The Hidden Truth

Chapter Four: Propositions

As I head back towards Los Angeles, Mr. O'Shea’s concern weighs heavily on my mind. I'm almost sure the only reason he brought it up is because he knew I could help them. I've always had a knack for making high end connections with people. Especially when it came to my instincts towards them.

I arrive back in my hometown and decide to make a quick pit stop at Monica's house after throwing in a load or two at the nearest laundromat. From our last encounter I knew that she possessed the very energy source that the clinic’s seeking, not to mention she did say she was going to go to check the place out. It would only be a matter of talking to her on a business level that they would be interested in joining the clinic.

As I pull over to the side of the street in front of her house, I spot two children playing in the yard. I shut the engine off and climb out of my car. While walking up towards the door the kids spot me and gather around me as if they sensed my good intentions, bombarding me with questions I’d rather not discuss in the open. A man opens the door hollering at the youngsters to leave me alone. I finish the remaining walk towards him as I shake his hand and ask, “Is Monica home?”

According to his expression either my question or my appearance is a tad off. I suppose I should have asked if his wife was home instead of asking for her by name or at least changed my clothes again before I left the laundromat. Nonetheless I can't change the past, only move forward.

“Yeah, she's in the kitchen cleaning,” he questionly says. Now I’m feeling compelled to elaborate on the reason for my visit. “What I have to say to her will affect your whole family.” His eyes narrow at my statement and I include, “In a good way, sir.” I suppose I would be skeptical myself if a man came to my door asking to speak to my wife. It didn’t escape me that even in tattered jeans and a worn out t-shirt the women in the laundromat couldn’t stop staring at me. Now would probably be a good time to let him know that I am harmless. 

“Then I assume you won't mind if I sit in.”

“Not at all, in fact I was going to invite you to the party anyway.”

He then gives me a quick sideways glance before leading me around the living room and down the short hallway to the kitchen. Monica turns around raising her eyebrows as she says, “Michael, what a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you again.”

I turn towards her husband noticing his now narrow eyes pointing straight at her. I get the feeling he doesn't trust his wife too much and if she treats all men the way she did me when I first met her, I don't blame him for his distrust.

“I do thank you for the business card you gave me. It really helped to track them down. That brings me to another thing I wanted to discuss with you. Well, you and your husband.” I say as I gesture towards the table for us to sit.

She nods her head and both of them join me at the table. Monica takes the chair between her husband and I. I don't feel comfortable with her decision to sit so closely, but I figured if her husband is here she would refrain from any sexual advances. I hoped! 

I start off the conversation. “The reason I came by is because I have a business proposition for you both.” The man narrows his eyes at me again and I dismiss the gesture as I continue, “That clinic you thought about visiting, make an appointment and go. In fact, sign up your whole family.”

Again, I spot her husband turning his glare to me and raising his eyebrows as if this is new information for him. I then turn to Monica in time to catch her cheeks turning red. Obviously, she hasn't told her husband that she was thinking about going to the clinic. After a second or so, I decide to throw in a little more. “Why don't you talk to some of your friends and invite them to go also.”