. It's like one big happy family. I like coming to work every day.”
Johanna tossed a strand of hair over her shoulder as she listened to Rae's stiff reply. It sounded phony and scripted. Possibly Jayne had prompted them about the proper way to answer the questions. If that wasn't the case, then Rae had more problems than just shyness. She decided to try a different approach. “Even families sometimes have their disagreements,” she said with the same smile. “Nothing you say will go into the article without your approval.”
“I see it before anyone else?” she asked haltingly.
“Everyone we interview will get to see his or her piece and make changes before the article is submitted. Anything you don't want in it will be omitted,” she promised. “And while we're talking here, you can tell me if something you say is to be strictly off record,” she added.
Rae's shoulders slumped even further. “I don't mean to imply that all the time everyone has a big smile pasted on their faces.” She shrugged. “There's the usual pettiness that you find everywhere.”
“Would you care to elaborate?”
Rae looked at her apprehensively. “Gossips whispering behind your back. It's nothing new.”
Johanna assumed that Rae was talking about herself. She made a quick decision to play on Rae's vulnerabilities. It couldn't hurt since she had nothing to lose. She needed to gain the woman's trust. “I think we've all been subjected to office gossip.”
“I suppose that it doesn't matter the name of the company or how wonderful the position is, there will always be cliques. There will always be someone who will try to ruin it for you.” She lowered her eyes. “You can't get away from it.”
Johanna looked at her sympathetically. “I know the feeling.”
Rae raised her eyes. “You were subjected to it?”
“None of us are immune, Rae. I once worked for a very well-known magazine—I won't mention the name—and the publisher was handsome, suave, and sexy. All the women were crazy about him. It was only a matter of time before he began making inappropriate advances toward me. Of course, the office gossips' tongues were wagging and making my life miserable thinking there was something going on between us. The gossip didn't stop even though I refused the advances. I watched others less qualified than me receive the promotions I was more than qualified for. Even then the gossip didn't stop. It took a while for me to realize what was going on. If I didn't give in, I'd never be promoted. I ended up quitting.”
Rae frowned. “I've only met the owner of the company once, and even though he's a charmer, he never made any inappropriate comments or gestures.” She twisted her fingers together. “I wouldn't be his type anyway.”
Johanna was thoughtful for a minute. “Have any of your co-workers mentioned Thatcher Longman ever acting inappropriately around them?”
Rae peered at her warily. “Why all the personal questions about Mr. Longman? This isn't what I was told the interview would be about.”
“I'm sorry if you misinterpreted what I was asking. I apologize for any unsuitable questions.” She exhaled loudly. “I suppose I'm a little envious because of my past experience—the one I just told you about—at my dream job. I didn't mean to imply that Mr. Longman was anything like my former employer.”
“I can assure you that he's not,” Rae said. “I do like my job. The pay and benefits are exceptional and most of the time everyone really is pleasant. It's just a few gossips, but I've learned to ignore them.”
“That's the best thing to do. It sounds as though outside of the petty gossip, everything is perfect.” She tapped her pen on the page of the notebook where she'd been scribbling notes. “I had a thought. Is your supervisor aware of the gossip? Most won't tolerate it if it makes the working environment too unbearable.”
“It hasn't been bad enough to report.” She frowned. “I take it in your case your supervisor didn't help you.”
Johanna shook her head. “No. She wouldn't listen. The gossips acted like high school bullies.”
“That's how some of them are here. They need to grow up. I don't really have many dealings with my supervisor, but the few times I have she's been pleasant. As long as the work is completed, she's happy.” She leaned forward.
Johanna noticed the change in her. Rae's body language spoke volumes even if the woman hadn't. She was deeply distressed. She opened her mouth and then closed it as if trying to put her thoughts into the proper words. Johanna waited for her to speak.
Rae eyed her guardedly. “If I tell you something, you're sure it will be strictly off the record?”
“You have my word.” Johanna hoped Rae was about to give her something she could use.
“Well,” she paused and bit her lip. After drawing a deep breath, she continued. “Every time I've been in the employees' lounge, I've heard the employees in the finance department snickering and making derogatory comments behind their supervisor's back.”
“So they obviously don't have the same pleasant relationship you do with yours.” Johanna tried to contain her rising excitement. Certainly Rae was referring to Becca Manning, but she knew she had to play dumb. “Are you upset with their lack of loyalty to their supervisor?”
She emphatically shook her head. “Oh no. I've seen her a few times and she's a real bitch.” She bit her lip again. “I shouldn't have said that, but Becca Manning goes out of her way to intimidate everyone. She acts like she owns the company.”
“You're entitled to your opinion. Has she said something directly to you?”
“No, not directly. But shortly after I began working here, she made it clear on my only direct meeting with her that if Mr. Longman made any uncomfortable gestures towards any female employees I was to let her know.”
“That's an odd thing for her to say,” Johanna replied. “Why would anyone go to her with a complaint? That's what human resources are for.”
She shook her head. “No one dares go to them. If they do, they won't be employed here for long.”
“That's illegal.”
“Maybe so, but like I said, the pay and benefits are better than we'd find elsewhere.” She shrugged. “If you saw Becca Manning you'd understand why her employees are making fun of her.” She paused. “She has a strange infatuation with Mr. Longman,” she whispered. “I doubt he'd ever be attracted to her, though. The way she acts borders on the ridiculous where he's concerned.”
“Maybe the employees should meet with him and voice their concerns about Becca Manning.”
“See, that's the thing. It won't do any good. For some odd reason he lets her get away with everything. She can do no wrong in his eyes.”
“Has anyone been fired because of her?”
“No, only warned. One of the employees who had a confrontation with Becca said Mr. Longman was very polite, but made it clear he wasn't going to take any action on the complaint against Becca.”
“That is odd,” Johanna agreed without further speculation. She decided to change her line of questioning. “Have you ever met Mrs. Longman?”
“Yes, a few times.” Her eyes brightened. “She's one of the sweetest women you'd ever meet. I haven't seen her in a while, tho
ugh.”
Johanna looked over Rae's shoulder and noticed Frankie slightly nod her head in her direction and then tap her wristwatch. She glanced at her own wristwatch. She smiled again at Rae. “I'm afraid our time is almost up, Rae,” she apologized.
Rae frowned. “I suppose there's not much I said that you can use in the article.”
Johanna couldn't help but notice the disappointment in Rae's eyes. “You'd be surprised. From the positive things you did say, I believe I can attribute a very nice portion to you.”
A satisfied smile broke across Rae's face as she stood.
Chapter 9
Frankie leaned back in her chair. She hadn't gotten much of anything from the mousy woman named Sharee. She'd been quiet and extremely introverted. Her answers were short and mostly consisted of a simple yes or no. If Frankie wanted anything more from Sharee, she supposed she'd have to drag it out of her. After she'd run out of questions, she'd glanced over at Johanna, hoping her luck was better. They hadn't had a chance to compare notes because as soon as the two women left, two more were immediately waiting outside the door.
The next two offered her nothing but praise for Thatcher Longman and the company. She'd listened ad nauseam thinking that maybe Johanna had been right. This was a complete waste of time that would have been better spent pursuing other avenues. She watched as her fourth interviewee walked to the table and seated herself across from Frankie.
“I'm so excited to be interviewed,” the woman said.
Frankie's ears perked up. The woman's comment didn't match the expression on her face. Her lips were drawn taut into a straight thin line and her blue eyes blazed with contempt that Frankie sensed wasn't directed at her personally. Maybe this woman would spill the beans if there were any to spill. She was slim, attractive, and tall. Her glistening blonde hair was cut in a style that brought out her delicate features. It suited her.
“Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed. I'm Janel Watson. And you are?”
“I'm sorry. My supervisor has been on my back all morning. I'm Haley Jones.”
Frankie was relieved she'd clicked on a fresh pen just as Haley was reaching her table. “It's nice to meet you, Haley.”
“Most of the people around here are nice to work with—except for my supervisor.” She rolled her eyes. “I'll try to keep my emotions in check and only concentrate on the positive side of working here. Normally I would say this is the perfect career choice for me as would most in the other departments.” She drew a deep calming breath. “Okay. I'm ready for the questions.”
Frankie doubted that. Haley still looked pissed. Hopefully Frankie could use that to her advantage. “What department do you work in?”
“Finance.”
Frankie's insides quivered. She couldn't believe her good luck. She had to tread carefully. If she played her cards right, Haley might spill the beans on Becca. Frankie smiled at her noting the woman was dressed in professional business attire. Except for her obvious distress, she was the persona of business. “You're the first interviewee from the finance department.” She tapped her pen against her bottom lip. “Excluding your supervisor, how do you like working here otherwise?”
“It really is like one huge, happy family.” She frowned. “Excluding my supervisor. It was overwhelming when I first applied for a position here. I never dreamed the company was so large. I assumed there would be a few offices and business would mostly only involve the numerous hotels. I was shocked to see how many enterprises the Bronsons are involved in. In fact, I doubt many people are aware of it.”
Frankie nodded. “I never realized it myself until I began doing my preliminary research for the article.” She paused. “Your co-workers and you have a congenial working relationship without any problems?” she asked, and then smiled brightly.
Haley's eyes slanted. “I'm not saying that there is never any pettiness, but I don't think you'd find an office anywhere that's perfect. I honestly can't think of anywhere else I'd want to work. For the most part, everyone I've had contact with here has been friendly. They come together whenever an employee has a misfortune befall them offering support in whatever capacity is needed.”
“Does that include support from the Longmans?”
“Oh, yes. Especially Mrs. Longman. She's one of the most compassionate women you'd ever hope to meet.” Her brow puckered. “I heard through the office grapevine that she's ill. I hope she gets well soon.”
Frankie saw the genuine concern on Haley's face. “How about Mr. Longman? Is he as compassionate as his wife?”
She rolled her eyes again. “He's nice enough.”
Frankie wondered just how nice, but she couldn't come right out and ask if he'd ever made any inappropriate gestures toward her. Maybe Haley would volunteer that information. The way Haley's eyes had rolled heavenward made Frankie lean toward the affirmative. Haley was a beautiful woman, and if Thatcher was a womanizer, then it stood to reason that she'd be a target. “You most likely have very little contact with him, I assume.”
She tossed her pretty head. “He frequently visits our department. If he visits the other departments as much as he does ours, I don't know how he gets anything accomplished.” A hand flew to her mouth. “I shouldn't have said that. Please don't use that.”
Frankie noted the slight trembling of the woman's hands as she smoothed her skirt. She held a hand up palm out. “Not to worry. Our policy is that the interviewee reads their section first and anything you want stricken will be omitted with no questions asked.”
“Do the supervisors get to read it before us?”
“No. No one will see anything unless it is approved by you.”
Haley eyed her skeptically. “I can't afford to lose my job. How do I know I can trust you?”
Frankie's eyebrows knitted together. She looked pointedly at Haley. “You don't. But remember, you were the one who volunteered to be interviewed. You weren't forced.”
“Fair enough.” She sighed. “I'm hoping for a promotion next month. That's why I'm upset. My supervisor knows the position should be mine without question, but she's stonewalling me.”
“Possibly she's testing you to see if you'll be able to take the added pressure that I'm sure the promotion would entail.”
She frowned. “No. I don't think that's it at all. Becca Manning is just a bitch through and through.”
Frankie's eyebrows shot up. Good, she'd finally said the name. She drew a silent breath. “I haven't met her. Possibly she'll agree to an interview.”
“I doubt it.” She shook her head. “On the outside chance she does agree to meet with you, it won't take you long to see how cold she is.”
Frankie was thoughtful for a minute. “You mentioned that Mr. Longman spends a lot of time in your department. Wouldn't that be logical since it is the finance department?”
“He spends the time with Becca Manning. Any one of us is capable of handling many of Mr. Longman's requests, but she won't let us. She has a thing for him.”
Frankie lifted an eyebrow. “A thing?”
“Seriously.” She laughed. “Her infatuation with him is ridiculous.” She drew a deep breath and then relaxed her shoulders. “You know, it feels good talking about this. I've been taking Becca's crap for far too long and have been keeping it bottled up inside. The bitch already said I'm not getting the promotion so why should I even stay here? I should just quit while I'm ahead and look for another company. I'm sure Becca would give me a raving recommendation just to be rid of me.”
Frankie looked intently at Haley. “If she's causing you this much distress, that might be a good option for you.” She hoped that since Haley seemed to be at peace with her decision, she might be willing to air some dirty little secrets about Thatcher Longman and Becca Manning. Haley's eyes darkened as she filled her lungs with air until her cheeks puffed out. Frankie almost laughed aloud at the sight of her. Haley exhaled loudly and her cheeks looked like a balloon slowly deflating.
“Except for Becca, I really d
o like it here. I was thinking about getting a group of us in the finance department together to talk to Mr. Longman about her and how she's sabotaging not only me, but most of us in the finance department.”
“Do you think he will listen?”
“I don't know. Maybe as a group it will give us more credibility. If Becca had her way, only men would work in the company.” She frowned. “I can't figure out the connection between Mr. Longman and Becca. It makes no sense. She should have been fired a long time ago.”
“It sounds from where I'm sitting there may be a romantic involvement between them.” Frankie waited for Haley's reaction to her comment.
Haley threw her head back and began laughing so loudly that Frankie thought the woman would choke as her eyes teared up and her face reddened. Frankie glanced over at Johanna and saw the puzzled look not only on her face, but also the face of the woman who was seated directly across from her as Haley's laughter filled the room.
“I'm sorry,” Haley said between bouts of laughter. “If you saw her, you'd know why I'm laughing. When I started working here a couple of years ago, you should have seen how she acted every time Mr. Longman came into the office. I think she imagined a romantic affair with him.”
“And now?”
“She's bitter. Maybe she let him know her feelings. If she did, I'm sure he rebuked her. Sometimes I can hear them arguing through her closed office door. It gets so loud that everyone in the office can hear them. All of us in the department thought for sure she'd be fired, but no. She's getting nastier by the day and Mr. Longman lets her stay. It doesn't make sense.”
“How does Mr. Longman treat you?”
Her brows knitted together. “Respectfully...now.”
“Meaning?”
She fiddled with her purse strap for a few seconds. “Well, when I first began working here he was a little over-friendly, if you know what I mean. I think that pissed Becca off and made me an instant target for her.”
