The Baker And The Queen Pin

Chapter 39: Suspicions / Returning home

~~~Booker

I sit in the bakery, preparing all of the batter and the dough, getting ready for the friendly competition. We made a date and everything and I was prepared but something has been nagging at me. For starters, Maria has finally messaged me. That was my biggest surprise to date but I haven't messaged her back, something that surprised me even more. Where did that money come from? I have seen money coming through in large sums, I have checked the books and everything yet I still don't understand. Was there more money coming in that I didn't know about? Was Maria keeping a secret from me?

No, that's not what she would be doing. Maybe she just had money to invest but I had to see for myself. I had to see where this money was coming from, that's why I made it my business to actually have the competition here. My ovens were brand-new and were ready to start baking, I got fresh products every day. This would be the best place to have it, especially amidst all of the COVID shenanigans. Plus it allowed for a limited number of people so that wasn't a problem for me. As I prepare to enjoy my day and bake, I calm myself. I did not want to check my safe's camera, I don't remember telling Maria about it but I know if I checked it, I would see something. Did I want to know what she was hiding?

It was then as if on cue, someone started knocking. It was 6:30 am so who was at the door this early? It's then that I see a tired and haggard Keisha. I take a deep sigh and ask her, "What are you doing here?" 'Can I come in?' She asked me, I look annoyed but I take a breath and say, "Come in," It must be important, I think to myself. It starts to feel suspicious as I hear her say, 'We need to talk about your little girlfriend,' "She's not my little girlfriend," I say to her, "She's my fiance, Keisha,"

It's then that she takes a deep breath and says, 'I don't mean to attack you. I think we should just talk,' "What do you want to talk about?" 'I didn't want to say anything because I had an agreement with her but she hasn't been back in almost a month and I need to tell you something if you're willing to hear me out,' "What do you want?" I say to her, getting fed up. 'She's not who she says she is. Maria has more money and more influence than you think, Booker,'

"Where is your proof?" I say to her. It's then that she takes a moment, realizing what I'm asking her to do. 'Booker, I'm sorry. I don't know everything, but I know the woman you're dealing with is dangerous,' Was she trying to destroy another relationship? It's then that she says, 'Listen, I know I've done so much to you but right now, I need you to listen to me.' My eye twitches remembering the pain. 'I need you to believe what I'm about to say. Your fiance, Maria is a killer and she's been doing a lot of things you don't know,'

"Shut up!" I say to her 'Booker listen,' she says calmly "No," I say, cutting her off again, "You just want to destroy my relationships, you want to destroy everything of mine. What's happening in our relationship is none of your business," 'Booker, please think about it,'

She's shocked as she then says, 'Booker, I know I've done a lot but right now, I don't have a choice,' "Maria already told me she's been giving you money," 'What?' she says, "Maria couldn't keep that from me for long. She told me the first day, that she felt sorry for you. She said you could use the help and I disagreed but she still did it, stubborn woman. She said even you deserved a break," I was angry at her and I could feel my hatred for her coming through me now.

I tried to tell myself I didn't hate her but everything she has done to me has made me realize how much I despised her as a person. She told me herself that if she couldn't have me, no one could and she went out of her way to take everyone from me. 'You're a good man, Booker. I just want you to know that she's not a good woman and I want you to be careful,' "You told me to die. You literally told my children-" 'I'm sorry Booker but I need you to think about this. I wouldn't come here if it wasn't serious,' Her face was saying so much and for some odd reason, something told me to trust her though were my instincts wrong? They had been wrong before, they could be wrong now. 'But I need you to believe me. She does not have your best interests at heart,'