Miss Ortega

Chapter 16

You sit on the couch, in the entertainment area with Fabian.

Jenna said that she needed to complete some admin before the two of you can leave.

Fabian was watching TV but fell asleep within a few minutes. You do not understand why he did not just go lay down in his room after night duty. You are sketching a race car from one of Jenna’s video games for the last few minutes.

You jump the moment you hear Jenna shout from upstairs. Almost like an argument. Even Fabian suddenly woke up.

"What the hell?" You wonder.

"Dude... What was that?"

You jump up the moment you hear footsteps going hurriedly down the staircase.

"Fabian. Y/n. " You look at a slightly shaky Giselle. You have almost never seen her this way before. Your heart starts to beat faster.

"Miss Ortega has called a meeting. Everyone to the conference room."

"A meeting?" You frown. "Since when?"

"Don't ask any questions. Just go." Giselle turns on her heels, probably to inform the others.

"Does she do this often?" You turn to Fabian.

He shakes his head. "Barely. But I know it's not a good sign."

"Then let's not keep the miss waiting." You immediately walk down the corridor towards the conference room.

*

You take a seat in the middle of the dark wooden table. The deep brown leather chairs are quite comfortable. The room is cold from not being used often. You almost forgot that it existed.

The rest of the men came in quickly and took their seats. Giselle did the same.

Jenna walked in like she was on a mission. The moment she shut the door behind her everyone went quiet.

She walked to the end of the table. She did not look impressed. Her eyes scanned every member in the room before she spoke. "I just got a call from Mr Ortega." Jenna starts arms crossed. "Seems we have a traitor among us."

Everyone starts to look at each other and fidget.

"Information of a shipment has been leaked to the cops."

There is a slight murmur in the room.

"Now..." Jenna rests her hands on the table. Your eyes catch the front group of people moving back slightly.

"How the hell did that happen?" Jenna looks to the left and then to the right. Anger turning her eyes dark. "Do I have a fucking rat living under my roof?"

The room is silent. Terrified, you are sure.

Everyone keeps looking around as if that will help the guilty party confess.

"Who was it?” Jenna bangs her hand against the table, and everyone jumps from the sound. "You better fucking speak!"

Jenna moves away from the table and watches every face in the room.
Everyone remains silent.

"Nobody?" Jenna nods. "I won't let this go. I want to see every one of you individually in my study."

Jenna swings the door open, and Giselle jumps up to follow behind her.

The moment her footsteps disappear everyone breathes a sigh of relief before the worry chatter begins.

*

Jenna started interrogating everyone one by one, just as she said. Day duty and night duty. She is thorough.

You had a feeling you were going to be last on the list. You busied yourself by having a late lunch and gym. Seeing that you were not called after that you went to the gun range again to practice.

You start to shoot a few rounds. Your aim has improved greatly. Your body has not been jerking as much from the impact.

"I don't understand why you never learned to shoot."

You stop immediately. It seems it is finally your turn to be interrogated.

You find it strange that Jenna does not just go straight to the point, but you play along. You drop the gun on the counter space. And turn to see her standing close to the door.

"I hate violence. Weapons especially." You answer truthfully. Since childhood you hated it. Gang activity included.

Jenna tilts her head slightly. "Why learn now?"

"I don't need you to be more on my case than you already are." You walk closer to her. "And when I do something, I intend to do it to the best of my ability."

"Good."

"Are you watching me because you think I'm the rat?" You ask just wanting her to speak her mind. To just come straight out with it. You do not have time for games.

She sighs crossing her arms, looking to the ceiling. "I don't know what to think." She lifts her eyes back on yours. "You’re my bodyguard. You're close to me. You hear everything."

“Well, I didn’t do it.”

“What did they offer you in return?” she tries to push.

You sigh. She is grasping at straws. "I don't know how to prove to you that no matter how much I dislike what you do... I won't involve myself with the police. That just causes more work and danger for me." You respond, walking over to sit on the bench against the wall.

Jenna walks closer to you but remains standing. "How can I believe you? You started working for me recently. You asked me about the hotel we want to purchase...”

"How about this? I can come up with a plan to ensure the shipment will not get raided."

Jenna gives you a once over. "Okay, I'm willing to listen. If this plan fails even if you're not involved... I will personally ensure you suffer the consequences."

"Fine."

"Just something to consider.” Jenna moves closer to your face looking at you sternly. “The man that shot you in the arm... That you so heroically wanted to save... Was part of my security team who stabbed my family in the back. The very one who helped your dumb friend try and steal from my father."

You feel the blood drain from your face remembering how hurt his face was and Jenna’s instruction to have him killed. But you try to control your voice. Why should you fear? You are innocent.

"Is that a threat?"

Before Jenna can answer, her phone starts to ring.

"Speak Giselle." She barks after answering the call.

"Well tell him I'm busy!” There is a pause. Jenna rubs her temples with her free hand. “Fine. I'll be there in a few."

Once she ends the call you ask: "Tanner? He probably heard the news."

“I’m not even in the mood for company right now.” Jenna admits. You nod at your correct assumption.

“Yet you’re here.” You point out.

“Yeah, but you’re... different.”

You tilt your head, not sure what to make of the statement. Before you can respond Jenna is already at the door.

"You have until tomorrow morning to present your brilliant idea."