Beautiful Dreamer

48. Tit For Tat

"You."

"Good morning Mr Lilwaswalva."

"I understand you've been looking for me vehemently."

"I apologise for coming without an appointment, but I couldn't think of anyone else as informed as you are."

"Enough with the lip service. I've been briefed on the person you are looking for, and yes. I do know how to get to them. What I'm more interested in is what is in for me."

"I'm willing to accept the same offer you gave before."

"You think I'm stupid? After the spectacle you put up with that uptight nut leaving me alone at the bar? Mark you, I was left depressed and caused a stir that had me banned for life. You'll have to do better than that offer. But first things first, have a seat. You've picked my curiosity, and I need to know why I should be interested in helping you with this chase hunt."

"Thank you."

"Out with it."

Rey went on to explain what had transpired between him and Ari, leaving out the reason behind it yet emphasising the timeliness of it.

"From what I understand, that client has her personal marketing team. Your so-called beloved manager should have known better than to try collecting spilt water. Even so, she stands to make losses investing in a new business."

"The contract will take approximately three months to see results since it's a B2C. However, having worked with manager Ari, I can assure you his excellence in everything he does...."

"You look oddly fatigued." Mr. Lilwaswalva cut in. "Did you run here on foot?"

"I was pressed for time."

"Nonsense. I can smell your lust for that nut's attention from a distance. Besides, not long ago, I was trapped in that unsightly state for years. Either way, that day, if you had clung to me instead of grovelling every time I insulted your so-called mentor, I might have considered helping you out. Instead, the image of an intoxicated prey dragging you out of that bar continues to linger in my mind like a stubborn burr."

Leaning forward, Mr. Lilwaswalva inquired. "I'm curious. What happened after you two left the bar that day."

"She dropped me at my home."

"That's it?"

"Yes."

"How sad." He leaned back. "Perhaps she is flat as the rumours have it. She used to be up for the taking, and every beta loved her. Still, my instincts never lie. I feel the subservience in your words, yet the impression you give out right now is you promised to deliver something even though you don't have the confidence to give. I must warn you to act wisely."

"I'll do anything to help Manager Ari."

"That is not what I'm talking about, Mr. Rey. The affections you keep nestling for her, disguising them as mentorship, will soon pierce your heart like a blade. That harlot is not worth your pride."

Rey let out a wry smile. 'Of course. He can see right through me. Nonetheless, I'm the one in need here. Despite contacting numerous networks, he is the only person who got back to me. Not like I could contact Sir. Ned. It just had to end up with this perverted guy.'

Looking at his watch, Rey's smile flattened. He was down to less than an hour before his allocated six hours were up.

"You keep glancing at your watch. I'm I wasting your time with my generous warnings?"

"Not at all. As I informed you earlier, my time is running out."

"You slept with her that night, didn't you?"