Trigger by Carol Jean Page A

I’ll
be testing for my third level black belt in Kempo-Karate in a
couple of weeks. I like to run, when I have time and space. My
trainer is Steven Harter. He owns Straight Train, a very dedicated
athletic club. Good people go there because Mr. Harter is good
people. Do you work out, Governor?”
    “Actually, I like to box. I won a Golden Glove, when
I was much younger.”
    “You should visit Steven’s club. You are about the
same size as Steven. `It would be fun to watch you and Steven spar
some. He never hurts anyone, but he’s tough and very demanding. He
expects a lot out of the people he trains. Actually, his club is
closer to your office than mine.
    “I go to Steven’s at lunch time. When we’re done he
makes lunch for me, it’s this horrible green/gray sludge. But I
feel good and get a lot of work done in the afternoons.”
    “Straight Train?”
    “Yes.”
    “I’ll look into it.”
    “Maybe we could spar some too. I’m getting really
good with my combinations. Steven hand picks sparing partners for
everyone to make sure it’s a fair fight. But he might let us get
into the ring.”
    “So you have the desire to hit me, Miss Mason?”
    “No. I don’t know you well enough to want to do
that. But I do like to kick ass!” He laughs again.
    The music stops and Mr. Post is beside her.
    “Thank you Miss Mason. I had a delightful time
dancing with you. Don’t forget your gun when you leave,” the
governor smiles.
    “That’s not going to happen, Governor.”
    Charlotte is waiting at the table. She’s busting out
to hear everything. “It looked like you were both having a good
time.”
    “Miss Mason, may I have this dance.”
    Charlotte’s face falls and I know the voice.
    “Sure.” She puts her hand in Simon’s like Steven
showed her. Sparks and heat burn her hand as he slowly walks her to
the middle of the floor and then takes her in his arms with a
flourish turn and they’re dancing. He’s taller than Steven or the
Governor and for a second she’s afraid her strapless dress is going
to become unanchored.
    “Don’t get all girly about dancing with me Miss
Mason. I wouldn’t know how to handle it.”
    Of course, Simon is a better dancer than Steven or
the Governor. It’s like he’s bred to be perfectly charming,
accomplished and arrogant. She’s not being fair. Simon has been
nice to her all evening and put up with her attitude and smartass
mouth without complaint.
    “I’m sorry I embarrassed you in front of your
parents. I really didn’t mean to be that way. It just popped
out.”
    “Is it true?”
    “Yes. My Dad beat my Mom ever since I remember and
then finally beat her to death and threw her body in the alley. I
found her when I was walking home from school. He didn’t even get
arrested.”
    Simon pulls her closer and she lets him.
    “I’m sorry, Judy.”
    We dance without speaking for awhile. “The Governor
asked me if I was with you.”
    Simon laughs. “I can’t wait to hear what you said
about that.”
    “I just said what I said at the dining table.”
    She thinks Simon just smelled her hair. She
trembles.
    “Do you want to know what he said?”
    “Probably something like, keep your friends close
and your enemies closer. He’s never been very original.”
    “That’s exactly what he said.” She looks up
surprised Simon would know that.
    “He says that all the time. It’s one of his
favorites.”
    “Oh.”
    “Am I your enemy Judy?”
    “Well yes. The Wade deal was huge for me and was
going to allow me to grow. You’ve made everything very complicated
and stressful. What really bites my ass, Simon is that he isn’t
good for you. I can’t image why you would deliberately hurt your
company just to keep me in my place.”
    “Is that what you think I’m doing?”
    Simon pulls back and looks Judy squarely in the
eyes.
    “What other reason, Simon. He doesn’t fit your
company. Shockley either.”
    Simon is startled. She guesses that he didn’t know
she knew