What's Done In The Dark

The panoramic view of the city at night from my corner office fifty stories high is absolutely breathtaking. As I look out through the wall of the six-foot windows that stretch across the entire floor, from behind my mahogany desk, the lights mesmerize me. These are the lights that have drawn so many people from all over the world to this city like magnets. The same lights too, that enchanted me as a child during our family trips to the city when growing up in the Bronx. I fantasized about one day working in a skyscraper on the 50th floor and having a large corner office. The office would be all lit up at night and no one would be able to see me because I'd be so high up in the air. Fantasy was so much a part of my life as a child growing up in the projects, I sometimes find it hard to believe, that one fantasy became a reality. The thought of my being the head of a multimillion-dollar multimedia corporation is more than even I, could have ever expected to happen.

Fantasy can be such a great means of escape. However, right now the reality is that it’s Friday night and already after eight o’clock. I'm tired and haven't eaten a thing and just want to go home, get out of this Caroline Herra dress and slip into a Victoria Secret teddy. Whew, I still have to get this desk straightened up and when done who knows, maybe, I'll stop at the Marriott Marque for a bite to eat and a drink or two, Hey I deserve it. Besides, I love the spectacular view of the city from the revolving bar on the forty- sixth floors and their food is good too. On second thought, maybe I'll just have my driver pick up Chinese food and I'll go home to eat, I don't know. I really just want to relax in a nice hot lavender scented bubble bath in that great big marble bath tub, with lavender scented candles all around the bathroom and a warm fluffy towel and robe ready and waiting. Well, whatever I decide to do, please let me not forget to stop and pick up a bottle of champagne.

Great, I've finally finished clearing off my desk. Now I know why I pay Ashton, so much, she's a great secretary and she keeps me organized. Thankfully, Ashton has been with me for the past 10 years. I reluctantly hired her right out of secretarial school, just before the passing of Paige, my previous secretary from breast cancer. Ashton was number-one in her class at one of the most prestigious secretarial schools in New York City and I've never regretted the decision. I hope she's feeling better and will be back to work Monday. Oh, oh, what do we have here? I thought I went through all of my mail today. "Personal & Confidential" to Ms. Raine Mckenzie was scrawled across the soiled envelope with what look like a black felt marker and there was no postmark or stamp on it. Curiosity now has the best of me, I reach for the gold letter opener on my desk and take a seat. The phone rings, my driver has arrived with the limousine. I let him know I'll be down in about 10 minutes. As I open the letter and begin my heart starts to race as I read the first few lines, I can feel my stomach knotting up and a cold chill runs through me. I feel my self getting short of breathe, my eyes get blurry and my legs go numb, I hope I can stand up and make it to the car. Oh my god this can't be happening, it just can’t be. I know it just can't be real, who and where did this come from? And why now?

CHAPTER TWO

The limousine slowly makes its way east on 52nd street, through the sea of taxi cabs; and strolling couples just getting their Friday evening started. On the way home, I usually sink back into the soft leather seat of the limousine, kick off my Isaac Mizrahi shoes and listen to a smooth jazz cd. I glance, through the tinted windows watching the people as they mingle in front of the designer store windows, movie theaters and restaurants. Tonight, however, is now anything but usual. I could not stop shivering, In all my years, I don't believe I have ever let anything affect me the way this letter has. I just have to get home fix myself a strong drink and try to make some sense of this whole thing.

I've been so absorbed in my thoughts I didn't hear my driver calling my name. " I'm sorry Jerry, did you say something?" "Yes Ms. McKenzie, will we be stopping for dinner tonight" Jerry ask as he peers into the rearview mirror. "No Jerry not tonight, but I would like you to stop and pick up a fifth of Chivas Regal" "Ok Ms. McKenzie right away." "If you don't mind my asking is everything ok? You looked upset when you came down from your office."

"I am upset but I'll be alright, thanks for asking Jerry."

Jerry has been my driver for the past fifteen years. We have always been able to talk about life and the cards we were dealt; and like the kids say, keep it real. Tonight, unfortunately isn't one of those nights, I need to be alone with my own thoughts. We stop briefly as Jerry picks up the Chivas Regal, this is definitely not a champagne night. As we approach Second Avenue, I feel a rush of anxiety overcome me. Do I really want to be alone with my thoughts of the past? The past that I worked and fought so hard to put behind me for reasons I didn't ever want to think about again.

"Good evening Ms. McKenzie how are you tonight"? says Barry, my doorman.

"I'm fine Barry thank you and goodnight" I reply as I head for the elevator.

Thank goodness there are no neighbors on the elevator to make small talk with. As I much prefer to ride in silence to my duplex on the twenty- third floor. Upon entering, the view of the East River from the enormous bay windows in my living room is stunning. Although lavishly furnished. at first glance, the sense of color and textures throughout, is what gently embraces you. The white leather sofa and armchairs from Maurice Villency are placed strategically over the color drenched, Oriental rug that I had shipped in from China. The softly textured moss green walls house my art collection that consist of, Monet, Mallet, Gibbs, Rembrandt, Fennell, Beals, Picasso and Annie Lee. However, the ornate white marble fireplace with it's gold edgings is what really dominates that room. The dining room's focal point as you enter through the eight feet French doors, is the crystal chandelier I bought while vacationing in Switzerland. The hand carved oak dining table is formally set with the finest Lennox China, Waterford crystal stemware and 14 kt gold flatware. The muted red walls compliment the statiny red, green & gold window treatments and matching dining chair covers made with fabric from Cowtan & Tout. My bedroom is a tribute to Ralph Lauren, it houses a king size four post mahogany bed and armoire with matching nights stands. There are 2 six- foot plants beside the windows, a Phillips wall TV, a premiere Yamaha sound system and more art covering my peach colored walls. The view once again from the master bedroom of the East River will leave you breathless. In my favorite room, the kitchen, the streams of brilliant sunlight are what greets you most mornings, making it the cheeriest place in the house. The spectacular cover less windows, along with the stainless steel sink, refrigerator, stove and the yellow marble counter tops, and soft yellow walls, help to give it a sophisticated yet warm look.