Free The Perfect Clone by M. L. Stephens

right.”
     

Chapter 8
     
    Richard lightly held Laura under the elbow and stepped out of the elevator. He watched as the elevator closed behind them.
    “I know you have questions, but I’ll ask you to save them until we’re in my office.” Still guiding her under the elbow, he led them to a security counter.
    The guard behind the desk addressed him, “Good morning, Mr. Avery.”
    “Good morning, Tom.”
    He let go of her elbow long enough to produce his I.D. and security badge so the guard could scan it for company audits. Then they were on their way down a carpeted hall. Floor length tinted windows provided a view of the city as they continued past closed doors. When they reached a large set of double office doors, she stared at the chrome name plate next to the scanner. The name on the plate read Avery. This couldn’t be his office, she was sure that wasn’t his last name. Or maybe it was. Laura realized that she didn’t know his last name. Apparently there was a lot about her friend that she didn’t know. Feeling like the outsider she was, Laura crossed her arms as he scanned his badge for access. Richard held the door open as he guided her through. When the door closed behind them, he made his way across the room to the wet bar and poured two tequilas. He offered one to her, “Drink?”
    Forgetting her manners, Laura snatched the glass and gulped the liquid down.  Without a word, she handed the glass back and signaled for another one. She downed it with equal enthusiasm.
    Richard studied her with concern. He’d expected her to be flustered. Instead, she was down, right mad. Trying to give his female friend time to process her thoughts, he remained silent.
    Laura stood still, staring at him, not saying a word. A few quiet minutes passed. When she was certain the liquor had numbed her senses, Laura slammed the glass down on the bar, turned to face her friend and slapped him square across the jaw.
    “How long did you think you could keep this going?” The agitation in her voice threatened to break over into a shout.
    “Honestly? I’m not sure. I didn’t enjoy keeping it from you, if that’s your concern.” He needed her to remain focused.
    Falling into a nearby chair that faced the picturesque view of the city, Laura looked as if a huge part of her life had been drastically changed.
    “You knew we worked in the same building—that you were my boss—and it never occurred to you to mention it to me?”  Standing up, she started pacing, trying to put things together in her mind. Walking back to the bar, she poured another shot, and immediately returned to her pacing. “But I met with Mr. Avery, in the board room three years ago to sign papers.”
    “That was my attorney, Mr. Kincade. He stands in for me when necessary.”
    The uncontrollable shaking in her chest moved up to her throat, allowing a muffled sob to escape.
    Richard strode over, wrapping her in his arms. “Laura, you got the job of your own accord. I swear I had nothing to do with that.” Stroking her hair as she trembled, he felt a great weight lift from his heart. He’d wanted to tell her for years now, but he knew her pride. He knew how hurt she’d be, if for one second, she thought she’d landed the job because of him. He couldn’t afford to lose her. Not now, not when everything was coming together. Richard needed her. He had forced himself to stay away from her, hoping that his feelings would change. They hadn’t.
    With the calming effects of the alcohol kicking in, Laura looked up. Her eyes threatened to overflow with tears. “You lied to me. You, of all people Richard, you lied.”
    Caressing the lines of her cheek with the back of his hand, he shook his head. “I’ve never lied to you. Not once did I tell you what I did for a living. You made your own assumptions. I’m tired of hiding from you, Laura. That’s why I brought you here, so I could show you.”
    Laura stepped out of the arms that embraced her and slowly