"I'll be traveling to Los Angeles tomorrow", Rita said over dinner the following evening.
Earlier, she had already informed Edmundo who never failed to hide his displeasure about her plans on going with Rodrigo. She didn't care about what he thought and the only reason why she informed him was just for formality sake.She planned on leaving very early tomorrow morning with the private jet. Los Angeles was quite far and she wanted to get there as soon as possible."Alright darling, have you informed the pilot?",her father said, cutting into his chicken."Yes, I sent him a message earlier today and he assured me that the plane would be ready by morning", she said, munching on her food."Who are you going with? Yasmin?",her mother asked."No, Rodrigo", she simply said."Why him? Why aren't you going with Yasmin?",her mother said, dropping her fork noisily."With all due respect mother, whoever I decide to take is really none of your business", shFew hours later, the jet touched down Los Angeles. Rita heaved a huge sigh of relief when they finally left the plane. Ever since she was a young girl, she's been so terrified of planes, always wanting to take the bus or a private car if she could help it. Now, her phobia for the big bird was reduced.As they walked towards a private car that was already parked, waiting beside the airport, Rita breathed in the cool air of Los Angeles. This would be one of the numerous times she had visited the city. A distant family, now dead used to live here and every time she went on a holiday, she always made sure she visited."This is my first time visiting the state", Rodrigo chuckled.He manned the wheels as they drove towards the city center. From his words, Rita had a feeling that he didn't go out that much. She felt sad about this, knowing that he had the dream of traveling round the world but the resources to make it work was limited."Have you visited any other countr
"But don't you think that's dangerous. I mean, Gabriel has his own security detail and anything that seems suspicious might set him off", Rita said.She didn't really like the idea but Rodrigo was right. If they wanted to get whoever is behind this, Gabriel was their first suspect."We don't need to announce what we're doing. We need to be subtle, we should leave no trace behind. I have some guys who can be of help".For a minute, Rita looked at him. Sometimes, Rodrigo brought out different facets of his character. For the life of her, she couldn't understand how Rodrigo was associated with these people."No, no. It's not what you think, these guys were of help when my sister was still with that douchebag. They helped me track her down when she went missing for a while only to discover that she was with the kid in an hotel so yeah, I think I trust them", he said."I'm sorry, I just have some trust issues especially with people I don't know", she chuckled.
Rita made her way to the restroom, oblivious to the hooded figure trailing her. The figure walked stealthily, keeping his distance away from his prey. He had a job to do and he wouldn't fail his master.Rita walked into the restroom, doing her business. When she was done, she walked to the sink which was outside. She washed her hands while adjusting her makeup. When she looked up, she was startled upon seeing the figure which was pointing a gun on her head."Who are you?",she asked.She secretly congratulated herself on how controlled her voice was. She wouldn't show fear as that would only make her look weak and helpless. She had no way to call Rodrigo, she could only hope that he comes in soon."No one. It would be in your best interest if you follow me quietly. Don't make any sound or I'll blow your head off", he said.Rita gulped, hoping against hope that Rodrigo would come in that minute. The figure led her through the back doors of the building. Oblivi
The next morning, Rita left for the airport in company of Rodrigo who was sticking close to her, damning the consequences. He ushered her into the car, shutting the door while looking around. Ever since the incident, Rita could tell that he's been paranoid, on the way to loosing it."Hey, look at me", she whispered, gripping his hand.He looked at her, keeping one eye on the road. He seemed to relax at her touch and smiled easily as the car journeyed towards the airport."I'm fine, you don't need to worry about me. As long as I have you, I know I'll be fine. I wouldn't want your mother to see you like this", she said."You just have a way with words. Okay, as long as you're okay, I'm okay", she smiled.They soon got to the airport and as usual the plane was ready to leave. Rita couldn't imagine that few days ago, she was at this same airport, happy that she would finally be getting away only to have her happiness cut short by the shooting."I'm sorry fo
The next day at work, Rita's table was filled with flowers of all sorts. At first, she thought Rodrigo was behind this but she remembered he wasn't rich enough to afford these flowers. She took one of the flowers, reading the note that accompanied it. Her second guess was correct, Edmundo was behind it."Trash them", she said to Yasmin who had followed her all the way up.Yasmin gulped, struggling to obey this instruction. She didn't have it in her to waste such beautiful flowers which she was sure must have cost a whole lot of money."Ma'am, are you sure?", She asked, picking one of the flowers."Yes, I'm sure. Now, do as you're told and let me be", she said, dismissing her."Alright ma'am. Please be reminded that you have a meeting with your chaffeur by ten and the investors from the Pearl bank by twelve noon", Yasmin said, walking out of the office with a large bouquet of flowers.Rita settled in her chair, closing her eyes for a minute. Rodrigo had
Rita couldn't believe this was happening to her. She couldn't travel with Edmundo when she was so close to nabbing the thief who had been stealing from her company coupled with the fact that she was yet to discover who was behind that attack in Los Angeles. Rodrigo couldn't do it all alone, he needed her and there was no way she would leave him alone."I'm sorry, I can't go. I have so many things to do here that requires my attention", she said as politely as she could."There would be no excuses Rita. You must go with me, it's a must", he said, walking back to his seat."Why don't you tell your many concubines to accompany you", Rita screamed."Don't test my patience woman. You're coming with me and there's no argument about that", he said."And can you force me?",she said."I don't need to force you, I know just how to make you go", he said, stroking his beard."Which is?"."Your father", he smiled sadistically."You wouldn't", Rita sai
"How lovely to see you darling", Edmundo said, giving her a hug.There were just boarding his private jet, heading towards Madrid. Rita stilled, forcing herself to smile."It's not like I had a choice. You literally forced me to come", she said, taking the seat farthest away from him."Glad that you didn't invite your body guard. You know, I might have to transfer him somewhere else, somewhere far away", he said."Is that a threat Edmundo?", Rita asked, staring at him, dead in the eye."Call it whatever you like. Anyway, what would you have. Chicken, beef, turkey", he smiled."I'm not hungry", she said, quietly."Oh, you must eat"."I'm not hungry I ate before coming here", she said."Suit yourself", he said, going into the inner compartment of the plane.Rita was relieved at being left alone. She couldn't bare to stand his presence even for one moment. He was a despicable man and what's more, disgusting. She couldn't wait to get thi
When they landed in Madrid, a car was waiting for them, ready to take them to their destination which turned out to be Edmundo's penthouse. A lavish building that covered a wide expanse of land. The building was quaint with a transparent glass door that seemed to sparkle in the morning sun."Welcome to my private place", he said.Rita halted in her steps. That was the same name she called her private house back in Spain. She didn't believe in coincidences and she wondered if perhaps Edmundo knew about her building. She didn't know what she'd do if he discovered the place. No doubt, he'll look for every avenue to always visit her, disturbing the little peace she had managed to build away from him."It's... Nice", she said, walking into the building."Thank you, I bought it yesterday", he grinned.Rita halted in her steps, staring at him. She couldn't believe what she just heard, a building as big as this would take months before the purchase can be made but k
They got to Camille's house soon. Rita was surprised to see the cars that followed them all the way to her house. Rodrigo informed her that they were his, Rita was surprised but she loved this new him. Her parents went back home, promising to come by for dinner later in the Senator's house."Lord, I've missed this place", Rodrigo sighed.He and Rita occupied a car with two of the security details who sat in front."I'm sure she has missed you too", Rita said, snuggling in his arms.The car stopped in front of the driveway. Rodrigo climbed out of the car, pulling Rita with him. They made their way to the front door, Rita pressed the doorbell, waiting for a response.The door opened soon to reveal the beautiful face of Camille. When she saw who was with rita, her eyes widened."No... It can't be", she croaked."Mother", Rodrigo said, falling into his mother's waiting arms.Rita shed tears of joy at this reunion. She was moved to joined the
In all of her life, Rita had never felt so tensed up as she felt now. The room was dead silent as the only noise that could be heard were the chirping of the birds outside.By now, Magdalene's face was no where near how it used to be. Senator Brabra on the other hand had an uncomfortable look as he looked everywhere else but Rodrigo.Rita couldn't believe that ever since, she had been in love with the legitimate son of the Senator. It was hard to believe but staring at them now, Rita could see the striking resemblance between the both of them."How, Wilson what is this nonsense he's saying?", Lawrence said, pacing.Rita had completely forgotten that her father was still around as her whole mind was centered on Rodrigo. For the first time ever, her mother was lost for words as she stared at the drama unfolding before her."Would you like to explain or I should do the honours?", Rodrigo smirked.Senator Brabra remained silent, staring like he had lost his
In all of her years of driving, Rita had never drove as recklessly as she did now. When Rita heard the news, she flew out of her office. Even the security men had a hard time tailing her with the way she drove like a banshee.All of Rita's mind was focused on getting to Senator Brabra's house on time. Rodrigo was back, she could hardly believe it. Not until she sees him, she wouldn't believe it. Rita suddenly slammed on the brakes of her car when she nearly ran over an old lady who was crossing the road."You need to have your eyes checked", the woman hissed before hobbling away.Rita sighed, apologizing to the woman who flipped the bird. Rita drove away, a bit more cautious than before.She got to Senator Brabra's house soon, parking her car haphazardly at the entryway. Rita ran all the way in, halting in her tracks when she saw a group of people in the living room. Senator Brabra and his wife Magdalene were seated and Rita could tell that there was a frigid atm
The next day, Rita resumed fully at the office. She could see that a lot of changes had been made especially with the security system. Yasmin, her loyal secretary was now at the top floor, a few doors down from Rita's office. The other staffs of the organization each had a string of security men, stationed at strategic corners of the building.Rita's office was like a vault. The security system was improved and now, anyone who wanted to see her had to pass through both physical and mechanical screening. A device that read her fingerprints was designed and installed on her office door and she alone could access the office."Glad to have you back ma'am", Yasmin smiled.She had come upstairs to welcome her boss when she was sure she had settled down. She beamed as she took in Rita's appearance. She was glad to see that she was okay without any strain in her eyes."Yasmin, how have you been?", Rita smiled."Alright ma'am, thank you", she said."That's good
Rita left the Brabra's house with tears in her eyes. After Edmundo's conversation, she dashed downstairs, needing to be very far away from him. Now, she had a lot of evidence against him and she couldn't wait to put it in good use.First, she was going to break off her relationship with him before taking any other action against him. Now that she knew Rodrigo was alive, she was a bit confident to carry out her plans.She got downstairs, practically running towards the SUV. Ramirez could tell that something was definitely wrong with her especially with the agitated look on her face."Home, fast", Rita ordered.She wanted to catch her parents at home before they went for the charity dinner taking place downtown. Ramirez drove with all of his dexterity, sensing that whatever was going on was much ore serious than he thought.They soon got home under ten minutes as Rita climbed out of the car, running into the house. She met her parents in the living room
When she got to the Senator's house, everywhere was quiet, too quiet for comfort. She smiled politely to Louis who opened the large double doors for her. When she still lived under their roof, she had made a lot of friends with the domestic staffs."Good morning ma'am, it's really lovely to see you", Louis said, bowing slightly."Hi Louis, it's nice to see you too", Rita smiled.She was genuinely happy to see him. Louis had been a sort of companion even when she was still here."Thank you ma'am. You came to see Master Edmundo no?", he said.His Spanish accent was really obvious especially when he talked for a long period of time. Sometimes, Rita could hardly keep up with somethings he said due to his fast tongue."Urghh.. not quite but are the Brabra's home?", Rita said."Yes but I'm afraid things aren't looking good ever since the report came out about Edmundo's alleged murder", he whispered.His eyes darted about, fearing that he
A week had passed since the attack in Rita's office. She was grateful for being alive, grateful that despite everything she had faced, she could wake up each day and take in the morning air."Ramirez said it's okay to go back to the office now", Rita said over breakfast one morning."Are you sure? I don't want a repeat of that attack happening again", Lawrence said."I'm sure dad, it won't happen again. Besides, the man who did it is behind bars and wouldn't come out for a very long time", Rita said.Ever since she had gone to see Nicholas in his cell, she had been itching to tell her parents what he said. She didn't know what to expect if she told them. Murder was a serious offence and if her father was found guilty, he could spend the rest of his life in jail. She shuddered to think what would become of her and her mother plus, the company would no doubt be affected by this.Over the years, Rita has come to learn that no one wanted to be associated with mu
Rita knew she had to tell somebody about what she heard but she didn't quite know who to tell. The issue was a very sensitive one and there was no telling what would happen if the information fell into the wrong hands.As she thought about it, Camille's name popped in her mind. If there was one person she could trust, it was her. She was also sure of getting good advice from her on how best to handle the case.Rita picked up her phone, deciding to call the woman whom she could proudly call her friend."Hi Camille", Rita said, smiling into the phone."Oh, hello dear. How have you been?", she asked."I've been good. Please, I need to see you. Are you still in your friend's house", Rita said."Oh no, I got back to my house yesterday. Is anything the problem dear?",she asked."I'm afraid yes, I need to talk to you about something", Rita said."Oh my gosh! Is it Rodrigo?", she croaked."No... No, it's not Rodrigo", Rita said.She co
"I won't allow you to go see the bastard who almost gunned you down", her father seethed.Rita hadn't planned on informing him but she couldn't keep something like this from him. He deserved to know at least even though they really didn't see eye to eye on certain issues."I need to go Dad, i need to find out other things about this attack. I have a feeling that there's more to this. Please, I'll be okay. Remember, it's a police station and nothing can really go wrong there", she said.Lawrence sighed, there was really no arguing with his daughter especially if her mind was already made up."Okay, just be careful. Go with Ramirez and at the first sign of trouble, please get out of there", he said."I will, don't worry about me", Rita smiled.She left the house soon, followed closely by Ramirez and three of the security men who all wore frightening looks.Rita climbed the SUV while Ramirez manned the wheels. There was another escort car behind her a