Lizzie And The Deadly Sins

11- Winged Pest

Lizzie POV

"I swear you're here more than I am Dawn," Steve chuckles, using his little nickname for me (I suspect due to my arriving at the break of dawn everyday) Strolling into the security office he shrugs off his jacket.

"Pay him no mind, he's just jealous 'cause he knows you're my favourite" Gav says with a wink.

"You wanna be careful, don't want the wrong person hearing that and getting jealous." Steve says, initially I thought he was still teasing but his face is suddenly serious. I wonder if Gav has a jealous girlfriend.

Surely she wouldn't be angry over his harmless throw away comments though. I've grown used to Gav's early morning banter over the past week. I see them every morning when I arrive early to take advantage of the free coffee and the heat.

I joke that they never seem to have a day off as they always seem to be here before I arrive and as I leave.

The brief spell of dry weather broke and the following rain made my small amount of gas dwindle quickly, using heat to dry my clothes. I don't get any money until tomorrow to buy more, and even then most of the money will be swallowed up by the rent.

I accept an offered biscuit, I've been declining them all week since I feel guilty that I can't contribute to the biscuit fund myself, but I figure this biscuit is the closest I'll get to a birthday cake this year.

Not that I can tell anyone it's my birthday, according to my personnel file it's still months away.

I sip my coffee while Steve takes a seat next to me facing the security monitors.

"Speak of the Devil" he mutters watching a car pull up on one of the screens. I watch curiously, surprised when I see Mr Gore step out and make his way towards the entrance. My eyes flick between him and Gav. I had no idea they were an item, they are so discreet!

I smile a little to myself at the thought of how some of the women working here might react. More than once I've heard him referred to as 'Mr Gorgeous' and it's obvious why.

Mr Gore isn't just incredibly handsome, but in the few times I've seen him I've learned that he also has this effortless charm about him. Despite seeming on edge a lot, and a little fierce. There are moments when his eyes seem to sparkle and when he looks at you it feels like you are the only person in the world that matters.

It's enough to make a nun swoon.

In fact all of the shareholders have some sort of inexplicable appeal about them. A commanding presence so when any of them steps into a room all eyes are drawn to them.

"Why are you in here?" Mr Gore's baritone voice washes over me, making me shudder involuntarily and breaking me out of my thoughts.

"She was early Sir, we didn't want to leave her waiting outside" Steve quickly explains, Gav nodding in agreement.

I want to confirm their explanation but I don't want to say the wrong thing and cause problems with their boss, or possible lover.

Mr Gore's eyes trail over me for a moment before turning away seemingly satisfied.

"I wanted to run through some things before I start" he says to Steve. "Have you been made aware of our winged pest problem?" He asks.

Steve nods solemnly, it seems like a strange thing to discuss with security. Wouldn't pigeons be something for maintenance to deal with? I wonder nibbling on my biscuit.

By the time I tune back in to the conversation they are discussing event security for the companies anniversary party next weekend. Some fancy reception is being held in the lobby, after which most employees are planning to head out for the night.

Since the reception is from six until eight Heather asked me to finish late to cover her so she can go, which I don't mind. It'll mean working from six am until eight pm but that just means extra money so it's worth it.

"Shouldn't you be going?" Mr Gore suddenly asks me, I look at the clock, shit I'm late! I apologise rushing from the room. I'm almost at the mailroom when I realise I left my bag with my pass in, and have to turn back.

Hoping I can just sneak in and grab it I push open the door quietly. I can hear Mr Gore speaking in a hushed voice from deeper inside.

"I have no plans for that to change. Just keep watch and if you see anyone even slightly strange around her I want to know... Did you need something Jane?" He suddenly asks louder, making me jump.

"My bag, I'm sorry." I'm mumble embarrassed, moving to where they can see me. I'm not sure how he knew I was there but I'm so embarrassed that it looks like I was snooping. I quickly grab my bag rushing back to the mail room and start sorting out the mail.

I work my way steadily through the mail filling the trolleys and delivering them in turn, at ten Heather joins me making the sorting much quicker.

Around eleven as I'm signing for a delivery the phone in the office starts to ring. Heather frowns crossing the office to take the call. In a week this is only the second time I have heard that phone ring. Nobody calls here.

"It's for you." Heather tells me, holding the phone at arms length towards me.

"Me?" I frown, tentatively accepting the phone. "Hello?"

"Jane? It's Mike." His voice replies.

"Oh, umm hi Mike"

"I was wondering if you would consider going for dinner with me this evening?" Mike asks.

Even with the prospect of a free meal on my birthday I am hesitant, running through our previous conversation in my mind.

"How did you know where I work?" I ask suddenly, confident that I hadn't been foolish enough to share that information.

"You told me" he answers quickly. I'm about to argue when he continues, "what's the alternative? Tracking chip?" He chuckles.

I frown at his words doubting myself, I'm sure I didn't tell him. But how else could he know? Even if he followed me that would only get him the building, not the department.

"Ok, I finish at four. When did you want to meet?" I ask.

"I'll pick you up"