CHAPTER 5

“I know that. Tell me more!” He said with his gaze fixed on her.

His phone rang!

The person on the other end spoke and all he said was “Give me a minute. I'd be there.”

“I'm needed immediately. Come!” He said standing up. 

Jessica thanked her stars that she hadn't answered because her confidence was already ripped off.

They journeyed quietly in the elevator till the ground floor and upon opening, a woman who looked very important stood while Miss Beth engaged her in a conversation.

Her ambience could be felt. She was heavily surrounded by her guards.

Liam walked straight to the woman and they turned to face each other. 

“Hello son!” The woman said audibly.

“Hello mom. Good to have you back!” Liam responded in the same pitch and hugged her.

“That's interesting. His mom!” Jessica thought. 

They spoke inaudibly for the rest of the conversation and Jessica stood, observing all she could from the body movement and descriptions.

Soon, Liam signaled her to join in their midst. He introduced her. 

“Mom, this is Jessica Willows. The newly hired secretary.” He said.

“Nice to meet you ma'am.” Jessica said, stretching her hand for a shake.

“ I'm Evelyn Thorne.” She replied and accepted the handshake. 

“Well son, I have to attend to business, let's go to the office.” Evelyn said and started walking towards the elevator.

“Be in the conference room. I'll join you soon.” Liam said and followed behind his mother.

Jessica waited for a while before she journeyed back up and into the conference room. She wondered what she was supposed to do waiting for her boss. All that was there was his laptops, some papers, some file packs and dozens of chairs. 

Then something caught her attention!

As she reached out for what she thought was just a random piece of paper, she was surprised to find it was actually a picture from her childhood. It wasn't just any picture, but one of her earliest memories. 

She reached out for more and discovered more photos of herself and her dad together.

“What?” 

“How could this be?”

“How does he have these?”

“Have I been tracked?”

“Does he know who I am?”. The questions kept popping in Jessica's head. 

Suddenly, Liam opened the door of the conference room and saw her with the pictures in her hand and he knew she recognized herself. 

Jessica was still seated when he got in. He walked straight to his seat and engaged her.

“That's you, isn't it?” He questioned.

“... Yes. This is me. But how do you have these?” Jessica asked with curiosity in her eyes. 

“Brace yourself. I'd explain to you.” Liam began. 

“You see, my father, the CEO you read about, has been missing. Last we heard from him, was him saying I should meet his trustee. You may wonder why he's still termed as the CEO. Well, I can't be head of the company publicly, just yet. Except he defines some things that are government issued. With the risk of losing the company, we've kept the public oblivious of his disappearance.” He continued.

“How are my pictures connected to this?” Jessica questioned, still confused. 

“Do you recognize the man beside you in those pictures?” He asked. 

“That's my father.” She replied.

“You father was a trustee of my father and I knew them to be in touch even till the last time I saw my father.” He continued. 

“My dad has no businesses, he doesn't even live in the city.” Jessica debunked.

“He may not live in the city but he sure communicates.” He responded.

“So, why are you telling me this?” Jessica questioned.

“I have had these pictures for the longest of time and not even with a clue to get the trustee. But upon your application, there was a striking resemblance in the picture you uploaded and these ones.” He said.

“ I don't need a secretary. I need to find my father.” He said with a firm voice.

“But why was your company open for a job space?” Jessica asks.

“The company needs a secretary. But I hired you not because of your resumè. I didn't even look at that. It was simply the resemblance.” He continued.

“So, I don't meet up to the standards. Is that what you mean?” Jessica asked 

“You might. I just didn't assess it.” He responded. 

For a moment, Jess felt he called her incapable. The same term she has always been referred to at the agency. 

“So — I give you my dad's number or what?” Jessica asks.

“That could work. But I'd like to meet him.” He responded. All the while, he had a fixed stare at her, like he was piercing her with the questions.

“How do I know it's safe?” She asks.

“Do I look dangerous?” He questioned back.

Hell he does!

“No, you don't.” Jessica responded by lying.

“It's just a chat.” He said, trying to reassure Jessica but she didn't look like she was buying it.

“I think you should come too.” He said hoping that would at least convince her.

Jessica just sat there thinking about it all. Not knowing if it was safe for her father. She didn't think he would be in any way connected to influential people as this. What worried her most is that Liam looked dangerous in a beautiful way. He was definitely up to no good.

But then again, the issue of her case and career hanging on the edge. What could be better?

To risk him seeing her father even if she wasn't sure of his genuity, all for her career? Or to decline and look for another means to get to him?. 

If anything, she had the agency to always turn back to for help if the need arises. And truthfully, she wanted to know if anything he said was true.

Was her father really an accomplice to his father?

She wanted to know the truth and that means working with him. And if he didn't need a secretary from her, the only option was a sidekick to find his dad. Her career too wouldn't lack. 

“So, what do you say Miss?” He asked, cutting her off her thoughts. 

She looked at him, trying to access him. Maybe that could bring sincerity in all that he has said but she couldn't get anything. He was blank. 

Something for the career maybe?

She looked back at the picture she held and looking back up, she replies.

“I'm in.”