Chapter Nine: Elijah

Once a month i have to give an in-person update on how things are progressing with bringing back Colette to her insufferable husband. I set myself down in the same leather chair, this time with Maciek joining me in the chair to my left.

"I'm growing impatient, Elijah."

Howard hasn't moved from his spot in front of the window. His melodious voice echoes around his darkly decorated office. Splashes of gold add anlittke colour to the dark walnut furniture.

"The board are getting suspicious and questioning why my wife isn't fullfiller her contract. I thought the little gimmick I had to pull with the body double would have been enough to keep them at bay, but alas, they want her to sing at the anniversary party."

"She will be back in your grasp soon. I just need to have her full trust before I can bring her to you."

"How much longer will that take?"

I mull it over. She's been texting me, even agreed to come to the mayor's party. Who knew she'd give her trust so easily to a violent man?

"I still have a month. She'll definitely be home before its up."

"You have two weeks. I expect an update every couple of days. I will have a flight booked with the expectation of you both being on the plane."

He's like an overbearing father.

"If she is not on that flight, I'll be cutting your pay by fifty per cent."

"Two weeks it is." Maciek confirms.

He finally turns to us, striding over to his desk to stub out his cigar in the crystal dish he's designated as an ashtray.

"I hope for your sake you, you succeed."

"Have we ever let you down before, sir."

Maciek chimes in again. The only time I've seen Maciek unnevered is in Howard McMannon's presence. I can't blame him though. The guy is a powerhouse, and with that comes a threatening aura. Howard's eyes shift between us, completely ignoring Maciek.

"You may leave. You're wasting what little time you have."

"Yes sir," we answer in unison.

"Maciek, wait a moment."

I look back at my colleague who shrugs and turns to Howard who is now perched on the edge of his desk.

"I'llmeet you at the car," he says, gesturing his tanned head towards the door. Something about Maciek being asked to stay puts me on edge. The moment I get into the parking lot, I light a cigarette and pull out my phone. No messages from Colette. Why do I feel disappointed. She was texting me all last night but nothing today. Things must be busy in the shop. I shoot her a quick text, asking if she has her dress for tomorrow and what colour. Nothing. I drag my hand over my face and start to pace back and forth. By the time Maciek appears, I've already inhaled two cigarettes and I'm half way through my third.

"Everything alright?" I call out as he strolls leisurely towards me, his hands in his suit trouser pockets.

"Yeah. He wanted to check you weren't shagging his wife. He thought that might be why it's taking so long to bring her back."

"And what did you say?" I take another drag before dropping the butt to the floor and putting it out with the sole of my shoe.

"Just what you said. Gaining her trust is crucial in order to not raise suspicion and that you're a professional and harbour no romantic interest in her. Its not like I'd tell him if you were anyway. I don't want your dick being the reason I don't get paid."

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I'm quick to pull it out. I conceal the smile I feel trying to break through as her name pops up on my screen.

L: Sorry. Its been chaos here! I've gone for a deep red. Why? Planning on matching me Mr Kang?;) x

"Of course I was lying when I said you had no romantic interest in the woman."

My eyes shoot up to my smug partner grinning back at me.

"I have no interest in her."

"Sure. If you say so. Why else would you change your mind about the party and invite her."

God, I hate how right he is, and how transparent I appear to have been.

"I'm gaining her trust. I'll have her on that flight then we can dust our hands of the situation."

"Yes boss," he salutes me sarcastically and heads round the car to the drivers side. I Huff, rubbing my hand on the back of my neck before climbing inside. Tonight we stay in New York before flying back tomorrow early morning.

The moment I'm back in the hotel, I hit call on her name. It rings a few times before a hushed Colette picks up. She coughs a little before speaking.

"Felix. How are you?"

"I'm alright. Just finished work for the day. Are you ok? You sound a little off. You're not ill are you?" I speak softly.

"I'm fine!" her upbeat tone has me smiling stupidly as I sit on the edge of my king-sized bed. "I' in the stock room giving it a clean, that's all. Its ludicrisly dusty in here. What can I do for you?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to hear your voice."

The sweetest-sounding giggle comes down the phone.

"Ive got a black suit. I'll find something red to match your dress," I attempt to pull the conversation back to the texts.

"Best be careful. People might get the wrong idea about us."

"Is there a wrong idea for them to have? I'm interested in you, Lettie. I thought I made that clear."

"I uhm... I'm interested in you too."

I can imagine how red her face is right now. Its for the job, Elijah. I keep telling myself.

"Good," I reply. "Ill let you work. I'll see you at 7 on wednesday."

"I know. I haven't forgotten. I look forward to it."

Me too, I want to say.

"Good night, Lettie."

"Good night, Felix."