Page 79 of The Protégé

ELENA

After getting dressed,I slid into the Land Rover and drove to work. I’d gotten used to this car now and didn’t want to think about having to return it when this project was over. I’d look for another car soon, but not right now.

I didn’t realize just how bad Channel 7 had gotten. How could anyone work in a place full of snakes? I couldn’t trust anyone except for two staff assistants who were looking for new jobs as well.

Jill and Brett had texted me this morning, asking how I was doing. I told them the truth. I was angrier that I couldn’t defend myself than not having a job. It was ironic that something so twisted occurred at a news station that should have delivered truthful news. From what they told me, a new company had bought over NewsCom Group, which owned Channel 7 News. The reorganization was already happening with more layoffs on the way.

Everyone was nervous except Chantel Henderson because the Henderson Family had shares in NewsCom. Her family probably secured a safe position for her.

I was too tired to entertain the anger that bubbled every time her name came up. She was probably the one who framed me. Who else had a reason? I needed time for things to settle before I could find proof.

Today was reserved for work, the only job I had now. The next debt payment to my uncle was due by next week, so I’d need to drop it off in a few days. My mom would return from her Bermuda trip soon, and I had to look for a massage chair for her as well.

I dreamed of a bird last night, and I took that as a sign that The Condor’s murder needed my full attention. When I stepped off the elevator, I didn’t see Ralph. The lights automatically flicked on for me as I walked down the hallway toward Orion’s office. It was strange to be the only person on this massive floor. What did he have on the other side of the office? Was it storage for all the businesses below?

I entered his office, and his masculine scent embraced me. I could’ve gone back to my office after reviewing the board he displayed in the corner, but I wanted to be in his office. His things reminded me of him. The office definitely needed a woman’s touch. It needed more color, something to soften the masculine table, chairs, bookcases and such. All the books and files on his bookshelves were too neat. I wanted to move them a little. His desk needed a plant. Actually, a few plants in the office would bring the room to life.

I could swing by Wild Roots to pick up a few things.

Turning my attention to the board, I stared at the images of The Condor, places he’d visited, and people he knew around the New England area. I narrowed my focus to the businesses in Providence.

I was familiar with two of the locations on the list. It was a small coffee shop that I hadn’t visited since high school. They sold delicious Colombian and Peruvian pastries. The other placewas a laundromat my mom and I had used when our washer and dryer broke.

I walked back and forth in front of the board, imagining Orion doing the same as he pondered the details. The Condor was a thief, making me wonder about Orion’s involvement in that world. He had the skills but had refused to give me details when I’d inquired.

Was Orion a professional thief? What should I do if he was?

Focus on The Condor’s death, Elena.

The more I read the files and studied The Condor, or rather, Pablo, the more he fascinated me. What prompted him to become a thief? Based on his financial report, he didn’t need to. He had half a billion dollars in his several bank accounts.

Perhaps he had this money when he first started out. Still, I wanted to know what made someone choose thievery. Did he steal people’s money? Were they his enemies?

Orion’s words appeared in my mind.He was my teacher.

I had thought he meant a teacher in the business arena. But now I wondered if Orion was his protégé. But why? How?

Orion was the wealthiest man I knew. He didn’t need to steal. He didn’t even need to work.There was so much I didn’t know about him. If Orion wanted my help, he had to be honest with me. I had to know the entire story. Most of all, I wanted to understand him.

I’d ask when he returned. I smiled as I remembered waking up to his text.

Orion:Are you working hard, Sunshine? I miss my dandelion tea.

I had to get used to this sunshine thing. No man had called me that, and I’d never considered myself to be the light for anyone.

Elena:Sunshine is always working hard to brighten your day.

That had been cheesy, but I didn’t care. He’d heard about Channel 7 letting me go and asked how I was doing. Apparently, Chantel told him I’d been fired. Why was she there with him? That bothered me even more than me losing my job. I didn’t want to continue the conversation and told him we could talk when he returned.

To make myself feel better, I concentrated on The Condor’s case. I grabbed my purse and headed to the laundromat. The answering machine from the café informed me of the shop’s hours. I’d swing by there if I had time today.

Tumble Dry had grown in size since I last visited with my mom. I entered, walked up to the counter, and smiled at a man I recognized. But he wore glasses and had a white beard now.

“Hi, Mr. Wong! Do you remember me?”

He stared at me for a while, then grinned. “Elena!” He rounded the counter and offered me a hug.

Though I’d only visited his laundromat a few times, Mom and him became good friends, exchanging traditional food recipes. He used to let me watch TV in his office while I waited for my laundry.

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