Accidental Woman - Chapter 1

Story by - Jeniffer White

ALL STORY LIST | CHAPTERS - CH 2 | CH 3 | CH 4 | CH 5 | CH 6 | CH 7

"I want everyone here to have their reports ready and on my desk by 9 o'clock Monday morning," Daryl Caldwell stated as everyone stood up from the table and started to file out of the meeting room. 

The first merger oversight committee meeting went well and Daryl was very pleased with the results. When two rival corporations, Harper and Wilson Ltd., 

Daryl's current employer, Bethel Commodities announced their merger, it took everyone in the industry by surprise. Daryl was stunned when the Board of the new company named him CIO. 

The Board chose him from a group with several other more experienced candidates. As CIO for the new corporation, he would report directly to both the CEO and Chairman of the Board. 

It was a wonderful opportunity and an important position. He would be in charge of all of the information technology in a Fortune 500 company. There were still many obstacles to face before the companies could officially join together, but Daryl was looking forward to the challenges. 

Daryl smiled as he gathered up his documents. 

He had all the reason in the world to be happy. He was just named to a great new position. 

He was only 42 years old, very young for a man in this stage of his career. He was still handsome and turned the heads of many younger women. Most men his age were developing love handles and losing their hair. 

But Daryl worked out regularly and took great pride in his appearance. He kept his lean form from his high school days. Daryl seemed to have it all, and things were only getting better. 

"Want to go DK's for lunch," Evan, Daryl's protege, asked as he entered the meeting room. Evan was just two years out of college. 

When he first started working for the company as a trainee, he compiled a report for Daryl on future growth in the iron ore business. Daryl was so impressed; that he hired Evan as his assistant. Evan was a very likable young man. He always had a smile and was very enthusiastic about any task. 

At 6'2" tall, he stood head and shoulders above Daryl's small frame. 

Evan enjoyed lunching with Daryl and absorbing his knowledge of the business. 

DK's Diner was their regular stop for lunch. It was a small bistro near work. They could talk privately and get away from the hassles of the office "Not today," Daryl responded as they walked down the hall. 

"I'm meeting someone downtown for lunch." When anyone in the office used the phrase 'downtown', they meant Philadelphia. 

The corporate headquarters was located in West Chester just a few minutes outside of the city. "More talks about the merger?" Evan inquired. "No, nothing like that," Daryl started to explain. "I'm not exactly sure who it is that I am meeting with." Evan gave Daryl a puzzled look. 

Daryl felt obliged to explain. "I took a call two days ago from Jordyn Taylor. I wouldn't have even talked to her, but she said she knew Bethany Taylor. 

Bethany was a friend of mine from college, so I agreed to meet with her," Daryl explained. 

"Well, have fun. 

Can I meet with you after lunch to go over the new salary figures?" Evan asked. "Sure, just meet me in my office," Daryl answered as he got on the elevator. 

Daryl exited the elevator on the first level of the parking garage. As he drove his new Lexus into the street, he thought about Bethany Taylor. 

She was the polar opposite of Daryl. Instead of life climbing the corporate ladder, she wanted a career in helping people. 

During his college years, Daryl normally dated sorority girls with big hair and way too much makeup. 

Bethany was a natural beauty who rarely wore makeup and avoided the party lifestyle. She and Daryl would have never thought about each other if not for the series of political science classes they took together. 

They often engaged in lively debates about the topics of the day. Eventually, this led to an attraction. After graduation, they went their separate ways.  

Traditions Restaurant was a short drive off the Kennedy Expressway. 

Daryl was familiar with Traditions, often taking dates there to impress them. The Italian food was wonderfully prepared and the atmosphere was charming. 

The tables were far enough away from each other so conversations would be private, but close enough together to allow for people watching. When he suggested Traditions to Jordyn Taylor, she was hesitant at first. 

He wondered why this mystery woman wanted to meet with him. 

"Nice to see you again Daryl," the perky hostess said. Her name was Cathy and she flirted with Daryl every time he visited the restaurant. Daryl was accustomed to this behavior. When a man enters a restaurant wearing an Ar-Mani suit, he normally gets plenty of attention. 

"It's been a while since you have visited us," she said. 

"I was beginning to think you were avoiding me." 

Cathy smiled hoping to get a reaction from Daryl. She was in her mid-30s, had dyed blonde hair, and a body that told of her two pregnancies. She obviously was looking for a rich man to take her away from all of this. 

"I've been very busy," Daryl replied, "I hope you haven't missed me too much."  

"I miss you all the time," Cathy said as they arrived at the table. She continued to smile as Daryl sat down at the table. "I'm meeting someone here today," Daryl said. "I'll wait until she arrives to order." The disappointment was evident on Cathy's face as she handed Daryl the menu. 

Cathy walked back to the entrance of the restaurant as Daryl pretended to look over the menu. He was more interested in looking at his fellow patrons. 

Daryl enjoyed people watching and used this moment for his amusement.  His attention was taken away as Cathy led this lunch companion to the table. 

She was simply breathtaking, a Catherine Zeta-Jones clone. She had long thin legs and a small waist that swayed as she walked. Her body was also thin but supported two firm round breasts. Her electric smile illuminated the whole room. 

A petite heart-shaped face surrounded her deep brown eyes. Brunette hair, as black as coal, accentuated her smooth tanned skin. Her hair was long, laying softly off her shoulders and midway down her back. 

Every head in the restaurant turned as she passed their table. The white sleeveless dress had a black whimsical pattern that accentuated her cleavage. 

As she walked by, the dress naughtily flared enough to give a glimpse of the top of her hose that gripped her to perfectly shaped thighs. Her hair playfully bounced as she crossed the room in 4-inch sling-back heels. 

Daryl stood to pull the chair out for this lovely creature. It finally occurred to him who she really was. She was a duplicate image of Bethany over twenty years ago, except this young lady was more glamorous and flirty. She obviously was Bethany's daughter. 

"Hi, I'm Jordyn Taylor," Jordyn said as she sat down. "Daryl Caldwell," Daryl responded still a little stunned by her appearance. "I'll send the waiter over in a few minutes to take your order," Cathy said. She walked away defeated, knowing she could never compete with this beauty. "Thank you so much for meeting me today," Jordyn said. 

"I wasn't sure if you would come." 

"I'm glad I did," Daryl responded. "But I am very curious why you wanted to meet me." "Well," Jordyn hesitated as she spoke. "My mother is Bethany Taylor." 

"Yes, I figured that one out on my own," Daryl said with a grin. He could see he was embarrassing Jordyn, so he decided to take the led in the conver- sation. "How is your mother?" Daryl asked. "I was hoping she would be here today." Daryl could see Jordyn's expression dramatically change. 

She became less cheerful and almost sad. 

"My mother died just over a year ago," she answered. Jordyn wiped an errant tear from her eye.  "Jordyn, I'm so sorry," Daryl said. The last thing he wanted to do was upset her. 

"It's alright," Jordyn said after she composed herself. "She died of breast cancer." "I wish I had known," Daryl said. "Maybe I could have done something to help. I would have been glad to pay for any medical expenses." 

"Mom didn't want to die in a hospital surrounded by machines," Jordyn said. 

"She died peacefully in my arms at a hospice." 

"That's so typical of Bethany," Daryl said. "I'm sure everything went exactly as she planned." Jordyn giggled a little. Daryl was glad to see her mood change. The waiter stopped at the table and the couple ordered. Jordyn ordered a Caesar salad and vegetable soup while Daryl had the manicotti. Jordyn continued to talk about her mother. 

"Mom spent her life helping others. She worked for the state's Department of Child Services and donated her time to dozens of charities. We were never rich, but she always managed to give me everything I needed." 

Daryl laughed. "When we were seeing each other in college, her idea of a hot date was distributing food baskets to the poor." Jordyn laughed with him. "I guess you are wondering what this has to do with you," she said. 

"Yes," Daryl said with excitement. "A couple of months before she died, Mom finally told me who my father is," Jordyn answered. She looked at Daryl, smiled, and said, "You are almost as handsome as she said." Daryl sat in stunned silence. It wasn't every day that a man finds out he is a father. He certainly didn't expect to hear the news from his already-grown daughter.

 It was not often that Daryl didn't have total control of a situation, but now he was speechless. Jordyn could see that the news was upsetting, so she continued. "Please don't think I'm here to shake you down or anything. I just wanted to meet you."  

"Oh, uh, yes, sure," Daryl said still trying to find the right words. "I swear I didn't know I had a child. If I did, I would have happily supported you. I wouldn't have hidden from my responsibilities." 

"Mom said you were a responsible man," Jordyn said. "But she knew that you two wanted different things in your life. So she decided to raise me on her own." 

 "I wish she had told me," Daryl said. "I would have wanted " He paused and then said, "I want to be involved in your life." Hearing Daryl say those words made Jordyn very happy. She reached across the table and took Daryl's hand. 

"Thank you. You've already made me very happy." The waiter arrived with their meals. Neither of them was interested in the food. Each wanted to learn more about their new family. 

"This is so exciting," Daryl said. "I didn't come here expecting to find my daughter. I am so glad you decided to call me." "Well, that's the thing," Jordyn said. She looked down, avoiding eye contact with Daryl. It was apparent that she was very nervous about something. 

"You see, I'm not exactly your daughter." 

"What do you mean?" Daryl asked. "You just said I was your father. Is there something wrong?" 

"Well," Jordyn said as she fidgeted. 

"Technically I'm not your daughter, I'm your son." 

For a moment, Daryl couldn't comprehend what Jordyn was saying. How could this beautiful creature be his son? Then he realized that his silence was making her anxious, so he replied, "Oh, so you're a cross-dresser?" 

"Not exactly," Jordyn answered. 

"I think of myself as transgender. Ever since I was a little child, I've always felt that I should be a girl. I told Mom my feelings at a very early age. 

She never tried to convince me differently. She continued to make me dress as a male until I was a teenager, then she let me decide. I started dressing feminine when I was sixteen. 

Of course, my mom had to take me out of public school. I was continuously picked on and bullied. She started home-schooling me."  

Jordyn continued, "That is when I realized I wanted to be a singer. I would watch television and see the gorgeous women singing and dancing. I wanted to be just like them. 

With help from mom and a therapist, I began making my transition to being feminine." 

"So you are going to have a sex change operation?" Daryl asked. "Eventually," Jordyn answered. 

"I've taken hormone pills for six months now. I will have to save a lot of money to afford the operation though."

"Maybe I can help," Daryl said. "I am a man of some means. I'm sure we can work out something between us." "Are you serious?" Jordyn asked. "We barely know each other." 

"You are my flesh and blood," Daryl answered. 

"I'll do anything to help you." Jordyn could barely contain herself. She fought back tears of joy. "I never expected you.

I barely know you, I didn't come here for money," Jordyn stammered. She couldn't complete her sentences and began crying. Daryl smiled when he saw how much that meant to Jordyn. "Please don't cry," Daryl said. 

"This is a happy occasion." Jordyn wiped her tears away and the two continued to talk. They stayed long past one o'clock when Daryl was scheduled to be back in the office. 

Daryl and Jordyn exchanged telephone numbers and addresses and arranged to meet the next weekend. 

Daryl was in a very good frame of mind, so he left a generous tip as he paid the bill. Jordyn was equally happy, as anyone could tell from the smile on her face. As they were leaving, Jordyn made Daryl promise her that he was for real. She didn't want to lose another parent.  

As Daryl drove back to the office, his mind was racing with questions. He wondered if he would be a good parent. 

What would it be like to have a transgender child? Since he just met Jordyn, maybe it would be easier for him to accept her as a woman. After all, he had never known her any other way. Maybe he could help her through these difficult times. What would his friends and colleagues think? 

He didn't care; it was none of their business. Besides, anyone who met Jordyn would think she was a woman. Daryl thought about all the times he made jokes about "gays." He felt so ashamed now. 

His own daughter was transgender. Even though he had just met her, he knew he loved her as a parent. Maybe it was because she looked so much like Bethany. Maybe it is because she was so charming. Maybe it was because now he had something new a precious, family. 

As Daryl turned into the garage, he spotted Evan standing next to his parking place. As he got out of the Lexus, Daryl said with a laugh, "You must be very excited about those salary figures." Evan was as pale as a ghost. He moved nearer to Daryl and spoke in almost a whisper. "Daryl, something terrible has happened." 

"What, what's wrong," Daryl asked. "The SEC is here," Evan replied. He was very nervous and almost in a panic. 

"What does the Securities and Exchange Commission want with us?" Daryl questioned. "They have a warrant for your arrest," Evan answered looking over his shoulder.  "Warrant for my arrest," Daryl exclaimed. "What do they say I've done?" "They said you have embezzled 1.5 billion dollars from the company," a paranoid Evan answered. 

"That's crazy," Daryl exclaimed again. 

"I'll go straighten this out." 

"No," Evan said stopping him from entering the elevator. "They aren't here to negotiate or listen to you. They have armed deputies; they came to do one thing only. They've already started taking all of our files and questioning our staff extensively. They are convinced that you are a criminal." 

"This is ridiculous," Daryl said. "I'm not a criminal." 

"I know, I know," Evan agreed. "But you have to get a lawyer to fight this. If they arrest you first, you may not get a chance to say anything before you is convicted by the media." 

"You're right," Daryl said. "I'll go to Hal Smith's office. We can fight the charges from there." "Be careful Daryl," Evan implored. 

"I had to sneak out here to warn you. They probably have agents out looking for you now." "How did you sneak out?" Daryl asked. 

"I told them I was going on a smoke break," Evan replied. "You don't smoke," Daryl said with a question in his voice. "A few more days like this and I will start," Evan said with a sigh. Daryl sped off in his Lexus and headed back downtown.

 Hal Smith was Daryl's lifelong friend and attorney. 

Hal's office was in the Kensington section of town on Colona Street near Norris Square. As Daryl drove, he tried to comprehend what was happening. 

He was accused of laundering 1.5 billion dollars. Who would do that to him? 

Where did the money go? Why was the SEC after him? He began to look for a parking place as he turned onto Colona Street. 

Parking was always a hassle when he visited Hal, usually requiring several trips around the block to find a spot. 

As he slowly drove down the street, he noticed a black Crown Victoria with government plates parked near Hal's office. Inside were two men wearing dark suits. Daryl quickly turned the car into an alley. 

He got out of the car and carefully walked down the sidewalk. He stopped at a small bookstore and observed the Crown Victoria. 

The two men weren't getting out and they were definitely looking for someone. Daryl reasoned that they must be from the SEC and they were there to arrest him. Daryl backed his car out of the alley and drove away in the opposite direction. 

He needed to drive home, or to his office or somewhere to think this through.  Surely, the SEC would be covering all of these destinations. He drove to the AMTRAK station in North Philadelphia off Glenwood Ave. 

He parked his car in a nearby parking lot and opened his wallet. He had $82 in cash and several credit cards. Daryl knew he couldn't use his credit cards or it would tip off the SEC, and he didn't have enough cash to purchase a ticket. 

He looked through his car trying to find something that might help him out of his predicament. He found Jordyn's address written on a slip of paper in his jacket. 

Daryl knew what he had to do. Jordyn's place would be the perfect hideout until he could get this straightened out. Nobody knew of Jordyn except him. He could go to her place and try to contact Hal. He didn't want to put Jordyn in any danger, but he didn't know what else to do. Jordyn lived on Moore Street in South Philadelphia. It took Daryl over an hour to get there by bus. 

Wearing a three-piece Armani suit made him stand out among the normal commuters, but that was the least of his worries. 

Every police officer and dark sedan made him nervous. It was nearly four O'clock when he arrived at Jordyn's apartment building. The building was a rundown two-story brick square box. 

Daryl hurriedly moved up the stairs and knocked on apartment number 4's door. He anxiously waited for what seemed to be an eternity. He heard the clicking of Jordyn's heels as she approached the door. 

"Who is it?" Jordyn asked. "It's Daryl," Daryl replied, "Your father." Jordyn unlocked the latch and flung open the door. "Daryl," she said. 

"This is such a surprise, come in come in." Jordyn was wearing a knee-length black skirt, a white blouse, and a smile from ear to ear. 

"I'm sorry to drop by without calling," Daryl said as he entered the apartment. 

"Something has come up and I was wondering if I could stay here for a few hours."  "Sure, of course," Jordyn answered with a bit of confusion in her voice. 

"You can stay as long as you like. But I have to go to work in a few minutes." "To the club you sing at?" Daryl asked.  "Yes," Jordyn replied, "The Gemini Club. You should come by and listen to me sing," she suggested. "It's just a short walk from here." "I can't tonight," Daryl said. "I have to make some phone calls." Daryl could see the disappointment on Jordyn's face. 

"I'll explain it all to you tonight after you come home," he assured her. 

"And I promise I'll go tomorrow night," he added. That seemed to satisfy Jordyn. "Just make yourself at home," Jordyn said, "I should be back just after midnight." 

She put on a jacket and locked the door behind her.  Daryl looked around the three-room apartment. It had a living room/kitchenette, a small bathroom, and a bedroom. The whole apartment could fit into Daryl's bedroom at his condominium. 

He wondered if he would ever see his home again. Daryl found the phone and called Hal Smith. Just as the phone was ringing, he heard a 'click' before Hal answered. Daryl immediately slammed down the phone. 

The SEC had put a trace on Hal's line. He wondered what else he could do. 

He tried to think of someone who could help him that the SEC wouldn't suspect. He couldn't come up with anyone that he wasn't connected to by business. 

He looked around the living room. It had an older couch, two end tables holding lamps, and a 20-inch television. He sat on the couch and contemplated his situation. Weariness overcame him and he faded to sleep.  

"Hey, wake up sleepy head," Jordyn said as she shook Daryl's shoulder. Daryl sprang to attention. "I didn't mean to startle you," Jordyn said as she stepped back. "That's okay," Daryl replied. 

"Is it midnight already?" 

"Just a little after 10," Jordyn said. "I snuck out early. So what's going on?" she asked. Daryl knew there was no use hiding anything from her. She sat on the couch beside him as he explained the situation to her. 

Jordyn sat patiently and tried to take in all the details. "So what are you going to do?" she asked. "I'm not sure," Daryl replied. 

"I need to contact my lawyer, I suppose. I'm afraid to turn myself in now. The SEC might stop their investigation if they think they've caught the culprit."

 "You are more than welcome to stay here," Jordyn said happily. 

"It will give us a chance to get to know each other." 

"If the authorities catch me with you," Daryl started to say. He paused and said, "I don't want you to get into any trouble."

 "That's so sweet," Jordyn replied. "But nobody knows you're here and nobody knows we're related. Why would anyone look for you here?" "You're right," Daryl said. "Maybe I should stay here, just for tonight. But where will I sleep? I don't want to but you out." 

"The couch converts into a bed," Jordyn answered. "There is plenty of room in this apartment for the two of us. I'm starved. 

Let's fix something to eat while we talk."  Daryl and Jordyn stayed up most of the night. They talked about everything. It was as if they had known each other for years. 

Eventually, they decided to call it a night and Daryl made himself comfortable on the couch. He was up early the next morning fixing pancakes for breakfast. 

He tried to be quiet, but it is next to impossible in an apartment of that size. 

Jordyn was used to sleeping in late, but the smell of the pancakes encouraged her to get out of bed. She put on a pink halter top and gray warm-up pants and got the newspaper from the front door. She opened the paper and grinned. "Hey, you're a celebrity," she said to Daryl. 

Daryl looked at the paper and gasped. On the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer was a picture of him with a caption that read; "Executive on the Run." 

He dropped the pan, took the paper, and began to read: A Philadelphia businessman is wanted for embezzling 1.5 billion dollars. 

Daryl Caldwell was last seen leaving his office around noon Tuesday.

 His car was found parked at the AMTRACK station on Glenwood Drive. Authorities believe he has fled the state, perhaps the country. 

The SEC has posted a $25,000 reward to anyone with information leading to his arrest. Daryl dropped the paper and nearly fainted. Jordyn picked up the paper and continued to read. 

"The paper says that the SEC has taken control of the company and they will do a complete investigation," she said. "Who could be trying to frame you like this?" she asked. 

"I don't know," Daryl answered. 

"This is worse then I thought." "Maybe you should call your lawyer now," Jordyn suggested. "I'm sure they've tapped his phone and are watching the homes of all my friends," 

Daryl said with despair. "What are you going to do," Jordyn sheepishly asked. "I don't know," Daryl meekly answered. "I guess I'll need to get out of town. Maybe find some friends to stay with while I wait on the SEC." "Or you could just stay here," Jordyn said with a question in her voice. "I can't stay in your apartment forever," Daryl answered. 

"With my photo published and the reward announced someone would recognize me." "But I can help," Jordyn said with an impish grin. "I could make you feminine. After all, the best place to hide is in plain sight." 

Daryl looked at her in disbelief. Jordyn continued. "You are I are about the same size. You will easily fit into my clothes. I have plenty of wigs and breast forms that I used when I started transitioning." 

"I don't think so," Daryl slowly said. "It would never work." "Do you have a better plan?" Jordyn asked. She had a point. Daryl was skeptical, but he didn't have any other ideas. 

"I guess we could try it," he said, "But I'm not promising anything." 

"Great!" Jordyn said with glee in her voice. 

"You go take a shower. Be sure and shave very close. I'll start getting things ready." 

Daryl did as instructed. After a long hot shower, Daryl stepped out to find his clothes missing. A pink robe replaced his three-piece suit. He chuckled and put it on. He found the razors and shaved very close. As he looked in the mirror, he wondered if he could ever look feminine. 

Daryl entered the living room to find Jordyn busy as a bee. She had several boxes sitting around a kitchen table chair and a small table with a makeup case on it. 

"You didn't shave your legs," Jordyn said with surprise. "I didn't feel very comfortable with that," Daryl replied. "That's okay," Jordyn said. "We'll work around it."