Ronda Read online

  Dyanna Lynn Hart

  Ronda

  Copyright © 2018 by Dyanna Lynn Hart

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

  This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

  Dyanna Lynn Hart asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

  First edition

  This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

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  Contents

  I. PART ONE

  The Data Chip

  How It all Began

  The Room

  Escaping Shelter

  The phone call

  The ride (reminiscing)

  The Beach House

  Jake

  On The Hunt

  Confronting Feelings (liberating the heart)

  Coral Bay (a day in town)

  Science vs. the Unobservable

  Taken

  Maynard

  Disbelief

  Truths

  The way Out

  The Get away

  Lost Hope

  Starting Over (new beginnings)

  About the Author

  Also by Dyanna Lynn Hart

  I

  Part One

  1

  The Data Chip

  Ronda stepped off the elevator and onto the third level of the science and research building where she’s worked as executive secretary to Mr. Dale Bierce, “Director of business operations.” for just over two years.

  Making her way across the plush grey carpet of the open office, she approached the small coffee station set up next to her desk. And removing a bag of gourmet vanilla nut and caramel ground coffee from the drawer, she scooped several spoonfuls into the coffee machine.

  To the right of her desk was Dale Bierce’s office. And two long corridors stretched out on opposite sides of the elevator with several offices. To the far right of Mr. Bierce’s office was the stairwell leading down to the second, and first floors, dedicated to the labs..

  After preparing the coffee, she began scheduling and confirming appointments along with typing and copying correspondence to be mailed. Shortly, she walked into Bierce’s office with an itinerary and some papers requiring his signature, that she placed neatly on his desk. “Eight forty five, he’s running late again.” she said, thinking out loud when she turned to look at the large clock hanging behind his desk.

  Stepping out of the office as she turned to close the door behind her, Mr. Bierce hurried out of the elevator, his attention on his phone as he texted. Both caught by surprise, they suddenly stopped in their tracks as they came within an inch of running into each other head on.

  A moment of silence followed when their eyes met. Ronda could feel herself becoming lost in a sea of green as she looked into his eyes. The energy between them was so strong, it was palpable. Like a sudden flash of lightening connecting one to the other, and Ronda often wondered if he felt it too. Feeling her face grow warm, and in an effort to disguise the overwhelming pull she felt towards him, she said, rather nonchalantly,

  “Late again are we?” she smiled.

  Ignoring her comment, he replied with a half smile. “Good morning Ronda.”

  “Good morning sir.” she replied, smiling up at him as he stood a foot or so taller than her. She quickly stepped to the side.

  “Ahem, excuse me.” he said, now avoiding eye contact as he stepped past her, taking in the fragrance of citrus and floral’s. Fresh and clean compared to the more heavy, sultry, and exotic scents that came through the office now and then.

  She followed behind him.

  “The necessary paperwork is on your desk sir, and next weeks itinerary is ready for you to look over” she said as she stood by the doorway, watching as he stepped behind his desk and scanned over appointments for the day.

  “Were you able to reach Professor Nakamura and Mr. Jonas to confirm the conference meeting this Thursday?” he asked.

  “No sir, not yet.”

  “Let me know as soon as you do, will you”.

  “Of course sir. Would you like me to bring you a cup of coffee? I just put on a fresh pot.” she asked before turning to leave.

  “Uh, no. Thank you Ronda, actually I stopped for coffee on the way here. Anything that needs my immediate attention this morning?” he replied.

  “Why do I bother to ask.” she mumbled under her breath.

  He looked up. “I’m sorry?”

  “Uh, no,” she replied, “no, but the papers on your desk require your signature before noon if they’re to be sent out on time.”

  “Of course,” he replied, “I’ll have them signed and ready to go before lunch. No need to pick them up, I’ll drop them off at your desk on my way to the lab.”

  “Wonderful!” she said with a smile as she stepped out, closing the door behind her.

  Anyone who knew them, would say they were like two peas in a pod. While anyone who didn’t, would think they hardly knew each other at all, judging by the way they spoke to each other. Because although they spent hours working together everyday, they were very formal when speaking to each other. And after two and a half years though they had developed a strong work relationship, they had never really developed a friendship. Not surprising since they both shared in common a want for privacy. In fact each thought the other a blessing to work with, appreciating that they never intruded by asking personal questions, as neither particularly liked sharing. As far as they were concerned, it made work much more peaceful and pleasant, especially on those days that proved to be stressful. And there were plenty. But even on the most hectic of days Ronda loved her position working with Dale Bierce. As his executive secretary she worked close by his side, and knew as much of the in’s and out’s of the company as he did, if not more, particularly concerning the financial aspects.

  The morning progressed as “Raai labs” (Robotics and artificial intelligence) became quite busy as usual. And as noontime came around much of the staff had gone out to lunch while a few ate in. Mr. Bierce more often than not had lunch in his office alone whenever possible, giving himself time to recuperate from a hectic morning.

  While Ronda ate lunch at her desk as she went over reports, she was suddenly interrupted by a deep monotone voice, carrying a slight English accent.

  “Mr. Bierce please?”

  Ronda looked up to see a mature gentlemen staring down at her, in his fifties or so, and of medium height, with a somewhat cold, seriousness about him. Her attention was caught with a sudden recognition. There was something about him that she couldn’t quite wrap her head around, as if she had met him before but couldn’t quite place when or where.

  “Mr. Bierce please.” He repeated, only this time with an urgency to his tone.

  Feeling a bit flushed, she realized she was staring.

  “Yes of course, I’m sorry. Is he expecting you? And may I have your name please?” she asked as she picked up the receiver.

  “Cummings, Daryl Cummings,” he said, “And no Miss Rimes, he isn’t expecting me but it’s urgent, and I’m afraid it can’t wait. If you’ll just let him know I’m here please.”

  “Yes of course,” she replied, “one moment please, if you’ll just take a seat.”

  “I’m fine.” he snapped before lifting his head, as his fingers began to fidget with his shirt collar, then pulled
at the gray bow tie he wore in an effort to loosen it around his neck. He began pacing slowly, then stopped when he looked at Ronda. Judging from the way she looked at him as she sat with the phone to her ear, he realized he was making her uncomfortable so consciously softened his demeanor. He was confidant that she didn’t recognize him. Though certain that she had seen him briefly twice, he was confidant she had forgotten.

  “A Mr. Daryl Cummings is here to see you sir, and he says it’s urgent. Yes of course sir. He’ll see you now.” she began, as she placed the receiver down. And looking up she could see he was already making his way towards the office, where Mr. Bierce appeared.

  “Cummings, well this is certainly unexpected!” Mr. Bierce said, as he shook Cummings hand then turned to Ronda.

  “Hold all calls for now Ronda.” he said, before turning and shutting the door behind him. Ronda nodded in reply as she watched them disappear, and wondered about the urgency in Mr. Cummings voice, and the nervousness he portrayed. “Odd.” she thought, noting the air of arrogance in his demeanor, guessing it came quite naturally to him.

  Soon she could hear raised voices off and on coming from his office. Then it occurred to her that Mr Cummings had referred to her by name. Yet, she didn’t recall introducing herself. The thought was quickly removed from her mind when the elevator doors opened and Joseph, her junior assistant stepped out along with two men sporting sunglasses who stopped and looked around suspiciously.

  As they looked at Ronda, they exchanged words.

  May I be of some help gentlemen?” Ronda ask with a smile.

  “No, we’re good.” one of them said, before they turned and disappeared around the corridor towards the men”s room.

  “So what do you have for me today?” Joseph asked as he walked up to her desk.

  “Here you go.” Ronda said, as she handed him a batch of envelopes, two small packages, and one large yellow envelope. “All ready to go.”

  “You’re awesome!”

  “Well, you were running late, again I might add, and they really do have to be in the mail asap.”

  “Thank’s! What do you say I bring you something from the bakery down the street.”

  “Oh don’t tempt me, I’m dieting.”

  “What!” he exclaimed. “Come on, you couldn’t look any more healthier and in shape than you do now.”

  “Listen, flattery might get me to let it pass when you’ve stretched a thirty minute lunch into an hour, but it won’t get you a raise. Flattery will only get you so far. Nice try though.”

  “Hmm,” he began, “something tells me I should be offended.” he said in a dramatic tone. “You actually think I’d stoop so low as to pay a compliment, simply for my own gain. I’m hurt.” he said jokingly. “No really, in all seriousness, you look fantastic! Ask anybody here.”

  “You’re too kind.” Ronda smiled. “But just so you understand, I never said I was trying to lose weight. I’m just trying to eat healthier. You know?”

  “Gotcha.” “Not only beautiful, but smart.”

  Hearing Bierce’s raised voice coming from his office, Joseph quickly stood up.

  “Hey, see you in an hour!” he said as he turned and walked to the elevator.

  “I’ll give you thirty minutes.”

  “You run me like a slave. I demand special compensation.” he said jokingly as he stepped in.

  “Oh really?” she replied.

  “Have dinner with me?”

  “I’ll give you forty minutes.”

  Giving her a thumbs up in response, Ronda smiled, shaking her head as he disappeared behind the elevator doors while the two men who had followed him off the elevator now walked past and took the stairwell. Ronda suddenly had a suspicious feeling about them. They didn’t look like any of the regular interns at “Raai labs,” but instead, she noticed a gruffness about them, and sensed something undisciplined in their manner.

  Meanwhile in Bierce’s office a serious matter was unfolding, as the two men engaged in a discussion pertaining to Professor Bierce, “Head of the science Department” at “Raai labs,” and Dale Bierce’s father.

  “They mean business Dale. They could be planning to infiltrate “Raai labs”as we speak.” Cummings said, rather unconvincingly. And surely you know Maynard’s orders would be to do what ever it takes to get what they’re after. Even if it entails turning the company inside out. Which may prove to be a much easier task with your Father in the hospital.”

  “Well, they couldn’t possibly be aware of my fathers situation now could they Cummings?” Dale said. “It’s your job after all to ensure his situation remains private, not just within the company, but from the public as well. As it is, besides myself and my secretary, you’re the only one who knows of his current situation. And I’d like to keep it that way.”

  “Of course.” Cummings said, “In any event, it’s come to my attention that your father made a deal with Maynard, and was prepared to sign a contract turning over the data with the agreement that your father’s name not be implemented with the research in any way. And your father being a man of his word, you and I know that if not for his unfortunate turn of events, he would have followed through. But as far as they’re concerned, he breached the deal.”

  “That’s B.S. and you know it!” Dale said angrily, his voice slightly raising. “Do you honestly expect me to believe that. Come on Cumming’s. And I would expect that you of all people would know father better than that. He would never sign such an agreement. Under coercion, maybe, but never of his own accord. Even if it were true, what right has Maynard to come here and take what isn’t his. And without father’s knowledge. Like a thieving snake. No, father would never do business with the likes of Maynard. He’s trouble. You know that as well as I do. Anyway, he couldn’t possibly know about the research data. unless someone in the company discovered it for themselves and leaked the information to him. After all no one besides the three of us is even aware it exists. And not to mention father’s the only one who actually knows were the data chip is. So if what your saying about Maynard, and this so called contract is actually true, then someone has obviously hacked into his files, and went to Maynard with the information. Along with the knowledge of his stay in the hospital. That’s the only scenario that makes sense. There’s absolutely no other way he could know about it.”

  “What are you saying Dale?” Cummings asked, looking surprised at the notion that someone in the company would turn on Professor Bierce to Maynard’s advantage. “But who?” Cummings asked, in an overly indignant tone.

  “I wish I knew. You know as well a I do that every one working under my father has the utmost respect for him. Why there’s not a person here who wouldn’t do just about anything to protect father if the need arose.” Frustrated, Dale sighed. “When I think of the years, and the hard work my father put in to building this company. To produce the best product available. The very best his research has to offer. His research is his life. Huh, and to what end. So that someone working right under his nose could turn around and stab him in the back. So “who” indeed.”

  “Ahem.” Cumming’s cleared his throat. “Well be that as it may, it appears we can’t afford to waste time.”

  “And at this point, what do you suggest Cummings,” Dale asked, hoping for an answer from the man his father entrusted most, if not all of his business decisions to.

  “Well, as it appears, we seem to be left without a choice.”

  “Are you suggesting we give Maynard what he wants?”

  “What I’m suggesting, is that we do what we have to, if it prevents Maynard from causing trouble for “Raai labs.” After all, it would be in the best interests of everyone here wouldn’t it?” he replied.

  “I can’t believe you’re suggesting this. Of all the people my father trusts, and they’re few. You want me to hand over fathers research. Just like that. And while he lay in the hospital, completely unaware. Do you honestly think I would agree to that? You know me better than that Cummings. I
could never betray him like that. And you seem to keep forgetting one crucial point here. No one knows where the data is but father. Maynard would only be wasting his time here.”

  Cummings began speaking again. But Dale now silent and still, and no longer interested in what Cumming’s had to say as they were clearly not in agreement, gazed out the large window. And as Cummings voice faded into the background, he thought of his father, Professor Thomas Bierce, laying in the hospital, recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia that nearly took his life due to respiratory complications.

  2

  How It all Began

  Dale’s father, Professor Thomas Bierce was the man behind “Raai labs.” He and his lifelong friend Jake Holloway, who met while serving in Vietnam, together founded what was then “Bierce and Holloway research labs.” Coming from a family of self made money, Jake had inherited a large sum, giving him the means to help get the company started.

  The last time Dale saw “uncle Jake,” he was about the age of eight, standing in the entryway of the great room watching, as he stormed out the front door minus the usual high five and “who’s my buddy.” Running to the large window, he watched sadly, as Jake drove away till he disappeared out of sight. Then he turned around, and slowly his small body slid down to the floor, where he remained till his nanny found him hours later.

  As Dale became older he had heard many stories of why Jake had left. One being that Jake and his father had a falling out and parted ways due to financial discrepancies. But since his father never spoke of it, he never really knew if there was any truth to it. All he knew was that he never understood why the man who had been there for as long as he could remember, one day just went away, and never returned. The man who his father had been friends with since Vietnam.

  And other than knowing how their friendship began, Dale had never heard his father speak of Vietnam. His time in Vietnam was an experience Thomas Bierce kept to himself. Never willing to tell the stories of how he and Jake survived among the horror and death that surrounded them. Limbs decapitated, bodies disfigured, so many tragic and senseless deaths they witnessed often daily. Or how they would hear the cries of those who were injured and survived, suffering in agony, with bodies torn and spirits broken. Young men forsaken, their lives forever changed and living day by day in fear that this day would be their last.