Chapter 11
I slam the door to my car, making my way toward Elijah's mansion, my bad mood now even shittier. The guard at the gate was a complete asshole and had me waiting there for thirty minutes, before Elijah decided to grace us with a call back and let the imbecile know he indeed knows me and I was invited. I get having security measures, but that was fucking ridiculous. Maybe if he gave them more of a heads up we wouldn’t have these problems.
The charcoal-colored bricks form rise as high as the tree line, light blaring out of the millions of windows on display. The scene screams ‘Look at me, I’m rich, but I also have taste.’ I laugh at my own joke. As I make it up the steps to the double doors that instantly open.
A butler in a black and white suits stands before me, he has to be in his sixties. His hair, though completely white, is still full and thick. Wrinkles around his dark blue eyes give him a warm aura, like he’s someone you could trust.
“This way Ms. Reyes. Mr. Carmelo is ready for you.”
He starts off toward the office, I assume and I slowly follow behind, taking in my surroundings. To my left is a huge, open space layout for the living room. The biggest flat screen tv I’ve ever seen sits over a fireplace while white leather sectional couches make an L shape in the center across from the fireplace. A black bear rug sits on the floor between the two. A cellarette sits by the wall near the side glass doors, big enough to hold hundreds of different alcohol bottles.
“I could surely use a drink right about now.”
“Oh, can I offer you something?”
the butler turns and asks me.
Shit…did I say that out loud?
“Oh, I’m fine, thank you.”
I smile. “What’s your name?”
“You may call me Malcolm.”
Malcolm. Sounds like a sophisticated butler name. I can see it.
He turns around to continue leading me to the office and I pick up my pace, trying to avoid getting distracted again. We approach a large wooden door off to the right down a hallway. He knocks once before a deep voice tells us to enter. Malcolm opens the door, stepping back to give me space to enter.
“Thank you, Malcolm.”
“My pleasure Ms.,”
he says, a twinkle in his eyes.
“That’s enough, get in here Baby C,”
Elijah orders.
Malcolm nods his head and closes the door.
“You’re an asshole.”
I turn around, giving my best fuck you facial expression.
Elijah just beams a smile my way, sitting back in his seat.
“Have a seat.”
He gestures to the chair across his desk.
I sit, plopping my ass into the soft cushion. Damn, my office chair back at the bar isn’t even this cozy.
“Glad you could make it C.”
I eye him up and down. He’s dressed in another tailored suit, today's tie a turquoise blue standing out against the gray suit. Almost every word that comes out of his mouth irritates me, if I didn’t know better, I’d put it to better use.
“I didn’t really have a choice now did I?”
I smile sweetly at him.
“Look you can act irritated all you want baby, but you called me asking for this opportunity. So, tone down the attitude a notch or two, or I will remind you exactly who I am.”
Elijah smirks and shivers run through my body.
Swallowing the words begging to come out, I sit up straighter in my seat.
“Now are you ready to get down to business?”
Elijah asks.
“How's the girl?”
I ask before he can start spewing his bullshit of jobs he has lined up for me.
“She’s fine…we found her a very nice family and she should live happily ever after from here on out,”
he says. My gut tells me he’s telling the truth, so I leave it alone, for now. I’ll check up on her myself later.
“So what's next on my agenda, sir,” I mock.
Elijah cocks his eyebrow up at me, clearly annoyed at my antics tonight and my lack of respect for authority. He should know me well enough that I don’t fake shit and I definitely won’t be pretending to be the docile female that does whatever a man says.
“I have another big job for you. I’m having someone give me a list of all the big dogs that were running their sick dealings with the Mayor. You and he will partner up to take care of the rest.”
You get this job done, I’ll pay off all of your debt and then some. I also won't force you back onto the team.”
My breath hitches in my throat at his words. Completely shocked at what he’s offering. Suspicious, I eye him, looking for any signs of betrayal, but find none.
“What’s the catch?”
Elijah starts shaking his head, “There is no catch C. I know you don’t want to be here and I don’t want to force you. I’m giving you an out. Take it or leave it.”
I think over his offer and know right away what I’ll choose.
“I’ll get it done.”
“I know you will.”
Elijah smirks, clearly dismissing me when he drags his attention back to his paperwork.
I stand from the chair and start making my way to the door. Wait, working with someone.
I turn to look back at him.
“You said I’d have a partner…why? Who? Why can’t I just do this alone?”.
“He’s the best at what he does and he’s the best man to help you get this done smoothly and quickly. I’ll text you details soon.”
“But—”
Elijah holds up his hand, giving me a stern stare.
“This is part of the deal Cea. No negotiating,”
he says harshly.
I nod my head and make my way out of the room.
Out the front door, I jog to my vehicle then sit in the front seat, letting out a deep breath. I’ve never had to have help before, why the fuck do I need it now. Aggravated at the situation, I jump when I hear my cell phone go off.
Elijah: Gentlemen's Club. Back booth. Tomorrow. 10 pm sharp. Do not be late.
I guess I’ll meet my mystery partner tomorrow. Oooh joy!