Paternity

Karen didn't need the alarm to wake her. She hadn't slept a wink. reached over to turn the alarm off so it didn't wake Charlie. If worrying about facing Walter didn't keep her awake, sleeping with a sprawling man-child splayed out on her bed would do it.She hugged the corner of the bed all night to keep from falling off. When she tried to get Charlie to move over in his sleep, he just moved closer to her thinking she wanted to cuddle.

She took a long shower and picked out Walter's favorite outfit to curry favor. For the first time she left an extra button undone to show a hint of cleavage. This wasn't like her.She had always been shy when it came to her body. But in discovering the joy of sex she also discovered its power. She skipped breakfast. She had no appetite. The stress of today and the sleepless night had left her a bit queasy. She took a sip of coffee and left it on the counter. Charlie wandered sleepily into the kitchen and gave her a quick hug. No hand down her blouse or up her skirt. He winked and said, "I'll see you tonight babe." Her only response was 'wish me luck' and a weak smile.

Traffic was light and she reached the bank early. Pulling into the parking garage she scanned her parking pass to raise the gate, but nothing happened. Frustrated, she didn't know what to do. Until she figured it out she would have to park at the coffee shop across the street. She was still early so after parking she went inside to order a cup of coffee out of habit. Julie was behind the counter as usual and handed her a cup before she could order. "This one's on the house. You don't look so good today. Are you ok?Karen wasn't sure how to respond but Julie was the only person in the world who knew her like a book.

"I'm fine. I just didn't sleep much last night and my parking pass isn't working. Can I leave my car here wile I straigten it out?"

"Sure, no problem."

Normally, Karen would never jaywalk, but the parking problem was on the verge of making her late and she crossed in the middle of the street.In the elevator on the way to the 10th floor she wondered what to tackle first, her parking problem or the fight she had with Walter. She joined a few others on the elevator. There was no conversation, only polite nods. She got off the elevator at the tenth floor and turned right. At the end of the hall was a large glassed-in office. Etched in glass was Walter J. Berman, President. Her desk faced the door and Walter's desk was behind her. Walnut paneling gave him privacy, and no one got in to see him unless they passed by her.

Seated at Karen's desk was a beautiful young woman with strawberry blonde hair and emerald green eyes. Erin, one of the many interns was hoping to be hired fulltime at the end of the summer. Karen couldn't understand why she was sitting at her desk studying yesterday's financial reports. Before dealing with Erin, she headed toward Walter's office. Erin jumped to her feat and nervously said, "Walter isn't here" while handing her a message. Karen took the piece of paper and read 'please come to he Human Resource Office as soon as you get in' signed Mary.

I'm going to HR for a few minutes, Erin, and when I get back, I'm expecting you to be gone. The reports you're working on are my job." Erin flushed with embarrassment but didn't move or say a word.

HR was on the second floor. Karen thought it had something to do with her parking pass.They probably issued her a new one and then she could move her car into the parking garage. After that, she would make sure Erin was gone and hopefully find Walter in his office. They would sort everything out. She had his ring in her purse to return to him. The ring was stunning. She had it appraised to add to her renter's insurance policy and was toldto ensure it for $120,000.00. She never really liked it. It was too large for her hand and people stared at it. When Walter gave it to her she was excited but reality set in once she wore it. Unless she was at work or out with Walter, she kept it at home in her dresser.

Mary greeted her the minute she arrived as if she had been waiting for her. "Come with me, Karen. We need to talk." She followed Mary meekly back to her office. Puzzled, she took a seat while Mary sat at her desk. John Miller, an off-duty police officer supplying security to the bank lobby, hovered at the door.