Gateway to Paradise

Gateway to Paradise

Oh no, not that sleep-shattering sound. It can’t be 6:30 already! Faith rolled over and fumbled around in the dark to shut the alarm off. That horrific sound that tormented her five days a week. All right! All right! I hear you. She lay in silence, adjusting her eyes. Outside the rain fell and the wind whistled through the thin windowpanes, bringing in an icy chill. She pulled the sheets up close to her neck, snuggling under her comforter to keep warm.

God, I hate winter! She laid thinking about her life, her job, her future, and although she tried to resist, she couldn’t help but drift off again, back into her comfort zone. He took her into his arms, stroked her long golden locks of hair. Slowly he bowed his head and their lips locked in a moment of passion.

Ring, Ring! The phone rang, waking up Faith with a start. Damn! she whispered, Faith are you there? The answering machine began to record. Faith, I have a really busy schedule today; where the hell are you? I need you here like, yesterday!

Oh shit, shit, he’s gonna kill me. That’s three days in a row now that I’ve been late. Jumping out of bed, she headed for the bathroom, stubbing her toe on the foot of the dresser. Ooow, oow! Her toe throbbed, shooting pain up through her body. She broke out in a hot sweat. No time to ponder on the pain, she told herself. Heading to the sink, she splashed some cold water on her face. Toothbrush in one hand, hairbrush in the other–a quick spiff-up is all she had time for.

The phone rang again, Faith, this is Karl; you know, Karl, your boss. You’re late again. She didn’t bother to answer the phone; after all, she knew she was going to be in for a lecture and she wasn’t ready to listen to it right now. Grabbing a black pantsuit and a white chiffon blouse from the closet, she dressed herself as quickly as she could. Thank God for the automatic coffee maker. Sipping her coffee, she searched for her keys and bag. Without any further adieu, she hurried through the rain and jumped into her car. Taking a look in the rear view mirror, she realized she’d forgotten her make up. Yuk, this won’t do. I need something to brighten me up. She dug through her purse, retrieved her blush, and dabbed a little color on her cheeks. The mascara enhanced her blond lashes, and for the finishing touch—some soft pink lipstick. "Umm better, much better, here we go.

Turning the key, she waited for the engine’s familiar sound, but nothing happened. She tried again. Come on baby, don’t do this to me now. She continued twisting the key back and forth in hopes that the engine would start. Nothing except click. You shit piece of a car, why now? What a shit piece of junk rust box! Grabbing her bag, she hustled herself out into the rain. Great! Just great! With one last burst of energy she kicked the car, turned, and made steps in the direction of the office.

The wind blew an icy cold stream of rain into her face. The puddles on the sidewalk soaked her feet. Her small frame couldn’t hold any warmth. Faith was chilled to the bone. At one point she stuck out her thumb, hoping for a ride. Lord, I hate the winter, she mumbled as she stopped at the crosswalk. Before she had a chance to cross, a speeding car plowed through a puddle. She jumped back, but wasn’t quick enough. Dowsed from head to toe with muddy water-this was the last straw. You asshole!! I’ve got your number; you’ll get yours. The morning’s events had started to wear on her, and now with the cold water soaking through, it was impossible to hold back the tears. Oh, smarten up, she whispered to herself, unable to stop her trembling lip, or to clear the lump in her throat. What was wrong with her? She wouldn’t normally let an incident like this bring her to tears. Nevertheless, her emotions had taken over today. Slowly she trudged on, a little sniff here and there, as the warm tears trickled down her cheeks and ran off of her nose. Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off to work I go. That silly song began taking over her thoughts and, although the tears kept coming, she couldn’t help but smile at herself.

"Where the hell is she? Karl Jordan fidgeted around his office, constantly looking at his watch. The phones were ringing incessantly. He felt edgy, excited, and flustered all at the same time. His mind raced with thoughts of the map. This was it, his retirement fund — ‘the BIG one’— the opportunity of a lifetime. The cash that was generated from this sale would set him up for the rest of his days.

Karl Jordan was a businessman. Although he was in his fifties, he looked great. His toned body was the result of the workouts from his weekly squash games. He wore his hair short and immaculately groomed, salt- and- pepper in color, with white at the temples. He was a handsome man. His sexy smile could melt the heart of women everywhere. He had begun working in his father’s business in his late teens and quickly ascended the ranks, becoming an impressive asset to the company. It wasn’t just the business that interested Karl; the pieces of exquisite artwork and ancient artifacts also harnessed his interest. They were priceless pieces, found in all corners of the world. He was a fair man, and had worked hard over the years, but a few misfortunes had befallen him and his sincere heart had begun to harden a little. It could even be safe to say that he had fallen victim to greed in the last few years.

Faith had come to work for Jordan Associates in her late teens, and, although she was rather green in the beginning, as the years passed she proved to be an asset to Karl and to the company. Her happy-go-lucky outlook created balance among the staff and, with her crazy sense of humor, she could add a touch of needed levity to a tense or difficult situation.

Karl had lost his five-year-old daughter to leukemia, and his wife had decided not to have any more children. When Faith came along, they looked upon her as one of their own. They treasured her loyalty and welcomed her into their family with open arms.

Even while Karl was enduring the pain of seeing his wife struggle through cancer, Faith made sure she was available to him. She spent many nights at Kate Jordan’s bedside, holding her hand and sharing stories and memories that made both women smile. Faith certainly was an irreplaceable treasure. So where is she now? Karl wondered. He needed her now! His thoughts were interrupted as the office door swung open and there she stood.

Faith, what the...!

Don’t even ask. I’m having a bad day--a very bad day--. With that she burst into uncontrollable sobs. There she stood–Faith Kristy McShane–shivering, sobbing, her hair a matted mess, with mascara streaks streaming across her cheeks. She volunteered to recall the events of the morning, but it was almost impossible for Karl to make sense out of the blubbering sentences. How could he possibly be mad at her? His anger quickly deflated as he regarded his dripping assistant as she stood longing for some comforting words or even a hug.

Come here, he ordered, reaching out his arms. She fell into them and closed her eyes, sniffing now and again.

Does this mean I’m not going to get that raise you promised me? She looked up sheepishly.

A raise! Girl! You have one hell of a sense of humor. Raising his eyes to the ceiling, he spoke out, Here she is, late for the third day in a row, dripping all over my new rug, and she wants a raise! The tone in Karl’s voice assured her that he had gotten over any anger that might have been there before she arrived. Here, wipe your eyes. He handed her a box of tissues, glancing up at the ceiling as he chuckled to himself, A raise she wants!! After she makes me late for the most lucrative meeting I have had in a very long time, and she wants a raise!

Faith couldn’t help but giggle. Does that mean yes?

Laughing out loud again, he answered, Tell you what, you get me down to that meeting, and I’ll think about that raise. She figured he’d give in. I want you to go home and change your clothes, before you end up with pneumonia and have to take a week off. Come on."

They departed without delay. Here, catch.

You’re gonna let me drive your new car?

Well, seeing as yours is not running, I think it might be an appropriate gesture. I’d hate to see you making your way on foot again. I might never get you back to work! He gave her a wink. She smiled, Oh, thanks, Karl!

For what?

For being so understanding and a great boss.

Yeah! Yeah! he blushed.

It was pretty close to lunchtime, in the middle of a New York workweek. Where’s your meeting? she queried.

It’s at the Hilton Towers at 34th and Main. They stopped at the lights at 33rd Street. I’ll jump out here. It’s only a block away. Before Faith had a chance to speak, Karl had opened the door and was making tracks. Faith rolled down the window and yelled to him, Do you want me to pick you up?

No, I’ll see you later at the office, he called back to her over his shoulder as he waved her on.

Well, I guess today is not a total write-off, she indulged in conversation with herself. I get to drive the boss’s new B.M.W. Sinking back into the plush seat, she took full account of the privilege she’d been given. Let’s have some tunes. It just happened that they were playing one of her favorite songs. Happily, without thought to the morning’s events, she hummed and sang along with the song. Oh we’re going to Barbados, Oh, sunny countries, Barbados, umm. She sighed. How she longed to be in a hot, sunny place right now, filled with sandy beaches, blue ocean, and romantic sunsets. Her imagination took off. Romance. She hadn’t had any of that in a while. Sure, she’d had a few relationships in the past, but nothing that really fulfilled her. It wasn’t that she was looking for perfection. After all, she probably had a few flaws herself-- at least one or two, maybe. But her real knight just hadn’t swept her up yet. Her one true love, her soul mate, her —

HONK!!! HONK!!! A horn sounded off behind her. A man was yelling out of the window and gesturing rudely. Get off the road lady and do us all a favor! You stupid B_____

Oh the B word— She politely smiled and waved as he passed. Have a great day, she yelled out to him. A little sarcasm doesn’t hurt once in awhile. "Come on now, Faith, keep your mind on the traffic", she admonished herself. She pulled up outside her little house. The heavy rain had tapered off. She shivered, Oh I can’t wait to soak in a hot bath. She got out of the car and sprang up the front steps. As she raced to put the key in the lock, the door fell open. Strange, I’m sure I locked it this morning. Umm, maybe I didn’t. I did leave in quite a hurry, she muttered to herself upon entering. Her first few steps brought her into the hallway. Then as she made her way to the kitchen, an eerie feeling filled the air. Something inside her, that little voice warned her. Oh my God!! What on earth!! Flabbergasted at the sight that befell her eyes, she exclaimed, This is unbelievable! She walked slowly around the room stepping over glass and furniture that had been smashed deliberately. Her couch had been slashed open, and all the padding had been scattered around the room; even the carpet had been lifted in places. What’s going on here? Why? She wandered from