Crystal's Crucible Read online

  Crystal’s Crucible

  A Phoebe Braddock Romance

  L. STARLA

  Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  CRYSTAL’S CRUCIBLE

  Copyright © 2021 Laelia Starla.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  To request permission, contact the author:

  [email protected]

  Graphics & book design by L. Starla

  Editing by J. Wake

  First edition 2021 - 2022.

  ISBN: (eBook) 978-0-6488424-8-4

  Self-published.

  Note from the Author

  Trigger Warning: This book contains situations where consent is dubious, along with graphic depictions of violence, sexual assault, and drug use.

  While this book contains scenes with dubious consent and depictions of sexual violence, I do not condone such behaviour. If you are a victim of sexual assault, please consider reporting the crime immediately by ringing emergency services.

  For post assault support, I recommend reaching out to a professional, confidential counselling service such as:

  1800RESPECT in Australia (Ph 1800 737 732)

  RAINN in the United States (Ph 800 656 4673)

  SUPPORTLINE in the United Kingdom (Ph 01708 765 200)

  And, if you or someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse, please consider reaching out to your local Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous support group.

  Dedication

  This one is for Sarah, a fellow science nerd and friend for life.

  Crystal’s Jazz Playlist

  ‘Close Your Eyes’ by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

  ‘Crystal Silence’ by Chick Corea

  ‘Feeling Good’ by Nina Simone

  ‘I’ve Got a Crush on You’ by Steve Tyrell

  ‘La vie en rose’ by Louis Armstrong

  ‘Let’s Fall in Love’ by Diana Krall

  ‘Let There Be Love’ by Nat King Cole

  ‘The Man I Love’ by Miles Davis, John Coltrane

  ‘Moonlight Serenade’ by Glenn Miller

  ‘My Favorite Things’ by John Coltrane

  ‘Prelude to a Kiss’ by Duke Ellington

  ‘Sinnerman’ by Nina Simone

  ‘Stolen Moments’ by Oliver Nelson

  ‘They Can’t Take That Away from Me’ by Ella Fitzgerald

  ‘Trust in Me’ by Etta James

  Epigraph

  ‘The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.’

  ― Carl Gustav Jung

  Personnel

  ALUDEL PHARMA ORGANISATIONAL CHART: Dandenong Chemotherapy Drug Development Division

  Crystal Buchanan’s Family Tree

  Chapter One

  Crystal

  Crystal grabbed the employment section and paused when a headline caught her attention: ‘Gang Violence on the Rise in Melbourne’s Nightclub District.’ With a sigh, she wondered if she should warn Jade. Imparting words of wisdom to her older sister had always been a futile endeavour, so she dismissed the idea and returned to the sanctity of her home office. It was nearly time for the moment of truth.

  She ran the comb through her red locks one last time and brushed away the dandruff from her favourite rose-gold blouse. Using a tissue, she dabbed at the perspiration forming on her brow. Summer was just around the corner and, if the last few November days were anything to go by, they were in for a hot one. After smoothing down the creases in her black skirt, she clicked Connect on the video conference and forced a smile out of her tense jaw. ‘Hello, I’m Crystal Buchanan. Thank you so much for meeting with me online.’

  Three pristine businessmen gave her haughty grins. The man on the left—who was wearing a navy suit— shifted forward in his seat. ‘It is no problem at all Crystal; we get lots of interstate applicants. I am Nigel Weatherby, the laboratory manager. With me, I have Peter Salisbury, our division manager, and Ethan Van de Brock from HR.’ He pointed to the men next to him sequentially. ‘Why don’t we start with your reasons for wanting this position?’

  ‘Of course.’ Crystal caught herself twirling a strand of hair between her fingers. Releasing it, she took a deep breath. ‘I have recently graduated from Melbourne University with a PhD in organic chemistry, a field of science I am passionate about, and I believe my expertise would be of value to your research program.’

  ‘What was your thesis focussed on?’ Nigel asked.

  ‘Stereoisomer separation techniques.’

  ‘That’s great,’ remarked Peter. ‘Here, at Highgate Industries, you will be expected to work as part of a large team. Can you give us an example of how you have worked well with other group members?’

  Crystal’s mother, Judy, chose that moment to burst through the door, hiccupping. ‘Crissy, darlll, I need a (hiccup) lift to the shop.’ She swayed in the doorway and staggered across the room.

  ‘No!’ Crystal snapped as she looked up from her computer. ‘I told you I’m busy right now.’

  Reeking of brandy and stale cigarette smoke, Judy collapsed into Crystal’s lap, providing a closeup view of her wrinkled skin and drooping jowls. No one would have guessed the woman was only fifty-two. ‘Please, pretty please? I need more ciggies and you never buy ’em for me!’ The sound of a throat clearing drew her attention to Crystal’s laptop. ‘Ooh, aren’t you a bunch of handsome fellas? Is my gorgeous girl doin’ a strip show for ya?’ Giggles erupted from her crude gob.

  ‘Mum!’ Every muscle in Crystal’s body stiffened as she suppressed her rage. Great, now I’ve lost control of the situation.

  Ignoring her, Judy leaned forward, tugging her singlet down to offer the men a view of her bare breasts. ‘I’ll give ya a two-for-one. My tits are bigger anyway.’

  Two large, saggy sacks of crinkled flesh jiggled in front of Crystal, obscuring her view of the interviewers’ faces. But she could hear their gasps, picturing the abject horror on their faces as bile ascended her oesophagus. Ducking her head around Judy’s side, she glimpsed the screen as the Highgate men disconnected. Her blood reached boiling point.

  ‘Hey, where did they go?’ Judy started punching the keyboard and yelling, ‘Come back, sexy strangers! We haven’t gotten—’

  ‘Stop it!’ Crystal screeched as she pulled Judy back from the computer and shoved her onto the floor. Wide eyes stared back at Crystal, who jumped to her feet. ‘What the hell is wrong with you? That was my only job interview in four months! You ruined my best chance at decent employment.’ Her throat constricted as she fought back the tears swelling in her eyes.

  Rolling onto her side, Judy groaned. ‘I thought you were fooling ’round on some dating site or something. You should’ve said you had an interview!’

  ‘I did! Several times in fact. Don’t you recall me telling you this morning?’

  ‘Yeah, but I thought you was goin’ out to it like a proper interview. What sort of place does ’em on the inta-net?’

  ‘The sort of place that is interstate and would have paid me loads of money,’ Crystal snapped.

  Judy wheezed. ‘You were planning to leave m
e all alone? First your dad abandons us, then your sister. You’re all I have left!’

  ‘It’s not like dad planned on dropping dead.’ Crystal let out a sigh of exasperation. ‘You need to stop blaming him for everything. If I had been successful in getting that job, I would have paid for someone to look after you.’

  Sitting up, Judy crossed her legs and grunted. ‘What’s Jade’s excuse, huh?’

  ‘She grew up, Mum. It’s normal for children to leave home when they reach adulthood.’ Sarcasm dripped from her voice like acid from a pipette.

  ‘I know that!’ Her mother glared at her. ‘I’m not an imbecile! Would be nice if your sister dropped in to see me sometimes.’

  ‘She does visit,’ Crystal said in Jade’s defence.

  ‘Bah!’ Judy waved her hand dismissively. ‘She only comes for you.’

  Crystal shrugged. ‘I’m going to run a bath for you, Mum. You need to wash before going out in public.’

  Judy’s eyes lit up like the neighbour’s house at Christmas. ‘You’ll take me to the store?’

  ‘I may as well. Besides, the fridge could use a restock. But no more booze! I want you to try going sober for a night. And when we get back, I need to focus on job searching.’

  Pouting, wisps of ginger hair fell around Judy’s face as she rose. ‘You’re no fun! Why don’t we go to the pub for dinner? It’s Friday after all, and you could use a night off from your dull life. Maybe even hook up for once.’

  Striding out of the office with a huff, Crystal reached the bathroom, turned on the taps, and waited for her mother to catch up. ‘My personal life is none of your business, Mum. I’m quite content with my book boyfriends, thank you very much.’ She spat the response in a defensive tone.

  Judy sat on the closed toilet seat and snorted. ‘Yeah, right! There’s no way that vibrator fulfills all your needs.’

  Crystal’s cheeks flushed as her mouth gaped open. ‘H-how do you know about that?’

  ‘I wasn’t born in the last shower, darl. I know what it means when a buzzing noise comes from your room at night.’

  ‘Well, it’s a lot safer than the multitude of men you bring home. No chance of heartbreak or an S.T.I. Now get in the bath.’ Pressing her back to the wall, Crystal crossed her arms and closed her eyes. Water splashed all over the room a few minutes later, spraying her and flooding the floor. ‘Are you okay, Mum?’ She pried her right eye open a crack to check her mother was still conscious.

  ‘Yeah, I’m all good.’

  Reassured by visual and verbal confirmation, Crystal took the seat Judy had vacated, despairing over the rut she had fallen into. Will I ever escape this hell?

  🙡🙣

  Adam

  Striding across the tennis court, Adam grabbed one of the Club’s white, Egyptian Cotton towels. He brought the plush cloth to his forehead, soaking up his sweat with the soft threads of luxury before tossing it aside. ‘Good game.’ He shook Greg’s hand.

  His mate was grinning like an idiot. ‘Oh please, that was an amazing game. I finally beat the great Adam Fairfax.’

  Adam shrugged. ‘About time. Keep this up and we might win some doubles this summer. Come on man, let’s hit the showers.’

  Greg nodded as he fell in step with Adam. ‘You got much planned this weekend?’

  Adam sighed. ‘Drowning myself at the bottom of a single malt bottle.’

  ‘Yikes. You feeling that bitter about losing?’

  Adam glared at his best friend. ‘Have you already forgotten? Lucy and I would have been celebrating seventeen years tomorrow.’ He flung his duffle bag at the changeroom bench and groaned as the force of his throw sent it sliding across the polished wood. It dropped to the glistening, white tiled floor with a loud thud.

  ‘Ah shit! Sorry bro.’ Greg frowned. ‘Has it really been that long?’

  Adam replied with a grim nod before jumping in the shower. Closing his eyes, he focussed on the hot water washing away the anger, the steam clearing the darkness from his mind. He would not let Lucy get the better of him in public. I am the boss – my thoughts work for me. After repeating the mantra a few times, he took a deep breath and opened his eyes. Squeezing a generous helping of bodywash into his hands, he lathered up, inhaling the fresh, fruity fragrance of Hugo Boss. He watched as the stream washed the suds of his negativity down the drain.

  Revived and relaxed, Adam emerged from the cubicle. He slipped into a clean pair of beige shorts and a designer polo-shirt.

  Greg waited outside for him. He offered Adam a half-smile. ‘You okay?’

  ‘Yeah. You want a drink?’

  ‘Of course.’ As they made their way toward the cocktail lounge, a pair of ladies passed them in a vanilla scented cloud. Greg rubbernecked and whistled through pursed lips. ‘Hot damn. God, do I love this club. Nothing but quality.’

  Adam’s brow creased. ‘Don’t forget those marriage vows of yours.’

  ‘There’s no harm in looking. And you, my friend, are single, so there’s nothing stopping you.’ Greg gestured toward the women, drawing Adam’s gaze toward them.

  The pair of tall blondes both looked to be in their early thirties. When they reached the bathroom, they turned. One glimpse of Adam and their faces lit up. With a giggle, they disappeared beyond the solid timber door.

  Clamping his heavy hand on Adam’s shoulder, Greg snickered. ‘I think they like you. You should go for it when they return. Might be good to get your mind off that cheating whore.’

  Adam’s skin prickled at the mention of his ex-wife. Maybe a night of meaningless sex is exactly what I need. An image of burying himself between long legs stirred his blood. Christ! It’s been a while. Stepping close to the bar, he attempted to hide the growing bulge in his pants and looked at Greg. ‘You know, I think I might.’

  Greg beamed. ‘Good. You’ve been too tense lately. Especially at work.’ He ordered their gin and tonics and led them to a table near the entrance.

  After tucking the vacant chairs back into their places, Adam sat opposite Greg. He took a long sip of his drink, savouring the zesty flavour explosion on his palate. Placing the glass carefully on the coaster, he centred it.

  ‘Can I give you a word of advice?’ Greg’s voice broke Adam’s absent-minded trance.

  ‘If you must.’

  ‘When you take one of those girls home, if she rocks your world, you should give her the follow up call. It’s been over nine years now. Don’t you think it’s time to move on?’

  ‘It’s not like I haven’t tried. It’s just…’

  Greg pressed his lips together in a half-smile. ‘You can’t trust them. I know the story.’ He scratched his head. ‘But, geez man, you’ve got to find a way past this.’

  Adam shifted uncomfortably. ‘I know, and I will. When I meet the right woman. Can we… uh… change the subject?’

  ‘Fine,’ Greg huffed. ‘I’ve been meaning to talk to you about Brayzon.’

  ‘Argh, are you hell-bent on killing my mood entirely?’

  Greg rolled his eyes. ‘Sorry boss, but I didn’t think it could get much worse.’

  ‘Well, go on. What have the greedy bastards done now?’

  Leaning forward, Greg lowered his voice. ‘Word has it they are pushing their way into our turf with their new chemotherapy range.’

  ‘Jesus! They’re not content cornering the market with analgesics and medical devices? Are they applying for any patents yet?’

  Greg scowled. ‘Yes, and from what I hear, it has the same formula as our latest mitotic inhibitor.’

  ‘What?’ Adam sprung to his feet, his chair screeching against the floorboards as he slapped his palms on the table. ‘Did it get in before ours?’

  ‘Sit down, Adam, you’re causing a scene.’

  Glancing around the room, Adam noticed everyone watching him. He slumped into the chair next to Greg. ‘When did Brayzon submit their application?’

  ‘Same time as us. From what I gather,
it will come down to who has the most advanced research data.’

  Adam calmed his breathing. ‘How did you learn all this and why hasn’t the IP team told me anything yet?’

  ‘I heard it through the grapevine. Nothing official has been said or released. I expect IP will contact you as soon as they know. They’ll need you to get the intel from R&D after all.’

  Adam leaned back, audibly exhaling. They had spent the last week going through a strenuous regulatory audit. Now this. He spotted the two vanilla blondes at the bar and grinned lasciviously. Greg is right, I do need the stress relief.

  Chapter Two

  Crystal

  ‘Ooh!’ Esme’s monolid eyes opened almost as wide as her thick-rimmed spectacles. ‘You brought the new set. Can I have a look?’

  Crystal smiled at her bestie. ‘Sure.’ After closing the boot1 of her Subaru, she handed the black and rose marble chess set to Esmerelda Kwan.

  Esme’s arm sagged as she took it. ‘Gosh, there’s some weight to it.’

  ‘Yep, it’s a hefty one,’ Crystal agreed as she took the proffered box back.

  ‘It looks so pretty in the picture. I can’t wait to try it.’

  ‘Shall we?’ Crystal gestured toward the Royal Botanic Gardens. With a vigorous nod, Esme walked beside her as they entered the southern gate. The sun peeked through the clouds, no longer blazing with the same furious heat as it had the day before. Crystal could almost taste the morning’s rain in the air, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of menthol from the surrounding eucalypts. They took their time strolling up the path, listening to various bird calls along the way. Ever since they had discovered this place during their first year of university, the Botanic Gardens had become Crystal and Esme’s favourite meeting place. It was a welcome change from their dreary homes and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. ‘How’s your research going?’