This story is part of Tagg After Dark, an erotica collection exclusively for readers 18+. You’re reading part 4 of 5. If you need to go back and read the previous parts, please find them here.
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After hanging up with Yatta, Nova headed to the bathroom to calm down. She splashed her face with water and grabbed a paper towel. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she was startled to see her co-worker Sadie standing next to her. “You okay, girl?” Sadie asked in a dry tone.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a migraine,” Nova said.
“Yeah, I bet,” Sadie said, looking at Nova in the mirror expressionless.
“Excuse me?” Nova said.
“I’d have a migraine, too if I was about to lose my job,” Sadie said calmly, applying her lipstick. She capped her lipstick and continued, “I like big bills.”
Sadie exited the bathroom. Nova stood there stunned.
***
With trembling hands, Yatta slowly pulled out the photos and the note attached, “What the fuck?” she whispered as her phone vibrated with a text alert. It was Nova.
“It’s Sadie,” the text read.
“You gotta be kidding me,” Yatta scoffed.
“I’ll handle it,” Yatta typed back to Nova.
Yatta stood up, pacing as she made a phone call. “I need your help,” she said to the person on the other end. Grabbing her bag and keys, she headed for the elevator.
Sitting in her car, Yatta took a few puffs of weed, leaning her head back as she exhaled slowly.
A woman with long dreadlocks wearing a sharply tailored navy suit opened the passenger door and climbed in. Waving the weed smoke with her manicured nails and cowrie shell rings, she asked, “Oh, we doing this on the clock now?”
“Jada, I’m in a situation,” Yatta said as she ashed her spliff.
“I mean, you gettin’ high in your favorite Saint Laurent shirt so it must be serious,” Jada replied.
Yatta handed Jada the envelope.
Jada’s eyes widened as she looked at its contents. “Yattaaaa, what is this, friend?”
“I know, I know,” Yatta said defeated.
“I know you be swingin’ and slingin’, but you’re smarter than this,” Jada said.
“It’s Sadie, she’s blackmailing us,” Yatta replied.
“Sadie Cooper? Your old mentee and stalker Sadie Cooper?” Jada asked.
Yatta shook her head, “Yes.”
“I didn’t even know she worked at that location. Still obsessed with you, huh?”Jada said softly, staring at the note.
“Guess so,” Yatta replied. “I haven’t seen her since the internship four years ago. I didn’t know she was here until after I took the position, but I thought everything was cool.”
“This can’t get out,” Yatta continued, distressed.
“I got you,” Jada said. “I know some folks on the board, maybe I can get her moved quietly.”
“Please, Jada, I’ll owe you big time,” Yatta said.
“Say less, friend. You know I got you,” Jada replied exiting the car. Tucking the envelope under her arm, Jada said, “Hang tight, and I’ll make some moves.”
A week later, Sadie was transferred to the Chicago office—her hometown. It was better than being brought up on blackmail and extortion charges.
***
Sitting on her couch, Nova held her phone to one ear and a glass of wine in the other. “I’m just so glad it’s all over, girl.” The doorbell rang. “I’ll call you back,” she said.
Nova walked to the door, setting her wine glass on the kitchen counter atop a stack of flyers for Gemma’s book release marked with today’s date.
Nova swung the door open to find Yatta with Chinese food. “You know I don’t like coming empty-handed,” she grinned, stepping inside.
Nova peaked her head outside before closing the door behind her.
Will Yatta and Nova find themselves exposed to the entire office? Find out on Sunday, September 29. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to be reminded when the final installment drops.
