The Shadow of Deception

CHAPTER 9: ANOTHER TRY

I was brought to the office first from the secret path. I went to the store and changed clothes. No one would have believed me if I had told them about the wonderful weekend this cleaner had. I enjoyed every bit of it. I loved the acting, the thrills, and, of course, the lovemaking. I was still thinking and smiling to myself when Ken came in shouting.

“Cax! Don't pretend to be deaf, I have been calling you,”  Ken shouted at me.

“I am sorry. How can I help you sir,” I said.

“Do your job, just do your job. Go and clean Marvin’s office and please get your acts together,” he continued in a very high tone as he left the store.  

I hurriedly gathered my things and left Rose in the store who had come to ask me for some cleaning items for her work downstairs. I could have given her, but I did not want Ken’s trouble. I sensed something must have triggered this.

I had just started to clean Marvin’s office when Ken stormed in. He looked like he was not happy to see me today. I thought it was best to give him his space. 

“What are you doing?”  Ken asked.

“I - - I - - I, I - - thought, you sa - - said,” I stammered.

“You thought what? Now you cannot speak? What are you really? Are you sure you are a cleaner?” Ken replied, annoyed.

“Ken, take it easy on her or I may have to send you out,” Marvin said.

“But why would you take your cleaner home? You don’t even know her, for God's sake! She could be anyone. She could be someone hired to kill you. What were you thinking, Marvin?” Ken replied.

“Shut up! Ken, shut your mouth!!  I told you that in confidence, you don't have to say that in front of her.” Marvin told Ken.

Ken only brought me to Marvin’s office to embarrass me. He could have asked me this at the store. Well, I was happy he did it here though, things just got complicated for him. Marvin loves me now and Ken can no longer get rid of me. I smiled at myself at the little victory I sensed.

I stood there as they went on with each other. Both had forgotten that the person of interest was right in their front. I loved the way Marvin was protecting me. It showed he truly loved me. Marvin was really acting like someone protecting someone he loved. I took my mop and started cleaning without showing any concern or giving any attention to either of them.

Ken took out his phone and made a phone call. When he dropped the call, he turned and told Marvin that Marvin had a date. I looked at Marvin, and he was very upset. He told Ken that he was not serious. He wanted Ken to know this was insulting to him and to me but Ken felt I was too low for Marvin and should know my position.

“Marvin! You need a wife and that wife is not Cax,” Ken told Marvin right there in front of me.

“Why can’t it be Cax,” asked Marvin.

“You cannot marry her, she is your cleaner,” Ken said.

“So it is about her status now, my good friend. Have you forgotten where I met you?” Marvin asked.

“You are now comparing me with her, Marvin,” Ken asked.

“Please can you just stop? Please, you two need to stop. I am right here and I am not a thing or a project,” I interrupted both of them. I was really tired of hearing both of them argue over me. 

“Marvin, please you need someone who will love you for who you are. That person is not me,” I said to both of them, and walked towards the door. I had finished cleaning the office and all the time I was cleaning they were arguing about me.

Turning towards Marvin, “You should take that date,” I said. I left his office feeling relieved. I knew he loved me, but I also knew it was so fast and I didn’t need any distractions. I made copies of the document and kept the original with me. I also kept the original passcode cards I saw attached to the last page on the back of the documents. Marvin didn't notice the passcode cards.

I sat down in the store thinking about everything that had happened. I had to make a move. I have the documents, but that was the first part of the contract. I decided that I had to complete the task before calling the Contractor. If anyone kills or kidnaps Marvin, they will not have the original documents or passcodes. Their contract would not be complete. 

I suddenly remembered that Rose had come to ask me for something. I rushed to the store downstairs to meet her.

“I am sorry, Rose, for what happened in the morning,” I said. 

“You don’t have to say that, it was not your fault,” she said.

“How did you cope? I thought you needed some items from me,”  I said.

“Oh, I took them from your store, since you left without locking the door, I hope you are not angry with me,” Rose replied.

“Nope, It is okay, I would have given them to you but for Ken,” I said.

“I don’t like that one, he is not happy that you are close to the boss. He does not like it when any female is close or familiar with the boss. I don’t like him because he also tells Uncle Jonah everything that happens here,” she said, speaking very softly like what she just said was for my ears only.

“Shhh. How do you know all this? Please, don't get us into trouble with the boss.” I said, feigning ignorance.

“I have met them a few times at the bar where my husband works. They did not see me and they don’t know my husband works there,” she said.

“Please keep these to yourself and do not tell anybody, okay,” I pleaded.

I went back upstairs to my store room and Marvin was there waiting for me. I pushed him gently and went in.

“I want to change,” I said.

“Please do,’ he said.

“You need to excuse me and leave, please,” I said, already getting irritated. 

“Common Cax, I am sorry and Ken was just overreacting,” said Marvin, moving closer to me.  He tried touching me but I resisted and moved away from him.

“Do you really want me to go on a date with someone Ken picked for me?” he asked.

“Okay, can you get someone all by yourself? Do you think you can talk to a lady alone? I asked sarcastically.

“But I spoke to you,” he replied.

“I am your cleaner,” I said.

“It is okay,” he replied.

I laughed and he took my hand and kissed it. 

“Okay, I know you want the best for me. But I promise you, whoever it is that I get married to, I will still love you.” Marvin said.

“I am not going anywhere, my dear, I will be right here waiting for you. Please go on the date okay,” I said in a very soft manner. His touch has melted me. He was already kissing every part of me