Depths of Deceit Read online

  Elias sat at the table, tapping his foot methodically, getting more nervous by the minute. Keeping his hands busy, he opened his writing portfolio and spread out his best pieces across the desk. Hopefully, his work would impress the boss.

  As if on cue, the door opened, and Ava Wolfe entered the room, carrying a notepad, a coffee cup, and his résumé. “Thank you for meeting me, Mr. Dorne.”

  Elias swivelled in his seat and his body immediately betrayed him. Blood rushed below his belt at the sight of her, causing him to stay pinned to his chair as she stuck out her hand. Crowned with a headful of springy, copper curls, Ava was dressed in a royal-blue, knee-length dress, accentuating her wide hips and petite waist. A pearl necklace disappeared into the chasm between her breasts.

  When she sat down opposite him, Elias understood why this woman had a cohort of rumoured lovers. Ava was breathtaking. She was blessed with wide, green eyes, a slim nose, and lush, plump lips splashed in red lipstick, the perfect hue to match the fieriness of her hair.

  “Thank—” Elias cleared his throat, having difficulty finding his tongue. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

  “I promise I won’t take up too much of your time, Elias.” Lowering her gaze to his résumé, Ava tilted her head to one side. “You’re currently employed at Manny Magpie TV. Is that correct?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “What does your role involve?”

  “I’m the production manager, so I assist in the studio, setting up the cameras, script work, corresponding with the performers, editing, and post production.”

  “Do you write copy?”

  Elias referred to his portfolio spread out across the table. “All my y freelance and contracted work is in here including pieces I've written for Manny Magpie.”

  Ava’s gaze flicked upward. “The studio was involved in a scandal recently. An actor high on ice went berserk on live television. I saw it on the news.”

  Elias bit the inside of his cheek. “Yes, that’s right. The company has since moved on from the incident.”

  “Did you have any part in damage control? I can imagine something like that would deeply affect the public’s influence.”

  He nodded in agreement. “Yes, my main concern was minimising the negative perception caused by the airing. As soon as the situation came to my knowledge, I published a blog explaining the mistake the studio made, followed by an apologetic email to our advertisers. You’ll find in my portfolio a public apology I released with the assistance of a PR company.”

  “What were the results of your work?”

  “They were generally positive. Our ratings were still down and stakeholders believed going off the air would be beneficial. However, I fought for the decision to stay on. I surmised that in going off the air the studio would be accepting defeat.”

  “I agree. Did you work on your own or had a team around you?”

  “I worked solely by myself. The studio manager entrusted me with managing all public relations and communications.”

  “So, you were second-in-command?”

  “Yes, I guess so.”

  “I want to be honest with you, Elias.” Ava leaned back in her chair and crossed one leg over the other, giving him a momentary flash of milk-white skin. “I’m sure you’ve heard the rumours regarding this company’s previous management. As you can imagine, right now I’m in damage control. I need the help of someone who can alter the public’s perception of this company. Contain the damage. You’ll be amazed how long the stink of a scandal can linger, even when the company has been bought out. Nothing is worse than the Australian media. They will chew you up and spit you out.” She tapped his CV with a manicured fingernail. “You’re more than qualified for the position and Blake was very adamant in pushing your application forward.” Her emerald gaze penetrated his soul. “I remind you the role of Director of Communications is not for the faint of heart. It involves long hours and you’ll be on call twenty-four/seven. If I need something, I’ll make contact, no matter what time of day or night.” She pursed her lips together and gave him a cursory look over, a glance that made him uncomfortable. “Are you married? Do you have a family?”

  Thinking it was an odd thing to ask, Elias shook his head. “No, I’m single.”

  “Elias, I’m not like other employers. I take serious interest in my staff’s wellbeing and I try to create a good work-life balance here. If you’d told me you had young children, I probably would’ve denied your application on the spot. This company is everything to me, Elias. I need someone to be one hundred percent committed.” A small smile peaked her lips. “Are you still interested in pursuing your application?”

  Ava Wolfe wasn’t the type of woman to repeat an opportunity like this again. She would go to the next applicant, repeat the same pitch, and keep going until she found someone willing to give up their life for the job. Elias was twenty-seven years old, uncorrupted, committed, and ready for a challenge. He was so used to cleaning up other people’s messes that damage control was part of his routine.

  He drew a sharp breath through his nose and shut his portfolio. If he had to give up his life, he wanted to know if it was worth it. “May I ask the remuneration?”

  “Of course.” She plucked a sheet of paper from her notepad and slid it across the desk toward him. “I hope this figure will sway your decision.”

  The salary was double what he was getting paid now. “Are you interviewing other candidates?”

  Ava smirked. “Is that your subtle way of asking to go forward?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Ava leaned over the table, giving Elias an ample view of the black space between her breasts. “Congratulations, Elias. You’re hired,” she said as they shook hands. “I assume you’ll have to give your employer eight weeks’ notice. But we’re dealing with a time-sensitive issue here so I need you as soon as possible. Please speak with your employer. Human Resources will be in contact with you again regarding your contract.” Ava stood and smoothed her dress down with one hand. “Welcome to Blue Tail Media.”

  Chapter 3

  “Elias, are you there? I’m coming in!” Daisy breezed into Elias’s unit early the next morning, jerking him from a deep sleep. He opened one eye, making out the shadowy lines of his bedroom. The blinds were still drawn, casting shadows across the dresser and the pile of clothes strewn helter-skelter around the room.. He ran a hand over his face and sat up in bed, taking in his dishevelled form. He must’ve had a restless night because his blanket had been pushed to the end of the mattress.

  He picked up a shirt from the floor and climbed out of bed. “You can come in, Daisy.”

  The door exploded inwards as Daisy entered the room, carrying a tray of coffee and a paper bag. She set breakfast down on the dresser and pulled the curtains open, blinding Elias with a beam of bright light. He wandered into the bathroom, keeping the door ajar so he could talk to her.

  “So, tell me,” she pleaded. “How did the interview go? Did you get the job?”

  Elias flushed the toilet and re-emerged in the bedroom, eager to feed his grumbling stomach. Using his forearm, he brushed aside cologne bottles and other knickknacks so they had a makeshift dining table.

  Taking a sip of coffee, Elias studied Daisy’s excited face. “Didn’t I tell you I’d regret giving you a key to my apartment? No one should be this boisterous on a Saturday morning.”

  She flitted her hand in the air, dismissing his comment. “You can change the locks another day. Tell me what Ava was like.”

  Elias thought back to the man-eater in the blue dress, her formidable and predatory personality biting into his resolve. All he could think about were the rumours. When they left the boardroom after the interview, Ava’s touch lingered as they shook hands, her body as close to his as it could be, the scent of her perfume wafting
in the air. Elias chose not to focus on the glint in her eye, or the way she dragged her tongue across her lips. He just wanted to find another job.

  “She was a nice person.”

  “And?”

  He reached for a croissant and took a bite, delaying his answer. “I start as soon as I give notice.”

  “That’s awesome!” Daisy gave him a hug. “I’m so proud of you.” She broke the embrace, but remained close, grabbing hold of his wrists. “Do you think you can resist her charm?” A gleam of mischief shone in her eyes.

  “Getting this job has nothing to do with Ava or her rumoured reputation. I accepted the job for me. No one else. To be honest, I think Ava playing the seductress is just a front. She’s lonely and I won’t become another one of her conquests.” He tossed the croissant onto the dresser and cocked his head to the side, his gaze blazing into Daisy. “Speaking of romance, what’s going on with us?” He motioned between them. “My parents eagerly await an engagement announcement that may or may not come. Are we an item or not?”

  The colour drained from Daisy’s face, replaced with a sombre expression. “Do you think I like throwing subtle hints all the time?” she said, perching on the edge of the bed. “We were together once before. Why can’t we try again? I’ve tried to be civil as your friend, but I want more.”

  “More what? Romance? We tried that. I broke up with you because it wasn’t working out. I decided that remaining friends was the best thing for us. Looks at us. Our relationship is stronger now than when we were together. Why change that?”

  She folded her arms across her chest and dipped her chin, a stray lock of blonde hair falling between her eyes. “Elias, how do you feel about me?”

  He thrust his hands into his pockets. “I care deeply for you, Daisy. Always have. That will never change.”

  “In other words, you don’t love me.”

  “I never said that,” he said, reaching over to tuck the stray hair behind her ear. “I’ve been trying to make sense of it for years. You and I are not like normal friends. We’re constantly fighting the pull back to each other. I don’t know what I want.”

  “Elias, I cannot wait for you forever. Make a decision before I’m gone for good. You or us.” She paused. “To be honest, you accepting this job at Blue Tail makes me nervous.” She sucked in a breath and headed for the bedroom door, wrapping her fingers around the knob. “I’m nervous about what kind of person Ava will turn you into. She’s a succubus.”

  “Daisy.” Elias voice held an authoritative tone. “That’s my new boss you’re talking about.”

  “I’m serious. I’m nervous about losing my best friend.” She shot him a pitiful glance before closing the door behind her, leaving Elias bewildered in her wake.

  ~ ~ ~

  Butterflies mixed with coffee cravings as Elias stood in line waiting for his morning cappuccino. The café was buzzing with city workers, chattering loudly, adding more nerves to his tumbling gut. He could see Blue Tail Media’s building glistening between the skyscrapers and lost the need for a coffee hit. It was his first day as Ava Wolfe’s Director of Communications and he hadn’t slept a wink. His last conversation with Daisy circled in his mind, and he wondered, during his darkest moments of doubt, if she was right—if working with Ms. Wolfe would change him.

  “How can I help you?” The barista Gus smiled warmly at him and reached for a takeaway cup stacked up behind him. “Mornin’ Elias, the usual today?”

  “Yeah, a large cappuccino.”

  “I haven’t seen you around lately,” Gus said as he began the ritual of filling the handle with ground coffee beans. “Still with the studio?” His voice was almost drowned out by the noise of the grinder.

  “No, I left four weeks ago. I start my new job today.”

  “Cool, mate. Where at?”

  “Blue Tail Media.”

  The barista filled the takeaway cup with piping hot coffee, the aroma appeasing Elias’s anxiety. “Isn’t that owned by Ava Wolfe? I heard she bought the company after the baby scandal.”

  “The very one.” Elias paid for his coffee. “Actually, can you tell me if anyone from the company gets their coffee here? It’ll be nice to have a point of reference.”

  Gus’s gaze flicked upwards as he tossed the coins into the register. “Yeah, I know a few familiar faces from Blue Tail. I’ve seen more of a redheaded woman lately.”

  “Ava Wolfe?”

  Gus shrugged. “Could be. There was another girl who came in and mentioned Ava a few times. I haven’t seen her in ages though. Did she fire the last girl who got her coffee?”

  Elias pressed his lips into a thin line. “Guess so I’m her new Director of Communications.”

  Gus’s eyebrows disappeared into the shaggy hair falling over his forehead. “Seriously? There must be revolving door in there.” He smirked at him. “I guess I’ll be seeing more of you instead. Good luck today, mate.”

  “I’ll need it.” Elias left the café, sipping his coffee, and wandered towards Blue Tail’s building. His pace slowed as he neared the office, anxiety getting the best of him. What was he getting himself into? This role could be a career booster or career ender. The question continued to nag him as he stepped into the elevator. He stared at his reflection in the mirror, lips soured, questioning why he wore the red tie with his green suit. His ink-black locks refused to comply, a wave of hair standing up despite the tub of product in it. A detectable five o’clock shadow dusted his strong jawline. He looked half decent, but could’ve done better. He had looked like a movie star on his first day at Manny Magpie. Was he subconsciously looking bad so Ava wouldn’t find him attractive?

  The elevator doors opened, and he made direct eye contact with the receptionist. He approached her with a confident smile. “Hello, I’m Elias Dorne. It’s my first day.”

  “Of course. Ava told me you would be starting.” She pointed to some chairs lined up against the wall. “Please take a seat. Ava won’t be long.”

  Elias placed his briefcase on the coffee table and sat down, using the time to evaluate his new environment. The office carried an air of positivity and enthusiasm, with music spewing from a radio and staff sharing stories of their weekends. It was nice to know people were friendly around here.

  Pretty girls dressed in corporate skirts and blazers, tossed Elias inquisitive stares under long lashes. How many men had sat where he did, wanting a job with the notorious Ava Wolfe?

  “Elias, it’s nice to finally meet you.” A young, dark-haired man appeared from a nearby office, and offered his hand to Elias. “I’m Blake Parker, we spoke on the phone. I’ll be showing you around this morning.”

  Elias gathered his belongings. “I appreciate the opportunity. I look forward to working here.”

  “You can thank Daisy for the recommendation. She had nothing but positive things to say about you.”

  As Elias followed Blake through the office, he had one thing on his mind. “Will I be meeting with Ms. Wolfe today?”

  “Ava got called out for an urgent meeting this morning, but your area’s been set up.” He led him through the network of desks and stopped outside a timber door with Ava’s name inscribed on a gold plate. “Welcome to your new office.”

  He opened the door to reveal a clean, crisp room with spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge. Ava’s office was professional and white with subtle hints of femininity. A vase of candy-floss pink peonies added some colour to the room. A perfume bottle teetered on the edge of the desk which was positioned by window, giving Ava an awe-inspiring backdrop.

  Blake entered the room and pointed to a smaller desk in the corner, adorned with a computer, empty document trays and a cup full of pens and pencils.

  “This is your desk. I’ve left a handful of copy briefs, adverts to approve, and articles to proof read until Ava gets bac
k. She’ll go through your job description in more detail. Please take a seat.”

  Elias wandered to the desk and placed his briefcase on the floor. He sat down and flicked through the paperwork, familiarising himself with the copy and adverts.

  “The communal kitchen is down the hall, fully stocked with water and fruit.” Blake continued, “I’m two doors down so give me a holler if you need any help with the briefs.” He paused when Elias didn’t respond, nose deep in his paperwork. “I’ll leave you to it. You seem to know what you’re doing. The IT department should’ve left your email and computer password on a sticky note for you.”

  Elias scanned his desk and found a square piece of paper nudged underneath the keyboard. “Here it is. Thank you, Blake. I’ll buzz you if I have any questions.”

  Elias worked uninterrupted for two hours, listening to the acoustics of the office outside, people talking, music playing. He felt disconnected from his new colleagues already, unable to see them through the frosted glass walls. Blake didn’t even introduce him to anyone. First impressions meant more to him than damn advertorials and he would’ve preferred spending time getting to know everyone. Especially Ava. Was she going to be out of the office all the time? How dependent was she going to be on him?

  The office door opened, and Ava entered the room in a flurry of red and green, her mobile phone attached to her ear. She carried a heap of magazines which she dumped on Elias’s desk without even looking at him. She wore a tight, green dress, accentuating the copper highlights of her hair.

  “I told him the advertisement was running in the December issue,” Ava said into the phone. “I have it on email if he’s doubting our agreement.” She tossed her handbag onto her desk in frustration, her back to Elias as she gazed out the window. “He questions his ad placement every month.” She turned around, spotted Elias sitting in his seat and froze. “Frank, I gotta go.”