Too Close to Touch Read Online Free Page B

her Þ rst day. A quick glance around the room told her that her boxes still had not arrived. She growled under her breath. Having some of her personal ofÞ ce items would go a long way in helping her to settle in.
    “Kylie?” she called. “Any news on my stuff?”
    After a brief silence, the phone on her desk beeped. “You know,”
    her EAA’s voice dulcetly conÞ ded, “this thing on your desk is called a phone and it actually has an intercom that you can use to call me.”
    Gretchen laughed before she could catch herself. “Are you saying you don’t like me hollering to you from in here?”
    “I’m not saying that at all.” The playful grin was apparent in Kylie’s voice. “I’m just sharing information.”
    • 26 •
    TOO CLOSE TO TOUCH
    “I appreciate that. Any information to share on my boxes?”
    “According to UPS, three boxes were delivered here on Thursday.”
    “Thursday? Then where the hell are they?”
    “That’s the big question. I’ve got a call in to the shipping department right now. They’re looking.”
    “God damn it.”
    Gretchen rang off the intercom and riß ed through her drawers until she came up with the Emerson Company Directory. She had experience dealing with more than one shipping department in more than one corporation and was inclined to believe that more often than not, they were staffed by idiots. She ß ipped through the directory until she found what she was looking for. Shipping Manager: Michelle Ramsey .
    “Okay, Ms. Ramsey,” she muttered as she dialed. “Where the hell is my shit?”
    The phone was picked up after the second ring. “Shipping.”
    “Michelle Ramsey, please.”
    “Hang on. I’ll see if she’s still here.” The phone was mufß ed and Gretchen could hear muted voices. Then it was picked up again.
    “Ramsey.” The woman’s voice was strong, conÞ dent.
    “Ms. Ramsey, this is Gretchen Kaiser up on the fourth ß oor.”
    Gretchen kept her voice stern, making it very apparent who the boss in this conversation was. “I had some boxes shipped here from downstate and UPS says they were delivered on Thursday. It’s Monday and I have yet to see them. Can you help me with that?”
    “I believe your EAA has already called about them, am I right?”
    Michelle’s tone was just as tight as Gretchen’s.
    “You are. Unfortunately, your department hasn’t given her any answers and I’d like to get some. Now, please.”
    There was a slight pause. Then Michelle Ramsey spoke, her voice coated with artiÞ cial sweetener. “Well, Ms. Kaiser, I believe it was noted that your boxes were of a… personal nature. Therefore, they were set aside last week to get them out of the way, as we had a large shipment of business equipment delivered on the same day. Since shipments related to business are what my people are paid to handle, I had to prioritize. I’m sure you can understand.”
    Gretchen ground her teeth at the patronizing tone. She spoke slowly, as if dealing with a small child. “That was three days ago, Ms.
    • 27 •
    GEORGIA BEERS
    Ramsey. One day, I can deal with. Two days begins to piss me off. But three days teeters on the edge of incompetence. Do you think you could have one of your people get them up here before I retire?”
    There was enough of a pause this time to let Gretchen know that Michelle Ramsey might also be grinding her teeth, and she felt a tingle of satisfaction at the knowledge. “I’m very sorry, but my people are off the clock at four.”
    Gretchen let out a slow, annoyed breath. “I see my department isn’t the only one that needs cleaning up. I can be sure to mention that to Margo Wheeler during our next meeting.”
    There was another short silence. This time, it was blatant that Michelle wanted to come through the phone at her. Her voice was clipped and dripping with feigned cheerfulness. “Not to worry, Ms.
    Kaiser. I’d be happy to bring your boxes up myself.”
    “I’ll expect to see them before I leave