Chapter 26

Taylor stayed around the house talking to the maid and reading until it was time to go and meet Alex for lunch. When Taylor arrived in the building after being gone for such a long time, she was surprised that so many people remembered her.

"Ms. Young? Welcome back! You are back aren't you?"

"Hi! No not yet."

"Oh, are you going to go talk with "The Raider"?"

Taylor smile to herself, knowing what they were thinking, but she played along.

"Yes, I heard she's mellowed A LOT?"

"Well, she hasn't demoted anyone since her spring annual."

"Then she has mellowed, wonderful! Maybe I do have a chance of getting my job back. Well I better get going before something happens to change that mellowness."

"Yeah, that's true. She's so unpredictable. Well it was nice to see you again Ms. Young."

"Thank you. Bye." Taylor turned and headed for the elevator and once inside she hit the express button.

Alex heard the familiar warning, and pushed the panel to turn on the monitor without raising the small screen from within the desk. When she saw Taylor primping in the elevator, a smile and a warmth came over her, due to the fact that Taylor was doing it for her. When the elevator door open and Taylor stepped off, Salina almost choked on her own saliva. She watched in both confusion and horror as Taylor walked off of the elevator heading for the office. Taylor was wearing a white silk, skirt suit, that resembled Alex's except it was a different color, and it was a
skirt whereas Alex's was pants. Taylor saw the distressed look in Salina's eyes when she walked up to the desk.

"Hi Salina, how are you?"

"Taylor?! What are you doing here?! I know you don't work here anymore, do you?!"

"No."

Salina visibly relaxed a bit.

"I'm just here to have lunch with Ms. Madison."

"What?! Well you can't, you're not on her appointment list!"

"Oh, well she invited me."

"Well I don't know what's going on with you, but you've obviously forgotten the consequences of being here, or should I remind you?"

"Oh, Salina, that's not necessary. I'm quite comfortable in my relationship with Ms. Madison. Besides, I have to finish working on the Zadria deal. I heard it was having some major problems, and since Zadria is a friend of mine, I figure between Alex and I, we could figure out what happened, and what to do about it.' Now if you'll excuse me, she's waiting for me."

Taylor walked away from the desk and knocked on the door of Alex's office. Alex waved her in and Taylor opened the door and strolled inside, closing the door behind her. Salina stood looking in the window of the office, then turned and tried to take her mind off of the fact that Taylor was back. The thought of Taylor and Alex looking into what was happening with The Zadria company, was too much for her to handle, but she had to wait until Alex and Taylor left for lunch before she could do anything about it. Taylor and Alex spoke for a moment before they came out of the office to leave for lunch.

"I'll be back in a while Ms. Lacy."

"Ye...yes ma'am."

Alex turned and she and Taylor walked out of the office and got on the elevator. Salina was so nervous, that everytime the phone rang, she nearly jumped out of her skin.

Meanwhile, Alex and Taylor had left the building to go to a restaurant around the corner.

"I've been waiting to see you all day." Taylor said to Alex, as she covered her hand with her own hand on top of the table.

Alex smiled and squeezed Taylor's hand.

"I've missed you also, my little sweetling."

Taylor grinned brightly at the sensual tone in Alex's voice.

"So, what did you do today?"

"Nothing really, just hung around the house, and talked to the maid. Then I read for a while, and came here."

"Did you think about me at all doing all of that?"

"Yes, throughout all of it. As a matter of fact, the maid told me some very interesting things about her early days with you. I didn't know she came here with you from overseas."

"Yes she did, but I think I'm going to have to have a talk with her. I don't know if I like the idea of her talking about me to you."

"Why, are you afraid she'll tell me something you don't want me to know?" Taylor said teasing, as she took a bite of her food.

"Yes." Alex answered simply.

Taylor saw the humor in her eyes and she just pinched her lips. She put another fork full of food in her mouth so as not to be drawn in. The two sat, ate and talked throughout their lunch. Salina, in the interim, had decided to at least go and call Wellington. She left the office, got on the elevator and went down to the lobby area of the building to use the pay phone. Kiara, the detective, who had camped out in the security office that day, happened to come across Salina on the elevator and saw her pacing within it. This peaked her curiosity and she watched Salina get off of the elevator and head to the pay phone. Kiara watched her via the cameras that were discreetly hidden. Kiara zoomed in on the pay phone to watch the number that was dialed as the camera recorded, both
sound and pictures.

"Hello, Charles Wellington please."

"Hello, this is Mr. Wellington."

"Charles it's me."

"Oh, Salina, what is it?"

"I just saw Taylor Young."

"Taylor Young?"

"Yes, Ms. Madison's ex-Personal Assistant and the friend of Zadria."

"Aha, yes, okay, so what's the problem?"

"I'm nervous about her sudden appearance. I think I'm ready to get my money and get out."

"Do you think their onto us?"

"I don't know. I don't think so, but I don't want to take a chance. I want my money, for the stocks, both the Zadria stock, and your's."

"Alright, when do you want to meet?"

"Well Ms. Madison is at lunch right now, so when she returns, I'll leave here.

"Okay, meet me in my office and I'll give you your share of the money. I can't believe we pulled this off. I got to save my company while at the same time making a fortune off of Zadria's Fashions."

"Yeah, I know. The only thing that I'm disappointed about is the fact that "The Raider" was able to make a very nice piece of change from the sale of her stock in your company when she saw it would be too expensive to take over. But all in all it worked out. Anyway, I'll be on my way as soon as they return from lunch. I should be there a few minutes after I leave here, since your building is just a few blocks away from here."

"Oh, you're not driving over?"

"No, it might draw attention. I'll walk there. I'll see you in a while. Oh, and make sure you have a cashier's check, and not a personal check."

"What? After all of this, you don't trust me?"

"It's not a matter of trust, I just want to get my money and go. See you soon." Salina then hung up the phone and headed to the elevator to go back up to the office to wait for Alex and Taylor to return from their lunch.

"Oh my goodness." Kiara gasped, as she sat back in her chair, shocked at what she had just heard. After getting over the initial shock, she jumped from the chair and grabbed the disc out of the machine, then turned and raced out the door to the elevator. She arrived on the top floor, and saw Salina was sitting at her desk as if nothing were amiss. She went inside and spoke to Salina.

"I'm here to speak with Ms. Madison."

"Oh, do you have an appointment?"

"No, but I would like to wait."

"Okay, she should be back anytime."

"Thank you." Kiara walked over to the water cooler and took a cup and filled it. She watched Salina nervously tap her pen on the desk, looking at the door as if she could will Alex and Taylor back.

"Is something wrong?" Kiara asked Salina, as she walked to one of the chairs to sit down.

"Oh, No, I'm just waiting for Ms. Madison to return so I can go to lunch."

"Hm...it must be a very important lunch date?"

"Uh...yes, I'm supposed to meet my boyfriend, he's taking me to that new little tearoom that just opened up."

"Aha...really?"

"Yes."

Suddenly Salina heard the elevator, and jumped up out of her chair intending to tell Alex she was going to go to lunch. When Alex and Taylor stepped off of the elevator they went into the office and saw Kiara.

"Ms. Madison, I need to speak with you!"

"Ms. Madison, I'd like to ask you...."

"Wait." Alex said, raising her hand towards both women.

"First I will talk to Ms. Young, and then I will talk to the two of you." Alex went into her office with Taylor beside her. Closing the door she turned to Taylor and smirked.

"What?" Taylor asked, with a perplexed smile on her face.

"What do you think all of that is about?"

"I don't know, but it's obviously something important."

"Yes, maybe. But you know what?"

"What?"

"I've never seen Salina so anxious."

"Really, well evidently there's something bothering her."

"Yeah, well let's see what's going on with her."

Alex hit the intercom button and told Salina to come in.

Salina knocked and Alex sneered, but motioned for her to come in.

"Okay Salina, what is it?"

"I was just coming to let you know that I wanted to go to lunch, if it's alright with you?"

"Is that what all of that was about out there?"

"Yes Ma'am, it's very important. I'm meeting someone for lunch."

"Fine." Alex said curtly.

Taylor saw how anxious Salina was, and she thought about what the guy at the SEC had told her.

"Have a good lunch Salina. Taylor said with false sincerity.

"Thank you, it'll be the best I've ever had I think." Salina said sarcastically in response.

Salina turned and closed the door and left. Once she was at the elevator, she pushed the button to go down. Meanwhile, Alex was about to turn her attention back to Taylor, when Kiara literally ran into the office.

"Ms. Madison! I'm sorry to disturb you...hello Ms. Young."

"Hi, is everything alright?" Taylor asked, due to the distress she saw on the woman's face, and the way she ran into the office.

"Oh, I'm fine, I need to speak with Ms. Madison about something in private for a moment, if you don't mind?"

"No, not at all." Taylor said agreeably.

"Thank you."

"No problem, I'll just wait out there." Taylor said, speaking to Alex.

"Alright, I'll be done in a moment."

"Okay." Taylor replied, then turned and went out into the outer office closing the door behind her. She saw Salina get on the elevator and the doors close. Salina had been wearing a weird looking smile on her face.

"Okay, now what is it?!" Alex asked, angry at the interruption.

"I'd rather show you!" Kiara said breathless due to her racing heart, at what she thought Alex's response would be to her discovery. Kiara put the disc in, and they both watched.

Alex's eyes narrowed at the first sight of Salina going to the pay phone.

"What is she doing using that phone?"

"She didn't want to take a chance that her conversation would be overheard I would think."

Alex listened to the conversation and as she sat there, her eyes showed the rage that was inside of her. A sneer came to her lips, and when Kiara happened to glance over at the woman, she could have sworn she saw smoke coming off of her.

Normally Alex never allowed her emotions to get away from her when she was at work, but for some reason, she couldn't help it. Suddenly a vase went flying at the image, causing a loud crashing sound to emit from the office. Alex was now on her feet, cursing like a sailor, and throwing things. Kiara had to duck a few times to avoid being hit by flying objects.

Taylor raced back into the office barely missing getting hit by a vase that crashed next to her.

"ALEX?! WHAT'S WRONG?!!" Taylor shouted after getting over the near miss by the vase.

"Where is she now?!" Alex growled at Kiara.

"Heading over there I think." Kiara stated quickly.

Suddenly Alex was on the move! She flew past Taylor and headed for the stairs and raced down them. Kiara and Taylor both stood for a split second looking at each other and watching Alex disappear out of sight. Then they both were on the move, chasing after Alex. Meanwhile Salina had been stopped from leaving the building. One of her junior executive admirers caught up with her before she made it to the lobby doors.

"Heading off to lunch Ms. Lacy?"

"Yes, and I'm in sort of in a hurry, what do you want?"

"Well since you're going to lunch now, maybe I can join you?"

"I don't think so. You see...my boyfriend may have a problem with that, and he may beat you senseless. So, do you still want to join me for lunch?" Salina asked evilly.

The young man gave a distasteful smile, then turned and headed in the opposite direction.

Salina headed for the door and left. Meanwhile, Taylor was yelling to Kiara.

"What's going on?!"

Kiara was focused on catching Alex, now that the fear was over for her. Taylor kept shouting at Kiara to tell her what was going on, but the only thing Kiara said to her was;

"We have to stop her, otherwise she'll kill her!"

"Kill who?!" Taylor asked, as panic and fear set in. They raced down the stairwell trying to catch up with Alex, who was not even winded by the activity. Taylor looked over the rails to see Alex a few floors ahead of her, and Kiara one floor ahead. Alex made it to the first floor and whipped open the door. She flew out and ran into the lobby, only stopping long enough to see if Salina was still in the building. She ran to the front security desk and asked if they had seen Salina, and was told that she had left about two minutes before. Alex gritted her teeth and then took off for the lobby door. Yasmeia happened to see Alex come out of the stairwell. She saw her talking to the security personnel and then take off running once again. She also saw the anger in Alex's eyes, and she knew something was wrong.

She called to Alex, but Alex didn't hear her, or didn't care. She raced out of the front doors of the building followed moments later by Kiara, and a moment after her, Taylor. Yasmeia called to Taylor, and Taylor stopped only long enough for Yasmeia to catch up with her.

"What's going on?"

"I don't have time to talk! Come on, I have to catch up with Alex. Something is wrong."

"What?"

"I don't know, but whatever it is, it could lead to someone's death if I don't catch up with her." Taylor ran for the door with Yasmeia following her.

They saw Alex and Kiara racing down the street, and ran after the two. Just as Alex came around the corner three blocks up, where she had seen Salina turn, she saw the woman heading into The Wellington building. Alex cursed to herself as she slowed down, and went into a rapid stride. She now realized who the insider was. She arrived at the building and with gritted teeth, walked inside and headed for the elevator. She planned on confronting Wellington and breaking Salina into a few satisfying pieces.

But, just as she was about to hit the elevator button, her hand was caught and held firmly. She was so focused on catching Salina, that her first reaction to having her hand caught so firmly was to quickly free her hand, which she did. She did a twist of her wrist and caught the hand that had held her's.

"Ms. Madison, I'm sorry I startled you." The woman said, as she felt like her wrist was about to be broken.

"Oh, it's you, what are you doing here?!"

"Stopping you from spoiling things."

"What are you talking about?"

"Ms. Lacy just arrived here a few moments ago and took the elevator up to Mr. Wellington's office. The arrest is going down as we speak, and if you go up there you'll spoil everything."

"Arrest?"

"Yes Ma'am, for insider trading. Both the agents from the SEC and the Justice Department are up there. The next time you see Ms. Lacy, she will be in handcuffs.

Alex's breathing was rapid, and mixed emotions went through her at that moment. One was anger that she did not catch Salina before she made it to the building, but also utter excitement and elation at the fact that the whole thing would be over in a matter of moments.

Meanwhile, Kiara ran inside the building followed only moments later by Taylor and Yasmeia. Taylor saw Alex standing with some woman dressed in a dark blue pantsuit and she, Kiara and Yasmeia all headed over to the two.

"Taylor? Are you alright?"

Taylor raised a brow at Alex's question and then said breathlessly,

"Me...oh yeah...great! Do you mind telling me why you went running out of the building like a mad woman possessed?!"

"I wanted to catch up with Salina."

"Salina? Why?"

"Because...she's the one who has been dealing in insider trading in my company, which almost led to my companies being investigated. I just wanted to have a nice little TALK with her." Alex said through her teeth, as Taylor leaned against the wall of the elevator. To catch her breath.

"Oh!! Now I get it. That's what you were talking about moments before?" Taylor said, directing her statement to Kiara.

"Yes."

"Okay, that makes sense, so...why are we waiting down here, why don't we go up and confront them?"

"Because ma'am, an arrest is taking place at this very moment by the SEC and Justice Department."

"OH!! Great!" Taylor exclaimed.

"May I get all of your names just in case we need to contact any of you for any reason?"

"Of course."

"Wonderful if you'll step over here to the visitor's desk I will take your information." Mariella led the group over to the visitor's desk. She began asking each person their name and their relationship to Alex. She started with Yasmeia and got all of her information and was about to turn to Kiara, who conviently made her beeper go off. She excused herself and went to make a pretend phone call. After a moment she came back and said she couldn't stay because she was needed back at the office. Kiara left and the agent looked at Alex to see if she wanted her to pursue it, but Alex gave her a signal that indicated for the agent to leave it alone. The agent gave a slight nod of her head in understanding and then turned to Taylor to take her information.

"Okay, your name?"

"Taylor Young, I....."

"Aha! You're Taylor Young?!"

"You know each other??" Alex asked with a raised brow at both women.

"I...I..."

"Yes Taylor?" Alex asked, looking at Taylor with an inquistive brow.

"Oh, we don't know each other personally Ms. Madison, I just know of Ms. Taylor through all of the information that she provided to Mr. Rouse. She was instrumental in refocusing the SEC's investigation from your companies to Ms. Lacy and Mr. Wellington. Congratulations Ms. Young, without your information we would have been going in the wrong direction."

"Thank you." Taylor said, now uncomfortable with the look of shock and amazement being leveled on her by Alex. Yasmeia knew Taylor was now very embarrassed that Alex found out right there that it was Taylor who helped with the investigation.

Taylor's eyes looked over at Alex who was still staring at her in surprise.

"Um...so, how long before they come down?" Taylor said, trying to change the subject as a blush came over her at Alex's continuous staring.

Meanwhile upstairs, Salina had made it to Wellington's office. They were just talking for a moment, because there were people meandering around, pretending that they were involved in conversations or some other activity. Salina didn't pay them any mind as she had passed them on her way to the office.

"Okay Charles, here's the stocks to your company, now give me my money so I can leave."

"Okay, it's in my safe. I'll get it."

"Okay, but hurry up, I have this terrible feeling."

"Alright, calm down, you're so jumpy."

"Okay, okay, just hurry up." Salina said, as she paced up and down in the office waiting for the man to get the money for her.

"Okay people, we move in the moment the exchange takes takes place." The head SEC agent said to the others who were staked out in different areas of the floor.

"Okay, here you go. It's a lot of money, but I'm sure you can find something to spend it on." Wellington stated in a joking tone.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, just give it to me, and here, here's my shares." Salina said, anxious just to get her money and go and forget about all the chattering.

Just as the two exchanged papers, Rouse gave the order to move.

"Now!" Suddenly there were agents coming out of the woodwork, at least that's the way it seemed.

"OH GOD!!" Salina exclaimed in horror, as she and Wellington were surrounded.

Rouse walked up to them and looking at both of their hands he plucked the two items from them. With the aid of a light through the white envelope, he saw the amount of the cashier check and who it was made out to and signed by. He opened the manila envelope that Salina had handed to Wellington and he saw what he was looking for inside.

"Okay, we got it. Salina Lacy, Charles Wellington, you're both under arrest for Insider Trading. You're also being arrested for..." Rouse continued, as he listed the charges against the two. After their rights had been read to them and the cuffs were placed on, the two were then led out of the office. As they walked down the hallway in front of Wellington's employees, the people whispered to one another at the sight of seeing their boss being led out with handcuffs on. They were put in an elevator with Rouse and a few of the agents. Everyone headed down to the first floor to leave through the front entrance of the building. When the elevator bell announced the arrival of the
elevator on the first floor, Alex closed her mouth and simply said to Taylor.

"We'll talk about this later." Then turned her attention to the group getting off of the elevator.

Rouse was ahead of the group and he headed towards Alex. Salina and Wellington were both looking at Taylor and the others. Alex stood glaring at both of them, but especially Salina. Finally she took a step towards Salina, but Taylor caught her arm.

"Don't?" Was all she asked.

Alex inhaled deeply, and broke eye contact with the obviously frightened P.A.. She glanced at Taylor, and looking into her concerned eyes, Alex sighed again, and with a slight nod of her head she reassured the girl. Taylor smiled and looked at Salina, with disdain and then back at Alex, who now gently removed Taylor's hand from her arm. Alex stepped up to Salina and Wellington, and Salina flinched at what she thought was about to happen to her. Alex surprised Salina by directing her initial comments to Wellington.

"Charles, I'm very disappointed with you. I thought you had more honor in your business dealings. You were losing fair and square and rather than using your business savvy to try to save your company, you resorted to a cliche. Too bad, I was looking forward to seeing what your next move was going to be, before you decided to join up with this nobody. Oh well, now you not only will be going to jail for a while, but by the time you get out, I'll have taken your company and torn it apart with outsourcing. So when you return, only the mailroom will be left...under contract of course." Alex then looked down at Salina who was standing slightly to the right of her, and spoke to her. "Ms. Lacy, today was your lucky day. When I found out that it was you who had betrayed me,
your ass was mine, but...you made it here before I got my hands on you. I had so many plans, but, that's alright, I'm pleased with your arrest, it'll have to do. I hope you enjoy your prison time, from what I understand, it's brutal, but you shouldn't have to many problems. Just be the political slut you are and you'll be the most popular in your cell block. I can't believe you tried to screw me, you little nobody. Well now it'll be your turn to get screwed...if you know what I mean, which I'm sure you do." Alex cut her eyes to Rouse. "You better get her out of here before I change my mind."

"Take them out." Rouse ordered, and the other agents moved Wellington and Salina along.

Rouse turned back to look at Taylor who was rubbing Alex's back trying to calm her.

"Ms. Madison, Ms. Young was instrumental in all of this."

"I know Mr. Rouse, and I plan on having a talk with her about it later." Alex said, cutting her eyes over at Taylor, who's hands now went back to her own arms to rub nervously up and down them.

"Well I thought it was important for you to know that."

"Yes, thank you, and thank you for your work on this, I do appreciate it."

"My pleasure ma'am." Rouse gave a slight tilt of his head to Alex and then the same to Taylor and Yasmeia. Then he left along with the last of the agents.

"Well what a rather interesting day this turned out to be, wouldn't you say Alexandra?" Yasmeia asked, amused.

"Yes, I would say it has been. Right Taylor?"

"Um...yes, so, anyone as thirsty as I am?"

"No, but I have a lot of questions to ask you." Alex answered.

Taylor swallowed hard, but then a thought came to her.

"Hey, wait a minute, now that you know what was going on at your company, tell me how you feel about it all?"

"I told you." Alex said as she turned and headed for the exit, with Taylor and Yasmeia walking next to her.

"What?"

"I'm pleased."

"Pleased?! That's it, just pleased?!" Taylor said, shocked that Alex wasn't overjoyed.

"Yes, pleased." Alex said with a straight face as they walked back down the street. Yasmeia was laughing at Taylor's animated behavior, and wondering why Taylor was so set on Alex being more than just pleased.

Chapter 27

When they arrived back at the building Alex walked over to the security desk and told one of the people to call for her car.

"Well ladies, I guess I will head back to my new office."

Taylor's brows knitted as she stopped badgering Alex, and now focused on Yasmeia.

"What do you mean your new office?"

"Oh, didn't I tell you? It must have been all of the excitement."

"No you didn't. Neither of you." Taylor said with a stern gaze at both women.

"Well, I have a new position."

"Really? What?!"

"V.P. in charge of operations." Yasmeia said, with a smile at Taylor's wide eyes.

"Yasmeia! Congratulations, you truly deserve it. I am so proud of you." Taylor said, as she gave her friend a great big hug.

"Thank you, but it was Alex's idea."

"Hmm...there it is again that side that makes my heart swell." Taylor said, as she squeezed Alex's hand that she had discreetly taken in her own.

"Hmm, what do I get for it?" Alex teased.

Taylor blushed and then looked back at Yasmeia who just chuckled at Taylor's embarrassment to Alex's direct question.

"Whatever you want! Not that there's that much more left. I already owe you...and speaking of which, how can you not be excited and happy that all of this is over with?"

"Are you back on that?"

"Yes! Because I don't understand it, and until I do, I'm going to keep asking! So...you might as well tell me now, because I know you can't just be pleased."

"Yasmeia, we'll see you later. It seems I need to get Taylor home before she talks my ear off."

"I understand, and I'm very happy that all of this is over and you two are where you belong, together."

"Thank you Yasmeia."

"Yes, thank you my friend, and again, I am so happy for your long overdue promotion. Thanks for helping me with Salina and Wellington."

"You're welcome, anytime." Yasmeia said as she gave Taylor a hug.

"You were involved also??" Alex asked, again surprised.

"Yes, she's the one who overheard the initial conversation between the two."

"Really?? So why didn't you tell me then?" Alex asked, now crossing her arms as she faced Yasmeia.

Yasmeia crossed her own arms and walked up to Alex and stood right in front of her. She looked her straight in the eye and without blinking, told her straight.

"Next time Ms. Madison, you'll listen to me when I say I have something to tell you." Yasmeia gave a knowing look at Alex, then turned and walked away, waving goodbye to the two for the day.

"I guess she told...you." Taylor said with a smirk, as she now turned and walked away from Alex heading for the waiting car. Alex stood watching for a moment, looking after Yasmeia and then at Taylor. Then with a thoughtful gaze she headed for the car with Taylor. Once they were in the car and heading home, Alex turned to Taylor and in a serious tone of voice, she told Taylor what she thought.

"Well my little sweetling, let me tell YOU. I expect my breakfast at 5 sharp, and I my dinner at 8 sharp. You know my favorite foods, so I won't even go into that. I want them served with a bright smile and the one article of clothing that I told you you could wear. Of course, it will be the one I choose. Also, you owe me for not telling me that you knew about Salina."

"But I would think you owe me for telling the SEC?"

"Okay, we're even on that one. Actually, as I think about it, I'll give you one week of my serving you. I am so grateful to you Taylor for your help in this. Even when we were at odds with each other, you were there for me. Thank you."

Taylor heard the change in Alex's tone and saw the sincerity and emotion in her eyes. She smiled a gentle, loving smile and leaned over to lay against Alex.

"You're welcome, but I would do it again."

Alex smiled and hugged Taylor closer to her, and the two rode the rest of the way home in that way

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