Stinky rich like the Stanleys

          The smile she shared with the old storekeeper was still on her face as she strolled back home. The sun had set long ago, leaving a soft glow in the air, turning everything into a warm amber hue that seemed so welcoming compared to the dark of night. It was a welcome change after the sunny afternoon.

Her steps were slow and deliberate, enjoying this rare moment of solitude, as she headed down one of her favorite streets where she would normally have no chance to stop for more than a few minutes. She knew everyone who lived here; she could walk through the entire block without having to pass anyone else.

Earlier in the morning, she had woken up to a message from the Stanleys asking her to take the day off. Her suspicion had risen concerning Jayden's weird task conversation from a few days ago but her mind had been at ease when there were no words or any form of disturbances from him.

It was a rare free time for her and so she had seized up the opportunity to shop for groceries at the store.  As always, there was something about walking along these quiet, tree-lined roads that calmed her nerves and made it seem like things were okay again, even if they weren't really.

The wheezing sounds of tires screeching behind startled Maria and brought her attention back to the road. A white limousine was speeding straight toward her. Its horn blared as it sped by, missing Maria by inches, and then reversed back to her side.

The strange movement of the luxurious vehicle made her stop her steps. She gawked at the long car, wondering what kind of jobs some people do to purchase such an expensive vehicle. She knew whoever owned that kind of property must be stinking rich like the Stanleys, and that thought gave her a cue to walk away. Whenever it involved rich people, there was an eerie feeling in the air that told you to keep out of their business. It felt almost like an invisible barrier keeping them separate from others and making sure they are not seen by the commoners. That same sense told her to stay clear of this car now. Maybe it was the numerous mafia movies she had watched that were occupying her mind but she was certain that a limo is either used for transporting criminals or someone important.

Maria resumed her tracks, walking a bit faster now, trying to get away from those eyes that were following her, though she didn't see them anywhere yet. She was almost stepping away from the vehicle's wide shadow when one of its doors opened.

The sound glued her shoes and she found herself moronically rolling her head to peep at whoever wanted to step out. Influenced by her impulse, she strangely wanted to confirm if there were truly mafia-looking people shielded in the tinted vehicle.

Her inquisitive gaze found a figure climbing down from the vehicle. He was wearing a black suit and a white shirt, both with a solid black tie. He had broad shoulders and a small gut, which made the shirt look tight against his body. His hair was short and clean cut while his face looked vaguely familiar to Maria.

He wasn't looking completely like a mafia lord or serial killer, but his conservative outfit presented him more as an enterprising businessman or executive assistant- that's it! Her memory recharged at the thought of an executive assistant. She remembered him as the person who had brought in the inhaler at Jayden's call the other time and had seen him a couple of times at the estate. Maria could guess the man was a personal assistant to Jayden or something similar like a secretary or bodyguard.

The figure walked across the sidewalk towards her and stopped right in front of her. "Good evening, Miss Patterson." He greeted, his voice sounding cultured and refined, much different than the usual gruff tone most assistants usually had. "You know me, right?"

"Yeah, I guess..." Maria answered hesitantly, her brows firmly pressed down as she wondered what was going on.

"That's a relief." The man said before reaching forward for a proper handshake. "I'm Daniel Kintyre, Mr. Stanley's PA." He introduced himself, smiling ghostly.

She took his offered hand and shook it slowly, realizing how tense she was over this sudden turn of events. "Uh...Maria Patter--"

"That's okay, I already know that." He interrupted politely, letting go of her hand, taking a step closer, and putting his hands in his pockets. "I'm very sorry to bother you during your break, especially since we don't have anything scheduled today but there is an emergency going on." He paused briefly as if waiting for her reaction.

"Emergency?" Her brows shot up, getting alarmed at the word 'emergency' being mentioned in conjunction with Jayden.

Daniel nodded solemnly. "Yes miss, an urgent matter has come up regarding Mr. Stanley's health condition." He explained, still standing before her.

A chill ran down her spine. Was it just paranoia, or did he say that there is an emergency and it involved Jayden? "How serious is this matter?" She asked, finding herself unable to think of any other question to ask at the moment.

His answer was swift. "It isn't life-threatening, but it's serious enough to require your presence immediately." He voiced, clearly agitated.

She frowned at the alarming information he just dropped. "Presence? Has he been taken to the hospital?"

"No. He refuses to do anything, goes anywhere unless he sees you."

"Me?" She questioned, her tone dripping with astonishment. She knew her patient well enough and how indifferent he could deadly be. Jayden could prefer exhausting his last breaths rather than requesting a doctor. The situation seemed new and surprising. 

Daniel moved back to the limo and opened one of its doors. "Allow me to take you to him, Doctor Patterson." He invited, gesturing for her to enter.

Maria stared at the offered entrance and could see the glittering lights radiating from inside the sumptuous vehicle.  Her eyes constantly darted from the car to the man inviting her and then to the door again, unsure of whether to trust this unexpected invitation or not. There was nothing to be afraid of, she knew that. There was enough proof considering how they mutually recognized each other but she couldn't help but hesitate.

"Miss?" He sounded, prompting her once again.

She looked into his eyes and saw the concern there. There was no point in holding back. She had a job to do and whether she liked it or not, it was already stated in the contract that she could be summoned at any given time. It would also give her a modicum of relief to see the condition of her patient.

Maria moved closer, taking a deep breath and her fists were curled with determination. "Thank you," she did not forget to appreciate his kind courtesy before entering the spacious compartment.

It was her first time riding in a luxury automobile. She had never been that close to a limousine in her entire life not to talk of entering one. But now she was getting a ride in one and it was a sight she will remember for the rest of her life, despite the reason why she entered. The soft leather seats and warm interior made her feel instantly relaxed and comfortable, giving her the impression of having just woken up in bed instead of walking out of her house for work. Everything was also white, a stark contrast to the night outside the window and the city streets below. The limo even smelled like vanilla candles and expensive perfumes, making the air inside seem so much more luxurious.

Maria decided to settle on the closest seat to the door she had passed through earlier, sitting down on the long sofa opposite similar furniture. The space was ample and she felt almost like an intruder sitting there, staring blankly out the windows while Daniel closed the door behind her.

Her lowering butt stopped dead midair when her surveying eyes noticed the creepy figure seated at the far corner. He was masculine judging by everything about him. He sat with exceeding authority and complete confidence on the plush white couch, leaning his arm against the side of the seat cushion and resting his head on his palm as he stared directly at her with his cold, piercing gaze. His body language screamed dominance and arrogance.

Their eyes locked for a period that felt like an eternity until he broke the silence. "I see you are devoted to your patients, Miss Patterson." He spoke, voice echoing with a low timbre.

It was as if his words were what she needed to confirm her doubt that she was not seeing things. Her eyes expanded in disbelief, staring back at him, with her jaw hanging wide open. "Yo-you... what are you doing here?" She blurted, finding herself completely speechless, barely able to comprehend his presence as she pointed an index to the same man who was supposed to be lying sick on his bed at his home.

"Why? Is it a crime to be in my limousine?" Jayden retorted sarcastically, and she could almost see a smirk on his smug expression. His coffee eyes flashed with a malicious glint that she didn't understand. 

Her eyebrows sank deeper and further down, her mouth still open. "But-but..." Her words trailed off and she did not bother retrieving them. She already figured out how her gullibility had been exploited and the situation of rushing to the estate to tend to her 'sick' patient was a schemed ploy.

Maria darted a bitter glare towards the front seats separated by a small partition where Daniel sat, observing the exchange between her and his boss. Their eyes met and he quickly rolled his face away, the clearing of his throat proving he had knowingly played a part in luring her to the tiger's trap. "Hey, Mr. Kintyre!" She snapped, driving her finger in the air toward the back of his head. "Everything was a lie, right? He is not sick--"

"Don't involve my underling in this. He was only following orders." Jayden interrupted her heated rant with a snide tone and she returned a scathing look at him. "That's the only way he would make you agree. Now deal with it and pay for your sins as the good ol' sinners do." He declared, sounding like a devil's advocate from hell.

"Sins? What the hell are you talking about?" Maria questioned sincerely, restraining herself from losing her cool. Someone had to tell her what exactly was wrong with this man. He arranged some ludicrous plans with his assistant or whoever the dweeb was, successfully made her fall into the prank because she was overcommitted to her work, and yet he was saying some gibberish about sins instead of apologizing for his deceit.

"You are paying for the terrible night I had the other time you slept on my bed, remember? I suppose we already talked about this." Jayden was reminded with a hint of irritation, his icy demeanor returning.  It was the second attempt at explaining to her something she wasn't willing to believe and he was starting to get pissed.

Maria gasped loudly to express her bewilderment. She was silent for a moment as her brain processed all the information he provided. The first thought she formed was the realization that he wasn't even sorry for the trick and couldn't seem to grasp the concept of guilt. The events that transpired in sleeping on his bed caused nothing more than her absentmindedness from asthma. She could believe he was serious about being offended but the way he put it made her feel like she committed a heinous crime, a sin that should be punishable by law. It made her wonder what was so special about his bed.

"We made a deal, remember?" He sounded more aggravated than ever before.

She returned her eyes to his, determined to fight him tooth and nail to defend her innocence. "No, I can't remember agreeing to any kind of deal with you," she said, firmly denying his accusations and trying to remain calm despite the anger rising within her chest.

"This is Friday night."

"And what about it?" She returned, folding her arms, and was still refusing to be seated.

Jayden leaned back against the leather seat, interchanging his crossed legs, and raised one eyebrow in challenge. He raised a pointing finger towards her, then said, "You..." He paused his words to spin the finger at his chest. "...Me," he voiced slowly and deliberately. "Friday night." He finished, crossing his arms, and gave her an incredulous stare, waiting for her reply, which didn't come. Instead, she just looked confused, staring at him blankly, and it seemed to her that this man had the capability to confuse her beyond sanity if given a chance. That is if he hadn't done that numerous times already.