TIFFIN 2

45

After I'd been put under for my implant, I realized it wasn't as bad as I expected.

It was as if nothing had been inserted at all and I'd almost forgotten that I'd needed protection in the first place. 

Hero had been elated though the fact that we had to wait a month didn't sit well with him. Like a ravaged animal he'd resorted to pulling out, though he wasn't gentle. 

He'd kissed and cherished every inch of me, making me feel like I was the only girl in the world. It reassured me that I really had misread the signals with Angelika. 

It had been nothing. He loved me and only me. 

As another week passed, I hadn't noticed has fast it happened.

Unbeknownst to me, Emma made plans with the cops as soon as I'd agreed to wear the wire. 

Soon after, they'd contacted me for a run down on what was expected of me. 
I'd had to call out in the middle of the week. I didn't like this because it jeopardized my pay, but I knew the sooner I dealt with this, the better. 

As I sat in the cold interrogation office, I heard them repeat the same mantra as they connected the wire to my blouse: 

We need her to confess. 

We need her to confess. 

Even if it's to admit her husband's business is faulty. 

It'll give us cause to get a warrant. 

Part of me was nervous, that much was obvious, but I couldn't help but feel the intense sting of betrayal. I'd known this woman all my life as my caretaker.

Now I was expected to throw her to the snakes, barring her for the rest of her life. 

Wasn't it normal to feel like I had let her down? 

Much to my shock, it was quite easy to invite Elouise to lunch. She didn't suspect anything because I played it cool.

Admitted I wanted to get past our hate in the last few months. That I wanted to bury the hatchet for the millionth time.

She picked a tightly packed restaurant near town. I already knew that despite it's greasy food, if I didn't order a Mediterranean salad, it would start a fight between us. 

I was not looking forward to this. 

She seemed friendly enough when we met at the front doors. I greeted her with a half-hearted hug, feigning happiness. 

When we were finally seated and ordered drinks, Elouise began the conversation. 

"It's swell to see you." 

I cleared my throat. "Yeah. I know that I didn't seem interested-" 

Elouise choked on her tea, waving her hands like a lunatic. 

"None of that matters now. All that matters is that we are on speaking terms. Your father has been working on his... anger issues." 

I held my tongue from shouting out that none of them were my parents. She angered me deeply.

I shrugged.

"I forgive him. After all, he's got to be stressed with his job on the line and all that."

When Elouise raised both her brows I thought I had spoken too soon. 

I tried to play it off casually. 

"Come on, mother. After you told me about all the illegal gigs he had going on, I couldn't help but wonder. After all, I've seen the tabloids covering it lately. Even they have their questions."

The paparazzi could have voiced their doubts, right?

Elouise sighed.

"Yes, I saw that issue they released. My dear... when you're older you'll understand but there are necessary things you must do to survive. You know that don't you?" 

I narrowed my eyes, suspicious of this comment. What was she getting at? 

I quickly nodded. "Of course. You've both taught me a lot through my life."

Elouise grabbed my hand, staring at me darkly behind her fake lashes. 

"It's imperative that you keep this secrecy. After all, any money that makes it's way through the company is yours too." 

I nearly snatched my hand away. Was this a threat?

I bit my lip. "That's all I want. I want us to be a family again." 

After a moment of much trepidation, Elouise leaned near my ear as much as she could. 

"Not only is your father laundering money from many owned businesses, but he is also stealing his clients taxes- you must understand that he did this all for you. For your future."

I took a moment to process this. How could he do this? It didn't matter who it was for. They were all innocent people trying to make a living. 

Not only that, but Elouise didn't seem phased at all. 

Who were these despicable people?
 
I faked an easy smile. 

"I can't judge, mother. We've all done some things but... like you've taught me, they're all below us anyway." 

My stomach churned as I said this.

Elouise leaned close. "That's my girl." 

I now saw our waiter approaching, with a pad in his hand. 

"Ready to order now ladies?"

Elouise straightened, eyeing the waiter with disinterest. 

"Shrimp salad. No dressing." 

"And for you?" He asked turning to me. 

I frowned at him only for it to disappear just as quickly as it had come. 

"I'll have the same." 

You guys... for some reason my phone came up with several variations for the spelling of Elouise's name.

So if there are typos I'm sorry 🥺😭