Billie Bossa Nova

13.

After Kai left, it was only her and Jenna left. Jenna maintained her own silence, probably vexed about Kai paying her no attention. It was absurd that the woman was married, but still longed for the eye of a single young man.

Billie knew that she had nothing to say to Jenna, and nothing she could say to Jenna would add any significance to the reputation of Luna International. Gabriel was the one she wanted. Billie excuses herself from Jenna, who sends her tight smile that told her that it was anything but genuine. Then, she followed in the direction that Gabriel had left it.

She passed the crowded food court, the bathrooms and then began searching aimlessly for the man until she was on the brink of giving up. She rerouted towards the back when she started to hear voices. She followed them to the barn and behind the horse stalls. A stack of hay lined up against the wall, a narrow space between each square bale.

"-a business proposal. To expand your revenue."

Adan Rivera. He was at the arena. Her steps became more silent and cautious as she came closer, hiding in the narrow space between the hays.

"What are you going on about, Rivera?" Gabriel Storm. Billie rose her eyebrows.

With a swift move, she fished for her phone in the back pocket of her jeans. She switched on the recorder app, pressing record and stretching her arm a little more forward so as to let the speaker catch the sound of their conversation. She was careful not to let it surpass the hay stacks she was hiding behind. Getting caught in the act was not an option.

"You're making an alliance with Luna International. My company -"

"I believe it is now in possession of your son."

A brief silence from Adan Rivera. Billie didn't know why until she heard the click of a gun. Her bottom lip pulled away from the top one as she gaped. The man was a psychopath.

"And I believe in not being interrupted when I'm speaking. It's a sign of respect, Mr. Storm, and I like to think that I have shown you nothing but. Don't make me show you how I show disrespect."

Gabriel cleared his throat. He said nothing, no apologies of the sort. They were both businessmen, after all, and showing off his fear would be a sign of weakness. He didn't want to get shot but submission wasn't going to be his avoidance technique.

"The company is mine, but it runs under my son's name. It gives me time to...pursue my other endeavors more actively and effeciently. Which brings me to my point. Storm Stallions. It will be under Luna International as soon as the deal between you and my son is finalized, which means you're in alliance with us.

"We have a system at our company that only a select group of people know about. You, yourself have indulged in our services. Now, it's time for you to be a part of it. I'm handing you my trust."

"I don't fully understand what you're asking of me."

"I'll explain everything to you at another time. Take my card, give me a call when you're available." A pause as Gabriel was surely taking a look at the card Adan gave him. Adan continued, "Your walls are thin. I just need your allegiance."

An exhale came from Gabriel. He was contemplating. After a while, he eventually came to say, "And what's in it for me?"

Adan Rivera chuckled. "Hermano. I knew you'd consider. I'm a stingy man, but I'll make an exception for you. Two percent of the profits."

"Only two percent?" The man sounded exasperated, nearly offended. "Rivera, I'll be risking my company if ever this thing comes out-"

"I've been doing this since you learnt how to walk. If ever it comes out, it will be because of your stupidity."