Chapter 17

Diane's POV

"Good afternoon gentlemen. Could I ask what is going on here?" shutting my door with a snap whilst staring straight at the men who were causing all the ruckus and wondering what on earth they were doing here.

"Hello Diane. Long time no see"

Collins said gravely. He had aged since the last time I had seen him and looked worn out. Don't get me wrong he looked as handsome as ever, but one can see he held an exhausted look on his face. I guess that is to be expected when you are running an empire singlehandedly.

"Why are you disturbing my peace? And the peace of my office Mr. Dwight" I asked with my eyebrows raised and my arms across my chest. I loved getting straight to the point.

"I wanted to talk to you" he said simply.

"Really?"

"Yes" he paused for a minute, almost studying me. I would have been unnerved and uncomfortable if I wasn't so used to this. In the business world everyone wants to know your angle.

"How are you?" he softly asked me.

"Very well. Now, I know you didn't travel all the way here to ask about my health. So please spare me all the pleasantries and get to the point" I said pointedly. The faster I got him talking the faster he leaves.

"These Neanderthals over here won't accept the fact that your busy and can't see anybody without an appointment" Delores screeched. Boy was she mad.

I shook my head trying to contemplate who in their right mind would go against Delores's commands? Well not me. I didn't have a dead wish.

"I see. Well Mr Dwight, as you have heard my assistant, I am booked and I am busy. So if you and your friends can leave I'll be much obliged" signaling with my head the door.

"Diane it is with the up most importance that I speak with you" he quickly spoke, taking a couple of steps to me.

I had to remember that this was Collins. Years might have gone by but that didn't mean the man was any different. What Collins wants Collins get. Sighing I rolled my neck. I really needed a massage. "How about I meet you in an hour and a half"

He looked taken aback and had a look of surprise on his face before it was quickly replaced with a blank look. But I still saw it. Probably thought he would have to wrestle me all day to get me to agree.

Well mission accomplished, I had succeeded in getting him all frazzled up and confused. I found out its the best and most effective way to really know someone's motive and truth.

Hopefully this will work.

"Okay how about at 4 at my office" handing me a card with his company's name and address embossed on it.

"Sounds good" accepting the card.

"Mr. Dwight, could I ask the reason for this meeting?"

He glanced around the room "Let's say I would like to work with you very closely"

Well if that is not cryptic. But oh very well. But I kept my feelings to myself and just nodded my head. He finally left my building.

"The nerve of that man! Walking in here like he owns everything. I was ready to send his pretty little face to the ICU"

Delores huffed.

"She really was. I had to really hold her back cause I thought she was going to start swinging" Blaine said reenacting him trying to hold Delores back from performing bodily home.

"Thank goodness that I came out as soon as I did then. Any later and I would be heading downtown to bail you out" I lightly teased Delores.

"Oh hush you" she scolded me even though there was laughter in her eyes. That was the Delores we all knew and love. She was the only one who could threaten to kill someone and the next minute be the sweetest thing since apple pie.

"Who is that man? From the way you and him were talking it seems you guys know each other" Katya asked me curiously.

"Just someone from my past" I replied with a smile on my face. Though it was anything but simple.

"A good someone or a bad someone?" Blaine asked.

"Okay everybody back to work. Those fools have wasted enough of our time" Delores said clapping her hands and ordering everyone back to her. Thankfully no one complained or grumbled, we all knew Delores was taskmaster.

I could kiss her. She saved from having to answer that

question. I enjoyed a good relationship with my staff which sometimes bordered on personal more than professional.

However, I did not enjoy having to talk about my past. I was bot ashamed of where I have come from. Bit something's I preferred to keep to myself.

I gave everyone a smile and headed back to my office. This day just keeps on getting more and more interesting. I sat in my chair meditating on what Collins could possibly want. I had a feeling of what he wanted but it made no sense. Why now? I mean after more then a decade he decides to show up now? After a good ten minutes I picked up my receiver.

Two hours later I was walking into Dwights and Co Inc head office. It was big, expensive and over the top for my taste but nevertheless. People were busy working but a couple of people stopped to glance at us. And by people I mean men. I could almost laugh.

Before I could give our names to the secretary and other necessary information like who were here to see, she literally jumped to her feet and almost tripped over her feet to usher us to an elevator and pressed the button before stepping back out.

Well that was very weird. We both exchanged weird looks with each other but said nothing as the elevator took us to the 20th floor. Stepping out, I immediately made out the man I was here to see. He was standing next to the desk of a woman who guess is his personal secretary.

"Diane" he called to me with a huge smile on his handsome face. would assume that he thought I wouldn't show.

He looked pleased. And standing by him was an older version of Collins and Mr. Eric Timmons and another man I didn't recognize holding a couple of files and folders.

Well, this was quite a party I thought to myself. But why was I surprised, the Collins I remembered always used any tactics to get what he wants no matter how underhanded and dirty they may be. Nevertheless, I shook his outstretched hand. Only then did he notice another person with me.

"I'm sorry who is this?" he asked as he reached to shake her hand. He looked confused. And I gotta admit I was pleased about that.

"Oh this is a close family friend and my lawyer, Nina" I said introducing Tina with a smile.

All the men looked taken aback. I have a feeling that they were counting on me being alone and not expecting me to bring anyone let alone a lawyer. Uh, excuse me men, if I am going hunting I'm bringing a knife.

"Nina Jimmison?" the man next to them asked looking long and hard at her.

"Yes" she answered lightly. It is always humbling to see that Tina's reputation always preceded her. It made my job easier sometimes.

"As in the lawyer Nina Jimmison of Lockhart and Fowler?" he asked again.

"Yes" she said with a smirk. I think we have an advantage. Whatever they wanted or needed just became a real challenge when they found out that I had one of the best lawyers in the country.

He started to shake his head. I wonder what was wrong with him?

They looked at one another uneasily.

"Is there a problem gentlemen? I was under the impression that you wanted to work together so I just thought to bring my lawyer along" I couldn't help myself to say.

"No no it's fine. Shall we head in?"

"Yes. Let's get this show on the road" I replied as I followed the men to the conference room.

"Make sure no one disturbs us" he threatened to his secretary who nodded eagerly and meekly. I don't envy the woman working for Collins. I hope what they are paying her is worth it.