Jessica stared at Miss Beth, a hunch of confusion lacing her brows."Mr. Thorne wants me to meet him at the DeluxeOT Hotel?" she asked. The luxury setting felt like a steer contrast to the concept of a business meeting.Everyone knows who goes to the DeluxeOT, the big moguls and wealthy gents. For a while, Jessica had forgotten who her boss was or whose son he was.".... For a meeting?" Still questioning.Miss Beth, ever the picture of collected efficiency, nodded curtly."Yes, Ms. Willows. He mentioned a new business associate, Mr. Greg.”“Apparently, the meeting couldn't be held at the office…. He suggested something outdoor."Usually, Liam was a stickler for routine and transparency but for some other family and business reasons, he kept his reach only within the company.Requesting a meeting at a luxury hotel was not what Jessica would have ever expected.And also, what if she was seen or taken note of by known agency past victims?"Did he mention what Mr. Greg is involved in?"
Jessica rushed through the hallway, straight to accounting. Lucas hadn't stopped buzzing her phone with threats to expose her identity and she wasn't ready to let him have her that easy.A few knocks and she made her way in.Not wanting to seem somewhat suspicious, she approached one of the desk officers. A young woman with bright red lipstick and an air of easy confidence. She didn't look too occupied and even better, with a friendly aura from her bright smile.“Hello. I'm Jessica, Mr. Thorne's secretary.”“Newly hired.”“I'd like to take up any documents he'd be having today. He's running on a tight schedule, I have to fix things up.” The lies came out like bumps of hot coal from her. She wished she wasn't doing that.“Yes. There was a file sent for review …. —Let me … just…. Check. The lady said, making an instant up look for the files requested.“Ahah… It's ready. It just needs to be sealed and sent up.” She added.“I'm just going to him. He'd be needing these to start.” Jessica
“Hey best friend!” Ann spoke excitedly over the phone.“Hey girl!”“—I can't believe we've stayed this long without keeping in touch. How dare you Annabelle?” Jessica asks with a light, playful voice. “Who says I stayed away?”“You've been the big city girl. — All work and no girl's time.” Annabelle debunked.“You're right.”“I guess I'm sorry. — What do you say we make up when you show up on the weekend.” Jessica asks as she gently pats her face dry. It was the early hours of the morning and it felt cold in this part of town. The strong wind had sent the windows whispering and She could hear Ms Felicia complain bitterly from the hallway.“Weekend sounds fine to me. —I miss my girl, you know.” Ann responds, her voice woven with emotions.“See you then. I have to get to work.” Jessica said and with a friendly girl's joke, the call came to an end.Finally, she could think straight for a moment. Lucas has had his deal signed and would be off her for good.As for the agency, three mon
Jessica felt locked in within herself. Lucas was definitely high on his depressants. That had to be it.After several calls through to Mr. Troy, he finally picked up. With a tight and something barely above a whisper, she spoke up. “Mr. Troy!”Her voice was cracky and almost breaking.“Are you alright, Jessica?” Mr. Troy asked, concerned.Jessica tried to mutter out but the words wouldn't come out.“Are you there?”“Detective?” Mr Troy called out, now having an unsettling feeling from it all.“It's Lucas,” Jessica spoke up.“He's back. — He's been back for a while now.”“Oh goodness. It's a mess!” Jessica blurted out, a wash of tension lining each word that came out.“Be calm Jess?”“Is he there at TRIX?” “What’s the situation?”Mr. Troy requested in a calm yet, strong voice.“He… He isn't. I found out he was a friend of Liam.”“And I might have made a terrible mistake Mr. Troy.”“I helped him…. I couldn't risk him exposing me to Liam.”“But he wants something extremely wild now
Text message: Just a reminder kitty cat, you can't run away from this. I still have my mouth shut! You still owe me.As Lucas stepped out of TRIX, Jessica received the message. A jolt of increased worry struck her again.His appearance at Liam's was a flare warning.Left alone with Liam, the day progressed slowly. As Jessica gradually got comfortable in the absence of Lucas, the conversation hit.“—Is there a need for a change of payment gateway for some of TRIX leaseholders?” Liam asked, seeking an outstanding idea from her as always.“Is there a reason for the change?.” Jessica asked.“Well…. As you already know, I do not have a hold of all of TRIX’s properties— my father does. But so far, I have made some businesses and I can have them under my name through TRIX.”“.... I still have a share of TRIX though but a big side is the requirements my father has placed in place for some attainable access.” He continued explaining.“What about his lawyers? Maybe a written statement? A wil
Liam entered Jessica's office and upon seeing the situation, immediately intervened to unhand her from the grip of Lucas.On getting her released, she coughed continuously, while he played the part of aid to her. Lucas simply soon in a carefree manner, unapologetic.“What the hell is going on here?” Liam asks, startled as he gradually stands up from when he had Jessica, faced to Lucas.“Lucas! What the hell man?”“My secretary?”“—What was that all about?” “For whatever reason Lucas?” Liam questioned continuously, his anger gradually stirring up.“Oh c'mon, she's a fine piece, don't you think?” Delusionally, Lucas replied.Making Jessica stare wide at him.“What?”“Is this a sexual violation?”“How dare you, man?” Liam's anger widened.“.... Well. I'm just saying. —I was only getting a piece.” Lucas continued his witty reasons without remorse.“You're out of your mind. —I need you to leave.” He demanded.“No—no Liam. Don't say that!” Lucas began, a spark in his voice, about to unlea
The medical personnel came as Liam had said and in due time, Jessica was relieved of the tension, bruised wrist, and red neck. A good time to rest and think carefully about the next step to take.The weekend was gradually crawling in and Mr Troy was yet to give feedback on the next move for her.Ann was already on her way to Jessica's and that could only mean a weekend of relaxation, catching up, and lots of girl fun.“.... Ugh... I miss you!” Ann snuggled Jessica like a little doll for a warm welcome.“ You're….. choking…. Me.” Jessica managed out from the intensity of her wrap.Ann finally let go and they both gave a light laughter.The girls caught up on all of Ann's affairs. A moment ago, one would have thought Ann to be void of feelings and love for anyone, but here she was talking about a guy she might be interested in.“.... It's good for you.” Jessica pitched in.“Yeah. I know.” Ann mocked her statement. Another soft laugh.The love episodes Ann explained all brought some form
Mr Troy had left a message on Jessica's phone and when she woke up, a bit of a headache featuring the morning, the message simply read: “Hello Jess. I came up with a way around this little problem of ours. Reach out when you can.”Liam too had dropped a message to check up on her after the ugly incident at the office but the feeling of sweetness that she would have felt became sour as her heart replayed the incident. It felt like Liam placed a dot on her conscience at the mention of his name or anything related to him.Just over the weekend too, he had mentioned the insight of her coming to the office which made her know she was still needed at TRIX.Jessica tugged out of bed and it seemed like the after effects of two nights ago still had an impact on her.A quick wash up and self therapy of yoga and little words of encouragement set the day off for her.“Morning Beth.” She said as they had met at the entrance, just before she used the elevator.Up on the top floor, her little skirt