FALSE IDENTITY

4

The luxury limo was rolling like a slug across the road, very close to the sidewalk. The two men sitting on the back seat of the limo were looking surprised, to their own amusement, at the funny picture before their eyes. Two cheap-looking young women were rudely displaying the most intimate parts of their bodies. 

"Oh, my God, some are more than disgusting", said one of the manly voices. "Why do I have a funny and not at all hopeful feeling?" "Because we'll never ever manage to succeed in..."

"Slow down", cut the other voice in, scanning carefully the view before him. "Stop! "

The girls were deeply taken in by the serious conversation, which totally absorbed them.

"Hey, you over there", a manly voice went out, drawing near them, with sure and determined steps. "I've got something serious to talk to you. Which one of you wants to earn honestly a huge amount of money?"

One of the girls turned around curious and froze staring at the man for a couple of seconds, then turned towards Anna.

"Honest my ass!" mumbled Anna grunting. "What do you, rich people know about honesty?" "Anna!" Joanna rebuked her whispering. "I hope you remember what I've just told you, and I especially ask you to keep your promise. Do not let me down!" she begged her quietly.

Sighing, Anna nodded gently.

"Hey, is there anyone home?"

Both girls turned around at the same time, looking with inquisitive eyes at the persistent man. It had turned dark and they could not read the expression on his face. It was only the elegant suit, which was a perfect fit for him, highlighting his height and athletic figure.

"What is happening to you? Have you swallowed your tongues? Doesn't money tempt you? ... Or don't you work for money?"

Joanna took a deep breath. Even though the man looked blunt, the ring in his voice betrayed hidden intelligence, besides the good taste for his clothes. When the man drew near, Anna's eyes glittered playfully. 'Oh, no!' said Joanna to herself. She was not going to start it all over again.

"You can go, Anna, I'll handle the gentleman". "But..." "Anna, I'll handle him", stressed Joanna the words. "Soon, I will come looking for you."

Before Anna, images with the "Emperor's" pain distorted face passed, and she burst out laughing.

"Oh, yes, you'll handle him! You know what? ... I would really feelsorry if you played with this pretty guy's balls", finished Anna talking,leaving them cheerful. "What did she mean?" asked the man    puzzled. And since he did not get any reply except the girl's shrug of shoulders, he carried on: "Impressive, touching to the tears, I didn't think you... could sacrifice... or have you done it just for the money?"

Joanna flinched as if hit, but he did not notice, being busy looking at another man who was coming towards them.

"What is happening?" asked the newly arrived man. "I don't think we have the right person. At the beginning I had set my eyes on the other one, but I think it is better we take this one. She looks a bit sure of herself. I hope she learns fast..."

Hurt that the men were talking as if she was not even there, she burst out, "Look, I think you are about to make a big mistake", she tried to explain to them. "I am sure you mistake me for somebody else."

The first comer stopped talking, looking amazed at her for a while, and then he started laughing heartily.

"Do you know you are funny? Imagine, I am mistaking her for somebody else. And who would I be mistaking you for? How many of this kind of persons do you think I know?" "How should I know? It wasn't me to have approached you, have you forgotten?"

He raised his eyebrows then he started measuring her by every inch.

"Do you know what I believe? You are either blind, or you have no clue about women."

The man's eyes grew suddenly big when hearing such words and this time it was the first comer's turn to howl with laughter.

"You have my word, that I am not what I appear to be... there's a big misunderstanding..."

"Sure! You are right. I mistake you for the Queen of England. Look here: come with us and on the way we'll talk about the payment. Because it's you who has chased away a potential candidate, you have two choices: first – you come with us willingly, and second – you come with us even if we have to take you forcefully."

When Joanna felt a strong arm pulling her to the limo parked a bit down the road, she rolled her eyes, trying to call to her aid all the saints who might help her, but especially those who could help her control her anger. Being excessively tired, she did not believe she could still have the power to fight with the men. She gave in, determined that the situation would clear up eventually, and they would end up apologizing when they realized who she really was. 

The driver of Nicholas' limo was looking bored at how the two men were trying to convince an empty-headed young woman to come along with them. No doubt, the world had turned up side down, if two handsome young men could not convince her. In his time, had he been half as handsome as they were, he would not have needed more than two seconds. It was hot, and in the air, there was a stinging odor, a mix of sweat and cheap perfume. The grouchy expression on the driver's face disappeared completely when she drew near, and he opened the door for her to get in the limo.

For a few good minutes, Joanna tried, but in vain, to convince them of the big mistake they were making. She was talking in vain, because they were not even hearing her. They were looking through her as if she did not exist. All they had done was to assure her that everything would be explained to her once they reached their destination and suggested her to play along, as if they had easily convinced her to join them. Soon she learned it was not them the ones to make decisions. They had a boss who took all the important decisions.

She was tired and all she wanted was to take a bath, eat something light and then throw herself onto her soft and comforting bed. Her eyes fell on the two men sitting in front of her and the first word to come to her mind was „gentlemen". She calmed down a little. At least she was sure they would not harm her. Both looked tall and strong, and had their clothes well tailored and fine. The man who approached her first was fair-haired, with glittering, deep-blue eyes and his bright complexion with high cheekbones seemed specially made to give him a cheerful appearance, which made him extremely handsome. The other was the exact opposite. He had brown hair and grey eyes. He seemed to be about the same age as the first, but his serious expression was imposing power and authority. They were both attractive, but she surprised herself thinking she preferred the „James Dean" cheerful beauty of the blond guy.