Secrets and Betrayal(19)

Jenny's POV

As I waited under the shadow of the ancient warehouse, the evening air was chilly against my skin. My head whirled with what had happened earlier in the day. Leonard had at last expressed his actual emotions, but the confession carried unexpected difficulties. His heart battled his growing affections for me against his obligation to his family. Reality was showing to be more complicated, even if I wanted to believe our love could rule all.

I went down to check my phone. Leonard's short but unambiguous text said, "Meet me at the warehouse." We really ought to talk.

The warehouse loomed ahead of me, its black form a sharp contrast to the pale moonlight. Within was Leonard waiting. His tense walking told me just what I needed. His normal assurance gave way to a very worried expression. I inhaled deeply then started inside.

Leonard turned to face me and whispered, "Jenny," his voice breaking somewhat. "I'm happy you are here."

"Leonard," I said, attempting to hide my nervousness. "What's going on?."

He waved for me to follow him to a little warehouse office. He looked at me as we strolled, a mix of melancholy and resolve.

Leonard started, "I have been thinking a lot, about us, about everything." I am sorry for the way I handled things; I know I have made mistakes.

I nodded, a twinge of sorrow evident. "I have been thinking a lot too. Our circumstances are not as straightforward as I would have anticipated. We still have not really comprehended the factors acting here.

Leonard groaned and grabbed my hands in his. "I have some information regarding the company of my family. More corruption than I could have ever imagined exists. My father has participated in dubious transactions; it is all about to surface now. I have to move fast to guard our future and you.

"Leonard, what are you saying?" I asked, a knot in my gut developing.

"Tomorrow is a meeting," Leonard said. "One of major importance. That will mark a tipping point. I want to reveal everything. Still, I need your assistance. Should we fail to verify what has been occurring, everything might come apart.

His comments started to weigh in as he spoke. The idea of the approaching confrontation set my heart racing. I was caught in the middle of Leonard risking everything to rebel against his own family.

"What do you need from me?" Steeling myself for what lay ahead, I inquired.

Leonard stared relieved. "I want you here with me tomorrow. Maybe your testimony will help to expose everything. We have to demonstrate that corruption influences people's lives as well as their businesses.

The sound of feet boomed across the warehouse before I could reply. I turned, my heart missing a pulse. Out of the darkness two individuals emerged: Victor and his friend Martin. While Martin seemed as normal, Victor's face was locked in a grimace.

"Didn't expect to see you here, Jenny," Victor remarked, his voice full of contempt. "I see you participate in Leonard's little plot."

Leonard moved protectively ahead of me. "What are you Victor doing here?"

Victor graced his face. "Just ensuring that things do not spiral too far. Jenny, we have our own plans for you.

Martin moved forward carrying a tablet. "We have proof pointing Jenny in several directions." Of course, it's all created, but it's sufficient to discredit her should we so require it.

Leonard's face lost color. You are incapable of doing this. We have evidence of your moral lapses.

Victor's grin grew wider. "Well, but perception is everything here. And right now, Jenny is allegedly engaged in activities she is not suited for. When you're tarnished, how will anyone believe you?

As the room seemed to shut in around us, my heart thumped. Leonard stared at me, a mix of anxiety and frustration. "We have to act right now," he said fiercely. "We cannot let them triumph."

Closer still, Victor and Martin moved with definite goals. Knowing we were running short, I looked at Leonard. The scenario was swiftly getting worse. I had to make fast decisions.

"Take the tablet, Leonard," I said. "This is our only opportunity.."

Leonard nodded, then swiftly reached for the iPad from Martin. There was a quick fight, and I watched Victor's expression go from confidence to panic. Before they could reassemble, we had to leave.

"Go!," Screaming, I pushed Leonard toward the door. We hurried; yells and footfall vanished behind us. As we emerged into the night air, the warehouse doors groaned open.

We kept on running till we arrived at the security of our car. Panting and messy, we exchanged glances knowing how near we had come to be in terms of catastrophe.

Leonard gasped and remarked, "That was too near. Still, we have the necessary evidence here. We will unveil everything tomorrow.

I nodded, experiencing both optimism and terror. "Let's ensure this closes nicely."

The night appeared to be unending before us as we drove off. Though the stakes were bigger than ever, our will was stronger. We had some hope since Leonard's dedication to reveal the truth and my own will to see this through would shine.

Our path had brought us many challenges, and we had emerged stronger for it. The main difficulty, though, was still to come. We will be facing our toughest challenge yet tomorrow. One thing was abundantly evident as we got ready for what lay ahead: we were in this together, no matter what.

Though we were ready to face it, the shadow of treachery remained large. The truth would come to light and along with it the possibility of a fresh start.

The room was softly illuminated by the morning light peeping through the drapes. Sitting at the edge of the bed, ideas concerning the forthcoming confrontation kept running through my head. Before we encountered the corruption threatening to destroy Leonard's family's enterprise, he had insisted on a last strategy conference. Though questions tore at me, our schedule was determined.

I turned to check the clock. Almost time passed. A text from Leonard buzzed on my phone: "Meet me at the office". One last time we must review the evidence.