Don't Let Me Go (Book 1)

Chapter 76

'' I will be home late today'' I announced at the entrance while putting on my shoes

'' Going out with Logan?'' Malisa teases making me roll my eyes. Seriously.

'' No I am not'' with that I left the house. I had a light night job at a club, Turning 18, I do not need to fake an ID to go anywhere. I hurried to the bus stop but arrived late. I sat on the bench waiting for the next bus when a Black SUV stopped in front of me. I felt uneasy about its presence but didn't worry much as there were other people waiting around the bus stop. It could be for anyone. I took my eyes away from it to search for my phone in my bag. Suddenly a voice called.

'' Maria Eduardo'' My heart sank. I lift my head immediately to see the window wined down and I am met with that familiar face. Eric. This can't be good, it can't be good at all. What was I thinking, that Logan would speak to his father and everything would end?

'' Eric''

'' Get in the car'' it wasn't an offer, it was an order and one that if I defied, would bring me trouble

'' Oh'' I hesitated for a while, looking around to see if anyone was watching, but they all were minding their own business. If I raise an alarm, I am certain the people will come to my rescue but I choose not to. I got up from the bench. Went around the car and got in. The smell of wealth hit me. Clearly, I do not belong in here but here I am.

In less than 40 minutes we reached the company. I walked behind Eric into the familiar, yet unfamiliar environment as he led me to Mr Richard's office. With the one time being here, I already found the way to his office familiar. This wasn't going to start well, nor would it end well, no one needed to tell me. I could feel it in my gut, my belly, my feet. I could feel it in every part of me.

'' Maria, sir'' Eric informs as we both walk into the office. Unlike the first time, Mr Richard was waiting for my arrival. He was seated on the couch with a bottle of wine and two glasses on the table.

'' Maria'' he calls with an unfriendly smile '' Welcome... come, come seat'' he offered

'' amm... ok'' Unlike the first time being here. I felt very uneasy, scared of what he would do to me. Maybe it's because I now know what he is capable of. I walked to sit on the couch opposite his. I forced a smile

'' Ha'' he lets out '' You drink, don't you? I heard you already turned 18'' Yap, he knows the in and out of me

'' Yes, but I only drink on certain occasions'' trying to put in the confidence

'' I see.. this is not an occasion''

'' What do you what?'' I had no interest in his chart, whatever he wanted to do to me, he should just get on with it and not beat around the bush

'' haa'' he smiles brightly '' I like you... if only things were different between us... we would work well together'' he leans back in his chair, getting comfortable '' You already know why you are here Maria''

'' that is why the question was, what do you want'' fuck Maria. You have a real problem, one shouldn't be running his mouth in this situation

'' You have a sharp mouth girl... that I do not like'' his smile dropped into something else, filling the room with an uneasy aura '' I want two things. How did you get this'' he stretched out his hands and Eric who stood beside him, offered him that familiar brown envelope. I knew it, this was my purpose of being here, so what is he going to do now? Kill me to shut me up? He threw it on the table and it rolled to my side '' You know what that is, am I correct? You were seen at the cyber cafe, going through it, it was later found in your belongings'' he informed me on how he came across it

'' I can sue you for this Mr Richard. Breaking into my house and going through my things, it is....''

'' You can but you wouldn't'' he cuts me off. It is the truth. I can but I wouldn't. I wouldn't get anywhere with the case and I wouldn't because of Logan. We fell into silence for a while

'' I found it hidden. One of the things my father lifted behind before he died'' breaking the silence by answering his question

'' I see. Makes sense... a young girl like you can't get your hands on something like this that easily'' nods '' and what were your plans Maria... what were you planning to do with this piece of information?''

'' that is a question I can't answer... you wouldn't believe me if I told you so...''

'' Try me'' he leans forward with interest. And I leaned in as well, meeting his deadly gaze that terrified the shit out of me

'' Nothing Mr Richard... I didn't plan to do anything with it'' With that said. We both leaned back and Mr Richard Smirked

'' do I look like a fool Maria'' As expected, from a man like him. He lacks trust, he would never believe '' With something like that. Do you know what you can achieve? And you say you didn't have a hidden agender''

'' Like I said. You wouldn't believe me''

'' You are right about that'' He turns to look at Eric '' Where is it?'' I watched Eric, put his hand inside his jacket and take out a smaller rectangular brown envelope. He places it on the table and slides it towards me. Confused, I raised an eyebrow, reaching for it. I didn't ask questions. I opened it and took out a paper. A check of 3 million dollars. Tempting, I looked at him, seeking answers

'' What is this?''

'' What you see'' he responded... that should be enough for you and your family to leave the country and settle down where ever the fuck you want to'' My heart stopped for a few seconds and when it came back, it raced faster than normal. He was telling me to leave Logan. What is this? A movie '' I don't trust your bullshit and for Logan's sake, I want to do this the easy way.... Leave my son, leave my family, leave the country... go far away where I am certain you are of no threat''

'' No..'' I responded without thinking it through and threw the envelope back on the table. I don't give a shit what he says. I will not leave Logan

'' NO?'' Disappointment flashed in his eyes '' NO?'' his tone changed into something dark, sending chill all over. He leans forward. Eyes locked in mine, he stared at my bones, drowning me with the feeling of inferiority, reminding me of my place in the land and how much power he processes. '' Maria... You have two choices, we do this the easy way or the hard way, and you know what that is don't you?'' More than anyone I do '' Logan may be able to protect you for a while but... Your family is on the line, Your sister, how old is she again? I heard she is still in middle school and Your mother? Wouldn't it be sad to put an end to a life that was just saved not too long ago'' My heart stopped again, my kneel grew weak, and my hands almost crumbled in the open.