Prostitutes in Three Piece Suits

(A Sweet Revenge aftermath story)

 

            Madge Cunningham, Vega Lambert, and Natalie Jenkins sat in their break room, eating a snack and discussing their chaotic lives. To a casual observer, ten o’clock was an unusual time to take a break, but to the law clerks employed at Welles, Kelly, and Hodson, time held no meaning. To each of the young women, the lack of sleep was a hazard of their profession. If they were to succeed in one of the most competitive careers in the country, law school wasn’t enough. The drudge work they performed now would earn them brownie points down the road.

            Madge picked up a chip and scooped up a generous helping of cheese dip.  “You know, my mother told me that hard work and perseverance would help me succeed in life, but she never mentioned self defense as being a prerequisite. Of course, she never met anyone like Wandering Welles, either. I swear that man has more hands than an octopus.”

            Natalie nodded emphatically. “You got that right. You have to have better moves than Mohammed Ali to avoid him. He’s a firm believer in letting his fingers do the walking.”

            Vega gulped her diet soda. “Did you hear what he did to Bethany? The poor kid’s only been here for a few weeks and already she’s had to play dodge the dick-head.”

            Madge shook her head. “I haven’t heard. What did he do?”

            “He cornered her in the copy room. Need I say more?”

            Natalie shook her head. “No, you don’t. Damn that man, anyway! I guess I should have warned her, but I didn’t think he’d move that fast. He usually gives the new ones a couple of weeks before he pounces on them. What did she do?”

            Vega arched an eyebrow. “She ran for the hills, what else? She’s only in her second year of law school. She hasn’t had any experience with creeps like Welles. You should have seen her! She was so upset, and was scared to death her husband would find out and make her quit. I don’t have to tell you how hard it is to land a job with the good firms in town. And she’s afraid that if she complains, the other firms will black-ball her.”

            Madge hit the table with her fist. “She shouldn’t have to quit, damn it! Welles is a pervert! This is one of the largest firms in the city. Why should she have to quit because he can’t keep his hands to himself? Besides, I thought he was on his way out. Didn’t he have something to do with that police officer getting shot? I figured he’d be disbarred by now.”

            Vega nodded. “I thought he would, but I heard there were Federal judges involved, too. Maybe the dockets are so full that they haven’t gotten around to him yet.”

            Madge shrugged and started collecting their trash. “I have no idea, but I do know it’s getting late. We all have a job to do, and rehashing this isn’t going to stop good old Johnny from doing what he likes best. I’m going home, and I’ll see you all in the morning.”

             

The next morning, Madge was the first employee in the large suite of offices. Although all the clerks did work for the three main partners, Madge’s favorite was Brian Kelly. The younger lawyer was the second partner in the firm, but he was the most genial and Madge loved working for him. Brian was a handsome man, and had no shortage of female companions. He didn’t need Welles’ underhanded behavior to impress a woman. The two had worked late many nights and Madge was never afraid for her safety or offended by Brian’s behavior.  She sighed. If they would just kick Welles out, this firm would be the perfect place to work. Other companies have hostile takeovers, why can’t this one?

A few minutes later, the other employees started trickling in. Secretaries, receptionists, and general staff all exchanged quiet greetings and smiles. Most of them would never know Welles’ true personality. To them, he was the senior partner, the benevolent head of the firm. Madge didn’t know if he thought the other employees were beneath him, which automatically meant they were off limits, or if he targeted the clerks because they had the most to lose if they complained. Either way, the majority of the people at the firm were blissfully unaware of the monster in their midst.

Shortly before nine o’clock, the monster himself walked into the main lobby. As soon as Madge spotted him, she gathered the documents she was copying and started out the door. Unfortunately, it was too late. As she headed for the safety of Kelly’s office, Welles stepped in front of her.

“Good morning, Madge. I see you’re here bright and early, as usual. If you have time after while, I’d like you to take some dictation for me. My secretary is in the process of moving and won’t be back until Monday morning.”

Madge cursed under her breath while she pasted a smile on her face. “Of course, Mr. Welles, I’ll try to make some time for you this morning. Mr. Kelly wants me to sit in on a deposition this afternoon.”

She tried not to flinch as he patted her shoulder. “Thank you so much. I promise I won’t keep you long. I only have a few letters to dictate.”

As he said good bye and walked toward his office, Natalie Jenkins walked in, and the two crossed paths. Madge bit her lip when she saw what Natalie was wearing. Nat was a beautiful young woman, comfortable with her body. Even the modest suits she wore made her look like a supermodel. Today, she was wearing a simple red skirt with matching jacket, and a button down white blouse. Madge knew without actually seeing that Welles was raking his eyes over Nat’s body. When he passed her, he slapped her on the back side.

Welles laughed as she jumped and rubbed the area reflexively. “Good morning, Natalie. I love your outfit. You look so good in red.”

Madge stood beside Nat as they watched him walk away.

Natalie glared at his back. “Why, you stinking little pervert! One of these days…”

Madge clucked sympathetically. “Don’t let him get to you, Nat. He thinks he’s being cute.”

“Yeah, well, I can think of a dozen names for him, but cute isn’t one of them.”

Madge watched Natalie as she escaped into the safety of Daniel Hodson’s office, shaking her head. If Johnny knew how many enemies he had around here, he wouldn’t be so fast with his hands. One of these days, he’s going to slap the wrong woman’s ass, and then there’ll be Hell to pay.

She shook herself and walked back to Kelly’s office. She let Brian know that Welles needed her for a short time, and assured him that she would be back before it was time to take the deposition. Madge took a deep breath, preparing herself for the upcoming ordeal. Then, with pad and pen in hand, she knocked on Welles’ door.

The attorney was sitting behind his desk, the customary cigarette smoldering in the ash tray beside him. He looked up and smiled silkily at her.

“Thanks again for helping me out, Madge. I know a lot of clerks think dictation is beneath them, but we all have to pull together in this office. If you’ll have a seat, we’ll get right to it.”

Madge wrote the letters he dictated down in her pad, keeping up with his rapid-fire dialogue easily. When she finished the last letter, Welles stubbed out his fifth cigarette and stood up.

“Now, if you can get those to me by the end of the morning, I would appreciate it. Mary already has the envelopes addressed and ready to be mailed.”

“I’ll get them to you before I sit in with Brian. His witness is due here by eleven.”

Welles walked with her to the door then stood with his hand on the door knob.

“You’re a real asset to us, Madge. Tell me, how’s school going? You’ll be graduating soon, won’t you?”

She nodded, trying to be friendly. “Yes, sir. If everything goes right, I’ll be graduating in the fall. Then I can start studying for the bar exam.”

“Well, if you need any help, please don’t hesitate to call. I think you’d be a good addition to the firm.”

He leered at her suggestively as he brushed the front of her jacket. As his hand ran over her breast, he squeezed the cloth.

“I think you’ll find that I can be a big help to your career.”

Madge glared at him. “I don’t want your kind of help, Mr. Welles. And if you ever touch me again, you’ll be in front of a review board before you can light another cigarette.”

Welles laughed sadistically. “And who do you think is going to believe you? I’m the senior partner in this firm. No one is going to take your word over mine, and if you are stupid enough to try something like that, you’ll never work in a law office again. The only complaints you’ll be hearing will be behind the counter in a department store.”

Madge shook her head. “One of these days, you’re going to fall into something your status won’t get you out of. You’re nothing more than a miniature reprobate, and in case you haven’t noticed, you’ve made a whole lot of enemies around here. If I were you, I’d be careful who I mauled.”

“Is that a threat, Madge baby?”

She curled her lip. “No, Johnnie boy, that’s a promise.”

“Oh, gee, I’m shaking in my boots. I just might lie awake all night tonight, worrying about that.” He patted her cheek. “Then again, maybe I won’t. That’s all for now, Madge. Get those letters back to me as soon as possible, OK?”

Madge yanked open the door as he moved away and stalked back to her small office. She was still fuming when Vega walked up to her desk.

“Uh oh, what happened now? Let me guess, you just had another run-in with Welles, right?”

“I hate that rotten little SOB! He thinks he’s invincible because he’s the head of this firm. He’s nothing but a big frog in a little pond. I wish someone would come along and knock him off of his lily pad.”

Vega shrugged. “I don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon. But, we can always hope that whoever shot that police officer will implicate Welles. I wish I could remember the whole story, but I know I saw Johnny’s name in there somewhere.”

“Well, if they need any help, I’d be more than willing. I’d love to see that little pervert in an orange jumpsuit. And just think of all the people he’s defended that got convicted. I’m sure they’d welcome him with open arms.”

Vega laughed with her. “Now, I’d love to be a fly on a wall if that happens. Those cons just might teach him a thing or two about depravity.”

Madge looked down at the papers on her desk and sighed. “Well, we can always dream, can’t we? All I know is, I’m going to get these letters back to him ASAP, and if he touches me again, he’s going to be missing a couple of fingers.”

Vega walked to the door and turned back. “If he touches you again, let me know and I’ll help. I’ll see you later.”

Madge ran her fingers through her hair and put her face in her hands. As she remembered his hand squeezing her breast, she shuddered with revulsion. “Keep your hands off me, you slimy little shyster.”

She finished typing the letters and waited for Welles to leave his office before dropping them on his desk. Whew! I’m glad that’s over. I don’t think I could stand seeing him again today.  With a final shake of her head, she went back to Brian Kelly’s office.

 

Vega sat in the corner of Daniel Hodson’s office and studied the research she’d gathered that morning. Hodson was the corporate lawyer in the firm, so most of his cases dealt with mergers, takeovers and expansions of the local businesses. This was right down Vega’s alley, since she had been studying business law for the past three years. Perry Mason could represent all the innocent people he could find. Vega loved the challenge of helping new businesses start on the road to profitability. Engrossed in her research, Vega didn’t look up when she heard someone enter the room. Then she heard the one voice she despised.

“Oh, Vega, could you get me the research you did on the Banner Loan Company? They seem to have run into a few legal difficulties, and since Daniel is busy with that hostile takeover, I told him I would give him a hand.”

Vega set her reading aside and walked over to the filing cabinets in Daniel Hobson’s office. She took out a thick manila folder and handed it to Welles. She bit her lip as he took the folder, running his fingers over hers in the process.

He looked at the file and shook his head. “This is very large. You must have done a lot of research on the company. I don’t think I’ll have enough time to study the whole file before their court date. I’ll need you to write a brief of the case and get it to me before tomorrow afternoon.”

Vega protested. “There’s no way I can get it written that fast! I’m helping Mr. Hodson with his case, and I already have a brief to do for him and a deposition to type up. Besides, tonight is my anniversary, and my husband is taking me to dinner. I couldn’t possibly get it to you before Monday.”

His eyes narrowed behind his glasses. “That simply won’t do. I’ll have one of the other clerks type the brief for Daniel so you can start right away on this one. If you aren’t finished before you go to your dinner, you can come back and work on it tonight.”

He moved closer to her and touched her sleeve. “I can keep you company, if you’re afraid to be here by yourself.”

Vega took a step back. “No, that’s OK. Most of the other clerks stay late, too, so I won’t be alone. I’ll put the brief on your desk when I’m finished.”

Welles reached out and stroked her hair. “You know, I can be very helpful when it comes time to take the bar exam. Daniel may be the expert on business law, but I’ve dealt with several large companies myself. And when it comes time for you to look for a position, I could write a strong letter of recommendation for you.”

Vega pushed his hand away. “No, thank-you. Mr. Hodson has already offered and his price wouldn’t be nearly as high as the one you would expect.”

Welles scowled at her. “Daniel isn’t the head of this firm. I am. Business law is very competitive. A good reference or a bad one can make or break you. You’d do well to remember that.”

She glared at him. “Is that a threat? What do you think your pals at the Bar Association would say if they heard you? I don’t think they would go against the Labor Board, but you already know all about that, don’t you? How many other clerks have complained about you in the past?”

The attorney sneered at her. “None that are working now, I assure you. Give it up, Vega dear. You’re out of your league. Unless you have a camera and a tape recorder, you won’t be able to prove a thing. But, that’s all right. If you don’t want my help, I’m sure someone will come along that will. I expect to see the complete brief on my desk by ten o’clock tomorrow morning. Oh, enjoy your anniversary dinner, my dear. Daniel takes such good care of his clerks. I’m afraid you won’t be so lucky with your next employer.”

Vega watched him as he walked away. “Kiss my ass, you slimy little creep. Hell will freeze over before I crawl into bed with you.”

 

Bethany Rawlings sat in the corner of the company break room, eating her lunch. She sat with her back to the wall and watched everyone coming and going into the room. The small room had three tables, a refrigerator and a small, one burner hot plate. If you wanted a break from the relentless energy of the firm, this small oasis was the place to go, especially if you ate your lunch between the hours of one and two. Most clerks grabbed a quick bite while their bosses were doing power lunches at the posh restaurants down the street. This is where they gathered to exchange information on the myriad cases that flowed through the firm, and to vent about the never-ending drudge work that was heaped on their shoulders. The mantra of “we’ll be happy we did this when we graduate” echoed in the room all hours of the day. Let the senior partners have their three martini lunches. The break room belonged to the peons.

Bethany ate her deli ham sandwich, exchanged office gossip with the other clerks, and then cleaned up after herself when her thirty minutes were over. She was washing her hands in the small sink when she heard the door close behind her. She wore a welcoming smile as she turned around, but the smile quickly disappeared when she saw who had entered the room. She tried to hide her discomfort as she backed against the sink. The horrible experience she’d suffered just two nights ago came crashing back when she saw the smirk on Jonathan Welles’ face.

“Good afternoon, Beth. You’re looking especially lovely today. Did you enjoy your lunch? I’m afraid I spent mine at my desk, trying to put a defense together for a very naughty client.”

Bethany dried her hands on a paper towel and walked toward the door. She stopped as he blocked her path.

“I have to get back to work now.”

Welles smiled coyly. “What’s your hurry? My illustrious partners are still wining and dining their clients. They won’t be back for another hour at least.”

“I have some work to finish for Mr. Kelly. He needs it as soon as he gets back.”

She took a step to the side, but he moved with her. “You’re not still angry about the other night, are you? I assure you, I meant no harm. You’re a beautiful young lady and I’m afraid my poor lonely heart couldn’t resist your siren song.”

Bethany stood her ground. “I’m married, Mr. Welles. I told you that the first time we met. I’m not interested in anything but a professional relationship. I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your hands to yourself in the future.”

He held his hands up, wiggling his fingers. “My hands are right here, Beth. I swear they won’t touch you, unless you want them to. I can be a very powerful ally, my dear. I can introduce you to people that will accelerate your career immeasurably.”

Against her better judgment, Bethany couldn’t resist asking, “Who?”

Welles leered at her and took a step closer, motioning with his hands. “I could introduce you to Mr. Woody.”

“Who? Oh, my God!”

Bethany recoiled when her eyes followed his hands. The zipper on his tailored slacks was open, and he was holding himself in one hand. When she saw his erection, something inside her snapped.

“You know, if that was all I had, I don’t think I’d be so quick to pull it out.” Her eyes flashed as she descended on him. “Now you listen to me, you disgusting little pervert! I am here to work, not to be the target of your misguided seductions. I haven’t buried my nose in books every waking minute for the past two years just to be ran off by your pathetic fascination with your own body parts. From now on, you will treat me with the respect I deserve, or I will personally see to it that you lose something very near and dear to you. Do I make myself clear?”

Welles flushed with anger. “Who do you think you are, you little bitch? I started this firm with only a couple of clients and made it into what it is today. I’ve made a name for myself in this city and I’ve made some very powerful and influential friends. If you so much as whisper the hint of a complaint, you’ll find yourself not only out of a job, but out of a career as well.”

Bethany arched an eyebrow. “Is that so? You’re not the only one in this firm that has contacts, Welles. And the type of friends your kind makes have been known to turn on weasels like you at the first sign of trouble. In fact, you’re in a bit of hot water now, aren’t you? I’d think you’d want to keep a low profile right now. A sexual harassment law suit should be the last thing that you’d want. So, why don’t you go crawl back under a rock and leave me alone?”

Welles sputtered and cursed under his breath as she towered over him in defiance. Mustering the last vestiges of his dignity, he put his deflated penis back in his pants and zipped them up then stalked out of the room. He turned back and pointed a finger at her.

“This isn’t over, bitch. Bet on it.”

 

Later that evening, Vega, Nat and Madge goggled at Bethany as she recounted her confrontation with Welles. The three law clerks laughed so hard they cried.

Madge wiped the tears from her eyes and shook her head in amazement. “I’ve got to hand it to you, Beth. As much as I hate that little weasel, I wouldn’t have had the guts to stand up to him like that. Girl, it’s a shame that you didn’t have a video camera with you! I’d pay to see the look on his face when you knocked him off his pedestal.”

Bethany shook her head. “I really didn’t mean to attack him like that. I was furious that he would proposition me right in the middle of the break room, so I said the first thing that came into my mind. I guess I might as well pack my things. He’s not going to forget what I said to him, or let it go. If I want to stay in law school, I’ll have to transfer to Antarctica, and even that might be too close to Bay City.”

Vega laid her hand on Bethany’s arm. “Don’t let him scare you away, kid. You did the right thing. He’s been preying on us long enough. It’s time someone put a stop to it. If he tries anything, let us know and we’ll go to the Labor Board with you. Welles is nothing but a slut in a designer suit. He’s not above the law, even if he thinks he is.”

“Thanks, Vega, but I don’t want to take any of you down with me. I got myself into this and I’ll get myself out.” She stood up and rubbed her hand over her eyes. “I can feel a killer migraine coming on, so if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go home now. Thank God Richie is out of town. He can read me like a book and if I told him what happened, he’d be at Welles doorstep before sun up. A whole platoon of body guards couldn’t keep him from tearing that little weasel apart.”

Madge stood up and put her arm around Beth’s shoulders. “Try not to worry, honey. These things have a way of working themselves out. Welles might not be the threat you think he is. I have a feeling that everything will work out real soon.”

Bethany smiled wistfully. “I hope so, Madge. Despite Welles, I was really starting to like it here.”

The three older women walked down to the lobby with her. Madge gave her a hug.

“Go home and get some sleep, Beth. All this will look better in the morning.”

 

On Monday morning, Mary Peterson walked through the large lobby and took the elevator to Jonathan Welles’ office. The past four days had been long ones. Mary had been on the list for a rent controlled apartment for over two years, so when the call finally came that one was vacant, she’d called Welles and begged for the rest of the week off. She’d thrown her belongings in plastic bags and card board boxes and made countless trips to her new home. The small apartment was still in a shambles, but at least every thing was moved. Now it was Monday morning, and though she longed to be home, organizing her kitchen and unpacking the rest of her things, it was time to get back to work. Mr. Welles had been kind enough to muddle through a week without her. To pay him back for his kindness, Mary came into work two hours early, planning to get everything organized and filed away before her boss came in at nine.

The lobby was still empty, so she went up to her desk and started right to work. By nine o’clock, the correspondence that had accumulated in her absence was stacked and waiting for his perusal and a fresh pot of coffee simmered in the pot. After finishing her own cup of coffee, Mary gathered the mail and walked into his office. She blinked when she saw him sitting in his chair. At first glance, she thought he was asleep. Oh, you poor man! What did you do, work all night long? You are much too dedicated.

The dim lighting in the room made him look like a little boy sitting behind his daddy’s desk. She didn’t want to wake him up, so she left the lights down low as she walked toward him, her heels sinking down into the rich carpet. As she got closer, she frowned. Something about the way he was sitting just didn’t look right. He’s going to have a stiff neck when he wakes up. Why didn’t he recline the chair? His mouth is open but he’s not snoring, and why didn’t he take his glasses off? He must have been exhausted! The light from the bar reflected wetness on his shirt, but she didn’t want to turn the overhead lights on to see what it was. She walked up to the desk to get a good look and gasped when she realized what it was. Oh, my God, it’s blood! Did he hurt himself? Still more concerned than frightened, she leaned over the desk and flipped the small switch that turned the main lights on. When she saw the gaping wound under his chin, she dropped the mail and screamed.

 

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