Shackled by Lies

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

My grandfather never came home that evening and I assumed he probably just stayed over at the workshop or something along the line. I wasn't really mad about it; in fact, I was relieved to realize I didn't have to face the man and much less try to explain that I actually had plans other than working. That was also one of the first things I'm discussing with my grandfather when I actually have to face him again. There is no way in hell I'm going to work somewhere I have to meet his eyes every day and I certainly was not going to be the damned maid either. I've been cleaning that place since I got here and if I had to go scrub the inside of a toilet one more time, I was going to plant a bomb in the damned thing. I've been scrubbing and cleaning for the past four years and I'm not going to continue doing it as a day-to-day job just because few people would never give me a chance at a job. These thoughts were repeatedly running through my mind while I dressed and got ready to head out to the Walsh's Estate. I've been spending my entire morning finishing homework and getting ideas for a job from newspapers but the few places I called turned me down the moment they heard about my criminal record. I could have lied about having one but seeing as they'd probably learn about it within the first few weeks, I didn't even bother.

I was still busy talking to one of the managers at a grocery store, one town over, when I finally pulled up to the Estate. I was only slightly aware of someone standing at the door as I stepped out of my car.

"Come on; just give me a chance, please. I need this." I begged for the first time since I started out with the calls. I was then answered by the beeping of a dead line. Fantastic, my final resort to getting out of my grandfather's strict business and I get cut off.

"Alright, this is bad but it could be worse." I tried telling myself and immediately was assaulted by images of just how bad it could be.

"What's the problem?"

I looked up to see Dan waiting at the door with his arms crossed and his eyes scrutinizing my face, lingering on my dark bruises with a little anger in his face.

"That bastard clearly did a good job on your face."

A grin pulled at my lips while I slipped my cell phone back into my jean pocket. It was strange to have more people in my life that actually cared, even though they didn't know half of what I had faced throughout my short life span. If they did, they would probably be running the other way.

"I'm going to get out of the job at my grandfather's place but first I need a replacement but no one wants to hire me, as predicted." I shrugged one shoulder at the end of my statement and finally reached his side.

He sent me a confused look before starting to lead the way up the stairs.

I didn't know whether the look was because of my ignorance to my busted face or because I was talking about getting another job.

"Why wouldn't anyone want to hire you? On any normal day you're actually quite attractive so it would be good for any business to have you as an employee, you know, for presentations and so on." He waved a hand in an attempt of explaining his theory and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Dan, that barely counts if there's a chance that the employee might cause trouble." I stated and ignored it when he sent me another questioning look. "Anyway, where is everyone?" I asked as we passed the second floor and he sent me a grin.

"They're all on the deck that's on the roof of the place."

When I gave him a disbelieving look, he chuckled and rolled his eyes.

"This place is full of surprises. If you come over more often then you'll more than likely pick up on it."

I nodded at his words before we both fell into a comfortable silence. We reached the metal door that led onto the roof of the house. When he pushed it open I felt like I wanted to run the other way. The first thing I picked up on was that there were a lot of people, children and middle aged people and even a few teens. I didn't even want to do a head count as my eyes took in the sight in front of me. There were elderly people at a table, busy cutting buns and basically just already busy with food while a few men surrounded a large barbeque. Then there was the abnormally large Jacuzzi that was filled and small children playing around in a secluded corner with toys or in the small kid pool. All in all, this place had anything needed to keep everyone entertained and it didn't take long before my eyes met Mrs. Walsh's, who was currently having a discussion with her husband.