The Sicilian Affair

Chapter 3 - What Is It About Old Ghosts?

"Stacey! Dios mio!" Tomas hissed.

"I'm coming Mr. Carsingni." Her soft yet annoyed voice broke through the door before she opened it.

"Where have you been? I told you I needed those files an hour ago."

"You also said that you needed coffee, cigarettes, the stock sheets and to book your flight."

"Don't be sassy. I don't pay you good money for that." He sneered at his secretary who was scrowling at him from under her glasses.

"You didn't mention that the attitude would be a package deal, I would have explored my other options."

He deserved that and maybe more.

He had been screaming for her eversince he stepped foot inside his office. The girl probably hasn't had a chance to have a cup of coffee.

He finally lifted his head and took in her appearance -- her red hair was pulled back into a messy bun, her glasses rested crookedly on her pointed nose, she looked tired, worn out and she still had her coat on.

It was no doubt that she was very good at her job, Stacey was his right hand man or in her case woman. Whatever and whenever he needed something she was always there and had never complained. But these pass few days, he had been working her to the bones.

His calls were infinite and at odd hours, he had completely forgotten that she had a life of her own outside of these doors, a husband and a son at home.

Tomas heaved a heavy breath before addressing her," I'm sorry Stacey, but I really need to get everything organised before I leave for Sicili. Please, just bear with me."

Stacey face softened at his words. She walked over to his desk and placed the box of cigarettes on his table.

"It's alright Mr. Carsingni, I understand and I'm sorry for cocky remarks, it wasn't very professional of me. It's just that being awaken at four in the morning tends to make me cranky. I'll have the files scanned and mailed to you before lunch time."

"Perfect." He said and watched her turn to leave, "Stacey...Thank you. You're the best."

"So, I'm told." She mumbled," Before I forget, there's a Ms. Lambert waiting to see you."

"Kristine?"

"A very persistant little thing."

Great, exactly what he needed, his ex wife's lawyer coming to what? Ask for more money? The house in Shenfield? What more could that she possibly want that she hasn't gotten already?

After three years he thought he'd finally rid himself of her. Why would she risk contacting him after he had made himself perfectly clear the last time that he never wanted to cross path with her again?

The only way he agreed to all her demands were if she stayed on her half of the continent. He'd be damned if she thought that he was still the same man that she married, the one she had easily manipulated.

"Tell her I'm busy and that I call her later on. I don't want to be disturbed."

She seemed to hesitate before nodding and walking out of his office.

Tomas dived back into his work, after this he had a meeting with his shareholders. A few of his task needed to be delegated to his subordinates while he would be away.

The sound of the door screeching open and heels stomping into his direction immediately snapped him out of work mode and dragged his eyes upwards.

"Stacey, I told you that I didn't want to be --" he swallowed the rest of his words.