The Royal Contract

1158 Only option

He examined the papers in his hand, double-checking if everything was complete before her departure. He could not leave any details without thoroughly scrutinizing them.

He could not leave a paper trail leading anyone to her whereabouts. He wanted her to vanish without a trace. Safe from her father, the mafia, and whoever else might jeopardize her life.

He quickly put them in a suitcase, locked them with a combination he only knew, and carried them out of his private office. Then, he rushed toward his car, hurrying to be at his next appointment.

“Mike!” He suddenly stopped, hearing her voice behind him. “Can I speak with you before you leave?” He abruptly turned to see her running in the corridor to catch him.

He should get going, seeing that he was already late, but he could not turn his back on her and leave. He had to hear what she had to say first because it might be urgent.

“Hey, Haley. Don’t run. You might slip and hurt yourself.” Instead, he moved toward her, meeting her halfway. The last thing he wanted was for her to have an accident.

He could see that she was anxious about something, but whatever she had to say, he was curious to find out. He held her by the shoulder, supporting her as she panted for air.

“I am sorry. I was coming down the stairs when I heard your footprints on the way to the door. I know I have to run to catch you.” She breathily explained. “I guessed I should start exercising and not just eating.”

He observed that she had gained a few weights, a little flesh on her cheeks, but not quite significant yet. But the doctors said she should avoid too many sweets and other harmful food for the baby’s health.

.....

“I think you should start watching what you eat.” He reminded her, seeing how much she loved Imelda’s cooking and pastries. She had even tried baking a few cookies that she had almost finished herself.

He tasted a couple and thought it was good. But that was not the point. Haley had to eat healthier, and he intended to tell Imelda to change their meals and buy more fruits and milk for the baby.

“Anyway, I want to ask what is happening with the one we talk about, the job and the island.” She asked, looking both excited and nervous. He could not blame her since her life was on the line in this.

He did not join her for breakfast earlier since he had to leave early. By the time he returned, she was resting. Therefore, she must have rushed down the stairs when she realized he was about to go out again.

“I already set up your papers, but I am still waiting for a few details,” Mike informed her. “It will not be long now. Then you will not be a prisoner in this home. You can finally freely move around the island.”

He wished he could tell her more. In the meantime, that should be enough. Despite the times he hated her relationship with Gerald, he had learned to like her. Gerald was right about her. She was not hard to get along with and maybe even loved.

“That sounds promising.” She smiled happily, seemingly glad about the news. Maybe he would also lose his mind if he was in her situation. It must be hard to be in this house all day and night, barely seeing other people.

“I promise we will talk more about this when I return later. But I have to go for now. I have a meeting with a client. And I am already late.” He knew she would understand because she always had a great work ethic based on her records.

“Ok. I won’t keep you then. So, should I expect you to join me for dinner?” Haley asked as she smiled at her, looking hopeful.

“Sure. I will make it for dinner. Then, we can talk more.” He promised her before turning to the driveway, where his car was already waiting.

He suddenly felt sorry for her with the things she had to go through. She was not supposed to be part of this, but she had become collateral damage.

He rode his car and turned the engine before looking at her. She was still standing by the door, appearing to be thinking. He hoped that where she was going, she would find momentary peace while he sorted out her situation.

“Bye,” He waved at her. Then, he drove his car on the long driveway and out the guarded gate. He knew she was safe and secured in this area as long as she did not cross the perimeter walls.

He drove several miles to his next destination, trying not to go too fast. The last thing he needed was for the police to pull him over. He did not need the additional headache.

A few more minutes later, he pulled into a low-cost housing building catering to the less fortunate. Some of their pro bono cases lived in such places. And many of their men’s families and relatives also resided in areas like this.

“I don’t want a scratch on my car.” He said to a group of punks gathering on the side of the street. They knew better not to touch his car. But others might think they could. Therefore, it was their task to guard it with their lives.

Then, he entered the dilapidated building that had seen degradation from natural causes and the vandalism of the people who resided in the vicinity.

He took two steps of the stairs at a time, in a hurry to meet the person waiting for him. He was already late by a quarter of an hour. And he did not like to be late.

Finally, he stopped on the fifth floor and walked along the narrow corridor. “How is he?” He asked the man who answered the door when he knocked. “What is his mood today?”

“Great.” The big man answered, allowing him to enter further inside. “He is in the other room.” He said. “I will be outside if you need me.” The man exited, leaving him behind.

He stared at the small apartment that barely had things around him. Compared to one of his condominiums, this place was a dump. But many people lived here because they had nowhere to go.

But not this man. He had many places to go, but at the moment, this was his only option.