I stand outside Stan Simon's office wondering what was going to come out of my mouth in the next half hour. I practiced for the last twenty-four hours but now I can't remember one sentence to the next. For the third time, his Secretary invites me to sit, but I can only shake my head and cross my arms.

The elevator door opens and L'Atrice steps out. The meeting I requested is set for ten o'clock; it is now five of. She's on time, and looks at me suspiciously.

Hugo told me not to say anything.

*****

"What difference does it make Fran? You're shooting yourself in the foot."

"I don't know Hugo. I really don't have any rational explanation, maybe I will later, but now I don't have a choice. It's just something I have to do."

"What? Did you hear that in some movie? Your favorite heroine in some book say that? You're full of shit."

"Say what you will, but for the first time I'm not taking any advice. That's what got me into trouble in the first place. I'm flying blind and alone. Whatever happens happens."

"Whatever." And his arm flew in the air like my Aunt Claire's did when Uncle Eubie would tell a joke about the Virgin Mary.

*****

"I took the design. I copied it, and gave it to Thea, knowing she worked for Future Designs."

L'Atrice is looking at me like I did this to her personally, and I guess I did.

"You realize this is a criminal offense." Stan Simon, unlike our last meeting, can't take his eyes off me.

"Yes, I do." I did not think jail time was a possibility, but now it rushes in my mind and suddenly my eyes start to swell.

"Fran, why would you do this? We're all behind you."

I want to say bullshit, but I know there's a part of L'Atrice that believes this and completely forgets she stole my design. I also know that no matter what she had done to me, it doesn't condone my thievery. So I say nothing and bow my head.

L'Atrice turns to Stan Simon. "Mr. Simon, Fran has been going through a rough time. Her father died. And besides, it's clear that Thea was the instigator of this crime. I don't think it excuses Fran... but I would be willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and not press any charges."

"It's not for me to decide. It's up to the lawyers. Ms. Charleton, you are to leave the premises immediately. If you need to return to your desk, a security guard will accompany you."

"I don't need to return to my desk."

I suppose he's done this many times, and for lesser reasons, but he's so casual about it-- like he's ordering pancakes.

"And if you have any contact with Thea, tell her to expect a call from the police."

Thea! My plan was not to turn her in, but that's just what I did.

In the hallway, L'Atrice walks with me. "That was impressive. Something I could've never have done."

"L'Atrice, how do you stay here? I mean you've worked so hard here-- and he has no intention of giving you a promotion."

"Oh Fran, he needs me where I am and I'll get my promotion when we find someone who can do my job. He tells me that all the time. "

She believes this like she believes the butterfly one piece underwear was her idea.