Accidental Woman - Chapter 7

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"I wish my mom was here," a misted-eyed Jordyn said as she turned back and forth in front of the mirror. 

She wore an Emanuel Ungaro white strapless dress that accentuated her cleavage. 

It fits tightly around her torso acting as a natural corset. The dress flared slightly at the hips and ran the full length of her legs. "When I was a kid, she and I would pretend I was going to the prom.

 I think this would even have been better." 

"I know she is very proud of you," Daryl said. A knock on the door interrupted the moment. "That's probably Evan now," 

Daryl said as he rushed to answer the door.  He greeted Evan and invited him inside. 

Evan looked very handsome in his tailored black tuxedo. Evan and Daryl were chatting when Jordyn entered the room. 

The look on Evan's face was all the approval Jordyn needed. "Jordyn you look so wonderful," Evan said. He started to stutter and stammer as Jordyn approached him. 

"You look pretty wonderful yourself," she said as she softly placed her hands on his shoulders. He kissed her on the cheek, being careful not to smudge her makeup. 

"Oh wait, before you go I want to take a picture," Daryl said. "Daddy," Jordyn whined. She and Evan both laughed as Daryl snapped the disposable camera. 

Then the young couple set out for their adventure at the party. 

Daryl grabbed his purse and headed for the club. He had successfully negotiated the night off for Jordyn with Jim. 

He convinced Jim to have an amateur night at the club, but in exchange, he had to close the bar for Jim.

 Daryl considered it a small price to pay to help clear his name. Tuesdays were always a slow night at the club. Daryl hoped they would close early so he could get home by midnight. 

Everything was going according to plan. The crowd was thin and the entertainment wasn't keeping any of them there. 

Daryl assumed he would be home soon. Suddenly all of Daryl's plans changed. Carlos walked into the bar. 

Daryl flashed him a big smile and grabbed a Corona from the bar. He sat it down in front of Carlos and said, "I didn't expect to see you tonight." 

"I had some business to take care of in town. So I decided to stop by and see my favorite girl," Carlos replied. He petted Daryl's ass as he spoke. Daryl didn't know exactly what to think when Carlos called him 'his girl'. Daryl did know that he enjoyed Carlos' attention. He also enjoyed Carlos' hands on him. 

"I'm glad you stopped by," Daryl said, "But we'll be closing soon." "I didn't come here to see the bar," Carlos said. Daryl could feel his face turning red. He knew what Carlos wanted and was more than happy to provide it. 

"I've got some other customers to take care of," Daryl said. "Don't go anywhere."

"Don't worry babe," Carlos replied. Daryl continued to wait on her other customers. A few minutes later, Daryl noticed someone out of the corner of his eye. Nicole was standing by the door, like a child waiting for an invitation to come inside and play. 

She was wearing a tight-fitting red mini-dress and matching strapped sandals. Her blonde hair was no longer in a bun, it mischievously bounced on her back. Daryl went to the entrance to meet her. 

"Hi," Daryl said, "I thought you were going to the party?" 

"That was just for upper management," Nicole explained. 

"So instead I thought I would come see you." Daryl led her to a small table in the back. He took a light beer and a glass from the bar and poured it for her. "So have you found out anything else," Daryl asked. 

"Oh no," Nicole replied. 

"I just came by to see you." 

She reached out and took Daryl's hand. Nicole gave Daryl a playful smile indicating exactly what she wanted to do with Daryl. "I have to wait on the other customers," Daryl said as an excuse for the second time. Daryl had gotten himself into quite a quandary. 

He had two lovers waiting for him to do the same thing in very different ways. He didn't know how he would ever choose between the two. He avoided them the rest of the evening. If either of the lovers tried to chat with Daryl, he quickly went to wait on another customer. He hoped one of them would get bored and leave. 

Now the crowd was gone, Jim and Delicia had left, just Daryl, Carlos, Nicole, and his decision remained. Daryl stood near the stage picking up a few bottles that were sat on the table. 

He looked up to see Nicole and Carlos approaching him. His decision became very clear. Each person represented a period of his life. Carlos, the hot Latino lover, represented his new life as an effeminate man. It was exciting and dangerous. 

This life didn't come with responsibilities and worries. It was transient and never a dull day. 

He symbolized a life that could go on forever or could quickly flame out. Nicole, the statuesque blonde, represented his corporate life. 

This life was full of responsibility and great rewards. It was steady and stable. It was a life for the long term without having to worry about sudden endings or living day to day. Daryl knew that the decision he made tonight might very well change his life forever. 

How could he ever decide? 

How could he pick one over the other? 

While Daryl was pondering his impossible situation, Jordyn and Evan were having the time of their lives. 

For Jordyn, this was a taste of a world she had only dreamed about; well-dressed men and women, all with interesting lives, milling about in an opulent mansion. 

She and Evan almost forgot their primary task, trying to get more information about the conspiracy. They kept their eye on Linda Berman and Adrian Harper all evening. Junior executives trying to win his favor constantly surrounded Harper. 

Berman was more aloof. She didn't socialize much and seemed to be looking for someone. 

While Evan was chatting with some of his fellow employees, Jordyn spotted Berman stepping out into a hallway. She took Evan by the arm and convinced him to follow her. They pursued Berman down the hall and watched her go up the stairs. 

There she disappeared into the dimly lighted second floor. Jordyn removed her high heels so the intrepid duo would avoid detection. Eventually, they spotted Berman standing on a balcony. She was nervously pacing back and forth. Jordyn and Evan hid in an adjacent room. They sat low on a couch whose back faced the balcony. 

The room was eerily silent. The young couple could hear their hearts beating in their chest. 

From an adjoining room, another woman stepped onto the balcony. Berman greeted her with a hug. 

Luckily, Berman had left the door to the balcony open. Jordyn and Evan could barely hear their conversation. 

"I didn't think I would ever find you," the other woman said as they stopped their embrace. She was middle-aged and wore her brownish-blond hair in a curly perm. She wore a modest gray dress and low-heeled mules. 

"We have to be careful," Berman replied, "If anyone sees us together, it might ruin everything." 

"I don't know if I can go through with this," the visibly nervous other woman said.  Berman cut her off before she could say anything else. 

"You have to now, we've come too far," she said in a louder, demanding tone. 

"Everything is set up. You must do your part Thursday or we'll lose everything." 

The other woman started to cry. Berman grabbed her shoulders and pulled her close. "I just want us to be happy," she said in a much more loving manner. 

"This is the only way that we can ever be together." 

Then Berman lightly kissed her on the lips. The two women pulled each other close and then kissed each other deeply. After a short but passionate make-out session, the two went their separate ways. 

"We're all set for Thursday then right?" Berman questioned as she walked away. 

"Yes," the reluctant woman answered over her shoulder. "Then by the weekend, we'll be together in the Bahamas," Berman said reassuringly. The other woman disappeared through the door from where she entered. Berman turned and started to come back into the room where Jordyn and Evan were standing. 

"She'll see us," Jordyn whispered in a panic. 

"We have to hide." 

"No time," Evan whispered. He grabbed the back of Jordyn's head and pulled her lips close to his. He kissed her deeply and engulfed her in a fervent embrace.  As Berman walked by, she noticed the young entangled couple. She was surprised and embarrassed. 

"Oh, excuse me," she said as she hurried away. Evan broke his kiss long enough to watch Berman leave. However, he didn't break their embrace. "I think she's gone now," 

Evan said. "Now where were we?" He moved closer to kiss Jordyn again. Jordyn stopped him with her hand. She was upset and almost shaking with fear. "Jordyn I'm so sorry," Evan said. "I didn't mean to offend ... " 

"No Evan," Jordyn said, "I'm the one that is sorry." She was almost in tears. "Why," Evan asked, "You're wonderful. What do you have to be sorry about?" "Evan, I'm not what I seem," she said trembling "What do you mean," a puzzled Evan asked.

"Evan, you're such a wonderful man. You've been so nice to my dad and me. I don't want to hurt you," Jordyn said as she looked away. She just couldn't look Evan in the eye. 

"You see Evan, I'm transgender." Evan paused for a moment. That moment seemed like hours to Jordyn. 

Then Evan said, "I guess I knew that you were." 

"You knew?" a shocked Jordyn asked. "I wasn't sure," he answered, "But I suspected. Your dad looked so convincing as a woman, I was sure he had help from someone. 

Then when I saw you performing at a gay bar, I started to suspect something." 

"Are you saying that you are okay with it?" a surprised Jordyn asked. She felt comfortable enough to look Evan in the eyes. "Jordyn," Evan said, "You are the most beautiful, sweetest, sexiest woman I've ever known. 

I want to be with you all the time. When I'm not with you, you are all I can think about." Jordyn flung her arms around Evan and kissed him. The two lovers continued kissing for several minutes. They explored each other's bodies with their hands. 

As they kissed, Jordyn played with her newfound toy. Jordyn finally broke their adoring clinch and said. 

"Evan, there is something we need to talk about." A confused Evan backed away and said, "Uh, okay." 

"Evan, I've never had sex with a man. I wanted to wait until my transition is complete.

 I wouldn't feel right continuing if that is what you are expecting," Jordyn said. y

"Oh, that's okay babe. I'll happily wait on you," a confused Evan replied. A gigantic smile rolled across Jordyn's face. "You're such a dream," she said just before kissing him again. 

They resumed their white-hot physical passion for each other. Jordyn whispered in Evan's ear, "Just because I won't make love to you doesn't mean I can't satisfy you." They moved to a nearby couch and Evan sat down. Jordyn got on her knees and began moving toward her prize. 

Evan stopped her and said, "Babe, you don't have to .. "  

"But I want to," Jordyn said in a naughty voice. 

She started moving to him. She softly kissed his head. 

"You're driving me crazy," Evan moaned. Jordyn continued her teasing. 

He ran his fingers through her beautifully coiffed hair.

She wanted to let Evan know that he was always in charge. She wanted him to use her to fulfill his desires. 

Evan tried to pull Jordyn away, but she wouldn't let him. She could feel his manhood pulsing. 

Evan collapsed backward on the couch and panted like an exhausted runner. 

Jordyn straightened herself up and cuddled with him. She kissed him on the neck while they held each other close. All Jordyn wanted was to be near him and never let him go. 

Evan put his hand under Jordyn's chin, raised her head, and kissed her on the mouth. 

Their tongues met and they shared a closeness neither had ever known. After several minutes of bliss, Jordyn insisted that they leave and tell her dad what they had learned. 

Evan agreed and they each straightened themselves up. 

Jordyn was a mess. Her hair was tossed, her makeup was almost all gone, and her dress was askew. 

Evan said their obligatory goodbyes to the host as Jordyn snuck out. She didn't want anyone to see her in such a state. They sped back to Philadelphia, glowing in their newfound love. 

Daryl was enjoying himself way too much to think about Evan and Jordyn. He was straddled by Carlos, who was lying flat on his back on the stage. 

Carlos helped guide Nicole with his bear-like paws firmly on her smooth butt. The three lovers reached the ultimate compromise. They each were getting what they desired and pleasuring a partner as well. The stimulation was almost too much for Daryl to bear. 

Carlos continually rammed him from the back. 

Daryl's heart pounded and sweat poured from his forehead. He gasped for air and tried to keep from passing out. 

It was hard to believe just a few days before she had given up hope of ever having sex again. 

He pushed further into her as she pulled him in close. 

"Oh Yes, Yes," Daryl shouted at the top of his lungs. He didn't know what he was saying. 

He had lost all control and was now putty in Carlos and Nicole's hands. He had never enjoyed sex or been as stimulated as he was tonight. 

As exciting as the life of a corporate executive was, it was no comparison to the life he was living now.

It was nearly 2 a.m. before Jordyn and Evan arrived at the apartment. They noticed that the lights in the apartment were still on. Jordyn assumed that Daryl was waiting up for them, to see how the party went. 

She and Evan casually walked in expecting to find Daryl ready to grill them about details of their adventure. The noise they made walking up the steps and unlocking the door broke up another party going on inside the apartment. 

They playfully fought over it like two children trying to decide who gets to ride a favorite bike. Either way, each would be a winner. 

 As the door opened, the trio quickly covered themselves. Each looked more embarrassed than the other. 

"Well, I guess we weren't the only ones going to a party tonight," Jordyn teased. 

"Oh," Daryl said with surprise, "What are you two doing home so early?" "It's two in the morning, Dad," Jordyn said with a giggle. 

"You see," a nervous Nicole started to say, "You know, we came back here after the club closed, we were just kind of sitting around, chatting, you know, just hanging out, you know, fooling around .... " 

"It's okay Nicole," Jordyn said laughing, "I promise not to tell on you." 

The whole group began to laugh as Nicole's face turned bright red. They all were sure that Nicole was always the perfect child, never giving her parents any trouble. It was fun to watch a grown woman turn into a thirteen-year-old. 

"I'm sorry," Daryl said, "Carlos this is Evan, Evan this is Carlos." The two men shook hands and said "Hello." 

Evan somehow knew that Carlos was more than just a friend of Daryl's. 

He felt very odd shaking hands with a man who was the lover of his male role model. For the first time since he had known Daryl, he started having doubts about him. Was he now gay? 

How would this affect their relationship? 

Evan then turned and put his hand around Jordyn's shoulder as she chatted with Daryl and Nicole. She rewarded him with a pleasant smile. 

Evan then realized that his relationship with Jordyn was much the same as Daryl's relationship with Carlos. 

He wondered how others viewed him and Jordyn. He suddenly came to a unique understanding of relationships. 

He loved Jordyn and didn't care what others thought. He assumed that anyone, no matter what the details of his or her relationships, felt the same way. 

After the three lovers dressed, Daryl began quizzing them about the party. When the talk started turning to business, Carlos decided it was time for him to leave. Daryl escorted him to the door. 

"Don't be a stranger," Daryl whispered to him. 

"Don't worry babe," Carlos replied. 

"You can't get rid of me that easily." Daryl stood on his toes and gave Carlos a kiss goodbye. Evan turned away so he wouldn't see them kissing. 

He didn't want the image he had of Daryl to fade anymore from his mind. 

"So, where were we?" 

Daryl asked as he rejoined the group.

"I was just telling you about the woman we saw Berman with," Jordyn replied.

"She had curly, blonde hair and glasses. She seemed timid and unsure of herself."

 "I know I've seen her before," Evan chimed in. "Was it Shelia Briggs from payroll?" Daryl asked. "She would match the description." 

"Are she and Berman lovers?" Jordyn asked. "Lovers," Daryl replied with a question in his voice. 

"She is married with two kids, I think." 

"You must not have heard," Nicole said, "She got a divorce about a year ago. The divorce really messed her up. 

She had to take several weeks off work. The rumor around the office was that she checked herself into a mental hospital." 

"Berman," Daryl said with anger in his voice, "She has taken advantage of that poor woman when she was at her weakest. 

Did you hear anything else?" "Yes," Evan said. "Berman said that Sheila had to do her part on Thursday." 

"Thursday is when the cash for the bi-weekly payroll is transferred to the banks. They must be planning on moving the money then," Nicole surmised. 

"Great," Daryl said. "Now all we have to do is figure out a way to catch them."

 "I've been thinking about that," Nicole said, "A teammate of mine from college is now with the FBI. I'm sure she would love to break a case like this one." 

"Can she be trusted," Daryl asked. "She wasn't just my teammate," Nicole answered. "She was also my roommate for two years. She and I were very close. I'm sure she can help me out." 

"Okay," Daryl said, "You go see her in the morning and Evan and I have some work to do at the office." 

It was still very early when Nicole knocked on Karen Woodson's door. Nicole hadn't bothered to go to bed last night. 

She just went straight home, showered, changed, and drove to Karen's. 

She only hoped that Karen was home and willing to help. "Nicole!" an excited Karen said as she opened the door. 

"What a surprise. Come in, Come in." 

Karen was actually a very pretty woman. She was much shorter than Nicole but had the same athletic taunt body. 

Her short, brown wavy hair, big brown eyes, and killer smile could melt the heart of any man. She didn't have time in her life for men; she was too busy climbing the organizational ladder. 

"Karen", Nicole said as she entered the apartment, "We need to talk" She began telling Karen about the whole ordeal Daryl had been through. 

While Nicole was trying to attain Karen's help, Evan and Daryl had a mission of their own. Evan secured Daryl a pass into the corporate offices and the duo immediately went to the computer server room located in the basement of the building. 

"Good morning Josh", Evan said as they entered the room. 

"This is Daryl Taylor. She is working for me today. I need you to help her evaluate our network security." 

Daryl decided to wear a conservative outfit. 

He wore a periwinkle button-down top that showed just a hint of cleavage, a matching skirt, taupe sheer nylons, and 3-inch black classic pumps. 

His ensemble was topped off with a string of pearls and a brunette wig. "Oh," a startled Josh said. 

"I'll be happy too, Mr. Wilson".

Josh Logan was the typical computer nerd. He was medium height, thin build with thick glasses. Daryl had actually hired Josh several years ago before he became CIO. 

They didn't see each other much over the proceeding years since Josh was stuck in the server room and Daryl was in the board room. 

"Just call me Evan", Evan said as he started to leave the room. He turned to Daryl and said, "Let me know if you find anything, and call me when you are done."

  Josh turned and smiled at Daryl. It was obvious from the start that he was a bit nervous. 

Daryl feared that Josh knew who he really was. 

He wondered if Josh would call the authorities as soon as he turned his back. "What do you want to know about our security?" Josh asked. 

"I want to look at how our payroll systems are secured", Daryl answered. Josh led Daryl to a bank of computers and began explaining in detail the programming involved. 

Nicole was having great success with Karen. After a long explanation of Daryl's plan to prove his innocence, Karen agreed to help. "This could be a real feather in your cap," Nicole stated. "Bringing in a high-profile case like this could really boost your career." 

"I doubt it", Karen said. "I'm probably about as high up as I ever will be. The FBI is still very much an 'old boy's network'. They couldn't live with a girl being their boss". 

"That's terrible", Nicole said. 

"I thought things would be different by now. Is there nothing you can do?" 

"Just keep doing my job", Karen said as she shrugged her shoulders. "I guess it doesn't help that you are a lesbian", Nicole said. 

"Oh, I haven't told anyone at the agency", Karen said. "That would kill my career for sure. I've even dated a few guys just to cover my tracks". 

She looked Nicole in the eyes and said, "Thanks so much for not ever telling anyone, especially when the FBI interviewed you for my background check". 

Nicole thought back to that day several years ago. 

She had just graduated from college and was seeking a new career herself. The two darkly dressed men from the FBI nearly scared her to death as they grilled her about Karen. 

Even though Karen had told Nicole two years earlier that she was gay, Nicole never flinched. There was one secret that Nicole never revealed even to Karen. 

During their entire time of living together, Nicole had a crush on Karen. 

"No problem", Nicole said with a smile. 

"If best friends can't keep a secret, who can?"  "So what about you", Karen asked. 

"Are you seeing anyone?" 

"I've been living like a nun, until recently", Nicole said. "But I've decided to start living my life with more zest". 

"Oh really!" an excited Karen said, "What exactly do you mean?" 

With that question, Nicole grabbed the back of Karen's head and kissed her deeply. Nicole had a crush on Karen for years. She decided that now was the time to live her fantasies. 

Daryl soon discovered why Josh was so nervous. 

He obviously didn't have many female visitors and clearly didn't know how to treat them. Daryl often caught him sneaking a peak at Daryl's legs or breasts. 

Daryl loved the attention and decided to play along. He would slowly cross his legs, letting the rub of the nylons and make their distinctive sound. 

He seductively let the shoe hang from his toe. Daryl would complain how hot it was and flair his top giving Josh an extra peak at his chest. 

He unbuttoned the top of his blouse giving Josh a view of the bra that was hiding Daryl's breast. 

Daryl loved enticing men, and couldn't ever imagine giving it up. But Daryl had to keep his primary mission in mind. 

He needed to be able to monitor the payroll transmissions. 

Without Josh's help, all his work might be for naught. After several hours of work, they had come to a standstill. The settings on the server that would allow Daryl to see the payroll transactions were secured by an unknown password. 

"Which logins can actually administer and execute the payroll programs?" Daryl asked  "We have double security setup on the payroll system," Josh explained. "The user has to have an executive-level login and has to be at a designated computer. Currently, there are only two computers designated; the server, Sheila Briggs." 

"Can another be added?" Daryl asked. 

"We need to add one of the executive offices." Josh fumbled with the keyboard for a moment. 

"I could," he said, "But I would need an executive login and password. Only the CEO, CIO, and Ms Briggs have the proper permissions." 

"Surely there is something you can do," a clearly frustrated Daryl said. 

He stood up and began to pace back and forth in the small room. "What about Evan Wilson login, will that do it?" 

"I'm afraid not," Josh answered. "He doesn't have a high enough clearance." 

Daryl stepped behind Josh's chair. He put his hands on Josh's shoulders and began to give him a massage. Josh nearly jumped out of his chair, but then relaxed and enjoyed Daryl's touch. "Think Josh", Daryl said. 

"There must be some way." Josh clearly was enjoying the attention, but he did not have any good news for Daryl. "Not unless there is an executive login can the security be bypassed". 

Daryl knew he was up against the wall. He decided to take one last chance, a chance that may cause all of his plans to fail. 

"Try this," Daryl said, "Login as DCALDWELL and a password of DC786." Josh entered the codes and was allowed to make the requested changes. 

Daryl guessed that everyone had forgotten to get rid of his old login and no one suspected he would ever use it again. 

"There, that's done", Josh said. "It's a good thing you knew that login or we would have never ... " Suddenly Josh stopped. He turned and faced Daryl with a shocked look on his face. 

He suddenly put two and two together and realized that the woman he had been flirting with all morning was actually his former boss now a wanted man. Josh started to say something, but Daryl stopped him by putting his finger on Josh's lips. 

"Josh," Daryl started. 

"I know what you must be thinking, but you will have to trust me." 

Daryl explained to Josh how he had been set up and was now living undercover. Josh nodded all the time, seeming to understand. 

"So will you work with us?" Daryl asked. 

"Yes, Yes I will," an even more nervous Josh replied. 

"You were always a great boss and I'll trust you now." Daryl's smile stretched across his entire face. 

"Thanks, Josh, I knew I could count on you." 

He said. They continued their work, allowing Daryl to have complete access to the payroll records. As Daryl started to leave, Josh asked, "Daryl, when this is finished, you will remember the ones who helped you?" 

"Of course," Daryl answered. 

Josh then gave Daryl an unexpected hug. This made Daryl wonder exactly what Josh meant. How did he want to be remembered by Daryl? Nicole had things well under control also. She and Karen had made their way into the bedroom and under the covers when Nicole's cell phone rang. She had to get out of the bed and find it lying on the floor in a pile of discarded clothes. 

"Hello", Nicole finally said as she finally found the phone. 

"Hi Nicole, this is Daryl. How's everything going on your end?" Daryl asked as he was leaving the Commodities Unlimited building. 

"Great!" Nicole said. "Karen has agreed to help us. Everything is set for tomorrow." 

"That's great to hear," Daryl said. 

"Where are you now?" 

"Oh Karen and I are getting caught up with one another," Nicole said. She turned and winked at her lover who was anxiously awaiting Nicole's return to bed. 

"That's sweet," Daryl said. "Give her all my love."

 "Oh I'll do that," Nicole said with a giggle. 

"How did it go on your end?" 

"Everything is set up for tomorrow," Daryl said. "I think we have a new ally." 

Nicole hung up the phone and started toward the bed. Her red leather boots clicked loudly on the floor. She was bound with a red leather harness that crisscrossed her chest and highlighted her breasts. The harness held up a red strap-on that had been put to good use. 

"I'm surprised this fits me so well," Nicole said as she fiddled with the harness that she borrowed from Karen. 

"It's adjustable," Karen replied. "I'll show you how well it fits me a little later," she said with a naughty grin. 

"Daryl wants me to give you his love," Nicole whispered as she mounted Karen. 

"I guess I had better do as he wishes." Sheila Briggs strolled into the office at her usual time on Thursday morning. She always came in a little later than everyone else. 

Sheila dropped off her kids at school before coming to work. It was one of the perks of being head of the department. The payroll department was busy as always. 

People ran about in a hectic manner, not noticing Sheila as she walked through the crowd. Sheila didn't make eye contact with anyone; she was trying to concentrate on the task she had to do. Sheila sat down in front of the computer terminal in her office. 

She calmly typed in all the codes to release the payroll funds for each department. 

After she had completely paid everyone, the only thing left to do was the Kent project. 

She sat in complete silence for a moment, considering what she was about to do. 

If she continued with the transaction, she would be breaking several federal laws. She would also become a very wealthy woman. 

Her new lover, Berman, promised her a life of luxury in the Bahamas. 

They could move to a remote island and avoid all ramifications of their actions. 

Sheila was undecided and fearful of what her actions might bring. She then looked at the picture on her desk of her two boys. Sheila wanted to protect them and give them everything possible. 

She knew what she had to do. Sheila quickly typed in the codes and hit the send button. In a matter of seconds, the money would be transferred to the offshore accounts. 

"Freeze," a woman with short brown hair wearing a conservative dark business suit said as she busted into the room. 

"This is the FBI. Back away from the computer and put your hands on your head."

 Sheila broke down and began crying uncontrollably. Karen began reciting the famous phrase, "You have the right to remain silent ... " 

Sheila didn't hear any of it. She was an emotional wreck. She knew her life as she had known it, was now over.  Karen grabbed Shelia's chair and spun her around. She expertly slapped a set of handcuffs on Sheila, much to the amazement of the crowd that had now gathered to watch. Other 

FBI agents herded the crowd into a small corner of the office, making sure not to let anyone alert others within the building. Karen turned Sheila around so the women were face-to-face. 

"Listen to me," Karen said in a very authoritative tone, "You have one chance to cooperate. See this man behind me," she said pointing to an older man in a three-piece suit behind her. 

"He is the U.S. Assistant District Attorney for this area. We are ready to make you a deal if you will tell us who your co-conspirators are right now."  Sheila stood there, still crying uncontrollably. 

Karen took the picture of Shelia's kids from the desk and said, "Talk to me now and maybe you'll get to see them again." 

Adrian Harper strolled confidently through the offices, knowing that soon he would be free. Free from the comparisons to his father and grandfather. Free from the responsibility and mundane life of a corporate executive. 

Soon he would be traveling the world and partying with his friends all night. Soon the transactions would be complete. 

A shout rang through the top-floor executive offices. "Everyone freeze, I'm Karen Woodson with the FBI," a woman who was leading a group of men dressed in dark business suits said. She walked immediately to Harper's office where Berman had joined him. 

"Adrian Harper, Linda Berman you are under arrest for violation of several Securities and Exchange Commission rules. You have the right to remain silent...

"Karen began to say. "What's the meaning of this," Harper questioned in a condescending tone. 

"You have the wrong people," Berman said. "Daryl Caldwell is the one you want. He stole the money." 

"Too late Berman," a cute brunette secretary who was sitting at a nearby desk said.

"We know all about the plan. I've been monitoring all the payroll transactions this morning. 

We have the paper trail we need to prove what you and your friends have done. Sheila has already confessed and the FBI is rounding up everyone now." Everyone turned their attention to her as she continued to speak. She stood up from the desk and said. 

"The FBI has the evidence they need to put you both away for a very long time. 

If you ever try to frame someone again ... " 

She stepped toward the pair and took off her wig. The two thieves finally recognized Daryl and gasped with surprise. 

Daryl completed his thought, "Don't let it be me, because I can be a real bitch." The conspirators never went to trial. Facing insurmountable evidence, they had no choice but to confess and accept the pleas the FBI offered. 

Sheila Briggs got off the easiest of the group, a fine, and five years' probation for her cooperation. Harper, Berman, and Clyde Dupree faced the maximum charges, 5-10 years in prison and a hefty fine. 

Karen Woodson received a promotion for her handling of the investigation. Her track to the top of the career path was now firmly secured. Commodities Unlimited was in chaos. Although no money was technically lost, the company did lose three executives. 

The company's stock plummeted and investors were demanding a complete overhaul of the newly formed cooperation. 

The Board of Directors had to find someone who understood the business, was known by the general public, and would restore confidence in the company. 

The directors, investors, and employees all came to the same conclusion. 

This put Daryl Caldwell in a very unique negotiating position. Daryl examined the stock price as he stepped off the elevator. 

"Good morning, sir," the pretty young secretary sitting at the top-floor reception desk said. Daryl looked up from his paper and gave her a stare. 

"Sorry," she said with embarrassment, "I mean good morning, Daryl." "That's better," Daryl answered. "Do I have any messages?" 

"A couple of conformations for your 10 o'clock sales meeting," the secretary answered, "and Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are in your office." 

"Thanks," Daryl answered. He took one last look at the stock price. It was now a full year since he took over Commodities Unlimited.

 He had accomplished his goal of raising the stock price to its pre-scandal level. But that wasn't the only goal he had accomplished. His three-inch heels clicked loudly as he went down the hall. 

He stopped in the restroom to check his appearance. He pulled a brush out of his purse and started to touch up his hair. He stopped without combing it.

 His new sensible perm stayed right in place. His hair was just below the collar and touched the top of his St. John Couture suit. The dark skirt sat midway on his tights, allowing him to proudly display his legs. 

The suit had a matching jacket that covered a white blouse. Daryl had become the first openly transgender CEO of a major corporation. 

He quickly checked his makeup and then left to meet with Evan. 

"Shouldn't you two be headed to Europe?" Daryl asked as he entered his office. 

"I just had to come say goodbye," Jordyn said as she gave him a hug. Jordyn had just recently completed her transition. 

Over the weekend, she and Evan were 'married', at least as close as the state of Pennsylvania would let them. They had a private wedding with an understanding minister and signed the necessary legal documents. 

They were getting ready to leave on a month-long honeymoon to Europe. "Be sure and give me a call if you need anything," Evan said to Daryl. 

Evan took his new position as Vice President of Strategic Planning very seriously.

"I believe we can get along without you for a little while," Daryl said with a smile. He enjoyed seeing his daughter and son-in-law so happy together. "I thought I heard you two," Nicole said as she entered the office, "I just wanted to wish you well on your big trip." 

Nicole took over Sheila Briggs's position in the payroll department. That wasn't the only thing about her that had changed. She had a chic new-layered hairstyle and wore much more appealing clothes. Her spiked high heels and sheer hose showed off her fabulous legs. Her short blue dress showed off plenty of her ample cleavage. 

It was rumored that she now was balancing three different lovers. "Thanks so much," Jordyn said. 

"Be sure and keep an eye on Dad while we're gone. You never know when he'll try to make off with the company's money again." The group laughed loudly. 

Daryl sat at his desk and thought for a moment about how different things were from a year ago. 

He had a new daughter and son-in-law. The company was now in his complete control. He was openly bisexual and promoted diversity in the company. 

He was criticized at first, but nobody could argue with the results. 

He instituted a benefits package that was very friendly to transgender, gay, and lesbian employees. 

The increased cost of benefits to the company was greatly outweighed by the increased employee productivity. That, and other reforms, made the company more profitable than ever. 

Commodities Unlimited became a magnet for highly skilled professionals who happened to be transgender, gay, or lesbian. 

It was one of the few companies where they could live and work in plain sight. 

The End.