Don't Let Me Go (Book 1)

Chapter 63

It was Friday, A few left to exams, I had taken a day off from school to prepare the house for my mother's arrival, But before that. Here I stood in front of Marshal, across the table, In his dark room which had very little light, while five of his men surrounded me like I was a criminal about to run away with his money, Ironic.

'' One more week'' he repeated in disbelieve. Marshal leans forward in his chair, his jaw hardened, eyes flashed danger. At this point, I should be scared'' Do you take me for a joke Maria.... I had given you more time because you assured me that you would bring more than half the money... Now you are asking for more?''

'' I need more time, I have something big coming I tell him

'' something big coming'' He looked away from me and when he looked back, he carried a deadly smirk '' Exactly what your father told you before he died... and you expect me to trust you?'' I hate, I hate that he brings up that man whenever things don't go as planned. I leaned forward and placed both hands on the table as I leaned on it.

'' I am not my father''

'' Then stop acting like him'' he teased '' Those kids from that night, you told me their names were Logan and Bianca Richard... I did a little research on them''

'' You did what?'' my protective instincts kicked in. '' I told you to leave them out of this the last time I came''

'' that doesn't stop me from doing a little dig in'' I held back my frown '' It turns out there are the children of Max Richard, the owner of Max company... that explains why they were so bold. How did you get yourself such people Maria

'' That is none of your business'' I Snapped and he gave a slight nod

'' True, Did you know that was the company your father worked for'' My heart skipped a beat. My father worked at a construction company was all I knew, this was the first time hearing that he worked for Max's company, Mother never told us or maybe because we never asked.

'' How did you know this''

''Your father and I had a relationship more than creditor and debtor, we were close enough. He came to me a few years after The company fired him and I helped him, trusting his words that he had something big against Max company and I would profit a lot from it... '' he looks away with a frown '' Now I am regretting ever thrusting his words'' He spreads his arms to demonstrate '' Look at me, I almost went bankrupt because of him'' anger in his eyes '' So tell me Maria'' placing both hands on the table, he leaned forward, locking eyes with mine ''Why should I trust you''

'' Because I am not my father, I want to get this debt off my family's shoulders as soon as possible and I don't want to see your face any more as much as you don't want to see mine'' Telling him blankly, not caring that I may get slapped or stabbed the next minute. My family we not here, so I have nothing to worry about.

'' Maria...'' he called '' I am sick of these games''

'' I am not playing games'' I say '' I am only asking for you to give me a week and three days... if I don't bring your money then'' I hesitate

'' Then what?''

'' I will offer myself for whatever you want with it'' I said and bit my tongue at the end of my sentence. A smile gradually made its way to his lips.

'' Maria, Maria.. the Maria who stabbed me the night I tried to touch her is now offering herself... this is a miracle I will say'' He scanned me from up, down '' I am beginning to hope that whatever plans you have fail''

**********

I hurried back home to start cleaning. With my last pay from Logan's family, I was able to settle the landlord a few months' pay. While moving the thing outside to wash the house, I moved the TV Cabin, then I noticed a crack on the wooden floor. Shit. I never knew we had a crack on the floor. Probably because I have never moved the TV before. The TV cabin was very old and very heavy. This was my first time moving it. I moved the TV further away so I could study the crack. I got a broom and swept the spot countlessly to get away as much dirt which has been plied up for so long as possible and the wood moved. I bent to adjust it but when I took a closer look at it, I noticed that it wasn't cracked, It was an unattached piece of wood with knot holes around it. Missing knots were removed intentionally because underneath it was a hole. I sat on the floor and took out the wood cover, revealing the dark hole. There shouldn't be a hole underneath the wooden floor from what I can remember, Taking out my phone, I turned on the flashlight. A brown worn-out file, covered in dust sat in the hole. I took it out, It obviously has been inside for years from the cold, moist texture.

I opened the file, and I saw a flash drive and a few documents, reading through the document. Victims of LSK fire incident. It contains names of people and family members. The other documents were Affected victims from Max Construction. It contained the names of workers of the construction company and My father's name was number 7. The papers belong to my father and they had something to do with Max company. For it to be hidden in a place like this then it has to be something that shouldn't be known to the public.

'' Maria?'' A very familiar voice suddenly interrupted. And I flinch in shock, panicked like someone who was just caught in an act. '' Maria, are you inside?'' that voice sounded too familiar. Bianca. What is she doing her? shouldn't she be in school?

I hurried to keep the brown envelop in my bag then rushed out, only to see Bianca standing at the doorstep with Logan behind her. They were both in casual outfits. What are they doing here?

'' Bianca? Logan? What are you guys doing here?''

'' She is home'' she crossed her arms and gave me an angry gaze

'' Come in'' Logan announced making me raise an eyebrow. Suddenly the gate opened and about Ten people entered the compound. Strange men and women, dressed in sky-blue uniforms. I remember the uniform. They were cleaners from a company I once worked for, they didn't pay well so I had to leave.

'' What is going on?'' Confused

'' We are here to clean'' Bianca said

'' Oh no, no, no, no'' I walk toward her, I tried to protest but

'' What are you waiting for, get to work'' Logan instructed and before I knew it. They were inside the house.

'' what the hell, Logan''

'' It was her idea'' Logan defended immediately, pointing to Bianca

'' Your Mother is getting discharged today and you didn't care to tell me'' Bianca began '' But you told Alex?'' Oh shit, she is upset

'' I didn't tell him I swear'' I tried to explain

'' Oh really''

'' Alex came to visit last night and he happened to hear the doctor tell my mother she would be discharged today''

'' And why didn't you text me'' Bianca didn't look satisfied with my explanation. '' Why do you have my contact''

'' well I didn't want to bother you guys, you have done so much for me already'' Bianca rolled her eyes'' How did you guys find out anyway''

'' He told Logan'' Bianca said

'' Alex told Logan?'' speechless, Bianca nods '' Since when does Logan give Alex a listening ear''

'' He didn't until Alex mentioned your name'' My eyes fell on Logan, who now looked away, avoiding my gaze '' Hey'' she snapped '' Text, always'' warning me

'' Yes ma'am''

'' I will leave you two... we have to keep an eye on the workers'' Bianca hurried into the house, leaving me and Logan outside. I took a few steps closer to him, noticing that he was still trying to avoid my gaze

'' Hey Logan''

'' Hmm''

''Are you shy'' I teased

'' what'' he looked at me and our gaze met instantly

'' gotta'' I smiled and he froze '' You know, you didn't have to bring in those people'' I began '' I can not pay back for all this''

'' Maria...'' he hesitates

'' Yes'' waiting for him to make his statement '' what is it?''

'' It was Bianca's idea, not mine'' He obviously spoke the opposite of what he had wanted to say earlier

'' I see... Thanks anyways''

'' Just thanks, nothing else?''

'' We can stop by at the convince store later and get you a juice box and I will give you a snack to go with it''

We joined in inside. With the help of the workers, I was able to finish up really quickly. It turns out there were a lot of repairs that needed to be done in the house and we were able to fix them. Fix the broken wood. Change the positioning of furniture in the house, the light bulbs and curtains to clean once and throw away a lot of things that needs to be thrown.