Office Politics - Chapter One: Red Robin Toole

Robin Toole sat at her desk. The office was busy as usual. Her fellow employees scurried about answering telphones, filing papers, distributing faxes, talking about her amazing blunder and generally ignoring that she was still there. Yes, it was just a normal day with the excepetion of Ms. Robin Toole. Everyone in the office knew about her blow up. It had been impossible for them not to hear Mr. Jenkins scathing remarks over the speaker phone. Robin realized she was lucky he hadn't simply fired her right over the phone lines. Still that might have been better than sitting at her desk waiting for his return. He had made it quite clear to all who could hear that she was not to leave her desk for anything. Nothing to do but wait she watched the office personel even as they watched her. "What must they be thinking?" She thought to herself.

At 22, Robin was the youngest assistant Mr. Jenkins had ever hired. She was painfully aware of the fact as most of her co-workers had let her know just what they thought of her and how she must have got her position. They were completely wrong but, she never bothered to correct them. She had learned long ago that people only change their opinions when you give them reason to, and actions always rang truer than words. The fact of the matter was she had been hired because she was the most qualified applicant. She had a bachelor's degree which a third of her co-workers didn't have. She was dedicated to her career and her goals were in alignment with the Mr. Jenkins. He had noticed that part himself and commented that he saw a little bit of himself in her. After all he was barely thirty, far younger than two thirds of the people working for him. None of them would even think to insinuate that he hadn't earned his place at the top. She had told herself that they were jealous of her. Sitting quietly at her desk, Robin was quite certain that none of them were jealous now.

She had set out to prove them all wrong. Looking around the office she now knew that had been her first mistake. She didn't need to prove anything to them. If there had been anything to prove it was to herself or her boss, Daniel Jenkins. The staff scurrying around her was just that, staff. Mr. Jenkins had led her by example to treat them as co-workers and equals in deserving respect. Robin agreed that they were indeed important to the operations and she saw no harm in treating them with respect even though they failed to return that curtesy to her. As she sat pensively, she recalled again how Daniel had repeatedly praised her work. He had never once given her reason to think she had anything to prove to him. If anything he had let her know just the opposite at the completion of her very first project.

She had stumbled upon the mess her predecessor had left. A multi-million dollar property acquisition deal that had all but fallen apart. Even Mr. Jenkins had considered it a total loss at that point but, she had to smooth over the issue with the investors anyway. So, she decided to try and salvage the deal. Eight weeks of twelve hour days later she not only closed the deal but combined it with two other property acquisitions, making it the largest single investment project the company had ever closed. Daniel Jenkins had been impressed. He had presented her with a brand new BMW series 7 at a company dinner and publicly congratulated her. She had been floating on top of the world until the next day at work. She overheard some of the staff talking about the deal. They were swearing that Mr. Jenkins had done all the work and he was just giving her credit so that it wouldn't be so obvious he had only hired her as eye candy. Robin Toole was infuriated but she held her tongue and went back to work.

Here it was six months later and the staff still hadn't come around even though they had closed more deals in the eight months she had been with the company than in the previous two years combined. Robin pondered the question. "Why does it matter what they think?" Years later Robin Toole may look back at this moment and realize what she couldn't see. While the staff was almost totally wrong about her, there was at least one thing they were right about. She was indeed a bit too young. At twenty-two she hadn't yet completely shed the viscious spirit of her teenage years. Controlled it, subdued it, yes. Rid herself of it, not quite. Some women never do. I'm sure you know one or two like that and what you call them is often synonmys with the common name for a breeding dog of the female persuasion. In laymens terms, it rhymes with witch. Robin however, was well on her way to eliminating that foolish rebelliousness. The clients that knew her would have described her as; professional, respectful, curteous, and kind. Most of them found the contrast between her personality and her business deals to be refreshingly amusing. She had already earned a reputation with banks and realtors as a cut-throat and ruthless negotiator. It was in fact this very contrast that had in part led to the disaster earlier that day.

The clock on the wall seemed to be running slow. Robin stared at it for the hundredth time since her one o'clock call with Mr. Jenkins. One thirty the clock read and Mr. Jenkins was expected back at two o'clock. He had been in the middle of a presentation when his cell phone and pager had started going off repeatedly. Robin had no idea how much embarrassment she had caused her boss. In all fairness to Ms. Toole, Daniel Jenkins owned some responisbility in events. He should have immediately silenced the open disrespect most of the staff had shown to Ms. Toole. He had ignored it as he thought his bright new assistant was quite capable of handling it herself. He had chose not to interfere. Like it or not Mr. Daniel Jenkins had a hefty portion of blame sitting squarely on his shoulders, for the situation with the staff was beyond Robin Toole's control the day he hired her. If Mr. Jenkins had given even half the attention to the problem that he gave his projects he would have quickly realized that the staff's attitude toward his assistant was also a reflection of their attitude toward him. That simple realization would have prompted him to act upon the situation with the urgency it had always deserved. But, "what if's" are just like regrets, they served no purpose.

Robin Toole was very much aware of the futility of regret. Still it lingered in her mind and she couldn't help but wish she had reacted better. If she had the experience that only years can bring she would have nipped the problem early on. She would have known after that first project that the situation was spiraling out of control and she would have confronted her boss forcing him to resolve the matter then and there. Experience requires experience. Sadly for all, it can not be learned any other way.

Unlike most young women her age, Robin accepted responsibility for her actions. She did not even try to tell herself that anyone else had a part in her blunder. She was the one who had lost her temper no one else. She was the one who had lied to herself and pretended that the staff's disrespect wasn't bothering her. She was the one who had chose not to involve her boss in the problem. She was the one with the foolish belief that asking for help would have been a sign of incompetence. She was the one to blame. She was the only one to blame. Robin Toole sat at her desk waiting to face the consequences of both her actions and lack there of.

Robin stared at her desk lost in her thoughts. She relived her moment of shame over and over in her head. Mr. Philip Vanderbol had been told only a week ago that Ms. Toole was the one responsible for the recent success of his investments. She had thought he was pleased based on the phone conversation they had but, when he burst through her door scowling, Robin new there was a problem. She had only met Philip Vanderbol twice before but the look on his face was unmistakeable. "Good afternoon Mr. Vanderbol. Is there a problem I can help you with? You seem upset, sir." Robin had found directness was often appreciated by the clients in every conversation.

"Ms. Toole, Mr. Jenkins has informed me that you are in charge of my accounts here. Is that correct?" Philip's voice was steady and firm.

"Yes, that is correct. Do you have a problem with that?" She responded with equal firmness. Her tone suggested that she thought this conversation was only happening because of her age and sex. She would later regret jumping to that conclusion.

"I might indeed, Ms. Toole. Are you qualified?" Philip had been a lawyer in his youth and his method of questioning was derived from those experiences. His pointed questions aimed to reveal more than he knew but, giving the impression that he knew more that he was saying. His voice and tone remained unchanged.

"Did you read the statement I sent you last week? In the last 90 days your annualized capitalization rate increased from 12.3 to a solid 22.7. Since I took over your accounts you have had steady growth and in fact have more funds available for distribution than all of last year. You tell me Mr. Vanderbol, am I qualified?" Robin hadn't intended to end her statement on such a sharp note. She had worked herself up so much in her speech that the final remark had come out without thought. She wanted to take it back the moment she heard herself say it as she realized it made her sound more like a defiant teenager than a profession business woman.

"Ms. Toole, I am quite capable of reading the reports I get and I am well aware of the status of my investments. I do not need to be lectured by a hot headed girl. I asked you if you were qualified and responsible. A simple yes or no would have sufficed. I can see now that the receptionist here is correct, your attitude proves it. I expect my accounts closed out and all funds delivered to me by the end of the day. You will consider yourselves lucky if I don't report you to the authorities for the sham you and Mr. Jenkins are attempting to pull off. You may tell Mr. Jenkins that I value honesty above money and that is why I am pulling my accounts not because of any financial failures real or perceived. Honesty, Ms. Toole, above all else. I will return at five to sign for the closure of my accounts and I expect Mr. Jenkins to be here. If not I will file claim against both of you with the proper authorities. Good day." Philip's tone and voice left no room for interruption. His scolding look made Robin blush and cower like a teenager before her angry father. With his final words he turned sharply on his heal and marched out the office. If he heard any Robin's pleading for him to wait and allow her to explain herself he gave no indication.

Robin had stood staring at the closed door Mr. Vanderbol had walked out through. She had nearly been in tears. Still she didn't understand what had caused him to suddenly question her competence. Robin knew that all her hard work to this point would count for nothing when Mr. Jenkins learned she had lost their biggest account because she had smarted off. Worse yet was how connect Mr. Vanderbol was with many of their clients. They could expect to lose several more accounts just on his recommendation to them. The realization of her actions was slow to sink in but, it permeated her being with guilt and shame as it did. A single moment of impertinence had quite possibly bankrupted the company. Maybe not overnight but, it was the likely end result of losing such an influential client.

Sitting at her desk, Robin Toole couldn't help blushing in shame at the memory of her biting words. She had failed to abide by one of the old sayings her mother had been so fond of repeating whenever a moment called for it. "Don't bite the hand that feeds." She could almost hear her mother scolding her. Her thoughts were interrupted as Mr. Jenkins entered at last.

"Ms. Toole. My office NOw!" He didn't slow his pace or even look at her as entered the room and headed toward his private office.

Robin remained silent as she stood up and walked into his office. She had little doubt as to her immediate future but remained hopeful that all was not lost. Perhaps, Mr. Jenkins would be able to salvage something. As she stepped into his office he closed the door with a sharpness she had rarely heard or seen. It wasn't quite a slam but, those outside would know they were not to be disturbed. Daniel Jenkins said nothing to her as he settled down into his leather executive chair behind his modern all glass desk. Robin remained standing afraid to take her usual liberty of sitting across from him. She braced herself for the words to come.

"Robin, what the hell happened?" His voice was soft and far less formal than anything she had heard from him earlier in the day. Robin relaxed a bit feeling that he wasn't as angry as he should have been.

"I'm sorry, sir. I lost my temper I don't have a good excuse for it. Mr. Vanderbol was questioning my competence and I just lost my temper. It was uncalled for and inexcusable, sir. If there is anyway I can make it right..." Robin's voice trailed off as Daniel waved his hand and shook his head. Daniel appeared lost and thought looking at the young woman in front of him. He almost laughed thinking how much she sounded like a chastised schoolgirl. More important to him was what she had just said.

"Why was he questioning your competence? The results on his portfolio don't suggest anything but the utmost competence." Daniel brow was crinkled as thought. His words were probably little more than voicing his internal thoughts. Robin wasn't sure if he expected her to answer as he seemed to be looking right through her.

"I don't know, sir. I didn't think to ask until I had already upset him. I thought at first it was just because I was young and female." Robin voice was still trembling and she stared at the top of the desk while she spoke.

"Huh? What does your age and sex have to do with anything. Mr. Vanderbol is not a chauvinist and he certainly has nothing against youth. He has two daughter around your age." Daniel refocused himself on the woman standing in front of him. He couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was. Her long dark hair neatly tied back, her black blazer nicely framing the silky white blouse and accentuating her soft, pert breasts. The ensemble was completed by the black knee length skirt and dark silk stockings following her shapely legs down into stylish black footwear that revealed not only her youth but her sensible mind set as they were no doubt more comfortable than the typical pumps an older woman would have selected. Daniel wished she would sit down as he was having trouble concentrating with her in his direct line of site.

"Mr. Jenkins, I am very much aware that many of the people here think I am too young for my job and that I only have the job because of my appearance. In my limited experience that has been the two main reasons that cause someone to question my abilities. I believe I was wrong in assuming that was Mr. Vanderbol's motivation based on his reaction. I can only imagine now that his motivation was based on some comment I made previously that gave him the impression I don't always think before I act. When I realized my mistake Mr. Vanderbol was no longer willing to listen to me. Maybe you can persuade him to listen to my sincere apologies. I'm willing to accept the consequences of my actions but your company should not have to suffer because of a few poorly chosen words on my part." Robin's mind was always working the angles. She had come to the conclusion that Mr. Jenkins would have to acknowledge to Mr. Vanderbol that she had been out of line and disciplinary measures would need to be taken. She thought it was just possible that Mr. Vanderbol would reconsider pulling his accounts if he knew she was properly and severely disciplined for her impertinence. The part she didn't understand is why he felt she had been dishonest with him. She couldn't recall ever misleading him or worse, lying outright to him. That comment of his made no sense at all.

"Of course you will suffer the consequences of you actions, Robin. There has been no question of that. I simply don't understand this situation at all. Mr. Vanderbol is not one to make rash decisions. His usual reaction to the kind of behavior you displayed would be nothing more than to tell me of it and expect me to deal with it. To pull his accounts, the must be something your not telling me." Daniel had spun his chair around as he talked so that he was facing the wall. He couldn't look her in the eye and be as harsh in his tone as was needed at this moment. He wasn't sure how he would deal with the matter of disciplining her as everytime he looked at her all his anger faded to the background. He couldn't explain exactly what it was but something in her appearance and body language made him want to protect her.

"Well he did same something that has me confused, sir." Robin was shifting nervously on her feet thinking of what consequences her boss was referring to. Her hands were sweating as she ran them down the front of skirt smoothing away non-existant wrinkles. "Mr. Vanderbol seemed to think that we had been dishonest with him in someway." She finally concluded after Daniel spun his chair back around so that he could stare straight into her eyes.

"Dishonest? What on earth..." Daniel's voice trailed off and his face contorted slightly. Robin had seen this expression before. Mr. Jenkins was working out what had occurred and she waited patiently for him to fill her in on the missing pieces that he was clearly putting together.

"Robin, sit down." Daniel said in almost exasperated tone. As she complied with no small relief, he picked up his phone and dialed the reception desk. "Kaitlyn, Mr. Jenkins here. Could you come to my office right away please? Good, thank you." He hung up the phone and smiled at his bewildered assistant. Robin clearly wasn't following what had happened yet. They sat in uncomfortable silence waiting for Kaitlyn to arrive. Robin wanted desperately for Mr. Jenkins to enlighten her as to what this had to do with Kaitlyn but, she kept her silence and waited. She was painfully aware that her mouth had caused enough problems for one day.

A light knock followed by the slow opening of the door announced Kaitlyn's arrival. As she stepped inside cautiously, Mr. Jenkins indicated for her to close the door behind her. As soon as the door was closed Mr. Jenkins voice boomed with authority, "Kaitlyn, What did you say to Mr. Vanderbol to give him the idea that Ms. Toole was less than competent?"

The lightbulb was nearly visible clicking on above Robin's head. Daniel had to force himself not to smile as he noticed the expression of understanding sweeping across Robin's features. Robin's enlightenment quickly transformed to open disapproval as she turned to face the now meek receptionist. Kaitlyn was 28 years old and did her best to look 21 every day. Her too short skirt and low cut blouse revealed far more skin than appropriate in a professional office. Her reddish, orange hair out of a bottle obtrusively clashed with the bright red theme of her outfit. Daniel looked at the two women in his office and thought they couldn't have been more opposite.

"I never said anything of the sort. I told him you were out of the office and asked if he'd like to see Ms. Toole. I didn't say anything else, Mr. Jenkins." Kaitlyn responded with her best innocent little old me look and tone. Robin was all too familiar with the look and tone as it hadn't been that many years ago that she used the very same to wheedle her way out of trouble from her father. A man may fall for it but, every woman knows that look and tone are sure signs of guilt. Robin remained silent despite wanting to confront the obvious lie. She had to trust in Mr. Jenkins.

"Strange that Mr. Vanderbol recalled having a bit longer coversation with you then, isn't it?" Mr. Jenkins was bluffing but, he knew Kaitlyn had no way of knowing that. He had a teenage niece that tried that look on her father from time to time and was very much aware that she was likely guilty of exactly what he thought. Robin held back a smile as she continued to gaze harshly at the receptionist. Mr. Jenkins was no fool.

"I, ah," Kaitlyn stuttered clearly feeling caught. "I didn't expect, I mean, I didn't think."

"That's right you didn't think, Kaitlyn," Mr. Jenkins interrupted the stuttering woman. "Your actions could very well have caused irrepairable damage to my business. I want to know precisely what you said to Mr. Vanderbol this instant!" Mr. Jenkins was the picture of authority as he spoke. When he took on this stern look and tone nobody would ever dare cross him.

"I told him you were out of the office and I could make an appointment for him to come back later to see you. He dismissed that idea and asked for Ms. Toole. I didn't mean for him to hear me. I didn't even mean to say it out loud, but he heard me anyway. I just kind of mumbled that she wouldn't know anything about his accounts. He is your client and Ms. Toole still pretty new. I didn't mean anything bad by it. I swear." The woman was clearly scared now. Mr. Jenkins was fairly certain she still wasn't being completely truthful.

"Kaitlyn, you can go home for the rest of the day without pay. Before you come back tommorow I want you to think about whether you want to continue working here. You have a choice to make. YOu can come back tommorow morning and tell the truth and face the consequences of your malicious behavior or you can sign a letter of resignation and leave here without a reference. Now get out." His voice was calm and even despite the biting words and disapproving tone.

"I'm sorry, sir." Kaitlyn squeaked before turning and leaving. Robin was certain she saw tears in her eyes before she turned away.

Kaitlyn's departure left Robin and Daniel alone again and in silence. They looked at each other with the complete understanding that normally takes years to develop between friends or co-workers. Robin understood that Kaitlyn's guilt in no way eliminated her culpability. She was still prepared to except her own consequences. Daniel knew that Robin was aware she still bore some blame in what had transpired and although he would have overlooked the matter if it were only about him he knew just as she did that their client would not be so forgiving. He would understand when all was explained to him, Daniel was certain, but he would expect both Kaitlyn and Robin to suffer for their ill-conceived actions.

After several minutes of silence had passed, Daniel turned away to face the wall again. "Robin, you of course can choose to resign, but I hope you will have the intrepidity to accept the consequences and stay. I have no desire to put you through this, but your actions leave me no choice. There is far more at stake here than your well-being. The entire company I have built could collapse from a blunder like this. I hope you understand this." His voice was soft yet firm as he spoke. He paused for only a brief moment before adding, "You are the most capable assistant I have ever worked with. I can hardly use that word to describe you. You are more my equal, my partner, than anyone I have ever met. I don't want to lose you, but I will understand if you find you can not submit to what is required in order for you to stay. I know you feel badly about this perhaps you even blame me in some small way. I'm probably deserving of that. Unfortunately, there is no time for you to think this through I must know your decision now. What do you want to do Ms. Toole."

The use of, "Ms. Toole," at the conclusion of his short speech set the tone for Robin's response. She was clearly expected to stand and either accept her consequences or resign. There was no other option. She had known it would come to this since Philip Vanderbol had left her office. She stood up and centered herself in front of her boss's desk. Her thoughts wandered to the staff in the office. She could already see the grins on their faces that would no doubt appear when they learned she was to be disciplined. They would all think it was about time and she would quite probably never live it down with any of them. "What am I doing," she thought to herself. "Thinking about them is what got me here in the first place."

Mr. Jenkins was aware of the young woman standing so formally behind him. Still he could not bring himself to face her as he knew the firmness he needed would melt away. He breathed quietly attempting to suppress his emotions as he waited for her response. She was taking too long to be deciding to resign. He knew her choice long before she found the strength to voice it.

"I have shamed myself and this company. I accept that there must be consequences for such behavior and I am willing to be subjected to them, Mr. Jenkins." Her voice did not betray even a hint of the butterflies swimming in her stomach. Outwardly she projected the same professionalism her employer had come to expect from her. If only she had maintained that resolve ealier in the day none of what was to come would have been necessary.

"Very well. I see no reason to delay as Mr. Vanderbol will be here in two hours. I believe you will benefit from waiting in a prepared state for your punishment. Two hours of waiting like that will be a punishment in itself. You may stip yourself of your clothing and jewelry now. I will call Mrs. Barnes to put you on display when you are naked." Daniel Jenkins finally spun around to face Robin as he concluded. "What are you waiting for Ms. Toole? Would you prefer a larger audience to watch you disrobe? It can be arranged."

"No, sir." Robin whispered as she shrugged out of her blazer, tears forming in her eyes. She blinked back the tears as she draped the garment over the back of the chair she had recently vacated. She unbuttoned her blouse with trembling fingers that made the simple task a complicated one. The last button finally open, she shrugged out of it revealing a plain white cotton bra. She laid the blouse carefully on top of her discarded blazer. Her face was now fully flushed and her cheeks were nearly glowing with embarrassment as her hads made their way to the fasteners on her skirt. She had to lean slightly forward and twist to the right to release the clip and unzip it. She let it slide down her legs to the floor before stepping out of it. She picked it up and sent it to join her other two discarded items. She was biting her lip as she straightened from laying the skirt down. She was greatly humiliated to stand in her undergarments before Daniel Jenkins. She had fantasized about stripping before him almost since the day he hired her, but reality was a far cry from the fantasy. In her fantasy she was always wearing her sexiest lingerie. Today, in reality, she was wearing her everyday boring cotton whites. The underwear that no man ever imagines a woman even owns. She could tell by the look on Daniel's face that he found the revelation of her underwear not only a surprise but an amusing one. Robin knew in the end it wasn't going to matter because she would soon be without them and she tried to comfort herself with thoughts of how embarrassingly revealing her nicer garments would have been. She lifted each leg up behind her and removed her shoes by slipping them off. She set them on the floor underneath the chair supporting her removed clothing. Next she turned and lifted her left leg so her foot was resting on the seat of the chair. She slid her stocking off and then repeated the action with her right leg. She left them sitting on the chair where she had removed them. Her hands then reached up behind her still standing so that her back was mostly to Daniel and unclipped her bra. She quickly slid it off her arms and dropped it on the chair. With a deep breath her hands found their way to her panties and quickly pulled them down and off, sending the last garment to rest on the chair as their former occupant stood naked and humiliated.

Daniel was enjoying his unobstructed view of Robin's tender white bottom. He smiled knowing she couldn't see him and wondered what she would think if she new he preferred the view she had given him to the one she was hiding. Robin forced her hands to her sides knowing there was little point to trying to protect he modesty as her immediate future would not allow it anyway. Here at least she could pretend for the moment it was for his eyes only. She swallowed hard and turned to face Mr. Jenkins.

"I am ready, sir." She managed to say in an almost normal voice. He looked her up and down with a slight frown on his face. Robin was very self conscious of her body and couldn't help thinking he was taking in all her flaws. She was certain her nudity was eliminating any illusions he had about her being pretty.

"Right apparently you need a lesson in following instructions as well as maintaining your professionalism," He paused briefly letting his words sink in and possible hoping she would realize her mistake. "I believe I told you to remove your jewelry as well Miss." His tone was biting. "As this is your first time I will overlook your forgetfullness as long as your remove it now. This is your only chance though. Don't expect me to overlook any other failures or oversights on your part while you are being punished."

Robin quickly removed her small stud earrings, the small heart=shaped locket around her neck, and the slim silver watch on her wrist. Each item was placed carefully on the chair holding her discarded clothing. "I'm sorry, sir." Was all she managed to say in response.

When the final items were removed, Mr. Jenkins picked up the phone on his desk and called Mrs. Barnes to report to his office. While they were waiting for her to arrive Daniel had Robin stand in the middle of his office facing the door so her back was to him and place her hands on top of her head. Robin was certain if any more blood flushed to her face it would burst through her skin she was so embarrassed. She thought he had positioned her this way so that the moment the office door opened she would be humiliatingly exposed. Daniel had not given that side of the position the slightest bit of consideration. He was in his mind sparing her the humiliation of showing her tits and pubic region to him and besides he was far more interested in staring at her buttocks which already seemed to be clenched in anticipation. Both were lost in their own thoughts when the light knock at the door came and then it opened revealing the 45 year old Mrs. Barnes in her grey pin-stripe suit and light blue blouse. Her professional demeanor and the sharp disapproving glare toward Robin only accentuated the shame Robin felt.

Mr. Jenkins and Mrs. Barnes conversed in whispers that Robin could not hear for a few moments as she stood with her back still to them. Without warning Mrs. Barnes grabbed hold of Robin's left earlobe and began to tug hard. "You will keep your hands on you head as we walk and do as your told, Miss. Is that understood?" The woman's voice sounded like a stern school teacher.

"Yes, Ma'am." Robin squeaked in reply, desperately fighting tears that threatened to fall. Without any further words she was led by ear out of Mr. Jenkins private office and into the main work area. The staff all paused and stared as she was led by them. Many were openly grinning especially the males as they watched naked young woman being led to her fate like a naughty schoolgirl. The trip to the center of the open office area took only about a minute and a half, but for Robin it was an eternity. She was both relieved the trip was over and terrified of the next stage of her punishment at the same time. Mrs. Barnes left her to stand still while she went to a nearby desk and retrieved a set of leather cuffs and activated a switch that lowered a cable from the ceiling to heigth easily reached from the ground. Mrs. Barnes secured the cuffs on Robin's wrists with practiced ease and efficiency and then used the hook on the end of the cable to clip on to the cuffs, locking Robin's hands together and slightly in front of her. Mrs. Barnes stepped back to the desk again and activated the switch controlling the cable. This time it began to retract back to the ceiling. Robin let out a small cry as her arms were stretched to the point she pulled up on her tiptoes. Mrs. Barnes stopped the cable right at the point where Robin's toes barely touching the floor. She smiled as she watched Robin Toole stretched out and dangling with most of her weight supported from above rather than below. Mrs. Barnes had long been waiting for the day to come when she would be allowed to put this woman in this exact position. She thought it had taken far too long for Mr. Jenkins to decide she needed a lesson in humility.

Robin was breathing hard as she tried to control her self. Stretched out as she was she new her entire body was on display for everyone in the office to see. Worse her toes were barely touching the floor and she couldn't stop the slow spinning motion the cable was forcing, so her body was slowly spinning in a circle as if to display her to every corner of the room. She tried to withdraw into herself and ignore the physical state she was in, but her thoughts betrayed her and she was crying only a few moments into her two hours of shameful exposure waiting for the final part of her punishmet which would be a spanking while hanging there for all to see and witness.

It didn't take long for the office staff to begin making comments. Everything from, "Its about time you got yours," to "Nice tits." The latter was usually accompanied by a sharp pinch to one of her nipples and the former, a slap to her butt. Robin was certain that a medieval woman locked in the stocks would have been less humiliated than she found herself to be. The hour she had spent waiting at her desk for Mr. Jenkins to return had seemed more like two, but these two hours waiting for Mr. Vanderbol to arrive were near an absolute eternity in hell. Her arms went numb and then came back to life with excruciating pain over and over as she waited slowly spinning round and round. Her thoughts were meaningless. She could no more form a coherent thought than a coherent sentence. All that filled her being was a feeling of humiliation and desire for the punishment to be over.

She never saw Philip Vanderbol enter the office. She didn't know how long he had spoke with Mr. Jenkins. He simply stood before holding an 18" wooden ruler in his right hand and she suddenly realized her feet were solidly on the ground and supporting her wait again yet her arms were still stretched taunt above her head. She became aware that they were far from alone, in fact the entire office had gathered in a circle around her. Philip pointed the ruler at her and began to speak.

"Ms. Toole, I understand that you have agreed to be punished for your impertinence toward me earlier today. I shall carry that out momentarily. First, I wanted to impress upon you how disappointed I am that you couldn't see fit to treat me with the respect I have always shown you. I understand after discussion with Mr. Jenkins that my questions angered you because of a lack of respect from you co-workers. These people are now standing here witnessing your punishment because instead of challenging there lack of respect, you chose to challenge my legitimate concerns and questions. I would normally use a much more severe implement than this simple desk ruler, but I feel you deserve some leniency. Your work has been exemplary and other than your flared temper today you have always been a professional associate beyond your years in age. For those of you watching and taking pleasure in this young woman's punishment, be warned that your lack of respect for Ms. Toole will no longer be tolerated. She has accepted her punishment as a result of her own actions and has not asked for any special treatment. She did not at any point attempt to blame anyone else and in fact had never considered the real reason behind my concerns earlier. The woman who saw fit to disrespect Ms. Toole to my face and bring into question her abilities and integrity shall be thoroughly punished tommorow by Mr. Jenkins if she does not choose to resign when she learns how severe the consequences of her actions must be. I am sorry this is necessary Ms. Toole." Mr. Vanderbol had addressed the office more than Robin as he could tell she was hardly capable of comprehending the meaning behind his words. Mr. Jenkins had assured him he would reiterate the relevant information to Robin the following day.

Philip moved to the left side behind Robin and took careful aim with the ruler raised high above his head. He swung fast and hard smacking her bottom in a straight line across the middle. Robin gasped. Philip raised the ruler high again and swung it down this time hitting just a little lower. As the ruler left her butt, two red horizontal marks were visible clearly indicating where the ruler had struck. Robin continued to gasp as each swing of Philip's arm connected the ruler to her quivering cheeks. Philip spaced each stroke to create a clear lined effect running from the center of her bottom to her upper thighs. He then began striking so that the center of the new stroke was on top of the edge between two previous strokes. At this first overlap Robin cried out. By the third she was sobbing. When the ruler began overlapping strokes for the fourth time she began pleading between sobs. "Please, no more," and, "I'm sorry," were the broken tune of the stuttering record that was Robin Toole's voice.

Philip decided she had enough when her pleas stopped and the only sound in the room was her racked breathing between sobs and tears. By that time her butt was a glowing red with thin white stripes crossing it horozontally where the edge of the ruler had connected with a deep bite that raised what could only be called a welt. The spectators new that Robin would be sitting tenderly for days with marks like that. They all wondered how Philip could have called this a lenient punishment.

Mrs. Barnes activated the switch that pulled the cable up again so that Robin was once again suspended and spinning round. The audience dispersed and returned to their desks. As much as they had enjoyed watching the young woman get her comeuppance they didn't want to have to late at work. They all scurried about to finish their work for the day. A half hour later the office was empty of all but Robin and Daniel.

Mr. Jenkins approached Robin and said, "Mr. Vanderbol wants you up there for another two hours before I let you down. I am going to leave for some dinner and I'll return when your time is up. Ok?"

Robin wasn't crying anymore but she could hardly believe that she was expected to be stretched out like this unable to assuage the burning in her buttocks for another two hours. She just stared at Mr. Jenkins as she slowly spun around. She didn't trust herself to speak as the words she wanted to say would likely mean an increase in her punishment.

Mr. Jenkins seemed to understand. He gave her a wry smile and then turned and left. When he gone Robin found herself fighting down terror. She felt more humiliated than ever spinning around naked and red-bottomed with no one to see her but an empty office. Eternity was having new meaning for Robin Toole as she began to cry again.

"Please let me down!" She cried out to the emptiness, "I'll be a good girl."