BRUTAL MINDS (A DARK ROMANCE)

CHAPTER 29- A GHOST FROM THE PAST

THE NEXT MORNING.
7:15AM.

"Good morning Aunt Vera."

             Allison said, cheerfully as she kissed her aunt good morning and joined her for breakfast in the dining room. A few servants could be seen in the background getting the house in order as usual.

"You look bright." Vera smiled.
"I'm happy Auntie, we've finally sorted the Valors out and Hamilton is back on board as usual."
"How come? So soon?"
"A little late night operation. It was all Karl's idea."
"Always knew that lad would come in handy someday."
"I'll be having an appointment with a Mr Croft today."
"New customer?"
"Yes."
"Big time?"
"He's very affluent and honestly I think there's more to his wealth."
"Isn't there always. Only the most crookedly wealthiest of them all can afford Hamilton. We're that expensive you know."
"I do."
"Which means you always have to be careful. Don't venture into any deal without proper research and planning."
"I know Auntie."
"Half of our customers are politicians and the other half are the devils of the underworld. People whose source of wealth have blood smeared on them so tread with caution darling. This business of ours can be very dangerous."
"I will. I always do."
"And make sure Karl goes with you."
"He will."
"I trust you Ally, you've come a very long way from the naive girl you used to be. You're now a strong woman with firm steps and for that I'm proud of you."
Allison smiled. "Thank you Auntie."
"Come with me child, there's something I want you to have." Vera said, getting up from her seat and leading Allison to her bedroom. Vera reached for a small velvet black box inside her cabinet.
"Here"
Allison gasped at the sparkling diamond necklace inside. "Auntie this is..."
"Yes, the very first Hamilton Jewel and now I want you to have it."
"Me? A family heirloom? This costs a fortune Aunt Vera not to mention your husband's gift to you on you wedding day. Auntie no I can't take this please."
Vera smile and held Allison's hand open.
"Keep it with you. You've earned it child. What did I tell you when you first came here?"
"That I had the world laid at my pleasure, under my feet and I should take big steps not minding the earthquakes I may cause."
"I'm so proud of you Allison and I know your father would be, wherever he is now."
"Thank you so much."

                        ~~~~~~~~~~

"Pretty necklace." Karl complimented as Allison got into the car that morning.
"Thanks, my aunt gifted it to me."
"I see. I thought it looked familiar."
"Huh?"
"That's the H.Jewel. Only one in the world and worth a fucking fortune. The very first Hamilton Jewel."
Allison let out a sigh, caressing the heart shaped diamond stone at the base of the necklace.
"She must have been in a really good mood to let you have it."
Allison only smiled. "Indeed."

"Ah there she is. The diva herself, sparkling under the sunlight."
"You are quite a teaser, Mr Croft."
"It's an honor to finally meet you in person Miss Hamilton. Please do come in."

               Allison made her way into the Man's residence. One of his many houses by the way. It was obvious that this one wasn't the one he lived with his family. Which meant only one thing. "Chances of crooked means of wealth" and "A cheat" Allison analyzed.

                If he was purchasing this jewelry for his wife, she would have been here no doubt, since woman love to pick themselves but no this house was heavily guarded and there wasn't a single warmth in it.

              More like for certain business dealings only. Just like this. Allison took her seat on a sofa, seating cross legged, shoulders straight, chin up, her presence alone was filling the room with a strong aura. Karl stood behind her, holding a briefcase with one hand and a rifle with the other."

"Glad you could make it." The man said.
"The pleasure is all mine."
"Shall we begin?"
"Ofcourse." Allison took the briefcase from Karl and presented it on the table. She opened the box which revealed several jewelry all from the latest Hamilton Models. From necklaces, to watches, to rings to bangles.
"Beautiful indeed." Allen commended.
"It is." Allison smiled. "I'm sure Mrs Croft will love it."
Allen raised an eyebrow and laughed.
"My wife? No this isn't hers."
"Oh!" Allison pretended to be taken aback.
"Yes, a little plaything that I own." He said with a smug smile on his lips.
Allison smiled back pretentiously. "You have a mistress. Well all the same, she'll love it."
All this for a whore when the actual wife stays back home and works herself to death. Men! She thought spitefully. So despicable!
Karl could see her fingers clench by her side. She was obviously trying to contain her anger.
"The payment now." She said.
Allen beckoned on one of his guard who came holding a briefcase.
"You seem upset, Miss Hamilton."
"I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
She nodded.
"I would sure love to do business with you next time." He said getting up and shaking hands with her.
"Anytime." She smiled, faintly.
"You're indeed a beauty." He complimented, kissing her knuckles softly.
"Mmm" She smiled faintly.
"Such a wonder how a beauty like would still remain....untaken."
"Mr Croft I..."
"I wouldn't mind being that lucky one. If only you'll give me the chance." He said, pulling her close.
"The money Mr Croft, I didn't come here for this." She said, sternly, feeling disgusted. "Let's go."
"Ah don't be like that darling, it's just the two of us here afterall."
"She said let go!" That was Karl, corking the rifle and pointing it at Allen and in response, his guards immediately pointed theirs at Karl.
Allison smiled gently. "You have us outnumbered, Mr. Croft."
"I'm glad you're smart sweetheart."
"And would hate for such unpleasantries on our very first transaction."
Allen smiled. "You're indeed very spectacular."
"I do try my best. We should always aim for peace over war."
"If only Hitler had your mindset." He said finally handing her the briefcase of money over to her. "Until next time."
"I'll be looking forward to it."