Chapter Three

I stared at the silver key in front of me, it came with a box which I didn't care less about its content. I thrust the things back into his hands, "take it, give it back to him."

The man squirmed," he said he would sack me if I came back with the gifts." I shot an eyebrow. Had it gotten to threatening people? I thrust it back to the man.

"Please Ma! I have a family," he spoke. Slade, you're the most cunning man I've ever seen in my life! He knew what he was doing when he sent this man.

"He also said that if you gave it out, threw it away, lose it, he would fire me." I knew that he would fire the man and he knew that I knew. Fuck my stupid emotions.

I rubbed my face tiredly, I had been arguing with the man for twenty long minutes. "Alright I'll take it, but you must first do me a favor." He nodded feverishly. "What's your name?"

"Craig"

"Alright, Craig. I want you to go to your boss and tell him that I said Fuck him! Fuck him with a burning stick up his anus." Craig's eyes widen with horror. "And tell him that if he sacks you, these 'gifts', I said using air quotes. "...is going to the trash."

I watched the man as he took his leave and ... Was he crying? I'd cry too if I were in his shoes.

Cameron entered the office like he always did... Without knocking. "We're going clubbing tonight gurl! Me, you, and Jenny."

"I'm not up for it Cameron."

"What do you mean? It is your birthday Sophia, live for once!"

"I'm living," I said and he snorted. "No sweet little Sophia, you're just existing." He said, as his eyes drifted to the box and the key on my table.

"What's this Sophia?" He asked, grinning. Why was he grinning now? "Birthday gift from some rich boyfriend?"

"I don't know who sent it," I lied. He scrutinized the items.

"It could be a gift from some crush," he said and I shrugged.

"Alright, I'll leave you to it, Sophia." He strides towards the door and suddenly stopped. Turning to face me. "8:00 pm, Club 11. I'm so happy Soph, you're finally going to live!"

"Get out Cameron."

After cross-checking and double-checking my report, I decided to hand it over to Parker. I knocked at his office door twice but nobody answered. "Strange," I thought.

Was Parker dead? Killed by someone? I felt a bubble of excitement within me. Was this a sort of movie? If Parker is/was dead, what I'm I required to do?

"Ouch," I said as I felt someone flick my forehead. I raised my head. "Parker," I screamed. "You're alive!"

"Soph, are you feeling okay today?" He asked, sounding a bit worried.

"Yeah, I guess," I said, scratching the back of my head. Way to go Murder Detective Sophia!

"I've got Rowan's project report," I quickly changed the subject as I handed the papers over to him.

"This is nice," he nodded his head and I beamed. His phone rang, he made to answer it and I took it as my cue to leave. I headed to my office and threw bubble gum inside my mouth. I was so hungry, I eyed the Pringles at the top of my desk, I had bought them for moments of depression. I hated the very being of Pringles and saw them as one of the dementors in Harry Potter.

I had barely settled on my desk when someone knocked. "Come in."

"Mr. Parker says you see him at his office at this instance," Walter said.

"Why?"

"I dunno ma'am." I dismissed him. Leaning back on my chair, I tried to guess the possible reasons Parker would be needing to see me.

See babbbbby...

I groaned. I looked at the Caller ID, why was Parker calling me?

"Hi, Parker."

"Sophia, I believe that Walter has already passed my message to you. I want to see you at my office within four minutes."

"Alright."

I let out an exasperated sigh.

***

"You're not serious."

"I am!" Parker shouted. "Do you know how many people would want to be in our shoes right now?!" Pacing around with excitement he said, "this calls for celebration."

I stared at the Ceiling unblinkingly as Parker went around telling the employees the 'wonderful' news. Slade Rowan had accepted an interview. One of the top twenty-five richest Man in the world had just accepted an interview from us. I should be happy like everyone else. But when Slade does something good, he has an ulterior motive, doesn't he? Three months of knowing him has taught me this. And, there of course was an underlying aim. He would only do the interview Sophia Carson were to be the Anchor.

Parker had looked at me weirdly. He had asked how the man knew me, not only me but my name, and I shrugged. I've been doing a lot of shrugging today. Why can't Slade let me be? Oh, Lord! Is it so much to ask for?

Parker yanked my hand, drawing me away from my brooding. "And here is our Anchor!!!"

Huh, what is happening?

There were a round of applause,whistle blowing, and feet stamping. Everybody was grinning from ear to ear. This news meant a lot to them, it meant a lot to me too. It means a pay rise, individual recognition on my part, the growing reputation for the company. I tried to be happy but I couldn't, my heart was beating furiously, and my hands became sweaty.

What the fuck is Slade doing?

Many ladies stared at me with jealousy, and I looked at them back, Anger ripping through my eyeballs. Do they think I want it? To interview the overly glorified Son --a- bitch? Don't it look like I've got more important things to do, to focus on?

Parker poured drinks for everyone. He held his high up, clanking it with some metal, suggesting a toast. "To more Wins!"

"To more Wins," everybody cried out, concurring. He continued, "And to you Sophia, our Star gurlllll."

I paused. Did Parker just say 'gurlllll', and also in a very ridiculous voice? Looks like, I wasn't the only one that noticed, as everyone immediately burst into laughter.

"C'mon Sophia, you can do this, you have to do it. Think about Conrad and Simon, they need the money, you need the money," I said to myself.