Destination D by Lori Beard-Daily

of his calls.
    â€œHey, I know it's none of my business, but…”
    Pam held up her hand in front of Carol Ann's face signaling her to stop. “You're right and let's keep it that way.” It was obvious that Carol Ann was privy to everything going on at the firm and made it her business to know everyone else's business.
    â€œI didn't mean to pry…”
    â€œListen, Carol Ann, I realize you have your sights set on higher plateaus, but stick with what you do best. I realize Hugh Richmond is a senior partner, and he may like you showing him your professional and personal skills, but I prefer you keep everything totally professional with me and stay out of my personal affairs. Is that understood?”
    â€œYes, ma'am,” Carol Ann answered timidly, wishing she could crawl underneath her desk until she recovered from her stinging blow.
    â€œNow, have you seen Amanda?” Pam asked coolly.
    â€œYes, as a matter of fact, I have,” she answered sheepishly, hoping this bit of news would help redeem her from the faux pas she had just made.
    Carol Ann leaned over the front of her desk to whisper something to Pam. Her bright ruffled crimson blouse revealed just enough cleavage for Hugh to enjoy and for the firm not to consider it inappropriate business attire.
    â€œRumor has it that she's been feverishly working to finish that Johnson vs. Tyfish Systems case so she can make it home early for her daughter's graduation party, tonight. Poor thing.”
    â€œThanks, Carol Ann,” she replied dryly.
    Pam headed back toward her office and found three stacks of papers sitting neatly on her desk. She eagerly massaged her hands together. “Well, well, well, what have we here?” she said under her breath. She closed her door partway and sat down. As she carefully sifted through each page, a slight grin came across on her face.
    Unbeknownst to her, Amanda was watching her every move through the cracked door. Just look at her salivating like a wolf that has been left with a flock of sheep! The nerve of that…
    â€œAmanda?” Pam called out. She felt someone's eyes watching her and decided to investigate to see who was checking up on her.
    Amanda paused briefly to give herself a moment to regroup. “Yes, it's me. I see you've had a chance to look over the files for Johnson vs. Tyfish.”
    â€œYes, I'm still reviewing them. Come on in and have a seat. How long have you been standing there?”
    Amanda was getting more infuriated the longer she watched her. She thought: Long enough to see you decide how you're going to go about taking all of the credit for all of my hard work.
    â€œOh, I just walked by to check to see if you were back in your office yet,” Amanda said as nicely as she could. She had changed her mind about leaving out the last few pages of her documents. If she had done that, then it would have made her as evil as Pam, and the slightest thought of ever being like that woman only repulsed her.
    â€œPlease close the door behind you and sit down.”
    â€œAll right,” Amanda complied.
    â€œLet me start by saying that you did an excellent job in gathering the information that I requested.”
    â€œThank you.”
    Pam pushed her chair away from her desk and carefully placed her forefinger on the side of her face while she contemplated her next sentence. Amanda began to feel uneasy and shifted her body around in her chair. She clutched her sweater tightly and casually looked down at her feet as the attorney stared at her.
    â€œAmanda, I don't like playing games with people, so let me get right to the point. I'm not satisfied with the mediocre attitude you displayed today. I also think you've been slacking since you found out you would not be working with Bill McKesson on this case and would be working with me instead. I don't appreciate, nor will I tolerate, inappropriate behavior from you or anyone who works for me.”
    Blocking out the