The Shadow of Deception

CHAPTER 11: THE ALTERNATIVE

I was preparing for work. I did not want to wake Marvin, so I was doing everything quietly. I thought he needed rest from all that was happening to him. They were happening so fast and could easily throw off anyone very quickly.

I looked at him as he slept like a baby. I bent down and gave him a kiss on his cheek. He grabbed me and threw me on the bed.

“I thought you were sleeping,” I smiled as I planted a kiss on his mouth.

“No, I was watching you,” he replied, laughing.

“So I was only fooling myself by walking about like a thief not wanting to disturb you, my dear, That’s not fair,” I said, and kissed him again.

“Where do you think you are going?” He asked.

“Marvin, I am going to work. That I sleep with my boss does not mean I should not work,” I said smiling at him.

“Okay, your boss is ordering you not to go to work,” Marvin said.

“Sorry, my mistake. You are not my boss. I report to the Administrative Manager who happens to be your Assistant,” I said, holding his ears.

“That would be Ken, so let me call him then,” Marvin replied.

“Please don’t, I still love my job,” I replied.

“It’s all right. I was only going to tell him that you would be joining other cleaners to help tidy my house,” Marvin said.

“I also don’t think it is wise you stay here. It is not secured, and you will not be protected,” he continued.

“I can handle myself,” I said.

“You have not come in contact with the assassin. Please, come with me and I promise you Ken will not be an issue,” Marvin assured me.

I understood his house would be the best place for both of us. I was comfortable with the bodyguards Larry sent. They have protected us this far and they looked very detailed in the way they carry out their job.

I did not want so much attention on us as I did not want people to suspect that a cleaner was sleeping with the richest billionaire in the country and the staff of his company to suspect that the newest cleaner was sleeping with their Managing Director.

I asked him to make it official. I told him to make me the head cleaner at home and the office as that would keep me closer to him and protected without anyone raising an eyelid. He agreed. Marvin called Ken to meet us at his house. I took some of my essential things and left with him.

When we got to the house, Ken was already there waiting in the living room. He was shocked at seeing me. I greeted him and sat down. He waved at me without a reply. Marvin entered after me.

“You didn’t tell me that your home was attacked, Marvin, and I am sure you must have a very strong reason for bringing Cax here, man. This is your home!” Ken said.

“Relax, Ken, and I will tell you everything. If you don’t, I am going to ask you to leave my house. She is here on an official basis,” Marvin said.

Marvin explained to Ken what had happened a few days ago and how I helped and kept him alive. He left out all the hotel events to save me from Ken again. He also told Ken of his plan to keep me close, since I am now a target and is exposed following the episode that occurred at his house.

Ken agreed that I should be the head cleaner but opted that I come from home rather than stay at Marvin’s place. I could see that Marvin was not going to settle for that option. He could not understand why Ken wanted me exposed and why he refused to acknowledge that it was because of my involvement in what happened at his home.

Marvin ordered me to go and join the other cleaners. I quickly left them and went out to meet Rose and the other cleaners. The work was fun as we cleaned and laughed. From where I was, I could see that Ken was not happy. Rose noticed it too and she asked me why and what had happened.

I told Rose about Marvin’s decision and how he wanted to make me the head cleaner. Rose was very happy for me and asked if she could be my assistant. Without any hesitation, I said yes and we both hugged and laughed. We laughed when Rose said that we would no longer clean but supervise others.

Rose asked if she could sometime visit me and stay with me. I told her to allow me to see how things played out.

After the cleaning, Rose and I talked about work and family. Rose was a talker and I loved the fact that she could easily confide in me. I asked her which restaurant her husband worked for and she told me that it was the ‘Gosh Place’. It was the same place Marvin had a date. She also told me she saw her husband, Ken, and Marvin’s uncle discussing, but she was not privy to their discussion. I asked her to get the information from her husband and she promised she would try.

I sat down in my room. My room was downstairs and close to the staircase. I did not argue when Ken showed me. I wanted him to feel that he was in charge and that I was still his staff.

Marvin called all the cleaners and told them that I was to be their new head cleaner. He asked them to do whatever I said and that he was sure I would do a good job. It was refreshing to see. I smiled and waved to them, and they all smiled and waved back. There was no expression on Ken’s face.

In the evening, Ken left. I went upstairs with Marvin to clean his room. I asked him why he insisted that I must stay with him even when Ken objected. I smiled when Marvin told me that not only that he wanted me by his side, but he also did not want Ken spying on him.

I asked him what he was planning for tomorrow and he was stunned. Tomorrow was his birthday and he had absolutely forgotten about it. He looked at me in disbelief.

“How can I forget my  birthday? What are the alternatives?” Marvin asked me.