Vicious Cycle

Vicious Cycle

By Chris Chase

Copyright 2012 Chris Chase

Smashwords Edition

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This book is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to any persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is strictly coincidental. The characters are fictitious creations of the author.

Chapter One

Ryan Wagner beckoned for the waiter to bring him another scotch, but through the crowd of over four hundred people, his effort went unnoticed. He turned his attention back to the conversation with his closest friend and mentor.

Jack, these parties get bigger and bigger every year. He looked around and noticed the people he knew, but more concerning, the people he didn’t recognize.

Everyone wants to see your latest creation.

I don’t know, Jack. There’s a lot of people here I’ve never seen before. Ryan tried to get the attention of another waiter, but again without success.

You’ve haven’t been out on your own for that long, Ryan. There are a few new faces in the business. But you can be sure they’ve all heard of you. Jack Williams threw back the last of his drink and placed it inconspicuously on the upheld tray of a passing waiter. Here, let me get us another. Jack said as he took the empty glass from Ryan’s grip.

The convention room of the Marriott was filled nearly to capacity for the annual gala. Globe lights around the perimeter of the room offered soft lighting, the brighter overhead lights would not be turned up until the formal speeches began. The waiters were the only people that actually stood out in the crowd, their white uniforms contrasting with the black formal suits of the guests; tuxedos and formal gowns moving around the room like chess pieces, strategically jostling for social position. Ryan tugged at his bowtie gently. Was it getting hotter in the room? Ryan could feel beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he looked over the large crowd. He wiped his brow discreetly without attracting any attention to himself.

The Architect’s Association doesn’t do anything without flair, and this annual gala attracts some of the biggest names in the business. Tonight, Ryan was especially nervous. This would be the first time he would be nominated for an award since he left the firm of Preston & Williams and started his own practice, over a year ago. Ryan didn’t really even want to submit for the award this year, but his wife, Kate, practically insisted. He had won the award so many times now, it almost lost meaning for him, but he realized that such a prestigious honour was the best recognition that even money couldn’t buy.

While employed with Preston & Williams, he knew there had been several clients that might not have signed, had it not been for what Ryan thought was the shameless promotion his name by the firm. It used to make him feel important, almost gifted, but now, he realized that it was not a gift, simply hard work. He remembered how it felt to win his first award, and even the second and third. After that, it was just expected of him, and he did not appreciate the pressure.

Since Ryan struck out on his own, he felt he had to re-establish his name so that he could stand on his own credentials. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy working for Phil Preston and Jack Williams; he just wanted to prove his worth to himself, and, make his fortune. The latter element had still not materialized.

People approached Ryan, as he stood alone, extending their hands, as if they felt it was a privilege to touch him. He politely smiled and offered his hand, not always sure who he had just met. He was certain he must have been greeted by everyone in the room, and wondered if there could possibly be any man he hadn’t shaken hands with, or lady he hadn’t cordially kissed on the cheek. He looked in the direction of the bar to see if Jack was returning with another drink, but it was almost impossible to distinguish one man in a tux from another. It looked like a social gathering of penguins; thought Ryan.

Though he was a regular attendant at the Association’s formal events, he was never comfortable in his formal attire. The increased pressure for him to win the award this year, and his dislike of pomp and ceremony made him realize how much he would like nothing more than to go back to his office and continue working. Again, Ryan looked toward the bar and could see Jack’s snowy hair. He grinned to himself, thinking how sensitive his friend was about his aging appearance. Jack was not aging gracefully, but rather fighting it every step of the way, but to no avail. At fifty-six years old, he was only twenty years Ryan’s senior, but he presented himself as a much older man. Ryan knew from experience that Jack earned every one of those white hairs; theirs was a business that was anything but stress free.

Ryan? A familiar voice made Ryan turn around. Ryan Wagner, it is you! A tall, thin man was walking toward him, again, with his hand extended. Ryan groaned internally, but reciprocated the gesture.

The last person Ryan wanted to be seen talking to was Dan Logan. They had worked together at Preston & Williams, but it wasn’t an amiable relationship. A few years back, Jack Williams had been personally working with a potential client, and the contract worth several million dollars was almost a done deal, when Dan tendered his resignation. Mysteriously, the client signed with the new firm Dan had joined. The Association investigated the incident, but could prove nothing unethical had transpired, but everyone knew that Dan had been playing two hands.

I thought it was you, but I wasn’t sure. You’re looking good! said Dan, jokingly punching Ryan’s shoulder. Please tell me you didn’t submit an entry this year!

Actually, I did. Ryan said with a false, but convincing air of confidence.

Christ! Dan cried with a grin on his face, This was supposed to be my year. Ryan smiled and gloated to himself. He didn’t care if won the award or not, just as long as Dan Logan didn’t. I thought since you put up your own shingle, you might not have the time to be here tonight!

I’m sure you have as good a chance of winning as anyone. Ryan hoped his sarcasm wasn’t too obvious.

Not if the ‘great’ Ryan Wagner is in the running. Dan replied sincerely.

And who is this beautiful woman? Ryan gestured to a slim blonde that was rushing up to them. She was dazzling, wearing a low cut dress that came down just above her knee. She had a petite frame, and a face that looked sweet and innocent. Her short blonde hair shimmered when the light fell on it. Ryan wondered how a slimy guy like Dan could attract this beauty.

I thought I’d lost you. Said the woman as she clung to Dan’s arm.

Baby, this is the guy, this is Ryan Wagner. It sounded as though he believed his association with Ryan was a feather in his own cap. Anna Fletcher, my fiancé.

The young woman now focused on Ryan with obvious awe. An honour to meet you, Mr. Wagner. said Anna. Dan has told me so much about you. Ryan took her hand and kissed her cheek.

The honour is surely mine. Anna, get away from this guy as fast as you can, he thought to himself.

Ryan and I graduated from high school together, Dan said to his fiancé, oh, what, almost twenty years ago now? Ryan looked in vain for Jack, or more urgently, the scotch.

Go Wildcats. Ryan muttered.

Yeah, we went to different universities, but we ended up in the same place.

Sort of.

Well, of course, Ryan is a genius compared to me. Dan openly whispered to Anna. Ryan couldn’t have agreed more. Not because he believed himself a genius, more that he had such little respect for Dan.

In fact, we used to work together. Again, Dan seemed to gloat.

I wouldn’t say ‘together’. There was frost in Ryan’s tone. The smile faded from Dan’s face.

You’re not still upset about that nasty incident, are you? Dan resumed his jovial attitude. That was just business.

Business? Ryan raised his eyebrows.

Just then, Jack came up behind Ryan and brushed his arm with a new glass of scotch. Ryan took the drink from his friend with noticeable eagerness.

Mr. Logan. How ever did you get in here? Jack wasn’t smiling. It could only be as a guest of this pretty young lady. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. Dan wasn’t quite sure how to reply. He nervously turned to his fiancé, and introduced her.

I’m still a member of this Association. Dan stammered.

Well, Anna, said Jack, a little advice from an old timer. Get away from this worm as fast as you can. You’ll thank me later. Jack winked at Anna, who wasn’t sure if he was serious or not. Ryan suppressed a grin.

Dan turned back to Ryan, noticeably intimidated by Jack’s presence. So Ryan, I hear you got married since I left the firm. Congratulations! He stumbled over the words. Anyone I know?

Kate. Ryan answered curtly.

Kate Randall?

Kate Wagner now. Ryan beamed as he raised his hand to display his wedding band. As he did this, a beautiful woman with long, straight, brunette hair was walking toward the group. With her short, black skirt, white blouse, and curves in all the right places, she was easily the most gorgeous woman at the gala. At least Ryan thought so. His eyes sparkled as he watched her come up to his side, kiss him quickly, and turn to the others.

As beautiful as I’ve ever seen you, Kate. Jack took her hand and kissed it softly. Ryan smiled.

You remember Kate, don’t you? Dan looked from Kate to Ryan, and back to Kate again. The envy on Dan’s face was evident; Anna noticed as well.

Kate? Dan wasn’t aware that his jaw dropped slightly. He hadn’t seen Kate Randall since his senior year in high school, when she was the dream of every guy in his graduating class. No one he ever knew even got so much as a date with the gorgeous daughter of the former police chief, mostly because every teenage boy feared her father. Now, here she was, and twice as beautiful as he remembered. He and Ryan used to dare each other to ask her out on a date; neither of them ever raised the courage during their high school years. Dan looked back to Ryan with disbelief.

His fiancé interrupted before any conversation could begin. Hello Kate, I’m Dan’s fiancé, Anna.

Happy to meet you. Kate said warmly. She shook her hand. Hello Dan. She turned back to her husband. Ryan, we should get to our table. She tapped the face of her watch.

Sure. Answered Ryan. Nice to see you again, Dan. Good luck tonight. He pointed a finger in his direction and winked.

Yeah. Dan replied slowly, still starring at Kate. You too. Dan failed to notice the scowl on Anna’s face while she took his arm and led him away.

You keep in touch with him? Jack asked, almost disappointed.

Not a chance! Ryan shot back with raised eyebrows. I haven’t seen him since he left the firm.

Bastard should be run out of town! Jack brought his glass to his lips.

Ryan grinned. I’ll drink to that!

Kate seemed anxious to be seated, and she led her husband by the arm through the crowd toward their appointed dinner table. Jack followed close behind, but was accosted by several people, and was quickly absorbed in conversation.

Kate smiled politely at people as she and Ryan passed through the little groups of people standing together in their own conversations. Ryan felt like a pinball being dragged through an obstacle course, and as he followed Kate, it seemed that people starred at him as if he was some kind of attraction. He felt uneasy with himself, and avoided making eye contact. When they finally reached their seats, Ryan sat down quickly to escape the attention.

We still have twenty minutes. Ryan said. Why are you in such a rush to be seated?

Don’t you want to see your competition? Kate gestured toward the front of the ballroom. A slide show of photographs of all the entries for the upcoming awards banquet was being projected onto a large, white screen.

Not really. Ryan felt something leap in his stomach.

Ryan! Kate’s voice was playfully surprised. You must be a little excited, aren’t you? Ryan was watching the screen. Pictures of glamorous homes were flashing across the screen. Kate straightened in her chair and clenched her husband’s hand in anticipation. Ryan could feel himself shrinking in his chair.

No way that house will win. Kate offered her opinion of the current slide on the screen.

I don’t know Kate, it’s impressive.

Picture after picture appeared on the screen, and then the home that Ryan designed was displayed for all to see. It was a massive example of colonial architecture with all of the intricate details that turn a large, boring house into a glowing example of a home. The stone façade was so meticulously designed; it was unlike anything of its kind. Every elaborate detail had been laboured over by the architect, and it showed. The client specifically sought out Ryan. It was his first design after starting his own practice, and the commission and generous bonus from the appreciative client went a long way to kick starting Ryan’s solo career.

Kate silently clapped her hands together and kissed Ryan on the cheek. Ryan couldn’t even bring himself to look at the screen. He didn’t have to anyway; he knew every detail of the home he had designed. He turned in his chair to survey the crowd. He noticed many people facing the front of the room, their heads turned slightly upward to view the presentation. A few caught his attention and they gave him a ‘thumbs up’. He smiled politely and turned around again. Ryan put his hand over his forehead and rubbed his eyebrows. His sigh distracted Kate from the screen.

I don’t know why you’re so nervous, this is a very prestigious award. Even to be nominated is an honour. Kate tried to lift Ryan’s spirits.

I know, it’s just…it’s just… Ryan was fidgeting with the tablecloth.

What is it?

It just feels like I’m shamelessly bragging year after year. Ryan confessed. And what if I don’t win this time? Maybe leaving the firm was a mistake.

What do you mean? Kate looked around to make sure that no one was within earshot. You deserve every award you’ve ever won.

Nine in a row? Ryan said incredulously.

You’re a shoo-in again this year! A man slapped Ryan on the shoulder. He looked up and saw the wide grin of his former boss.

Phil! Ryan stood from his seat and wrung the man’s hand firmly. How great to see you! He motioned for the unexpected guest to join their table.

Phil Preston was an elderly man, who founded his architectural firm before Ryan was even born. In his day, Phil was the most prolific architect in the business. He had hired a young man long ago, who worked his way up the ladder over the years, and eventually became a full partner; Ryan’s mentor, Jack. Today, there were several engineers, designers, and architects working for the firm of Preston & Williams. Now, Phil let Jack run the office while he enjoyed semi-retirement. Ryan always had a healthy respect for the ‘big boss’, a title Phil never liked very much. Some of the most inspiring examples of architecture in the city were to his credit. This is a man that earned his reputation the old fashioned way, with a pencil, designing on an antiquated drafting board. Ryan chuckled to himself.

Have you seen Jack?

Yes, he’s ‘networking’, as usual. Phil smirked wryly and motioned over his shoulder with his thumb in the direction of the crowd behind him.

Kate, you remember Phil!

It’s so great to see you again. She smiled.

Phil cupped her hand in his and patted it much like a grandfather would. Always so beautiful.

You’ve never attended these functions, what brings you here this year? Ryan questioned the senior partner of his former firm. Keeping an eye on Jack?

No, no, nothing of the sort. I let Jack run things any way he sees fit. I’m here to see your nomination for yet another award. Again, Phil placed a gnarled hand on Ryan’s shoulder. We’re real proud of you, son. He always called Ryan ‘son’.

I haven’t won it yet. There’s serious competition this year.

Nonsense! Phil sputtered. I’ve seen the competition, and the award is as good as yours. Some of your best work yet!

Well, let’s hope so. Ryan feigned sincerity.

So, how are making out on your own? No difficulties I trust?

Very busy, almost too busy! Ryan replied.

You’re equal to the task, I’m sure. Phil encouraged. He leaned closer to Kate, This man is the best in the business. For ten years I could brag about our rising star.

Ryan could feel his cheeks warming. He was flattered by the praise, but embarrassed by the genuine sincerity Phil’s voice. Somewhere in the back of Ryan’s mind, he felt strangely guilty for leaving the firm that had been such a huge part of his personal success. To Ryan’s delight, Jack appeared through the group of people surrounding the table and sat beside Phil and apologized for taking so long to join them. He noticed a strange look on Ryan’s face, as if he was in some kind of trance. He waved his hand in front of Ryan’s eyes and whistled a high note. You in there?

Ryan refocused his attention and gave his head an almost unnoticeable shake. Kate looked toward him. Nothing wrong, just having a déjà vu moment. He grinned foolishly. I feel like I’ve been here before, exactly like we are now. He shifted in his chair in an effort to break the eerie feeling.

Jack laughed loudly. Last year, my man!

Are these awards and honours becoming so common? Phil chuckled.

No, no. I’ve been having this feeling quite a lot lately. It always sends a shiver down my spine. Ryan lifted his water glass and sipped slowly.

At that moment, a waiter in a white uniform approached the table and made his way around to Ryan. He leaned close to his ear and whispered.

Sorry to interrupt you, Mr. Wagner, but there’s a phone call for you at the front desk. Ryan looked up at the waiter with disbelief.

A phone call, for me?

"The gentleman specifically