Shade

Chapter I :Part 3

Dante

21:45 EAT.

Fuck, I hate meetings. Especially the drunken kind. Must people shout in their drunken state? At least the meeting was over and I won't have to worry about the four horsemen for another five months or so. And I had a headache to boot. After a graceful exit, my thoughts took me back to my house. But the evil within never sleeps. At least not yet.

Sanaa was the man behind the wheel as usual. I couldn't even bring myself to drive. So I thanked him for coming for me. And a better surprise was in the car as well.

"I thought I told you to...."

"That was done a long time ago, Sir Dante. And here are your aspirin and water in if you need them." God, thank her for knowing me so well. A little too well.

"Sanaa..... To Poison IV please. And quickly if you please. " I wanted as much distance from this place as possible. And he wasted no time following instructions. Taking those aspirins, I just sat in silence, watching the skyscrapers pass by. It was good as well that the people in the car understood I wanted to be left alone.

For the first time in my life, my work is finally taking root. I knew my products were good, but damn.All over the continent. So forgive me if I went numb back at the meeting. I've never seen so much success in one lifetime. Hell, half my life has not been successful. Gotta admit, I'm kinda happy about it, being noticed for once. Scared to hell as well, because with success comes people who want to shut me down. People who'd kill me for such success. I know some friends who met with a rifle face to face and never survived.

Life moves so fucking fast.

"You good, Dante?" Her hand clasped mine,bringing me back to reality, where I was doing nothing but staring out.

"I'm fine. Just...... Thinking....." Her eyes told a story of worry. Like she has to worry about me. She locked eyes with me. An indication that she really wants us to talk.

"Should I tell you about the numbers.....?"

"Later....." Turning my attention to Sanaa.
"How long?"

"Almost there, boss."

"Okay.... We will talk later." A sigh of defeat came out of her mouth. The last thing I want to do is to tell her what is going on in my head. She, of all people, does not deserve to know that.

"Look...." I held her hand tight. ".... Let's get home first. We will talk to your heart's content, okay?" A soft kiss to her knuckles and her cheek made all her worries disappear.

"Sure thing, boss." She could not hide her smile, even in such the dark.

"We're here, boss. " Sanaa halted in front of the club.

"Want to come in with me?" The loud noise could be heard this far out.

"No..... Another time. When it's not loud."

Still afraid, huh?

"I understand. Miss me while I'm gone?"

"Like I have a choice in the matter."

"Don't forget to bring a bottle, boss." Sanaa.... Ever the funny one.

I left the car and walked in like fucking boss I am, saying hello to the bouncers keeping law and order while I'm away. The dark hallway was dimly lit. Lit enough to see a couple making out. I won't disturb their peace, so I moved on and entered the dance floor. The place was lively as usual. Everyone likes to forget their Monday stresses. I'd wish to join them, but we are not the same. They prefer to party till the dawn, I prefer to lay low and sleep. But that is not important. The dj was mixing some R&B music in the background,keeping the place as loud as possible. And to keep people on the dance floor. I manouvred my way past the dancing sea and headed to the bar. Again, it was just as full here as it was in the floor. Timo, the barman, was moving left and right, keeping the customers pleased.

"TIMO!" I had to shout to get his attention.

"What's good, boss?" He was a youngster, so his manners were quite lacking. But I'll let it slide.

"Is Bruce in?" If he ever is around.

"In  his office." Perfect.

"Thanks. Keep up the good work." I left him to his elements and made my way to the executive elevator. No one knows this elevator exists apart from the workers, the one who runs the place and me, the owner. The elevator also runs straight into the boss's office. So Bruce had better be ready for me.

"Hello Bruce." He looked surprised to see me, like he was caught doing something nasty. Which he was.Him being blown by a bimbo

"Dante!!Good to see you here......" The bimbo scurried out of the room to the exit door,him meanwhile, covering his cock.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?" I'd have slapped him for asking that. But I wasn't in the mood to discipline him.

"First of,it's Sir Dante to you.And I was just checking how my running man is handling this place."

"Everything's in good form, boss. No problems encountered so far." The thing I loved about this office is that I could see everyone from up here. And it was soundproofed.

"Hmmmm.... Bruce?"

"Yes, boss?"

"How are the labs?"

"The labs, boss?" He was really getting on my nerves when he responds to my questions with his own.

"Did I stutter?" He could sense the hostility in my voice.

"The labs are running smoothly. No issues have been incurred so far...... But......"

"But what?" The last thing I need is a problem above other problems.

"Some ingredients have ran out.... And some of our recruits are getting cold feet."

Fuck.

"I'll drop by soon. About the ingredients..... I'll have you, Oloo and Otii get them for me. I still hope you know your Chemistry?"

"Never forgot." He better not.

"Good..... Your sister said hello." On saying that, he smiled. He loves his sister to death.

"Is she here?"

"She's outside. You know her,right?"

"Tell her to come and visit sometime."

"Sure.....Take care, Bruce. " I started walking out until I spotted his array of gins and whiskey on the coffee table. I relieved him of one on the way out.

"You too, Dante"

22:50

I let Sanaa drop me and my accountant at my house and let him off his leash for the night.

Finally, I'm home.

I opened the door and all my worries just disappeared. At least here, I could forget what an eventful day this was. A day I'd like to forget entirely.

"Hey, Dante. I'll be in my room if you need....."

"You can stay if you want .... I'd appreciate the company." My room is big enough for the both of us.

"Fine. Let me change first." She left for her room. I took off everything that added some weight on my body and slumped into my bed. I wasn't hungry or thirsty. Every part of my being felt like lead. I didn't even think twice about shutting my eyes. Later, I could feel someone sliding in my bed.

"Hey, Arthur...." Her voice was soft, almost above a whisper.

"Yes...." I could barely muster some energy for a response.

"Good night." At least she deserved to be spooned.She was wearing linen though.

"Good night, Elle."