"I wholeheartedly agree," Francine said, her grin growing triumphant. "I'm glad your viewpoint is coming around."
"But tell me, Francine, just how is it that you get it all done? I mean, it should seem impossible to get all of the various unions to cooperate under your banner. Some of them are diametrically opposed to one another, yet you somehow get it all done. MJT could take some lessons from you I think."
"There's a few areas where we can exert influence," Francine replied, "the least of which is having dirt on the right people in the city. Why, with what I know about some of the members of the city council along with the heads of some of the city departments, I could have myself declared God around here and nobody is going to be able to say boo about it."
"Those sorts of connections must go rather high. Tell me, just between the two of us, how high do they go?"
"All the way to Congress," Francine laughed. "I've got ten different members of the House and a Senator who all owe me their jobs and their secrets. You'd be shocked at some of the perverted shit politicians in Washington get up to if you just offer it to them."
"So if we cooperate, do you think I could have access to some of those connections?"
Francine laughed and shook her head. "I doubt it. You see Tabitha, the thing is that I have everything I need. I don't need MJT in my corner, but you need me. This isn't going to be equitable. You're going to play by my rules, and in return, I won't crush you."
"I doubt that," I replied. I saw shadowy outlines against the frosted glass outside, and decided it was time to turn the tables. "Francine, I called you here today to tell you that despite your attempts, despite funding a frivolous lawsuit, and despite your hiring the Latin Kings to disrupt the opening of the community center in a few weeks, MJT has decided to continue in its current policy of not working with the Union. In fact, we're going to be rejecting the Union in general, and will continue to shop out contracts to individual companies regardless of their union status. Further attempts to interfere with our business will result in a lawsuit being filed against the Union by MJT."
"You called me down here just to throw down the gauntlet? Are you insane, or just rude as hell?" Francine spat, seething. After months of polite back and forth, or veiled threats and restrained innuendo, here was the core of Francine Berkowitz, angry and exposed, a despot who thought with her largest competition out of the way in the way of Owen Lynch and the Confederation, she was in a position to be an empress. "You think this is just a game, you pretty little bitch? I've crushed companies bigger than yours, hell, I've crushed whole city administrations. Got it? Your company, out of business. Your boyfriend Patrick? He won't even get a job washing dishes in this state, if he even survives to the next election. Your pretty little house? I'll have that shit repossessed and torn down. Better yet, I might just make it my house by the time it's all over. I'll...."
Her words stopped in an instant as the door to my office opened, and two police officers walked in, along with Bennie Fernandez. "Ah, hello Mr. Fernandez," I said with a tight little smile. "How's your morning been?"
"Very interesting. I woke up to find such wonderfully absorbing information that I read and watched along with my morning coffee. In fact, Judge Hawkins agreed with me, and when you sent me a message, well, I just had to come by with some of my friends to say thank you. Then I see that you've given us an even larger gift."
"You bitch," Francine said, looking from Bennie to me. "You conniving little bitch."
The rest of it was pretty standard stuff you'd see in any cop show. Francine didn't even fight except for a few snippy words, just let herself be handcuffed and escorted out by the cops. They took the elevator, which I was glad for. Taking the stairs up from the ground floor was difficult enough, trying to do it in high heels and handcuffed? Knowing Francine Berkowitz, she'd have thrown herself down the steps and sued the city as well as MJT for injuries. I wouldn't want that, as much as seeing her on crutches would be appealing.
"Bye Francine,” I dismissed Berkowitz as she walked out. Bennie Fernandez stopped at the door and gave me a look. "What? I've wanted to say that to her for at least six months."
Bennie nodded in understanding, then stuck his head out the door. "Take her down to the car, we'll take her to the Federal Building for questioning and process her there. Give me a few minutes though, I forgot something I needed to ask Miss Williams."
The cops outside agreed, and Bennie closed the door, waiting until he heard the elevator start down to turn to me. "You've handed me another feather in my cap, Miss Williams. This is becoming a very pleasant routine."