Part 1 - Chapter 1 - The Bottom Rung

Lawrence Arrendale II's childhood began idyllically. He was born into a well-to-do family and raised by loving parents. In his young life he never wanted for anything and never had any reason to believe that his situation would ever change. But his seemingly perfect life came to an end when he was nine years old and his parents were killed in a mysterious accident. Young Lawrence grieved the loss of his beloved parents and for the security of his sheltered life.

Young Lawrence was placed in the custody of his only remaining relative, his mother's estranged brother, Silas. Uncle Silas was a bachelor who was set in his ways. He liked his freedom - staying out all night, partying, meeting lots of women and gambling. Not eager to take on the responsibility of a young child, who would certainly cramp his free-wheeling style, he immediately sent Young Lawrence off to the best boarding school his late sister and brother-in-law's money could buy.

Although Lawrence was lonely for his late parents, he grew accustomed to his new life at boarding school and eventually was happy there. He did well in his courses and he made new friends who often invited him stay at their houses over school vacations when his Uncle Silas failed to show up, which was more often than not. He was secretly relieved when he didn't have to spend school vacations with his uncle and he was sure that Silas felt the same way.

Nine years after his parents died, Lawrence graduated from school at the top of his class. He wasn't surprised that Silas hadn't showed up for the graduation ceremony, but he was surprised when he found out the reason why. Silas had been murdered, his body found along the river, in the early hours of that very morning. Again, Lawrence made a visit to the family cemetary. However he didn't grieve much over his uncle Silas. After all, he didn't know his late guardian well enough to miss him.

After Uncle Silas's remains were dealt with, Lawrence went to talk to Silas's attorney to settle any of his late uncle's remaining financial matters. At first, Lawrence was shocked to discover that his uncle hadn't made out a will. But on further thought he realized that it shouldn't have surprised him. Silas wasn't the type to believe in his own mortality and he hadn't given much thought about his young nephew during his lifetime, let alone what should become of the boy if anything should happen to him.

The attorney had nothing but grim news for Lawrence. The fact that Silas hadn't made a will was irrelevant at this point anyway. At the time of his death, Silas had been deeply in debt. Not only had he gone through his own wealth, but he had even spent all of Lawrence's inheritance as well. There was nothing left.

Lawrence was too proud to let anyone know about his situation and immediately cut ties with all of his friends from school. Alone and penniless, he borrowed just enough money to live on until he could get on his feet. The only apartment he could afford was shabby at best and located in a bad neighborhood. He hated living there, but felt that he had no other choice. He convinced himself that he would have to tolerate it for the time being.

Vowing not to be like his deadbeat uncle, Lawrence immediately searched the papers to find a job. He made a few inquiries and was disppointed when he discovered that he was under-qualified for the only available jobs that he believed were worth pursuing. Finally he had to lower his sights and settle for any low wage menial job he could get, just to make enough money to survive and pay off his debts.

As the months passed Lawrence grew very depressed. Sometimes he felt so hopeless, like nothing in his life was ever going to get better. He was going to be stuck in this place forever, living in this dingy apartment, working at menial jobs, being alone. One night he took a good look in the bathroom mirror and thought, "Is this what my life has come to? Is this all there is?" The thought that those questions were true made him feel more discouraged than he had ever felt before. He reached into the cabinet, pulled out a large bottle of pills. He heard the pills rattling in the bottle as he started to twist off the lid. Then he stopped. Suddenly, changing his mind, he quickly put the bottle back on its shelf and closed the cabinet door and forced those thoughts out of his mind for good.

Somehow, he vowed, he would get through this.

The months turned into years and the years passed without much change. Lawrence was working for a local political candidate, passing out flyers to people walking by when he ran into an old friend from boarding school. He was mortified that anyone should see him this way, but there was no avoiding it.

"Lawrence? Lawrence Arrendale? Is that you? It's Hector, Hector Burgess, from prep school, we roomed together one year, like back in 7th grade, remember? What have you been up to since graduation?"

"Working mostly," Lawrence answered shortly.

"In politics, I see," Hector said, taking a look at one of Lawrence's fliers. "That's great that you're doing volunteer work like this. I should really take some time to get involved. It's hard to find time though with as busy as I am."

"I'm not exactly volunteering. This is my job," Lawrence reluctantly admitted.

"Oh . . . Well, seems like pretty easy work, huh?" Hector remarked briefly before going on to talk about himself, his college, his job, and his swell gal while Lawrence gritted his teeth in a hard grin, trying to disguise his jealousy. "Hey, Laurie, as I remember you were a bright guy, you really could be doing more than this with yourself. How would you like a job at the Townsend Corporation? I'm sure my boss would hire you."

Lawrence was interested, but reluctant to accept. He didn't want charity.

"You'll be doing me a favor," Hector insisted. "The old man's been looking for new employees. I'll be showing initiative, which might get me a promotion."

Seeing no sense in passing up a good opportunity, Lawrence agreed to go with Hector to talk to Mr. Townsend.

That afternoon Hector and Lawrence met with Arthur Townsend, founder of the Stuart-Townsend Corporation. Hector made the introductions.

"Mr. Townsend, I'd like you to meet an old friend of mine from school, Lawrence Arrendale." As the two men shook hands, Hector got straight to the point. "It just so happens that Lawrence is between jobs right now and I think he would be a valuable addition to the company."

"Is that so?" Arthur asked, taking a seat and motioning for Hector and Lawrence to do the same. "Well, if the university prepared you as well as it did Hector, I'm sure you will be."

"Lawrence and I didn't go to the same university," Hector was quick to explain. "By school I meant prep school. But he did graduate at the top of our class."

"I haven't been to college yet." Lawrence mumbled, "Family financial problems."

Arthur nodded solemnly. "There are many self-made men who I greatly admire, that have never set foot on a college campus. What experience do you have?" Reluctantly Lawrence had to admit that he had almost no practical business experience and his list of recent occupations proved less than impressive.

Arthur looked thoughtful for a moment and then cleared his throat before speaking again, "There is one position in the company that I can offer you right now. We need a person to run a few errands around the office. Namely, a mailroom clerk."

Lawrence raised stifly from his chair, his face growing paler as he controlled his frustration and disappointment. "I'm afraid I must decline. I'm sorry for wasting your time, Mr. Townsend. Good day."

Lawrence walked stiffly from the office and towards the front door, without a glance at Mr. Townsend or Hector. A mailroom clerk! Lawrence was insulted by the offer. As he stomped through the lobby a group of women gathered at the receptionist's desk turned to look at him. He was suddenly embarrassed by his outburst of temper, and even more so as he found himself face to face with one of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen. She smiled at him, looking slightly amused, as she walked past him and towards Mr. Townsend's office. As he turned, following her movements with his eyes, Lawrence saw Hector walking towards him.

"Lawrence!" he called out. "I talked Mr. Townsend into giving you another chance. Look, I know working in the mailroom isn't the job you want, but you've got to start somewhere, right? Just think it over, alright? And if you've come to your senses by tomorrow morning, come by before nine."

Lawrence spent the walk back to his apartment thinking over the job offer and daydreaming about the young woman he saw in the office. The job wouldn't be so bad really if he could only get over his pride. When he walked to the apartment building and saw his trashy neighbors out front fighting again, his mind was made up. He had to get out of the rut that his life had fallen into. He had to make things better. He would take the job.

Next

Part 1 - Chapter 2 - The Bottom Rung

At 9:00 the next morning, Lawrence returned to the offices of the Townsend Corporation for his first day at his new job. The receptionist, who introduced herself as Amanda, greeted him when he walked into the office.

"Welcome to the Stuart-Townsend Corporation. Mr. Townsend asked me to give you a tour of the office, before you get started."

Amanda led Lawrence through the offices, pointing out Mr. Townsend's office and the office of his business partner, Mr. Stuart, the cubicles where the other employees worked, the conference room, the break room, and the restrooms. Finally she left Lawrence in the break room where he was to wait for a man named Blaine to show him what to do.

A few minutes later a young man entered, introduced himself as Blaine, and welcomed Lawrence to the company. "I'm sure you'll have no problem with this job. I've been doing it all summer and it's a cinch."

"What are you doing now?" Lawrence asked.

"Mostly, I'm going to school. Next week, I'll be starting my second year studying computer science. The bosses here offered me an internship, so when I'm not in classes I'll be working on the new computer system."

"That's nice," Lawrence replied politely, although he was feeling somewhat deflated at working at a "kid's" job.

Blaine worked with Lawrence for the remainder of the morning. When Blaine was called away to look at a computer problem, he left Lawrence on his own, confident that the new employee was ready to handle the job by himself. On parting, he told Lawrence to let him know if he needed any help.

Around noon, Hector stopped by the mailroom to see how Lawrence was doing and to invite him to have lunch. As they walked into the breakroom they found it occupied by a flirting couple.

"Better watch out, Andrew," Hector mocked. "You might get charged with sexual harassment."

"There wasn't any harassment going on in here until you walked in," Andrew replied coldly.

Amanda, the receptionist, who suddenly looked uncomfortable, moved away from the group. Before leaving, she winked at Andrew and said, "I'll see you later."

"You know, Hector, your little shots are getting to be really pathetic," Andrew said once Amanda was out of the room. "But I guess I can't blame you for being threatened by me, when it's obvious that I'm the one who's going to be promoted next and not you."

"Yeah," Hector replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You keep on dreaming. We'll see how things really go."

Andrew nodded a polite acknowledgment to Lawrence's presence in the room, to show that his animosity extended no further than Hector, before turning quickly and leaving the room in a silent huff.

"What was that all about?" Lawrence asked.

"Just a healthy office rivalry. The kind of thing that makes the business world go 'round," Hector replied. His previously spiteful attitude seemed to melt away as soon as Andrew was out of sight. Now he was the same affable, pleasant person he had been before they entered the breakroom.

Lawrence was slightly confused by the remark, but Hector was already changing the subject.

"So, how are you liking the first day here? Been working hard?"

"No. It's not what I expected, but it's all right."

"Great. I hope this works out for you, Laurie. I really do."

Shortly after lunch, as Lawrence was going about his work, the other half of the Stuart-Townsend Corporation, Mr. Clifford Stuart, approached him with a hearty handshake.

"So you must be Lawrence Arrendale. Welcome to the company," Clifford said politely as he introduced himself.

"Thank you, Mr. Stuart. It's nice to meet you."

"I've heard a lot of good things about you from Hector," he said, eyeing Lawrence. Lawrence noted the suspicious undertone in the statement and wasn't sure how to respond. "Well, I'm sure you'll enjoy many productive years here at the Stuart-Townsend Corporation," Mr. Stuart hurriedly ended the conversation. "If you ever have any questions for me, mine is the front office." As he turned to walk away he remarked to Andrew, "You won't forget about our golf game this weekend, will you, Andrew?"

"Of course not, Mr. Stuart. I'm looking forward to it," Andrew replied with a smile.

The rest of the afternoon went smoothly, and Lawrence, being as bright as he had been during his school days, picked up the job quickly. He was learning his away around the office and learning the names of his co-workers. Everyone was as kind and helpful as he could hope for and his only disappointment was that he hadn't yet seen the beautiful woman he encountered after the first interview with Mr. Townsend.

It was almost time to go home for the day when, Mr. Townsend approached Lawrence in the hallway and asked Lawrence to come into his office for a little chat.

"How has your first day been?" Arthur asked.

"Fine, sir. I have no complaints," Lawrence replied.

"Well, I am glad you decided to accept the job. I do trust Hector's judgment, and he says you'll fit in just fine."

Lawrence suddenly felt ashamed for how he acted at the interview and apologized. "I know it was foolish of me to expect a more prestigious job given my background," Lawrence admitted. "I . . .I've just had a lot of disappointments in my life and I suppose I never learned to manage them well."

"Yes," Arthur said thoughtfully. "Hector told me a little about your history. But keep in mind, very few people stay in the mailroom for long. Keep up the good work, Lawrence, and I'm sure you'll move up in no time."

"Thank you, Mr. Townsend," Lawrence replied. "I am very grateful for this second chance, and I will do my best.

"That's all I ask," Arthur replied with a kindly smile.

Hector caught Lawrence again on his way out of the office at the end of the day and talked him into going out with him for a drink.

"So are you coming back to work tomorrow or are you going to fly the coop?" Hector joked.

"I'll be back," Lawrence replied dryly.

"Better than passing out flyers on the street, right?" Hector laughed. When a dark cloud passed over Lawrence's expression, Hector quickly added, "You really need to learn how to loosen up, buddy. You were always too serious about life. But I guess you had good reason to be."

Lawrence shifted uncomfortably in his chair and fidgeted with the untouched drink in front of him. Hector decided to change the subject. "You know, I'm glad we ran into each other yesterday. It's good to have some old friends around. And I'm glad you got the job."

As Hector stopped talking to take a sip of his drink, Lawrence thought he caught a glimmer in Hector's eye, like there was something just below the surface that had been intentionally left unsaid. Instead of pressing for information, Lawrence just nodded and added a husky, "Thanks."

Next

Part 1 - Chapter 3 - The Bottom Rung

"Hello, Arrendale," Andrew greeted Lawrence as he came by his desk to collect the day's mail. Though he chose the more formal attitude of addressing co-workers by their last names while on the job, his tone was always friendly. "Mail time already?"

"Yes, sir. It is."

Andrew reached towards his desk. When he didn't find the envelopes he was looking for right away, he took a closer look. He shifted through his papers before turning back to Lawrence, confused. "My letters were right here," he explained as he continued to search under the desk and between the pages of his day planner. Finally he gave up with a shrug. "I'm sorry. I can't seem to find them, but I don't want to put you off schedule. Do you mind if I bring the letters by the mailroom later, once I find them that is?"

"Not at all."

Lawrence left Andrew behind and continued with his daily work. He had only been working in the company's mail room for a few weeks, but already the job had become routine to him. He did the same tasks at the same times everyday without thinking much about them.

Lawrence had nearly forgotten about Andrew and the missing letters until he happened to glance inside the wastebasket as he was throwing away some trash. Laying on top was a small stack of sealed envelopes with Andrew Martin's name listed as the return address.

Lawrence picked up the letters and headed over to Andrew's desk, just as Andrew was on his way to the mail room.

"I don't know what happened," Andrew spoke up first. "I looked everywhere, but they're gone."

"Are these the letters you were looking for?" Lawrence asked.

Andrew took them from Lawrence and adjusted his glasses as he examined them. "Yes, they are. Where did you find them?"

"In the trash can."

Andrew frowned, confused. "Wonder how they got there. Anyway I'm glad you found them. Those envelopes contain important correspondences with our business partners. The company would be in a lot of trouble if those didn't get sent out."

The mystery of how Andrew's letters got into the trash bothered Lawrence for the rest of the week, but he was even more concerned when he began to notice other letters out of place. Letters that were addressed from Andrew to rival companies were appearing in stacks of in-going mail for Mr. Stuart and Mr. Townsend. Lawrence was convinced that he hadn't mistakenly put them there himself, yet he knew of no other explanation as to how they got there.

Something about the letters didn't seem quite right to Lawrence, although he wasn't sure why. Instead of mailing them, he decided to talk to the bosses about the strange happenings and see what they thought.

When Lawrence couldn't find Mr. Townsend or Mr. Stuart in their offices he returned to the mail room where Hector was waiting for him.

"Hey, Lawrence. I just stopped by to say hi. Where have you been?"

"I wanted to talk to Mr. Stuart or Mr. Townsend about something, but I couldn't find them."

"They're both in a meeting in the conference room. Want to talk to me about it?"

Lawrence filled Hector in on what was going on to which Hector replied, "I'm glad you didn't bother the bosses with this. It was probably just a little prank to test out the new guy. If you want to get ahead you have to prove that you can handle these problems yourself."

I guess so," Lawrence replied.

"Sure," Hector said as he started to leave. "If you come across anything like this again, next time just come to me, ok. I'll look after you, buddy."

Lawrence spent the rest of the day thinking the situation over. He was convinced that this was more than a prank. It seemed like someone was trying to sabotage him, but who would do something like that? Everyone seemed to like him and he didn't pose a threat to anyone at the company.

He considered Blaine for a moment, just because he had been the previous mail clerk. But Blaine had been promoted to a better job, one that he seemed to like. He wouldn't have any reason to be jealous of Lawrence.

The next person that came to mind was Andrew. All of the misplaced letters had his name on the return address . . .Suddenly Lawrence had another thought. Maybe he wasn't the one being sabotaged, maybe Andrew was.

A quick comparison of the handwriting on the letters he found misplaced in the bosses' mail and some of the other letters in the mail room confirmed his suspicions. He couldn't believe it was true.

Lawrence didn't go home right after work that evening. Instead he sat next to the fountain in front of the office, thinking about how he should approach this delicate situation. He waited there until Hector passed by on his way home for the night.

"Hey, Laurie. Why are you still hanging around out here? Can't get enough of this place?"

"I just thought I'd see if you wanted to have a drink with me after work. To return the favor."

"Aw, I'd like to, but I can't. I've got to meet my girl tonight. I can't afford to be late when I pick her up." He explained with a wink, "She's the boss's daughter."

"Yeah, well . . ." Lawrence started. "Listen, Hector, I need to talk to you."

"Sure, I've got a few minutes. What's on your mind?"

"I know how the letters got misplaced."

Hector raised an eyebrow curiously, but showed no other sign of emotion. "Oh yeah? How?"

"I should ask you that question," Lawrence said sternly. "But I'll tell you what I noticed today. The letters supposedly from Mr. Martin that I found in with the bosses's mail was addressed in the same handwriting as your letters. While the rest of Mr. Martin's mail, including the letters I found in the trash, matched each other, but not those letters."

Hector considered Lawrence's words and nodded slowly. When he spoke again he chose his words calmly and deliberately. "I always knew you were a smart guy, Lawrence. Smarts like that can get you places if you know how to use them. Do you know how you're going to use yours, Arrendale?" he asked with a menacing edge to his tone.

"Why did you do it, Hector?" Lawrence asked, appalled at the coldness he saw in his old "friend."
Hector ignored the question and continued, "I'll tell you what you're going to do. You're going to keep this quiet. You and I are in this together. If this stays between us, I'll get the promotion and I'll see to it that you move up too. But if you tell anyone, I'll take you down with me." Lawrence stood silently, too stunned to know what to say, but Hector only smiled and tapped Lawrence on the shoulder before walking away. "Why do you think I got you the job? See ya Monday."

Next

Part 1 - Chapter 4 - The Bottom Rung

Lawrence couldn't sleep at all that night. He kept thinking about the encounter with Hector and wondering what he should do about it. He could lose his job. He could go to prison for tampering with the mail. This was horrible. It wasn't as if he would lose a great friend in Hector, but he felt like he had been betrayed. He had trusted Hector, who turned out to be a back-stabbing crook. And there was nothing Lawrence could do about it without being implicated himself. Hector had been with the company for awhile now, he was close to Mr. Townsend himself, while Lawrence was the new guy who they had taken a gamble on by hiring. If it came down to one of them taking the blame, who would they side with? Not him.

Unable to sleep, Lawrence pulled on some clothes and went for a walk. When he saw the woman standing on the sidewalk he couldn't believe his eyes. For a moment he thought he was dreaming. It couldn't really be her.

Before he knew what he was doing he was calling out to her. "Hello."

She turned, startled and confused, but her expression quickly changed to a shy smile. "Hello."

"I don't think you know me," he said. "But I saw you once at the offices of the Stuart-Townsend Corporation."

"I remember," she smiled. "But you don't really know me either, do you? I'm Eileen."

"Lawrence Arrendale," he replied, offering a handshake.

"Nice to meet you," Eileen replied, taking his hand in her own.

A moment of awkward silence, awkward to Lawrence anyway, passed before he could think of anything to say. "Isn't it kind of dangerous for a young woman like yourself to be out here all alone?"

"Well, I haven't seen anyone out but you. I shouldn't be worried about you being dangerous, should I?" she teased.

"N-no," he stammered. "Of course not."

"Yes, of course you aren't," she agreed easily. "I'm not worried about being out alone. I'm just waiting for a few friends. We're going to a concert. They should be along any minute." She glanced behind her, before turning to Lawrence with a smile. "But I could use some company until they get here."

Lawrence lost all track of time as they talked. He had never been very successful with the ladies, but talking with Eileen was so easy. He couldn't believe he was talking with the beautiful girl of his dreams so effortlessly and staring into her beautiful dark eyes. All of the problems that kept him awake earlier vanished from his mind.

Their conversation was only interrupted by the arrival of Eileen's friends.

"Looks like Eileen has found herself a new boyfriend." the girl in blue sang out.

"Chloe!" Eileen chided her friend before laughing.

"I think we're embarrassing her," the other girl said. "We'd better hurry if we're going to make it to the concert. That is if you still want to go," she said with a wink and a slight nod in Lawrence's direction.

"I do. I'm coming," Eileen assured them before turning back towards Lawrence. "Nice meeting you," she said softly as she brushed past Lawrence and followed her friends down the sidewalk.

Lawrence was too dumbfounded to think of asking if he could call her sometime. He hadn't even gotten her number or her last name. The idea of following them or finding out if he could tag along with them to the concert was too absurd, he simply didn't do things like that.

The girls were out of sight before he fully realized that he had let Eileen slip through his fingers again. And the only hope he had of seeing her again was another chance run in. Lawrence never liked leaving things to fate.

Eileen and her friends, Chloe and Lucy, left Lawrence behind and walked on to the concert. Lucy had arranged for her family's country club to host the one night concert by James Spencer and Craig Sexton.

The girls enjoyed the music from front row seats, which gave them an up close look at the musicians.

"Wow, I can't believe the guy on the keyboard is just making it all up as he goes along," Chloe remarked.

After the set ended, Chloe took a moment to check her makeup. "Ok, Eileen, how do I look?"

"Fine, Chloe," Eileen answered.

"Oh, come on. I look better than fine. At least I'd better if I'm going to be picked up by any of the hot guys here tonight." Eileen just laughed. "Oh, go ahead and laugh. You can since you've already picked up one guy tonight."

"What guy is that?" a male voice called out.

"And it looks like you just found another," Chloe added before walking away.

Eileen turned to see Hector standing behind her. "Hector, what are you doing here?" she asked as he greeted her with a hug.

"Looking for you," he replied. "I heard you were back in town. When I tried calling you for a date and didn't get an answer, I figured you'd be here."

"Good guess," Eileen grinned.

"So . . .mind if I hang out with you? Unless you've got some other guy you'd rather be with," Hector asked with a pout.

"Not at all," Eileen grinned coyly. "You're welcome to hang out with me anytime."

"Eileen!" Lucy called out as she hurried over to the couple. "Is it just me or is that guy checking me out?"

Subtly, Eileen glanced around the room and noticed they guy who had played keyboard in the band was looking in their direction. "Yeah, I think he is."

"Do you think I should I go over and talk to him?"

"Yeah, go for it. He's cute."

"Hey, what about me?" Hector asked, fishing for a compliment.

"Eileen will keep you company," Lucy suggested with a wink as she started to walk away. "Wish me luck."

"Oh you'll keep me company, will you?" Hector flirted.

Eileen shrugged and flashed Hector a playful smile.

"Have I mentioned yet, how glad I am that you're back in town? I really missed you while you were away. I was hoping we could pick up where we left off and go out sometime, unless you've already found someone else. . ."

"No, I'm not seeing anyone. That sounds like fun."

Lucy wandered over to the stage and stood there alone, trying to look available. A moment later her efforts paid off and the keyboard player walked over to her.

"Hi, I couldn't help noticing you. I'm Craig Sexton."

"I know. I'm Lucy Stuart."

"Oh, so you're the one who set this concert up? I have to thank you for giving us the opportunity to play and say that you've done a great job getting everything squared away. You've thought of every detail. I'm impressed."

"Thank you," Lucy blushed.

When people started walking past them, Craig suggested they move to a less crowded corner where they could talk. Lucy agreed.

"I just have to tell you Craig, I really love your music. You're so talented. Being a musician must be a great job."

"It is great, when you can get the work," he replied. "Music isn't the most stable profession out there . . .What do you do?"

"Oh, I'm still in school. So mostly I study. I'm hoping to get into med. school next year."

"Wow, a doctor. That's great."

"I just like meeting people and helping them."

"What I like is talking to you," Craig said smoothly and Lucy smiled. "And making beautiful women smile. I was wondering, Lucy, would you like to have dinner with me?"

"I'd love to."

"I'm only in town for the weekend though. If you're free, how about I pick you up tomorrow night?"

"Sounds great."

Meanwhile, Lawrence was at home and finally sound asleep. He knew how to handle his problem at work now and come Monday morning he would do what needed to be done. He dreamed of work and of the beautiful girl he now had a name for, Eileen.

Next

Part 1 - Chapter 5 - The Bottom Rung

"Thank you, Monique, but I don't need a menu," Clifford said to the waitress. "I'll just have the usual. You know what I like," he added with a wink.

The waitress grinned and turned to Andrew, who closed his menu and handed it back to her. "I'll have the same."

"I'll be right back with your drinks," she said before walking away.

"That Monique. She's a nice girl," Clifford remarked once she had left the table. "Did you know she's trying to become an actress? I might speak with some friends of mine about getting her an audition."

Andrew cleared his throat. "Speaking of promotions . . ."

"I know that's what my late wife would have done if she was still here," Clifford continued. "She was always looking out for other people before herself," he said sadly, his expression looking far away. "Lucy takes after her more every day." Suddenly he snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Andrew. "I'm sorry I wasn't listening. What were you saying, Andrew?"

"Nothing important," Andrew lied. "I was just going to say that we had a good golf game this week. I think my score has dropped from last week, thanks to your pointers."

After the meal was over and the plates had been cleared from the table, Clifford didn't get up from his chair.

"Mr. Stuart?" Andrew asked tentatively. When he noticed that Clifford's face looked pained and he seemed to be having trouble breathing, he asked, "Are you alright?"

Clifford shook his head. "I think I need a doctor."

A few hours later Craig and Lucy arrived at the country club restaurant on their first date. They were having a great time, talking and laughing until the maitre'd approached their table.

"I'm sorry to interrupt Miss Stuart, but everyone has been wondering how your father is doing."

Lucy looked confused. "Fine as far as I know."

"I'm glad to hear it. We were worried when he left for the hospital earlier."

"What?" Lucy exclaimed.

"You didn't know?" the maitre'd said. "He wasn't feeling well so Mr. Martin asked me to call for an ambulance."

"Oh my gosh!" Lucy gasped. She dropped her napkin and arose quickly from her chair. "I've got to go." Almost as an after thought she remembered her date. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Craig."

"Don't be. I'll drive you to the hospital."

As Lucy walked into the main lobby of the hospital with Craig, she felt like she was in a daze. She didn't know where she was going or what she was doing until Andrew called out to her.

"Lucy. I'm glad you're here."

"I came as soon as I heard," Lucy replied. "Where's daddy? What happened? How is he?"

"Your father had a heart attack," Andrew said gravely. Lucy gasped. "He's not well right now, but the doctors say it was only a mild one and he should be better again soon. They say he'll have to stay in the hospital for awhile. You can talk to Dr. Wilton if you want details. Now that you're here I should get home."

"Oh thank you, Mr. Martin. Thank you for everything."

When Lucy saw her father lying in the bed unconscious she immediately started to cry, "Oh, daddy."

Seeing Lucy in so much pain broke Craig's heart. He stepped forward and set a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. She turned to him and fell crying into his arms.

Next

Part 1 - Chapter 6 - The Bottom Rung

Lawrence was awoken on Sunday morning by a phone call from Hector. "Lawrence, I need you to meet me at the hospital. Can you be there in 15 minutes?"

"Sure," Lawrence replied. "But why?" But there was no answer to his question, Hector had already hung up.

When Lawrence arrived at the hospital, he found Hector standing in front of the building. Hector explained, "I just found out that Mr. Stuart had a heart attack yesterday afternoon. I thought we should pay him a visit. Too bad I couldn't have been there when it happened and rushed him to the hospital instead of Andrew," he mumbled.

Clifford was awake when Lawrence and Hector walked in. The two young men barely had time to say hello when Mr. Townsend joined them.

"How are you feeling, Clifford?" Arthur asked.

"I've been better and worse."

"Hector, Lawrence, would you mind giving us a moment to speak privately?"

"Sure," Hector replied, smiling as he ushered Lawrence toward the door. As they were nearly out of the room, Hector glanced behind him to make sure the bosses weren't watching and then motioned for Lawrence to go on ahead, while he ducked behind the curtain to eavesdrop.

"So, what's going on, Arthur?" Clifford asked.

"I don't want you to worry, but we need to decide what we're going to do about the company while you're recovering."

"Oh that's right. You're going to be out of the office this week."

"I don't have to be. I can reschedule my meetings and postpone the trip."

"No, this business trip is too important to the company," Cliff said. "Go ahead and go. One of the younger guys can take over while you're away and we can move up Lawrence to fill in for him."

"You're right," Arthur agreed. "And it will be a good chance to see how well the man we choose can run the company before I retire and he has the job permanantly. I would ask who you had in mind, but I know your choice is Andrew and not Hector."

"Yes," Clifford replied. "I know we both agree that Hector is better qualified and that he can do the job, but I just don't trust him. And I don't want someone who I don't trust in charge of the company, even temporarily."

"I see. I'm just worried that Andrew won't be able to handle the job."

"I think he can and this will give him a chance to prove himself."

"Sink or swim?" Arthur asked and Clifford nodded. "Alright. I'll let him know before I leave."

"Good. I'm sure I'll rest easier with that settled."

Arthur said goodbye to Clifford and left the hospital room, not noticing Hector who ducked out of sight as he walked past. Arthur was on his way out of the hospital when Lawrence approached him.

"Mr. Townsend, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Can it wait, Lawrence? I have some errands to run before I catch my plane this afternoon."

"No, this is important," Lawrence insisted and Arthur stopped to listen. "It's about work. I've been noticing some letters in the mail room have been moved around over the last week. I know I didn't misplace them, not that I think any else would have any reason to move them, or that they would, but I thought you should know, just in case anything goes missing."

"I'm sure it's nothing, Lawrence," Arthur said reassuringly as he was already starting to walk away. "If you're still having a problem we can talk about it when I get back." Arthur walked towards the door leaving Lawrence behind. Before he got too far away Arthur stopped and turned around. "Oh, and by the way, Lawrence, you'll be filling in for Andrew next week. He and Hector will help you with the job."

After Arthur was gone, Hector came storming across the lobby, mumbling to himself angrily as he walked past Lawrence and out of the hospital.

"Sorry, I'm late, honey," Andrew greeted Amanda when he arrived at her mother's house for a Sunday night dinner. "I was visiting Mr. Stuart at the hospital."

"Oh, how is he?"

"He's still weak, but he's doing much better. And I have great news. Next week while Mr. Townsend is away and Mr. Stuart's still in the hospital, I'm going to be moved up to head the office."

"That's wonderful," Amanda hugged him. "Maybe you will get the promotion after all."

"That's what I'm hoping for."

"Oh me too. Well come on in. I have dinner almost ready."

Amanda led Andrew into the living room and introduced him to her elderly mother and her older sister, Alma. They sat in the parlor, talking until dinner was ready, then they moved to the dining room.

Andrew was eager to impress his girlfriend's family and was on his most polite behavior. His efforts paid off because Amanda's mother seemed to be pleased with him. Alma, however, was less impressed.

After dinner, Mrs. May decided to retire for the night. While Alma was helping her to bed, Amanda and Andrew went out to the front porch for some fresh air.

"I don't know if you could tell, Andrew, but Momma really liked you, which is rare. She hardly ever likes anyone."

"I'm glad," Andrew replied, looking relieved. "I was nervous about coming here tonight and finally meeting your family."

"You were?" Amanda laughed. "I guess you would be, it took long enough for you to meet each other. I wish I could have invited you over sooner, but Momma hasn't been well."

"I don't. I think this was the perfect time," Andrew said. "I feel like everything in my life is finally coming together. I think I'm really going to get this promotion over Hector and I've got a great girlfriend whose mother approves of me." Amanda laughed. "There's only one more think I could hope for."

"What's that?" Amanda asked.

Andrew lowered to one knee and reached into his pocket. Amanda gasped and took a step back. "Amanda, we've been going out for a long time and since we first met I couldn't imagine anyone I'd rather share my life with. Will you marry me?"

"Oh, Andrew, this is so unexpected," Amanda replied, laughing nervously. "I can't believe it. Of course, I will. Yes."

Andrew stayed on his knees just long enough to slip the ring on Amanda's finger before jumping to his feet and taking her in his arms.

After a lingering goodnight to Andrew, Amanda happily ran into the house. "Alma, look," she said giddily, showing off her engagement ring. "Isn't it wonderful! Andrew asked me to marry him."

Alma stared at the ring, at a loss for words. When Amanda pressed her to say something she her only response was, "Oh."

"What's your problem?" Amanda demanded, disappointed in Alma's lack of enthusiasm. "This is the happiest night of my life and you can't even pretend to be a little happy for me? Your own sister?"

"Oh please, Amanda. I'm sorry if I'm not jumping up and down because perfect little Mandy gets what she wants again. Fine go ahead and marry him. I'm going to bed. Goodnight."

Alma stormed up the stairs leaving a bewildered Amanda alone in the living room.

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