Family Ties

Part 4

Raymond opened the car door for Jackson, outside his parent's home. He looked up at the mansion that was Jackson's home. It was impossible to imagine how anybody could have a close family in such a monstrous display of wealth.

Following Jackson up the steps, they were let in by a butler. He didn't know what exactly was expected of him, since Jackson had ordered him to stay at his side the whole evening.

Moving into a massive ballroom that was filled with people all dressed to the nines, he stuck to Jackson as ordered, making sure that he was invisible to everybody else. So he spent the evening with nobody paying any attention to him. At some point Jackson looked enquiringly at him, as someone approached him. Raymond knew that this was his cue to remind him of who they were. Thankfully he'd memorized the guest list and quickly whispered the names in Jackson's ear, before moving out of his line of sight.

When his mother came up to him, Jackson gave her a quick hug and a kiss on her cheek. She was tall and slim, her dark hair styled perfectly.

"Happy birthday mother." he smiled at her, while Raymond slipped the gift into his hand.

"Jackson!" she smiled at him. "What did you get me this time?" she asked shrewdly looking at the gift in her hands, opening the box he'd given her. She looked up at him in surprise, seeing the ornate locket, which she opened to reveal a hand painted photo of her and her husband.

"What a thoughtful gift!" she exclaimed in surprise, giving him another stiff hug. "It's certainly better than what I got last year." Then she turned her attention to Raymond. "And who is this?" her shrewd eyes trained on him. Raymond could tell that this woman didn't let anything slip by her. She held out her hand to Raymond, who briefly shook it, wishing her a happy birthday.

"This is Cook, my new assistant." Jackson introduced him, blushing slightly at the severe look she gave him.

"Another one Jackson? When are you going to stop torturing these kids? I can't keep up with the speed at which you change them." her mouth tightened in displeasure, causing Jackson to blush even more in embarrassment.

Raymond watched their interaction carefully. It didn't seem like she was the motherly type and the way Jackson reacted, was like a small child caught at doing something wrong. He almost felt sorry for him in that moment, if he wasn't such an ass.

By the end of the night, Raymond was glad to be out of the house. The party was stuffy and boring and was more like a business social than a birthdayarty. Driving Jackson home, he waited quietly until Jackson dismissed him.

"How did you know?" Jackson asked loosening his tie and removing his jacket.

"Know what?" he asked in confusion.

"Know what to get mother. It's the first time that she's actually complimented me on any of the gifts that I've given her." he observed, moving to the kitchen, with Raymond following in tow.

"It's my job to know, after all." he replied simply, while Jackson grabbed some water from the fridge. He shook his head when Jackson offered him some.

"Who are you?" Jackson asked, confused. It didn't look like he'd know anything, and yet, it seemed as if he knew everything that was going on around him.

"I'm just Raymond." He grinned at Jackson who was now leaning against the kitchen counter, looking at him keenly.

"I know that, just Raymond. I meant how is it that you seem to know everything, even before I know?" Raymond really puzzled him. There was something about him that seemed familiar, and yet at the same time he was a complete stranger.

"It's my job, isn't it? Being your assistant and all..." he trailed off. "Now, if there is nothing else, I'll get going then." he started to turn when Jackson stopped him.

"Why don't you take the car home. It's late and I don't want your murder on my hands."

"I think I can handle myself quite well." His grin was back in place.

"Apparently you can. What are you going to do, kiss the next guy who's trying to mug you?" Jackson still couldn't get over what he'd done.

"It could be a woman, who knows?" He laughed, leaving the house.

--

"Cook! Get your ass in here!" Jackson shouted over the intercom at Raymond.

With a sigh, he moved into his office, wondering what could be next. Things had quietened down a bit, with Jackson being less of an ass, allowing Raymond to get on with his job.

"You called?" he smiled at Jackson, who was looking ready to commit murder again. He could see a vein pulsing in his throat.

"What the hell is this?!" he gestured angrily to a file laying on his desk.

"That's an assessment of every department, which I thought you might need, since I've been going to all the meetings that you've assigned to me." he responded calmly.

"Who the hell told you to do an assessment?! That's not your job! You're just to go to the meetings, take notes and keep your mouth shut!" Jackson was livid. Raymond had overstepped his boundaries this time. Jumping up, he came to stand in front of him, anger clearly written on his face.

"You are to keep your mouth shut and not ask any questions! Who the hell do you think you are?!" he pushed his finger against Raymond's chest, punctuating each word.

"I don't think you should do that. Better watch that temper." Raymond spoke calmly, not taking a step back and not intimidated by his bluster.

"I will damn well do as I please! You're still my assistant!" he pushed his finger hard against Raymond's shoulder.

Jackson was caught off guard as Raymond grabbed his hand, twisting him around, holding Jackson's arm against his back as he pushed him face down over the desk. He cried out in pain as Raymond didn't seem to be in any hurry to let go.

"What did I say about that temper of yours?" he calmly whispered in Jackson's ear, still holding him in place. "Now, are you ready to be an adult and use your words?" Not waiting for waiting for a response, he let go of his arm and stepped back, adjusting his jacket. He almost laughed at the shocked expression on Jackson's face, which quickly turned into burning anger.

"How dare you! Who do you think you are?!" he took a step toward Raymond, looking as if he was about to throw a punch.

"Be very careful of what you're going to do next, Jackson." he grinned, knowing that he was pissing him off even more by using his name.

Moving closer toward Raymond, he grabbed his shirt, leaning down so that they were nose to nose again, his face bright red in anger. Before he could do anything, Raymond grabbed his jacket lapels and kissed him again. This time a little bit longer, which seemed to have shut Jackson up. Just looking at his shocked, bewildered expression was enough for Raymond to push him back with a smile.

"Now, don't be a spoiled brat and just let me do what I'm paid to do." he said, turning around to leave the office, with Jackson still looking stunned, glued to the spot.

It took Jackson a few moments to get his head together to make sense of what just happened. He didn't know whether he should be pissed off by the fact that Raymond had physically restrained him, or the fact that he kissed him again. Grinding his teeth, he threw himself back into his chair, his eyes drawn toward Raymond at his desk, calmly working as if nothing had happened.

Obviously he was not as innocent as he looked. The kid really had a set of balls on him. Well, if he wanted to work so badly and interfere with everything, then he'll just have to pile it on until the kid buckles. Smiling to himself, Jackson devised his plan to make sure that Raymond got so busy that it will be impossible for him to cope with everything.