Chapter 006

“Girl, your phone has been ringing non-stop. Are you gonn’ answer it or not?” Betsy said, eyeing her phone on the side as she flipped the pancakes expertly.

Penny turned to look at the caller ID. It said Drew, once again. She ignored it like she had been doing for his previous calls and continued mixing the batter for the pancake. “I bet he will stop soon when he doesn’t hear from me after a couple more calls.”

“You ever gonn’ tell me what’s going on?” Betsy protruded with her southern accent, hoping to get answers.

“What is going on right now is that the pancakes are gonn’ get burnt.” Penny responded, imitating Betsy’s accent.

“Oh shit!” Betsy quickly took the pancakes out.

Penny furrowed her eyebrows. “Language, Betsy! There are kids around for Pete’s sake.”

Betsy waived her hand dismissively, “Like they haven’t heard worst around here? Lily and the grocery truck driver were hitting it a couple nights ago.” Betsy said, laughing. “These kids will turn out just fine.” She added.

Betsy loves gossip. It is why I don’t want her all up in my business. Although I am stuck with her in the kitchen as the shelter, I can’t deny how much of a mean cook she is.

Penny let out a deep sigh.

“Right. I will go get the vegetables.” Penny quickly said and left the kitchen but not without taking her phone along.

She just wanted the peace and quiet that came in the morning. Something positive. The shelter felt like a solace to her. Helping out soothed her mind and eased her heart amidst all her troubles, especially the decision she recently made.

It was the only place in the world she felt she belonged to. No judgement, no expectations. Just a place where everyone appreciated living one day at a time.

***

In his study, Killian was sitting on the chair, looking through the altered contract. The sun had come up with some light streaming through the partly open curtains. He fixed his gaze on the clauses for so long before he reached for his phone in his pocket.

He scrolled through his contact and dialled a number. The person on the other end answered the call.

“The case must be in court this Friday… Killian?”

“I want another alteration done to this contract.” Killian said immediately.

The man on the line scoffed.  “Always straight to the point, huh?”

“Nathan, I am a busy man.” Killian retorted.

“Yup… Until you want a favour…” Nathan retorted. “What are you up to, Killian? Freddy is tight lipped as if you got a leash on him or something.”

Freddy has been always the loyal to me. Killian relished on the fact with a smirk.

“Just do your darn job, Nathan.” Killian almost yelled over the phone.

“Fine! Don’t pop a vein.” Nathan said. “Send the alterations. I’ll have my secretary work on it. Need to get back to work now. See you tonight at Hanson’s for a drink.” Nathan added and ended the call.

Nathan Hoffman was one of his best friends. With him being a third-generation, he inherited his family’s Law firm. But he somehow made his life’s work to get on Killian’s nerves. He seemed to enjoy every minute of it.

Killian had no intention of going to the club that night.

Nathan reminded Killian of the fiery woman he came across some days ago. He shook his head and texted the alterations to him with the address to send it to. Just as he put his phone down, it ran again.

It was from the office. “Ms. Flores. Speak.” Killian ordered. It must be urgent for her to call. With her around, he could trust everything to be going on well.

“Mr. King! He is here.” Ms. Flores announced.

Killian was silent for a couple of seconds as his hand tightened on the phone.

“Mr. King?”

“Are you there? He has requested for you.” She checked her phone to see if her boss is still on the call.

“I will be there.” Killian announced.

“Should I come to the manor?” She asked.

“No.” He answered and aborted the call.

The devil is out of his cave. I wonder what he wants.

He stood up and picked his coat. Just before he left his study, his eyes caught the frame housing the picture of a woman. Her Platinum blonde hair framing her angelic face.

His eyes become dark.

I need to see what the old man wants.

He picked the key to his Ferrari in his garage. His driver was on leave and he didn’t want the new hire, Max, driving him.

Killian arrived at the company after some minutes.

The view of the man in a wheelchair greeted him.

“I hate to be kept waiting, Killian.” The man said without turning around. “I want to speak to my son.” The man continued, telling his entourage to leave the room.

“Is all of these necessary, Jared?” Killian couldn’t help but ask as he made his way to stand next to his father.

The two men had similar facial features but Jared had grey hair. His face was cold and granite, just like his son’s. the apple fell right under the tree.

“I have made a lot of enemies. Being at my weakest, it is the best time to strike.” Jared explained.

Killian knew his father more than anyone in the world.

“What bring you here?” Killian asked without beating around the bush.

Jared chuckled. Killian was truly his son to some capacities. “Don’t mess with the Emerson, Killian. I could care less about the friction regarding their daughter. Their ports are important to me.”

Killian balled his hands into fists.

Of course, the bastard came for his selfish needs.

“You won’t be affected.” Killian responded tersely.

“Good that we are on the same page.” Jared said and wheeled himself out of the Killian’s office. Killian had to take over the family business that produced household utilities after his father’s accident seven years ago.

Out of frustration, he pulled out his phone and dialled a number reluctantly, all the while watching his father being assisted into his Limousine from the topmost floor.

“Meet you at Hanson’s.”

***

Penny had spent the whole day at the shelter. She felt relieved playing with the kids and assisting however she could.

“I am spent.” Betsy said, stretching her limbs. “I gotta go now. Dina must be waiting for me. Byeeee!” She said, running with her short limbs.

After grabbing dinner, Penny took her bag and proceeded to leave the shelter. The shelter was some blocks away from her apartment.

A hooded figure approached Penny. “Penny! I have missed you, babe!”