Adele’s Pov Dad was smiling broadly as I walked over to his table. “Hey Dad.” I said quietly. I wasn’t looking forward to this meeting. “Hey sweetheart, you final did it. I knew you would. Once you got Dan to fall for you I knew he would agree to whatever you asked. But why didn’t you insist on the finance department?” I frowned at him. “I didn’t do anything Dad. Dan didn’t talk to his dad. Chris offered me the job without me asking. I thought maybe you spoke to him.” “No. I don’t want this linked to me.” “So why did Chris give me the job so easily?” I wondered aloud. “Who cares? You got the job. That’s what matters. It isn’t the department we wanted but it is a start. Now all you have to do is gather info on the company. Stuff like, what new designs are they developing, who are they doing business with and whatever financial information you can get.” “How am I going to get information sitting at my desk?” I asked annoyed. “Board meetings, talking to co worke
Adele’s Pov During break time the first thing I did was to call Brenda and asked if she’d picked Jay from school. “Yes, he is having lunch now. Like I said don’t worry. I have everything handled.” I could hear Jay talking in the background. “He want to speak with you.” Brenda said and gave him the phone. I spoke to him a little and told him I missed him and would be home soon. Then I hung up as Zoey came in. “Adele! You have an office?” She asked surprised. “Yeah. Your dad asked them to give me my own space. It has a pretty good view don’t you think?” Zoey was silent, staring out of the window. Then she turned with a big smile on her face. “It is beautiful. I am really surprised at my dad, he usually doesn’t care about the comfort of his employees. You are lucky.” “Yeah, your dad is really nice.” “He is. How about lunch. I am sure you have a lot of questions. I will be happy to answer them.” “Another time. I am not really hungry. Maybe I will have a
Adele followed Dan to his car. She was trying not to laugh as she remembered the way Chris had ordered Dan around. She hadn’t expected Dan to obey but he had, and he wasn’t too happy about it. “Where are we going?” He asked starting the engine. “Home. I asked the chef to prepare something for us.” “No. Dad said to take you to dinner so I will. Before you run crying to him again.” He sneered. “I didn’t run crying to him!” She said angrily. “He insisted I celebrate my first day at work and you join me.” “Sure he did.” “If you are going to be an asshole then stop the car. I will take a cab home. You can go back to work!” “Good. Trust me work is a lot more interesting.” Dan lied. He was angry with himself for the feeling of excitement he’d felt when his dad had asked him to take Adele out. He had sat in his office thinking he had made a mistake saying no when she’d asked him. When his father had called and demanded he take her he pretended to be pissed but he was sec
Adele’s Pov After Dan and I left the restaurant we went straight home. Jay jumped into my arms as soon as I stepped out of the car. I hugged him and thanked Brenda, then apologized for keeping her so late. Dan was so exhausted he went in. “I don’t mind really. Jay and I had a good time.” She smiled. “It looks like you did too.” I blushed and nodded. “I did. Do you want me to call you an Uber?” “No I have a car. Good night.” I went back inside. My heart skipped when I saw Jay and Dan, in the living room. They were sitting on the couch and Jay was telling Dan about his day. “Come on sweetie it is time for bed." I said pulling him up. Dan frowned at me. But didn’t say anything. I took Jay upstairs. “Mommy what did you do at work?” Jay asked as I put him to bed. “A lot sweetie. I will tell you in the morning.” I read him a story and kissed him goodnight. Dan was standing at the bottom of the stairs when I came down. “What is up with you?” He ask
Chris was reading a report the head of his security team has brought to him. It confirmed what he had suspected for a while. He sent the man an email then logged out. Dan came into his office. “Got a minute Dad?” “Yeah what is it?” “I want you to take a look at something.” “Sure. By the way, how was your dinner date?” Chris asked grinning. “Not bad,” he said reluctantly. “It would have been better if I wasn’t forced.” “I didn’t force you you wanted to go. I just helped you make up your mind.” “Lucky me.” Dan said bitterly “You like her son so what is the problem? Why are you holding back?” “I don’t know Dad. Yes I like her a lot but-“ “Are you still thinking she wants to ruin the company?” “No. I have to admit I don’t. And I don’t think the listening device is her’s either.” “So what is it? Don’t tell me you are still holding on to what happened between you and Candice?” Dan flinched but didn’t say anything. “That was in the past. You nee
“I wanted to tell you when you were all together. Since that happens to be now listen up. I had a PI look into the listening device.” Chris said. “Why?” Zoey asked. “To know where they came from so I could trace the buyer.” Zoey tried not to react. “We already know that. It is Adele.” She said. “No it isn’t.” “Who is it?” Dan asked. “I don’t know yet. But the listening device came from a batch we bought some months ago. They are part of the ones we supplied to the security company.” “Meaning?” Craig asked. “Someone stole one. It can’t be Adele, she won't have had access to them. Only a long time employee would.” Chris explained. “So who is?” Dan asked. “I don’t know. But believe me I will get to the bottom of it. In the meantime you all stop acting crazy. Craig leave town. You have overstayed your welcome.” “No Dad. Nobody is driving me out of town till I am ready to leave.” He said stubbornly. “Then behave yourself while you are here before you g
Adele's Pov I managed to get to my office without seeing anyone. I hurriedly washed my face in the bathroom then sat behind my desk. Dan could go to hell! I had made a mistake and apologized, why couldn’t he let it go? It wasn’t as if he hadn’t done the same thing before and the ass hadn't even apologized. I began thinking he was looking for a reason to break up with me. For some reason he seemed scared of having a normal relationship. I wondered why. I wished he would let me in so I could help him. I would melt his ice heart and teach him how to love. I sighed. I looked at my computer screen. I was in no mood for work but I had to. I was on a deadline. I tried to concentrate but my mind kept wandering. I was happy when my ringing phone distracted me. I looked at caller ID then groaned. My dad. I was in no mood to talk to him. I would end up yelling at him. Then it rang again and I was pleased to see it was Rachel “Rachel, so sorry for not keeping in touch.” I said.
Adele's Pov It was Chris. “Hey Adele.” He grinned. “You are the one putting flowers on my mom’s grave?” I asked very surprised. “Yeah. I come here often to visit. It is very peaceful.” I nodded. “Very. Sometimes it is almost like I can hear her talking to me.” “You have experienced it too?” He asked surprised. “Yes. I was afraid I was crazy.” “No you are not. I know what you are talking about. It happens to me too.” We stood looking down at the grave. “You knew her well?” I asked. “Very. I had a crush on her in highschool. She was as beautiful as you. I would admire her from a distance too scared to tell her how I felt until it was too late.” He bent down and touched the grave. “ I still miss her. No woman has ever been able to replace her.” I didn’t know what to say to ease his sadness. It suddenly occurred to me why he really liked me. I reminded him of the woman he loved. “I miss her too. I sometimes wonder how different my life would have been
They turned. Adele was standing at the door. “What do I have to be told?” She asked looking from Chris to Rachel. “That i got the DNA result changed to confuse the cops.” Chris said quickly. Adele knew instantly she was being lied to. “Is that so?” She asked. “Yeah,” Chris said, “well now you know I better get going. Bye.” “Are you going to tell me what that was really about?” Adele asked Rachel after Chris walked out. “Chris told you already.” “Rachel, what is going on?” “Nothing. Come on let's not keep Jay waiting.” Still frowning suspiciously, Adele followed her to the living room. ** Dan was getting back into his car when Chris pulled into the car park. “Dad! I've been to the house Zoey told me you were here; I'm just coming from your office. Your secretary said you hadn't come in yet.” “Yeah, I stopped at your house. I was about to call you. I wanted to see you.” They rode the elevator to his office. “What's going on with Craig? Why was he arrested for Hal's mur
Chris was still in his office trying to make sense of his discovery, when his thoughts where interrupted by his ringing cell phone. He frowned when he saw Zoey was the one calling. “Hello? Slow down Zoey I can’t understand you, Craig has what? Arrested? Why?” He sighed. “I am on my way.” He called his lawyer and asked him to go to the police station, then went to join them. He first spoke to the cops, before he was taking to see Craig. “Dad! Tell this your dumbass lawyer to get me the fuck out of here.” Craig said angrily. “I haven't done anything wrong.” The lawyer rolled his eyes. Chris asked to speak to Craig alone and the room was emptied. “Get me the fuck out of here dad! Now!” “The cops said you were seen a few times, going to Hal Daniel’s room.” Chris said ignoring him. “What is the big deal? He is my friend. We have known each other from college.” “Before or after you dropped out and started being a pain in my ass?” Chris snapped. “Dad!” “If he is your
“Dad, do you have something to do with this?” Dan asked Chris when the detective had left. “Me? Of course not.” Chris said. “Really? Because I noticed you didn't show any surprise when the result was read.” Rachel said suspiciously. “Because I knew in my heart Adele was innocent.” “Really? Or is it because you did something like forging the result.” “Stop it Rachel. I didn't do anything. I swear.” “But this doesn't make any sense.” Adele said confused, “Hal is Jay’s father. I am sure of it.” Chris shrugged. “Well maybe there was a mistake with the DNA. Anyway, forget it. You are off the hook. The cops can look elsewhere for their suspect.” He stood up. “I have to go, see you guys later and don't worry about anything, I have it handled.” “Sure you do,” Rachel sneered. Chris left grinning. “He changed the results,” Rachel said, “I know him too well.” “Why won’t he admit it?” Adele asked. “Because he wants to keep you in the dark. So you don't get into trouble if he gets caug
Zoey was on the phone as she entered the dining room. “-I am glad you are okay. Don’t worry Dad will make sure everything is okay…yeah, I read the news on the blog, don’t worry they can only talk, everything will be fine. Don’t mention it, take care.” She hung up giggling. Craig, who was at the dining table picking at his food. looked at her suspiciously. “What is going on?” He asked. “I read Adele was arrested, then I read she wasn’t but was only invite for questioning. What’s the truth?” “The first one. The second is Dad trying to do damage control.” She laughed sitting down. “Spill, what is going on?” He asked impatiently. “Adele was arrested for Hal Daniels murder.” “Why?” He asked alarmed. “The murder weapon was found hidden in her office.” “Shit! Seriously?” “Yeah. The cops want to run a DNA test on her kid. For some reason they think Hal is the dad, which may give a motive. Crazy right?” She noticed Craig looked scared. “What's wrong?” “Nothing.” “Don’t
Dan watched helplessly as Adele was taken away by the police. “What the hell is going on! A gun in the office?” Zoey asked shocked. Dan didn’t answer. He rushed out and almost ran to Chris’ office. Zoey was right behind him. Hee burst in, startling Chris. “Dad the cops have arrested Adele!” “When? Why” Chris asked standing up quickly. “Just now. They found a gun in her office! I know she is being framed. We have to call a lawyer!” “A gun?” “Yes. The one used to kill Hal Daniels. We have to do something!” Dan insisted. “Calm down, I’m on it now.” He called his lawyer and picked up his coat. “Let’s go, the lawyer will meet us there.” He told Dan. “I am coming too.” Zoey said. “No. It’s okay, you stay here.” Chris said. She watched them walk into the elevator, then when the door closed, she began laughing. Yes! It had been so easy to plant the gun. She had waited until she saw Adele leave for a meeting, then she snuck in and put the gun behind the filling cabinet, before m
Adele's PovAter Zoey left, I sat staring at the blank screen of my computer. In my mind I was going over what I would tell Dan this evening. I wanted to tell him the truth without upsetting him so much. I sat there for hours, worrying and sweating. I wondered if my dad had heard about what had happened. I didn't think so because Chris had made sure the press kept my name out of it, but even if I had been arrested and sentenced to death, I knew my dad won’t care. He was still mad at me. My phone rang and I nearly jumped out of my chair. “Calm down,” I told myself as I picked up the phone. It was Dan. “Babe I am stuck in a meeting, you’ll have to have lunch without me. Sorry about that.” He said. “It’s okay, I understand. I love you.” “Love you too, see you later.” I hung up and swallowed nervously. I knew he couldn’t wait for this evening, but i was dreading it. I was happy he couldn’t take me to lunch because I wasn’t even thinking of food. The thought of it made me ill. I was
Zoey stared at the note. There was no return address. She turned it over and saw an address written on the back. The address looked familiar but she wasn’t sure. Then she looked at the key. It was clearly a key to a storage unit. That’s it! The address was a storage unit. Was this some stupid prank? Or was it for real? Whatever the case, who was responsible? Chris? Or maybe Craig? She put the note and key back in the envelope and put them in her drawer, but she kept thinking about it. If it was for real and would put Adele in jail, and maybe even destroy Dan, why not? But she had to be careful. If Chris found out she was still plotting he would throw her out for good. She went home for lunch, hoping Craig would be at home. She wanted to ask his advice without giving too much away. She found him slumped in a chair, staring into space, biting him lower lip. He jumped startled when she called his name. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” She asked annoyed. For the past few days Cr
“Are you sure you want to come in today?” Dan asked Adele the next morning, as she stepped out of the shower. “I do. I have gotten over the shock of yesterday. I am fine.” He nodded but he wasn’t convinced. Everything wasn’t fine. In his office yesterday he had thought about Adele’s story and it didn’t make sense. If Hal wasn’t able to attend the meeting, why didn’t Adele let his company know? They could have sent someone else. Driving all the way to see him was suspicious, he remembered the way she had looked when he had come into her office, the afternoon she’d first met Hal. Dan had guessed something was wrong but she denied it. He was so worried that he went to meet his Dad. Chris was on the phone when he came in so he waited. “The news has already gone round about the murder.” Chris said when he hung up. “I’m going to make sure I keep Adele’s name out of it.” “Don’t you think it’s strange?” Dan asked. “No. It was a public place, and the victim works for a big compan
Adele's Pov. I was still sitting in the hotel lobby, when Dan rushed in with Chris behind him. “Are you okay babe? Are you alright? What happened?” He asked anxiously. I had called him five minutes ago, as soon as I'd managed to pull myself together. I had almost fainted after seeing Hal on the bed, a bullet hole in his chest. My scream had attracted a passing housekeeper who rushed in, and when she saw the body, led me to the lobby, then called the cops. I was still shaking and scared as Dan hugged me. “I am fine. Really.” I said. “What where you doing here honey?” Dan asked. “Yeah, why are you here? What is going on?” Chris asked. I stared at them, tongue tied. I hadn’t thought about what I would say when this question was asked. “I found a dead body. Hal Daniel’s body in his hotel room.” I stammered. “Yeah but why were you there?” Chris asked. “He asked me to come and talk about the contract.” I said. “In his room?” Chris asked confused. “Yeah he said he