The Problem

CHAPTER 19

CHARLIE

I have about ten minutes to make it to the petrol station or else my car is going to die on me. After that, I have a meeting with Dana. Then I have to meet up with an old friend and then finally, I have to grab dinner for Laura.

So yes I have quite a busy day.

As soon as I got to the petrol station, I filled up. Then made my way straight to my office to meet up with Dana. We will be looking at her case and see how to win it.

Just as I walk into my office, Dana is leaning against my desk with her eyes glued to her phone. She slowly looks up with a soft smile. I reflect it back and place my items on my desk.

Once we are both seated, it's an awkward silence until I clear my voice.

"So after reviewing everything, I think we can win that company back. Your board have known you to be loyal and a great leader. And are prepared to help with the investigation."

"We need to know what this proof is and how he obtained it Charlie."

"I know. So just let me sort that out. I called you in here to tell you not to worry and that I need to know in full detail, if you have ever got your husband do anything for the company. Whether that be, him bringing paperwork in for you or signing a contract for you. Stuff like that."

She nods and begins to tell me everything she knows.

I couldn't help but to glance at her eyes, then her pointed nose and finally her raw pink lips. She has aged quite a bit since I last saw her but she still looks very beautiful. She has a small glow on her which enhances her beauty.

I can see the crows feet faintly by her eyes but they are just as beautiful as she is.

I remember the day I started speaking to her. The day I fell in-love with her. But now it's just as if we are strangers. I see her as a long lost friend but nothing more. A distant memory. A fragment of my imagination at times.

A friend that taught me a lesson. A friend that showed me a type of love and a type of heartbreak I've never seen before.

A friend that abandoned me and lied to me.

A person I thought I could trust.

But the truth is...

The past is in the past.

But it's still left a scar on the present.

And that wound hasn't completely healed.

It's still raw.

It's still delicate.

It's made me who I am today.

Love can be the most painful thing in the world. An emotion with so much meaning and positivity to its reputation but also so deadly.

Sometimes I wish love never existed.

"Are you listening?" Slowly nodding, she sighs and gathers her belongings. "Please let me know if you find anything Charlie. I really appreciate all your help."

Standing up, I walk towards her and place a peck on her cheek. She hugs then smiles lightly, "Don't worry about it. Just let me know if you hear anything too."

She walks away, leaving me with my thoughts and feelings.

Laura.

———-

After speaking with some friends and contacts, we got a small understanding as to how Dana's husband works. He has been said to be a very straight guy, he has a squeaky clean reputation and no past offences. But there are rumours that he has a dark side to him. Unfortunately we don't have a clue as to what that could be. I spoke to some of his past employees and they have all said good things about him. It doesn't even seem rehearsed. They seem as if they liked him and he is a hard working man.