His Mystery Gem

26 - The Cool Down ❄

26 - The Cool Down ❄

The same Dunni that had been swept up in the romance of the day was... she paused at the door of her office. She didn't know what she was feeling. Irritation? Anger? Frustration? A mix of all three? Dunni was unsure, but whatever she felt was definitely not romantic. 

Was that bully in there the same thoughtful guy who had driven miles to the nearest hotel so she didn't come to the meeting feeling snotty? Was he the same guy who harassed a staff on her behalf? Bought a painting just because she had been fascinated with it? 

Dunni realised she probably looked stupid just standing in front of her office, staring at her door, so she pulled her door open and went in. Flashbacks from the day assailed her, images of jewellery boxes and soothing showers, the teasing and soft touches. How did he go from flirting to shutting her down? Was he bipolar? 

Dunni crashed on her couch and decided that he had to be a little bipolar. Yes, luxury brands didn't offer discounts but he should have allowed her to finish her sentence before crucifying her. Then he would have known that she was not suggesting they slash the prices of their products and offer the plebs a twenty per cent discount. 

Why didn't he give her a chance to explain herself? Did he think she wasn't good at her job? Dunni hoisted herself off her couch and walked over to her desk. She didn't have time to ponder the inner workings of Michael Collins' mind. She had work to do. 

She picked up her receiver and called Matilda's office line. "Matilda please come to my office," Dunni smiled even though she wasn't happy. She didn't want to alarm Matilda or anyone else.

"Matilda," Dunni said once she seated. "Where were you yesterday at 9 pm?" she asked Matilda feeling like a homicide detective investigating a murder case. In a way, she was investigating a murder, the murder of her precious necklace. 

She had spent so much time on that piece, so much time designing it,  producing it, only for an obnoxious individual to slash it in half.  

She had her suspect, Molara Ugu. The girl had finally crossed the line of grace or in biblical terms, her cup was full to overflowing and it was time for her to receive her reward. The only issue with Molara being a suspect was that there was no evidence, Dunni had no way to prove that she had gone there that night. But she knew that it was Molara like she knew that her name was Dunni. All she had to do was prove it. 

Easier said than done, Dunni thought as Matilda outlined her movements the day before. Dunni listened taking notes and asking further questions. 

"Someone stole from the production studio?" Dunni told Matilda after she broke down down all she had done the day before. 

"What?!" Matilda sat up in her chair shocked. "Is that the crisis you were" 

Dunni nodded simply. 

"So you think it's me?" Matilda had a crestfallen look on her face. 

Dunni frowned. "I need to investigate the matter thoroughly. You understand that we lost thousands of naira in stock. I trust you but I need to ask these questions,"

Matilda nodded. "I understand. If I can do anything to help let me know," 

"I will," Dunni looked at her notes. "Call the next person in,"

"Please have a seat," she told Stephen when he walked in. She smiled at him and asked the weekly check-in question. Then she told him that someone had broken into the production studio and destroyed their machines. Her plan of attack was to cook up a different story for everyone. Yes, her great plan was to lie to everyone.