Chapter 7 Signing the Death Sentence
The next day came like a disk playing in a disk player, as Andrea got up from her bed, it was 10am in the morning, she was about to sprang up to her feet for work when she realized it was her off day today. She stood up, yawning out loud, her phone beeped, it was Pamela who informed her she had come and knocked but Andrea didn’t budge.
Andrea sighed as she was about to dial the number when she remembered Pamela was on duty at the coffee shop.
She dressed in her bed then went to the bathroom to have her bath and get ready for the day, her reflection cast itself on the mirror as her father’s words echoed in her head, “the Jenkins family is trouble.” She shuddered a bit but then frowned.
“Well, I am Andrea Owen and I can take up a few dumb oldies.” She said, as she washed her face then brushed her teeth, took her shower and wore a simple shorts and a pink crop top, guessing her parents were out now and had gone to the hospital for check up as she went over to the kitchen, Opening the cabinets only to see strawberry Jam and some left over bread, that was probably left with just three slices.
“Just wow…. this early morning…just Jam.” She frowned as she took out the jam and bread as she spread the name over the bread, at least this was better than going hungry.
Just as she was about to take a bite, she heard a knock on the door, her eyes instantly went up the clock which seems like it was about about to give up and fall off the wall, it was still fine, it was past 11 am, there was no way her parent where done with their check up by this time.
Dropping the mashed up bread and jam on the plate, as she walked towards the door, turning the door knob open, only to see a young suited dressed young man, he looked buckled up, her look confused.
“Sorry, but who do you seek?”
“I suppose you are Andrea Owen?” He asked, her brow arched as she took a step backwards ready to shut the door.
“I’m Macus, Daren’s PA and was asked to escort you to his home today.” He said as if memorized, he looked like a talking AI.
“What do you mean? He didn’t tell me I was to see him today?” She answered but his face twisted into displeasure, he handed a phone to her, she wanted his hand hanging in the air.
“Take it.”
Andrea reached across and took the phone from the outstretched hand of Marcus. Daren’s name flashed across the screen, and his speaker voice spoke to her. Andrea, I need to see you today. “It’s urgent.” Her frown deepened as she said, “What’s going on?” You didn’t say a word about today. Daren’s voice was low and somber. “I know. I am sorry. But circumstances have changed. “Macus will take you to my residence.” Andrea furrowed her brow as she studied Macus’s stoic expression.
“And who is this?” Daren laughed loudly.
“Macus is my personal servant.” “He is trustworthy.” Andrea wasn’t convinced, but from the calm of Daren’s voice, she felt reassured.
“Alright,” she said finally. “But what’s this about? “I’ll explain when you get here,” Daren said.
“Macus, look after Andrea.” The line was dead as Macus reached to snatch the phone. Andrea handed it back, her brain reeling with questions. Andrea stopped as Macus stepped aside, saying, “Wait, what is going on? Why would I need to see Daren?” Macus’s expression did not change. “I’m not at liberty to say.” Andrea rolled her eyes,
“Great, secrecy already.” She went upstairs, changed into a flowery gown, and grabbed her pocketbook and keys before leaving, closing the door. Macus led her down to where a shiny black car was parked and opened the door for her. Andrea continued to become more and more nervous as they drove through the city. What would Daren want to talk about? The car finally stopped in front of a big, modern house.
She got out of the house, as Marcus pointed at the front door, but before she would say anything, he turned and left.
“Rude.” She muttered then walked over to the front door as she pressed the doorbell, as she gulped down the invisible lump at the back of her throat in anxiety.
Daren opened the door while clad in casual wear that highlighted his well–built body. His eyes lit as he welcomed Andrea in.
“Hey, I apologize for the last–minute call again.
A bit of Andrea’s tension eased when she walked in.
“It’s fine,” she said in a calm voice.
So Daren motioned toward the living room and smiled back.
“Would you care for any snacks or drinks?”
Andrea was quick to dismiss the whatever offer. “No, I am okay. I have taken some food already”
However, her belly intervened, making quite a noisy outburst.
Daren made a laughing noise. “Oh really?“
herface.
Andrea’s eyes turned red. “Oh, shut up,” she said with an amused look on her face.
Daren smirked. “Then I guess we should prepare some lunch right away.”
He turned to the kitchen, inviting her to walk behind.
Andrea was amazed when they walked into the modern kitchen.
“Wow. Your kitchen is beautiful.”
Daren beamed. “Thanks. I enjoy cooking.”
He started making door–stopping empanadas and salads in no time.
Andrea stared, curious of this new attitude Daren had.
“Urgh enough with the pleasantries. What’s the word now?” she questioned forcing Daren to break into a smile.
Daren recalled what Andrea had once mentioned and his face grew solemn.
“Let us eat first. Then we shall have our talk.”
Dina consented without further deliberation, Andrea’s stomach growling once more.
When they were already seated around the table, Andrea still could not suppress the thought that a new era was coming in her life.
Daren’s eyes kneed hers in standing still, stare as if it punctured right through her skin.
“Andrea, I have to say this to you. This is something that will place you at a risk.”
Andrea’s heart stopped for a moment.
“What is it?‘ she prompted, her voice a mere whisper. ·
Daren’s facial expression softens, “It concerns the contract.”
Chapter 7 Signing the Death Sentence
Andrea’s head was spinning with thoughts. “What agreement?”
Daren’s look did not change. “The one that describes the conditions of our arrangement.”
It only made things worse for Andrea. “What arrangement?”
Before Daren even opened his mouth to answer another question, there was a knock on the door.
“Right on schedule,” Daren noted as he got up.
He walked over to the door and stepped back to allow a middle–aged man with a briefcase to come in.
“Thanks for coming, Marcus,” he said.
Andrea squinted. “Marcus? I assumed your assistant was Macus.”
Daren looked pleased. “Macus takes care of my household. Marcus is my attorney.”
Marcus reached his hand. “Hello, Andrea Owen. I’m glad to meet you.”
Andrea nodded and took his hand, puzzled more.
“Come, come,” Daren said and showed Marcus into the sitting area.
Marcus opened a case and produced a hefty book out of it.
“This here is the paper that contains the terms of the dealing,” he said.
Andrea flipped through the papers with her eyes as if searching for something, her head burdened with questions.
“What am I signing up for exactly?” she countered in order to buy more time.
Daren bent towards her. “You are signing up for the task of assisting me in exposing the truth behind the Sonia’s Disappearance.” Andrea’s line of sight shifted onto Daren’s. “What truth?”
The intensity on Daren’s face went up a notch. “The truth of their businesses and connections… and the reason why they might Andrea felt a flutter in her heart.
“Me? Why would they want to come after me?”
come after you.”
Chapter & Playing Sonia
Kay.
