Before they went back to the office, though, Valerie wanted to have a drink somewhere. The strong vodka eased her throbbing temples and brought her red face back to its normal color. Blair had a couple of drinks too and then they headed back to the office.

They went in separately, Blair first and when he had closed his door, Valerie crept in too. She had already been to the ladies room to comb and paint, so she knew that she looked as if she had done nothing more strenuous during her lunch hour than grab a bite and shop for a few things at Bloomie's. The big bag was under her arm and she set it down by her desk.

Burt, though, had seen Eldridge walk in with that guilty, the-cat-ate-the-canary face and he knew that Valerie would be in moments later.

Sure enough there she was, looking guilty as anything. He didn't even look at her as she passed, but kept his eyes down, engrossed in his own work.

She sat down and opened the drawer to her desk. Although it had a lock, she rarely used it, for she kept nothing of value in that drawer. Today, as she opened it, she saw a note in an envelope that said only 'Valerie'.

Smiling, she tore it open. She assumed that is was from Blair, who liked to surprise her; only yesterday he had sent her twelve long-stemmed roses with a card that said, "From a secret admirer".

Her shock and disbelief, then, were understandable when she read the printed words: "I know about you, bitch. I know that you're fucking Eldridge and I'll see to it that his wife finds out if you don't behave and do what I ask. And don't try to tell him, either. I already have a date with his wife on Thursday and once she hears about it, you'll be out on your ass, without or the prospect of getting another one! Just wait for further instructions, bitch and keep your trap shut!"

Valerie had to fight not to throw up as she read the note. Who could have sent such a vile thing to her? What an outrage! She shook and trembled with fear and disgust.