Scandalous Heroes Box Set Read Online Free PDF Page A

one.”
    “I’m only two years younger than you,” Kyra corrected her.
    “My point is you’re talented. So I’m going to do you a favor and give you some advice – don’t go.”
    “What?”
    Bette sat forward. “Tate is desperate. Things are changing and he has no influence or say in the direction of the business anymore. I don’t care what he’s promised you, he’s done. Five years ago when Mirabella and Fabiana were here Tate had the run of things. They trusted him and ignored his bullshit. Since Fabiana’s death the run of this business has been under Giovanni Battaglia. You do know who he is?”
    Kyra shook her head no. Bette sighed as if her ignorance was aggravating. “The Battaglias are cleaning house. That means Tate’s out. Now…” Bette spun her chair around and looked out of the window. “The rest of us could be too.”
    “But he said, well he made it seem like he was negotiating.”
    Bette laughed. “The Battaglias aren’t people to negotiate with. Spying on any conversation or doing Tate’s dirty work is dangerous.” Bette turned her chair to level her eyes on Kyra over the top rim of her glasses. “Do you understand?”
    “No. Actually I don’t. It’s a business dinner. Not a Mafia sit down,” Kyra chuckled.
    Bette turned her chair back around. “I remember this company when Mirabella was here. It’s not the same. Take your talent out there and beat the pavement. Make it happen for yourself. But don’t pursue it here. And if you’re dumb enough to ignore my warning, be careful tonight.”
    Kyra’s confidence wavered. “Okay, I will.” She stood. “I have to catch my train. Thanks for the warning, Bette.”
    Bette nodded. Kyra felt like there was something more she wanted to say. Kyra waited a bit and then turned for the door. Into her mind crept another thought. She glanced back at Bette who continued to stare directly at her. What if Bette didn’t mean her well? What if she was trying to stop her from being anything more than just the secretary? She and Bette weren’t too far apart in age, and if Kyra had gone on to be the surgeon her parents dreamed she’d be, she’d be equally accomplished. Bette stared her in the eyes with an unwavering look. Kyra forced a smile. “See you tonight?”
    “See you tonight,” Bette replied without a hint of enthusiasm.
    She left Bette’s office with a deep sigh. The New York fashion scene was ambitious and ruthless. The warning did rattle Kyra, but not because of the Battaglias’ rumored Mafia connection. The warning unnerved her because every face she passed had that tight congested look of fear. All of their jobs were on the line if the company was moving. It would be survival of the fittest until the very end.
    Kyra walked fast back to her receptionist cubicle. She had plenty to do. Quickly she gathered her things. She nearly forgot her coat as she rushed out to the elevator. She put it on and beat a fast walk to the train. On the ride out to the Bronx she held her dress in her arms and tried to hide her smile. Tonight was her night. She could feel it.
    ***
    “You better work it, girl!” Jamie snapped her fingers. “Now give me a twirl, honey. Do it, do it, baby! Unh huh, that’s right!” she said with the clap of her hands like a choreographer.
    Kyra spun out twice. The material of the dress literally flowed like silk around her thighs.
    “No ma’am! I’m not having that shit! Give me a real spin!” Jamie demanded with a drill sergeant clap.
    Kyra did as Jamie said and spun out like wonder woman. Her arms extended and her head dropped back. She gave it her all.
    Jamie cheered. “Faaaaab-u-lisssssh!”
    Kyra laughed. She wheezed and bumped the wall with her hands to her head. Slowly the room stopped spinning. “Jamie, you’re crazy girl!”
    “Me? You can’t stroll up in here with a Mirabella original and not put it to work, honey!” Jamie snapped her fingers.
    The laughter felt as if it would never end. Kyra