Chapter 2: Strange woman *
TW
As we made our way towards the meeting room. We were about to sit down with some of the wealthiest and most influential people in Japan, all of whom fell under the purview of the formidable Blake Whiteford.
As we stood outside the door, my boss turned to me and asked, "Colin, are they in there?"
I nodded, "Yes, boss." Without hesitation, he banged open the door and paced into the room. As soon as we entered, the room fell silent, all eyes turning towards my boss as he calmly took his seat at the very start of the table, as the head. And I stood right beside him.
"Mr. Whiteford, " One of them began, "we have found new investors for our project."
.
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I stood in front of Harrison, the two of my men standing behind me. The dim light from the outside was casting shadows on the wall. My nostrils were filled with the fragrant smell of old books and papers.
"Mr. McCanly, welcome," Mr. Harrison said, his tone strained, "To what do I owe this visit?"
I didn't want to bother with any small talk, "We had a deal, Mr. Harrison," I spoke firmly, my gaze never leaving his face as I watched the color drain from it. I could see the horror in his eyes as he stuttered, "R-Right, w-well-"
Just then, a knock came from the door, and without hesitation, Mr. Harrison answered it as if his life depended on it.
The door opened and a fragile lady walked in. She was young, not more than 20 years old, with long chocolate hair that was tied in a neat bun. Her eyes were the most noticeable feature, a deep ocean blue that seemed to shine even in the dark of the room.
She was of average height, standing at around 5'6 feet, walking in with elegance. Her cheeks were flushed a soft rose pink, as if she had just stepped inside from the cold. I couldn't help but stare at her. She reminded me of someone, but I couldn't figure out who.
"Who is she?"
"That's Miss Hadby, Alice. These are my guests today." Harrison said, introducing the young woman who had just entered the room.
"Nice to meet you mister-" She said as the ends of her lips turned upwards.
"Colin, Colin McCanly" I said looking down at her, she was staring too much for my liking so I turned my attention back to Harrison.
"Alice, you can go home earlier for today, just finish your work from yesterday and take Marry with you."
"Are you sure Mr.Harrison?" That question was asked carefully.
"Yes, now go" Without another word, she gathered her things and headed out of Harrison's office. As soon as she left Harrison started speaking, and I turned my gaze back to him.
"Colin, we know each other for so long why-"
Frown appeared on my face,"Careful Mr.Harrison, you promised to pay your debt by the end of the year, you aren't trying to slip out of it, are you?" I hissed.
"Of-Of course not, I will- I will pay, I promise," Harrison said, his voice trembling with a hint of desperation. But I couldn't bring myself to believe him, I can't go soft.
I scoffed, "How? You are barely covering half of it." I said, my voice cold and stern.
"You can take her-" Harrison said, his words trailing off.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing, "What?" I exclaimed, my voice rising, we are not trafficers. "You're offering me a secretary? As if that's going to solve everything?"
But Harrison persisted, "Mr. Whiteford doesn't have an assistant, a good secretary. She is the best and can do her job really quickly." He said, trying to convince me.
I stood there for a moment, considering his offer. I knew he just wanted to get away from his debt, but perhaps it wouldn't hurt to have an extra hand. "Alright, we will take her in and see what she is capable of, but don't expect Mr. Whiteford to let you off the hook" I said, trying to keep my tone neutral. I definitely seemed like a fool. "I hope we won't see each other again, Mr. Harrison." With that, I headed out of his office. As I walked out, I couldn't help but notice that the young woman, Alice, was nowhere to be seen. I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to her. When we are at it, I might as well dig out something about her.
.
.
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A Few years ago
"I-I don't know where she took the money!" The man's screams echoed through the room.
My boss leaned forward in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he sneered, "Tsk, you know that lying is bad" The finality in his tone sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't help but feel a throb of guilt, knowing that it was my fault that the money were now gone. I should have been more careful.
I knew my boss could be a tough guy, he was always fair, dealt with everything so neatly and quickly, but when someone crossed him, they quickly learned not to do it again, maybe even wishing for their death right at the spot. And now, it seemed, it was my turn to learn that lesson.
I couldn't help but think back to all the times I had seen him handle similar situations with a cool and steady hand. But now, with the weight of my mistake bearing down on me, I felt my own hands tremble. After all this is our normal night, but the stakes were now higher- I was here at fault. As the seconds ticked by and his stare grew heavier, I knew there was nothing I could say or do to change his mind.
The sound of the gunshot echoed through the room, causing my heart to skip a beat as I watched the man in front of me collapse onto the ground. The metallic smell of the blood filled my nose. My boss stepped over the body, his gaze steady. "Colin," he spoke in a low, firm tone, "this is the first and last time something like this happened. Understood?"
I felt my throat choke, struggling to find the right words to say. "Yes, I'm sorry.. Blake." My voice was barely above a whisper as I looked down at the ground, ashamed. He just patted my shoulder and I found the confidence to meet his eyes. There was a hint of understanding and forgiveness in his gaze. His lips curved into a reassuring smile and his eyes held a form of sympathy. He then walked away. At that moment, I promised to myself, I won't disappoint him ever again. His faith in me meant everything, and I couldn't bear the thought of losing it.
That was a really long time ago.
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Back to present
As I scrolled through my phone, a call appeared on my screen. It was one of my youngest dogs, and I could hear the hint of happiness in his voice as he spoke, "Boss, I have her." A sly smile spread across my face as I replied, "Good. Bring her to me." I hung up, still grinning to myself, tapping the phone over my lips, I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
L_Blake
L_Blake -edited-
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone