Incognito

Incognito Part 9

The next few weeks Taylor was busy preparing an extensive revised version of anti-discrimination and harassment policy of the company. She asked for fairness in hiring, promotions and termination of employees. Being a victim of harassment herself she has a great understanding of the debilitating effect of being subjected to ridicule and mockery. Bullyism must not be condoned and bullies have to face the consequences of their actions. She consulted with legal department for assurance that the policy does not overreach nor illegal and be subject to lawsuits or complaints.

Legal proceedings regarding Jenna's case is moving along. Taylor and Joe were present in the courthouse when her case was brought in front of the judge. Jenna did not look like herself. She was unkempt with matted hair, pale pock marked skin, dark circles under her eyes and looks emaciated. She started yelling and screaming as soon as she saw Taylor and Joe in the gallery. Her lawyer tried to subdue her until she stopped. She gave dagger looks to the couple and did not even flinch when the judge indicted her for felony assault with an automatic firearm.

Back in the office Kimberly's behavior seem to escalate feeling triumphant in having Alison fired. Abigail and Selena were subjected to ridicule being friends with Alison. "You two, your days are numbered in this office. You will be joining Alison in the unemployment line." The brazen act of humiliation was witnessed by other employees who shook their heads in disgust.

Taylor came back to work more determined to fight for the rights of the rank and file employees. She summoned Abigail and Selena in her office and they spilled everything they know about Kimberly. Aside from her harassment and threats they told Taylor about her affair with Mr. Adams the director of information. Mr. Adams is married with children and one on the way.

"Kimberly feels she can do anything without repercussions due to her illicit affair with the boss. It's common knowledge in the office but I guess big bosses are not aware of this."

"Ladies, I promise you I will do everything I can to resolve this problem. The company will rectify this issue and will deal with these personalities the best way we can."

Taylor/Alison had a big surprise in getting a letter from management. Neither Joe nor her Dad mentioned anything about a special inquiry regarding her sudden job termination. Joe had no idea about the inquiry when she asked him. On the scheduled day, Alison walked into the office in a loose, long skirt and an overflowing shirt covering her body, hair in a high pony, pink lip gloss on her lips and kitten heel shoes on her feet. Her oversized glasses hid her face and gave her bug eyes hiding her deep blues eyes. She expertly applied her no make up look. She is ready to reveal herself as Taylor.

Every body started whispering loud enough to be heard by Taylor. She has the nerve to show up looking like a bag lady but her attitude seems like she is the owner of this company. She walks in like a queen checking her kingdom. What is she thinking, coming here like ready to fight. Look at her, she looks pathetic."

Abigail and Selena and a few others were happy to see Alison again. They welcomed her warmly, the friends hugged and were excited to be together again even for just a short time.

"Alison, so happy to see you. Are they hiring you back? We need more efficient and responsible people like you. Kimberly is running the place feeling untouchable because of her lover Adams."

"Thank you guys. Management wanted to talk to me regarding my termination. I hope this will be fruitful not just for me but for others who might be targeted after me."

Kimberly sauntered in smirking maliciously at Alison. "Why are you here? I need to call security to throw you out of here. You're trespassing. This is a private property." Kimberly's loud obnoxious voice was heard in the office and hallways.

Joe heard the commotion and went to find out what's happening. Kimberly was screaming and with her hands at Alison ready to push her away.

"Kimberly stop. Get away from Alison. If you were working for me, I would have fired you on the spot. I will file a complaint against you and recommend for your immediate dismissal. You have done too much improprieties but people just turned their heads away and ignored your behavior. This has to stop right now."

"Alison are you okay? They need you in the conference room now. Let's go."

Alison saw a group of people sitting in the conference room. Some faces are familiar such as Scott, Adams, Tree, Joe and a couple of unknown faces. There were friendly faces but some  scrutinized the way she looks, looking her up and down taking in her loose cheap clothes and bug eyes. Adams and the two females smirked openly with hostility in their eyes.

"We are gathered here today to investigate the sudden dismissal of Alison Finlay. It has come to my attention that she was summarily terminated due to allegations of incompetence, absenteeism and unproductivity. However, when human resources made an investigation those allegations are unfounded. Mr. Adams it was you who fired Ms. Finlay can you shed light on this matter?"

Adams turned red and stammered trying to justify Alison's firing. The two females who are executives hired by Adams and good friends with Kimberly tried to pin the fault on Alison in spite of the lack of evidence. Their statements dug them deeper in the hole with their lies and prejudice against Alison. The team did not waste time in declaring that Adams unfairly fired Alison because of his prejudice and believing his paramour. 

"Alison Finlay you are reinstated back into this company. Adams and Kimberly will be dealt with in a separate hearing. You may start working tomorrow. Welcome back Ms. Finlay."

Taylor wanted to embrace Scott and Joe but she controlled herself and left the room with Joe. They went into his office and as soon as the door closed Alison/Taylor pulled Joe and gave him a deep loving kiss. Joe pushed her away gently.

"Alison stop. Just say thank you. That was inappropriate." Joe moved away from her with a bewildered look on his face. Taylor pulled off her loose top and skirt, released her ponytail and shook her hair loose then took of her glasses revealing the real Taylor.

"Hi Joe it's me Taylor". Joe was astonished by Taylor's revelation. He frowned and looked upset. "I disguised myself to get into the bottom of this discrimination, harassment and bullying in the company. Alison was my alter ego and gave me the opportunity to dig into the unfairness that the company harbors for a few. I had to convince Dad to agree and here I am."

Joe looked unhappy and awkward with Taylor. "Why didn't you tell me sooner. You didn't trust me enough to confide in me. I am so disappointed in you Taylor. Is your confession of love for me also a part of your plan? This is not right. You played me." Joe left immediately not allowing Taylor to explain herself.

Taylor sat down and covered her face tears glistening in her eyes. I should have told him that night when I had the chance but he stopped me. I did not expect this turn of events. I have to win him back.

Martha was surprised to see Taylor coming out from Joe's office. She saw Alison walk in with Joe, then he left abruptly now Taylor is in front of her. " Martha it's me Taylor and Alison".

Taylor went to look for Abigail and Selena giving them big hugs. The two could hardly believe that Taylor Swift is giving them hugs. " Don't you know me? It's me your friend Alison". Then she put on her eyeglasses giving her bug eyes and almost covering her face.

"Oh my God, It's really you, Taylor/ Alison. Thank you for standing up for us. We will be forever grateful for positive things to come under your leadership." Abigail said gently.

Other employees gathered around the three friends and thanked Taylor for standing up  for the rank and file. News have gone around the office that Alison Finlay from the clerical division is actually Taylor Swift the heiress of the company. Most are happy but some were scared regarding their status in the office.

Kimberly greeted Taylor with her shrill voice and effusively thanked her sounding so fake from a mile away. Some employees gave her a cold dismissive look. Changes will happen soon and some heads will roll sooner than later.