Page 6 of Mr Monday
‘You look skeptical, Ms Canyon.’
‘How can I not be? Have all the candidates performed these tests? With everything that has happened to me so far tonight, if what you are expecting isn’tmisguidedtrust, I don’t know what is.’ I paused and looked around the room, trying to find that damn camera. And yeah, I heard the tone in my voice when I answered him. Not an overly respectful way to speak to a potential boss.
My legs were trembling with both frustration and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was a hot mess of emotion. I stood and paced the room, prowling like a caged animal trying to find an escape route. This was the weirdest thing that had ever happened to me. To think I was the one that got this adventure rolling by applying, and now I felt the tables were turning on me. Only in which direction? I clutched my purse in front of me to keep my hands occupied. I was still me, and I did have a choice. Follow the rabbit? Don’t follow the rabbit. It appeared that Mr King didn’t mind my renewed silence as he was also quiet – probably because he was watching me. I felt his eyes on me and, even though I couldn’t see him, I knew without a doubt that my every move was being monitored while I was in this room. Was Mr Gorgeous with him, watching me? What if Mr KingwasMr Gorgeous? Holy shit, what then? There was no way of recognizing the distorted voice.
I eyed the desk and my glass of Scotch. There was one last swallow and, boy, did I want it. The silence lengthened, filling the room with its oppressive weight. I was a little surprised that Mr King hadn’t spoken again. He seemed the sort who liked to hear himself talk. I peered out of the window. It was now dark as pitch and I couldn’t see a thing, but I was pretty sure this set of windows overlooked the ocean. And the cliffs, too. I was glad of the darkness, because then I couldn’t see how far we were above the pounding waves below. Just the thought of it worried me. Remembering the glimpse of the house I’d gotten debarking the helicopter, I shivered. It was all so very gothic. Now that I thought about it, I was sure I could feel the pounding waves resonate up through the rock, into the foundations of the house. I didn’t like that idea at all, but I started to imagine secret caverns and tunnels underneath the building. Places where people could easily get lost.
I placed a palm on the window to steady my crazy imaginings. It was cool, and I drew in a few calming breaths. How could I have missed the existence of this house in my research? But obviously, there would be things buried too deep to find, and this house was one of them.
‘It’s a spectacular view in the daytime.’ The words boomed, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. This hiding-behind-a-voice façade was getting a bit annoying. It was time for him to show himself.
I spun around. ‘I’m sure it is. What I saw when the helicopter landed was quite beautiful.’
‘I’m glad you liked it. If you pass all my tests, and I hire you, then you will be able to enjoy this view often.’
‘Is this where your executive assistant will be based? Would I have to come here every day?’
There was silence again. Why wasn’t he talking? A few minutes passed and, when the speaker made a series of clicks, I realized I’d been breathing shallowly, waiting for the next words from the Great Beyond.
‘The details will be provided.’ The voice sounded tired. I could hear it through the distortion. I walked back to the desk and picked up the glass. I swallowed the last of the Scotch. I needed another drink, but I didn’t feel comfortable helping myself.
‘Please, if you’d like another, by all means help yourself.’
He knew every move I was making. Looking out the window. Finishing my drink. I huffed out a breath, then cast a look around the room. ‘I know you have cameras in here. If this is some kind of weird audition forBig Brother, I’m not amused.’ I walked over and poured myself a generous splash. I kept my face toward the elaborate bar, my back to the room. I held the glass, not taking a sip. Then I turned to scan the room again. ‘I’m not sure it’s entirely fair that you are keeping yourself hidden from me.’
‘There are many things in life that aren’t fair, Ms Canyon. Something to which I can attest.’
‘As can I.’ His comments pissed me off. I wanted to scream at him, but I bit my tongue. Literally. Otherwise, I would probably find myself saying something inappropriate and being escorted off the premises. Oh God, that simply couldn’t happen. I’d moved heaven and earth to get here. The words hung heavy on my lips. How could things be so unfair for him? Didn’t he have it all? A lavish house like this, full of valuable possessions. No money worries. The power he wielded, power that my family had experienced first hand. I put the glass back down on the bar, no longer wanting to drink his Scotch.
‘I’m sure you can, Ms Canyon. Attest to it, that is. Most people feel they are dealt a raw hand.’ How could someone as rich as him ever know what that was like? Then I thought of something and an icy chill gripped the base of my spine. I narrowed my eyes, because the way he was speaking gave the impression that he knew who I was. If that was the case, then did he know why I was here? The thought was utterly terrifying; it could jeopardize all the strategic and careful planning I’d done to get here. I had to breathe deeply in order to hide how freaked out I was. I needed to leave. The sooner I accepted his offer, the quicker I could get out of here and start this ridiculous process.
‘I am still waiting for your answer, Ms Canyon. Will you participate in the tests?’
I stood quietly in the room, my thoughts in turmoil, but I wouldn’t let anybody see. I had to remain strong, keep my determination ripe. My hesitation was only a way of playing the game. To make him wonder if I would accept his terms. I did want the job, there was no doubt about that. I needed to readjust my attitude and behavior before I completely shot myself in the foot. I had to give myself time to see how this was going to play out. I drew in a deep breath and pressed my fingertips into my thighs. So this was it, then. I knew what I had to do. I opened my mouth to answer, but the words weren’t yet ready to come. I swallowed and tried again.
‘Yes, I do want the job.’
‘Excellent. I was hoping you would agree. How well you do on the tests will be the deciding factor on whether you’re suitable for the position.’
‘Fine.’ I kept my voice firm.
‘Now, I know you were concerned about being flown here this evening. I can understand that. But it was a necessity.’
‘I’m sorry, but I don’t understand. How could you know I don’t like flying?’
Mr Gorgeous must have told him. Yes, that was it. This reassured me. That was how Mr King knew, because there was no way they could know who I was even if they did know about my fear of flying. I felt more and more nauseous as my mind ran away with itself, yet again. I needed to get a grip! I didn’t want to even think about the implications if he ever did learn that I was the daughter of a man he’d fired for alleged misuse of company funds. I heard him sigh, and thought it an unusual thing for him to do, considering the no-nonsense attitude he’d assumed during our conversation. I listened intently, waiting for him to speak, trying to interpret what he wasnotsaying to me. If I could only read between the lines. I was waiting for another shoe to drop, and prepared myself.
Without missing a beat, Mr King continued talking. ‘On the desk is a manila folder. Please open it and sign the non-disclosure agreement inside.’
I walked over and flipped the folder open. I touched my fingertips to the papers and spread them apart, scanning the document. I had to sign it. No way could I get around it. I took the pen clipped to the top of the folder and signed where indicated.
‘There,’ I said to the empty room.
There was a moment of quiet. I walked over to the mantle, and there I spied the camera. I touched it, knowing Mr King was on the other side. I boldly looked into the lens. Damn this man for his twists and turns. The silence continued.
‘Hello?’
Nothing. I shook my head and turned my back to the camera. Now what? I was exasperated beyond belief. Then the door behind me opened and I spun around. Mr Gorgeous pushed it wide open. His gaze caught mine and he didn’t smile. My belly lurched. I couldn’t even begin to think why he’d have such a stern look on his face. He propped the door open and went back into the hall. I stood rooted to the spot.
