This means war

Chapter 11

Steve's fist pounded on the red door before him. Footsteps sounded from within the house and got louder until the door swung open. "Steve," Helena said with surprise. "Hi, I'd hate to turn you back, but can what ever it is wait until tomorrow?"

"It'll be just a second," Steve replied.

"I have company coming soon. I don't want to explain to him why I have another man in my living room," Helena said.

"Don't worry," Steve pushed into the house. "I have Laila with me." Leila waved happily before walking in.

"Great," Helena shut the door behind them. "Have a seat I guess."

"wow, you place is so nice!" Leila gasped. She started roaming around the space, taking in every decoration and painting.

"Thank you. How did you even know about this place?" Helena asked curiously. She hadn't listed that address at work and made sure to keep that information off there.

"I wouldn't be much of a spy if I couldn't figure that out," Steve laughed good naturedly.

She laughed along with him, "I guess that's true. I tried to have a secret hideout so I wouldn't get anymore nightly visits. But anyways, how can I help you?"

"I'm sorry for intruding but I'm worried sick about Kevin. I tried the doctors, but I need a signature from my mother and we aren't exactly on...umm... talking terms right now. I heard you were able to talk to the doctor, how is he?"

"Oh Kevin. You'll be glad to learn that he isn't in that bad of a condition. He has a lot of injuries but nothing that won't heal, but the doctors did say that he's suffering from psychological trauma. That's why they had to sedate him."

"Where did you get the form for Mrs. Rogers to sign?" Laila asked.

"I have some on my desk in my office," Helena twisted her body so she could look at her. "I could have Sarah sign one for you if you'd like."

"Thank you," Laila's plum lips stretched into a smile. Helena smiled back politely then redirected her attention to Steve. A sudden frown wore her elegant features.

"If you don't mind me asking Steve, what happened between you and your mother?" Helena's voice was heavy with concern. "I've been with her for years and I've never seen you two fight."

"We fight all the time," Steve chuckled. "But those pictures you sent her really got to her. Well played."

"Pictures?" Helena's eyes squinted in confusion.

"You know, the ones of me and James."

"I don't understand."

"Helena, I've had too long of a day to play this game. You were right to believe that me dating Bucky would make my mum distant from me. Also, that hearing such a thing could lead to her accidentally signing a document to restrain information on Kevin. But there was one vital piece of information that you weren't aware of. Both my parents share presidency over the company. Anything my mother orders, my father could just as easily reverse. You do know how soft he is on me, don't you? Why are you lying about Kevin's condition?"

The concerned expression slipped of Helena's face as smoothly as it had worn it. She leaned back into the soft cushions of her sofa and crossed her legs. "Well done Steve, but this little factor does nothing to foil my plans. You see, everything is already done. You could stop looking Laila, you won't ever find it."

Laila threw a cocky smile at her. "Don't reduce me to your inferior level of intellect, I know it's behind this wall."

Helena took the forgotten glass of red wine and took a sip of its content. "Will you be able to open it before my company arrives? That's the real question."