Mary: "Ok Stone… let's see if you're actually stupid enough to leave evidence of your dastardly deeds out in the open."

A quick scan of the vast desk in front of her proved he wasn't going to make things that easy for her. There was nothing aside from the usual office items- a few carefully sharpened pencils, a notepad, 'Business World' magazine. She wrinkled her nose unconsciously at the last item and wondered for the umpteenth time what Emily could possibly see in him.

Mary: "Gee, Mary, it couldn't possibly have anything to do with the houses, cars, money, gifts, or stability could it? The helicopter, maybe? The private island in the Bahamas? Fucking rich bastard…"

She made her way around the desk and sat down in the chair in front of the computer, turning it on and absently staring around the room as she waited for it to boot up. Her eyes landed on the framed picture of her best friend, and she felt the stab of frustration and longing she knew she'd never get used to.

The login screen popped up and startled her from her thoughts, the cursor blinking at her impatiently. From her piece of paper she deftly entered the password, a seemingly random string of letters and numbers. As the desktop appeared in place of the login screen, she let out a disappointed sigh.

Mary: "Oh come on, Stone- don't you know you're supposed to leave files open with names like 'How I Plan To Take Over The World' and 'My Secret Plans For Emily Laine'?"

With a heavy sigh, she started digging through the files on the computer. For twenty minutes she randomly clicked on icons, finding mostly tedious and pristine financial information and very little else. Emails seemed to be sent in code, but nothing that could even amuse her like 'The crow flies at midnight' or 'The dingo ate my baby'- just things like 'XJ broken - no need to replace'. Mary felt her head beginning to throb, and was considering giving up completely. The man knew what he was doing, that much was clear. There wasn't a single shred of evidence that he was anything other than Citizen of the Year- he was even up to date with his taxes.

Without fully giving in to defeat, she turned her attention to the filing drawers to her right. While they were securely locked, she was able to quickly find the correct key to access whatever secrets they may hold. An initial run through revealed only more financial reports and hardcopies of documents she'd just looked at on the computer.

Andy: "Mary Mary, quite contrary… Did anyone ever say that to you when you were growing up? I bet you heard it quite a bit."

Mary froze, blind panic gripping every fiber of her being. She momentarily considered diving under the desk to hide before it occurred to her that clearly Stone already knew she was there. She quickly slid the file drawer closed before turning to face her certain end.

Mary: "Actually no, not at all."
Andy: "They say it's about Mary Tudor of England, also known as Bloody Mary. Did anyone ever call you that?"
Mary: "Not many people called me much of anything."
Andy: "Oh. Well that's a shame, really."

Mary watched nervously as Stone paused, seeming to consider some profound thought.

Andy: "Or maybe not. Being teased is never fun, though at least it means people think you're worth paying attention to."
Mary: "Are you going somewhere with this?"
Andy: "No, not really. Is there any particular reason you're digging around my office at quarter to one in the morning?"

Mary took several steps back as he made his way across the office, joining her behind the desk. He glanced briefly at the computer monitor, then back up at Mary before shutting the machine down. He then turned his attention fully on her, causing the skin on the back of her neck to try to escape by crawling away.

Mary: "The janitor called in sick, so I thought I'd help out."
Andy: "Shame to hear it."
Mary: "Aren't you supposed to be in Seattle tonight?"
Andy: "I was. I came home early to surprise my girlfriend- I just had to stop by the office first to get her a gift I bought her. It's in the top drawer right next to you- be a peach and hand it to me?"

Mary nervously opened the drawer next to her right hand, expecting nothing short of having it bit off by a rabid alligator. Instead, there was only a flat black velvet rectangular box. She wondered if it held pearls or poison, and hesitated before handing it over.

Andy: "You know I have no choice but to fire you over this, right?"
Mary: "What?"
Andy: "Fire. You. As in, let you go. I'll have my secretary draw up a severance package for you. Will three weeks pay be enough? I'd better make it four- you are Emily's best friend after all."

She continued to stare at him in shocked disbelief as he pocketed the box she'd handed to him before looking at her curiously.

Andy: "Is there a reason you're still hanging out in my office?"
Mary: "What… is that it? You're just firing me?"
Andy: "You weren't expecting me to make some quip about terminating you before I shot you dead, were you?"

Stone began to laugh, the sound chilling Mary to her core. She could almost imagine him standing alone in a tall tower with lightning cracking around him, proclaiming to any who would listen that he would surely rule the world.

Mary: "No, I don't suppose you work that way."
Andy: "Mary, Mary, Mary… Let me walk you down to your car."

She was mildly aware of being led toward the elevator, the 41 seconds to the parking garage suddenly feeling like an eternity. She debated trying to strangle him on the way down before coming to the conclusion that the place was undoubtedly teeming with video cameras. Still, though she'd definitely end up in jail, at least Stone would be dead and Emily would be safe.

Except for all the damned vampires.

Mary: "Damn it."
Andy: "Pardon?"
Mary: "Never mind."

The doors of the elevator opened into the parking garage, Mary's car no longer alone in its vast echoing interior.

Andy: "I hope you don't let this come between us. I'm sure you understand that I just can't employ people who are into the whole breaking and entering thing."
Mary: "Stone, if you hurt Emily in any way, I'm going to kill you myself. I don't care what else you do, whatever grand scheme you're cooking up- she's the only thing in this world that matters to me."

Andy: "I love Emily, Mary. The thought of anything hurting her in any way breaks my heart. I know you feel the need to protect her, but if you threaten me again I can't promise I'll be as understanding. Have a wonderful night, Ms. McMally."

He turned away from her then, calmly getting into his vehicle. As a wave of frustration crashed over her, Mary got into her own car and drove off into the night, unsure of her destination.