Timeless Creations

11. Backstory

After much persuasion and nagging Nick finally (and reluctantly) agreed to hear what Leela had to say. "May as well find out more about the person who will cause us failure." was his final words before she started.

Leela took a deep breath and started to speak.
"From a young age I had an amazing life. Both of my parents were relatively wealthy. We lived in Milan, Italy. I went to a good school had lots of friends."

Chris felt like there was a then something bad happened moment about to occur but Leela just carried on.

"I went to the university in Milan ,Calaco University, and got my degree in marketing and business management and then was offered a job for a multi-media company as their head of sales. Basically life was good."

Nick sniggered. "Wow Leela" he replied with a sarcastic tone in his voice. "Because that's a believable story. A well-paid successful young woman goes to work for a guy who blackmails people for a living"

Leela exploded. Not literally. That would be a disaster. Finally they have another member and she isn't there anymore.

Her eyes narrowed, the daggers piercing the deathly silence. Her fists were clenched so hard that her knuckles were whiter than snow.

"DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT I WOULD COME WORK FOR THIS MONSTER OUT OF CHOICE!! OH WOE IS YOU THREE. BLACKMAILED. MAYBE SOMETHING HAPPENED TO ME TOO!! EVER THINK OF THAT!?"

Nick was taken aback. He didn't expect a reaction like that. "Leel-"

"No Nick! Let me speak and explain why I am here!! Like I was saying. I had an amazing life" tears began streaming down her cheeks.

"Then this guy came and approched me. Sweet-talked me. Offered me a job to come work for him. Said he needed a person to sell his products for him. Flattered me with compliments"
The last sentence caused her to look away.

The room fell into silence. No one dared to utter a sound.

Leela continued. "I declined the offer. I liked my job where I was. He seemed disappointed but didn't push.
For the next few weeks nothing happened. Until one day I was kidnapped. He took me and brought me here.
He threatened to kill my parents! He made up a story of how I was kidnapped, never to be seen again. They think that I died!
From then till now I have been under his iron-fist."

Guilt filled the men. All the time they had thought that Leela was their enemy. She was actually just one of them. Nick spoke first.

"S- sorry L-eela. I- I- I didn't mean to offend you. I accept now that you're on our side. I'm so- so- sorry."

Leela looked a little less angry now. Determination now replaced the daggers in her eyes.
"Apologies can be done later. When we escape. When we are away from him."

Finally they had enough people to form a plan of escape.