Chapter 5

~Skai

My heart hammered against my ribs as though it wanted to break through, my saliva sticky as glue. For a second, I was too stunned to react.

Questions stuck in the middle of my throat, but I let them down, avoiding more suspicions. I felt like a failure again; it's been barely days since I got there, and I wouldn't let it pass me by.

The questions ran through my mind instead, as I watched him walk over to his desk, hoping he'd bring a sack letter.

He pulled out his chair; the tyres squeaked in the deafening silence of the office, obstructing my intrusive thoughts.

He settled in the chair, leaning back, the rays from the window blinds almost illuminating his face. He leant in and spun the atlas map on his desk, then back into his chair. A ray of light straightened across his face.

My gaze met the map of North America staring straight into my eyes. Reminding me of my childhood home, when I thought life was all smooth and rosy.

Uncertain of the direction to look, my eyes scanned through the corners of the office stretched in front of me.

The air became heavy with silence, and I just wanted him to say something – anything – even if it was a word. To stop the storm brewing inside of me.

“I want you to work undercover in the LIAS group. They're up to something, and I trust my instincts.” He dropped the bomb, leaving me to deal with it.

He leant back , his elbow resting on the armchair.

I could bet I looked funny with the wig, the strange feeling catching up with me. It was beginning to itch and feel heavy. I took it off, folding it in my hand.

“This is just a fraction of the challenges you'd face.” I shut that little voice in my head, adjusting my tie. It was as if heat radiated from the wall, burning my innocent skin.

I braced up, struggling to find my voice.

“Not trying to be rude, sir; there are many employees in this company. I suggest you allow me to work as a bodyguard for a while.” I groaned inwardly at the slight slur in the end of my sentence.

“Our employees are very busy in their units, including the receptionist. We don't like our business partners seeing different faces. We don't switch employees easily. A bodyguard should act as a spy.”

“Do you want to discard me, sir?” I questioned.

“No, you'll be in contact with the company, Enzo. You're perfect for what we need to make this bust – smart, intelligent and very observant.”

He stared into my eyes, digging deep into my soul. The weight that has been perching on my chest eases like a silent wave. I heaved a sigh of relief; maybe it's just a coincidence.

I thought being disguised was my salvation, cheerfully unaware of the tensions and minute peace that come with it.

I've lived multiple lives – as a random girl in a brothel, a mercenary and a bodyguard. Now, it's time to be an undercover.

My stomach twisted. Tillard must pay for ruining me and my mother. Life was better, filled with love and laughter. He separated me from the only family I have left, and that was the last time we saw each other until her death – with tears in her eyes.

Since then, I became a shell.

"Everything you need to know is in this file. You'll be deep undercover with him and his organisation. You will be on official assignment. You have full clearance and power to do what's needed to find the truth about them.” He said as he pulled out a file from beneath the stack of books carefully arranged close to the edge of his table.

"So, I'll need multiple assignments and…. " I said.

“You'll be on work, residential and personal contact assignments. I just need you to do your job. Your qualities alone will get this job bagged and tagged. You have what it takes and what is needed for this to succeed.” He proceeded, cutting me off. He was really serious about it.

I didn't want to think deeply into it. It was unexpected, but it meant a lot to me.

Infiltrating the LIAS group is a two-factor authentication - providing information to the BER corp and exacting revenge on the LIAS group.

.

“Enzo”. The voice made me jerk out of my thoughts. Ever since I sighted Tillard, I've been in the haze of my own making.

“Do you need time to think about this?”

“I'd do anything for the development of this company,” I said matter-of-fact.

Was I not supposed to think about what could push me to the dead end?

In that case, determination was an understatement. My need for revenge simmers beneath the surface like an untamed animal. Taking risks had always been part of me.

The door creaked open, and Mr Bernard entered. His quizzical gaze bounced between me and Juliano like a ping pong ball.

“Are you really doing this?” he asked with a deep frown etched between his eyebrows.

“It’s our first time proposing a partnership with the LIAS group. I can vouch they’re not professionals. We can’t put our profits at stake. You're too blinded by his fake lights to see his shadows.” Juliano’s voice clipped, screaming professionalism.

“Enzo is meant to protect you," he said with a hint of concern in his voice.

“We'll contact the agency for another bodyguard.” Juliano smiled, waving off his father's excuses.

“The secretary reported that the company sent in an email for the finalisation of the contract, still bent on the full payment,” he said, settling in the cushion near the window blinds.

"We haven't even had a proper board meeting yet.” He smiled as he stood, pushing the chair backwards and moving around the desk to stand in front of me. He picked up the file on his desk and handed it to me.

“Excellent choice, Enzo. Don't let me down, and you have my words. You check in once a month; another medium for communication would be included.” He patted my shoulder. I nodded, clinging onto the file in my right hand.

He moved over the cushion.

“Other preparations would be done. You can leave, Enzo."

I stepped out.

A part of me was confused, another part was happy.