Round the Clock by Dara Girard Read Free Book Online Page A

have complete custody of the kids.”
    Anna Marie sighed. She recalled the numerous times Nancy would complain about her short-tempered ex-husband. Dave was emotionally abusive and her heart ached to think what the kids would endure if their circumstances changed. “I’ll be right there.” She reluctantly turned off her cell phone and returned it to her handbag. She went back inside and walked up to the receptionist, a bright-faced young woman with intricately braided hair. “I need to reschedule.”
    “What’s your name, please?”
    “Anna Marie Williams.”
    The receptionist turned to her computer and typed in her name, then frowned. “You’re a card member.”
    “A what?”
    The young lady lowered her voice and leaned forward. “A member of the society.”
    “Yes.”
    She shook her head. “Then you don’t want to do that.”
    “Do what?”
    “Reschedule.”
    “But I have to and what does being a card member have to do with anything?”
    “It has to do with everything. I wish I could be amember. You wouldn’t believe the treatment members get here. I suggest you keep your appointment.” She returned to her magazine.
    Anna Marie tugged on the strap of her handbag. “I can’t. It’s an emergency.”
    “Has someone died?”
    “No.”
    “Is someone going to?”
    “No.”
    “Then it’s not an emergency.” The young lady nodded in the direction of the waiting area. “You’ll be seen shortly.”
    Anna Marie felt her patience thinning. “I can’t be seen today because I have to go.”
    “You’re making a big mistake. Rania is not going to be happy about this.”
    “Tell her I’m really sorry, but I’ll see her next time.”
    “If there is a next time,” the young woman muttered. She looked at her monitor, typed something then said, “I can schedule you for this Thursday.”
    “Thank you for your help,” Anna Marie said, then hurried out the door.
    The receptionist watched her go, then picked up the phone. “Rania, you may have a problem.”
     
     
    Anna Marie was glad Nancy had called when she did. Anna Marie knew people of influence and would use those contacts. She phoned someone who worked in Mrs. Watson’s office who had a friend who managed the entire department’s computer system and database. This individual was able to intercept and delete the report, before Mrs. Watson saw it.
    By early afternoon, everything was done and Anna Marie met Nancy across the street from her old office building. Nancy handed Anna Marie the report then took her to an empty office in another division where Anna Marie could work out of the sight of the Cobra. Anna Marie promptly began working on the report. The due date, when it was supposed to have been sent to the Management and Accounting Office, had passed, and the division chief would be calling the Cobra to find out where it was.
    Within minutes, Anna Marie discovered that the problem was worse then she’d expected and she knew she needed at least three days to troubleshoot. She hated having to reschedule her salon appointment again, but knew she had no choice. By the end of the week, everything was in order and she gave Nancy the report, which she had delivered right away. Anna Marie brushed aside Nancy’s thanks and offer of a girls’ night out. All she wanted to do was go home.
    The moment Anna Marie reached her motel she fed Nika, then fell on the bed, ready to fall asleep. Suddenly, someone pounded on her door.
    Anna Marie reluctantly dragged herself to the door and glanced through the peephole, but she couldn’t see clearly.
    “Who is it?”
    “A delivery for Anna Marie Williams.”
    Curious, she opened the door and saw a woman standing there. The woman had a thick braid down her back and wore a fitted suit, looking as though she were a model. However, her expression resembled a drill sergeant. “Are you Anna Marie Williams?”
    “Yes.”
    “My name is Sonia Hernandez and you’re in serious trouble.”

Chapter 6
     
     
    A nna