Murphy sees red from his run-in with Remington.  Bernice gives Murphy some food for thought.

Candid Steele - Part II

Murphy blinked a few times as he tried to assess what had just transpired between him and Steele .  "If that son of a bitch thinks I'm just going to let him hurl attitude and saunter out of here, he has got another thing coming!"  Murphy snapped, as he turned on his heel and headed out in to the reception area.  Seeing it empty, he quickly went to Laura's door and opened it with more force than was necessary.  Bernice looked up and saw the look on Murphy's face.

"Gee, you look like a man that just got ditched by a woman he was expecting to take home."  Bernice laughed.

"Not even close to being funny Bernie.  Where is Laura?"  Murphy replied as he scanned her office.

"Left, a few minutes ago with him."  Bernice gushed dreamily.

"Oh please Bernice, you are just as bad as Laura.  I mean I never met a more unsuitable candidate for a long term relationship in all my life.  It is high time Laura woke up and saw him for what he is," Murphy countered, with irritation.

"She does Murphy; tall, dark hair, gorgeous blue eyes, that polite, intensely sexy accent and looks that would freeze time.  Oh yeah, I'm sure she sees him for what he's worth, and I'd say he was pretty damn expensive!"  Bernice replied as she breezed away from Laura's desk and headed out the door.

"That's all you women see isn't it?  What's on the surface.  Sure look at his face and listen to all that drivel coming out of that english mouth of his.  Disregard completely that fact that he was a thief for a living, a liar and a con man with more passports than I've got suits.  I suppose none of that stuff matters at all huh," Murphy roared in genuine disgust.

Bernice turned, suddenly serious.  "Murphy, you think Laura doesn't know that?  Believe me, she is more than aware of his past transgressions but unlike you, that isn't all she sees.  Sure it bothers her, a lot more than she lets on, but it doesn't keep her from seeing the larger part of the canvas.  If you think most women just focus on the looks and be damned with the man behind the face, it isn't a wonder that you spend a great deal of time home polishing your golf clubs, Murph.  You may not care to admit it aloud, but you and I both know that he seems to be genuinely fond of Laura."

"Yeah, he's fond of her alright, fond of spending her hard earned money like it was water!"  Murphy scoffed. 

"He charges all that stuff and flaunts all those women in front of Laura to get a rise out of her Murphy.  Granted, it may not be the best or least expensive way of getting her attention, but you must admit that it works."

"It's obvious that you have allowed his looks, accent and charm to brainwash your ability to think clearly about what's best for Laura, Bernice," Murphy concluded as he held the door open for her.

Bernice patted his arm and headed for the elevator. "Funny Murph...I was just thinking the same thing about you."  

To be continued...

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