A Day In Jamaica ✔️

Chapter 2 - Is this love?

11 am

"Dennis, what are you doing here?"

"What else, to rescue you, my friend," he says in a tone I've never heard him use before. Menacing.

"That's good. Why don't you untie Natalie and me and let's all get out of here?"

Maybe I'm misreading the tense atmosphere. I want to believe that Dennis, my good friend, is here to rescue us with the help of my new hires. Dennis, who was my first hire four years ago. The only man who has been in the trenches with me, building my company one project at a time. I hope I'm right.

"Not so fast. Give me your saved data on the project you're working on and I'll convince my friends here to let you both go. And I'll go one step further and hand you your passports." He holds up two passports in his hand.

And then my hope is dashed.

"Friends? These three? Just how long have you known them?"

I look at the three men and realize Bob's posture mimics that of the masked man a few moments ago. Something to keep to myself for now.

"That's for me to know and you to find out. Now the data, if you please."

"What data? Which project? We have a few we're working on, you know that!"

"You forget that I know how you work. The less appealing projects you leave with the employees to fiddle with. You only work on the next 'big' deal. The one that'll take you to the next level. So now, give me the one you refused to leave with me when you flew down here on vacation."

"I don't have it with me. Remember, I left work behind."

"Okay. Have at it, boys." Dennis says casually and gets off the chair. Sam walks to Natalie and yanks her head back. She moans, tears falling.

"Dennis! Dennis! Don't do this. I'll stay, just let Natalie go, please?" I beg him.

"Her fate is in your hands, so I'll ask one more time, where is the project data?" He asks.

"Imagine this is Maggie. You won't want anyone to hurt the mother of your child?" I plead with him.

"That whore? I told you weeks ago we've separated. She had an affair. And as usual, you never listen when you are knee-deep in your next 'project'. Everything and everyone falls to the side except Ron's next great project."

"Affair? Separated? Since when?" I ask in shock.

"She's taking me for all I'm worth. But if I get my hands on your new project, I can sell it to the highest bidder after the divorce and the bitch won't be able to touch my money."

"All of this is about money? Dennis, I can lend you as much as you need. You don't have to do this," I attempt to reason with him.

"Ahh!" My cheek burns in pain and my teeth snag my lips, drawing blood.

"LEND ME? No, Ron, you will not lend me, you will hand over that data."

He pulls his handkerchief from his pocket and wipes his blood-stained hand.

"This is all your fault, Ron. You pay us too well."

"Come again?" Since when is paying your employees well a crime?

"Maggie knows exactly how much I make in salary, bonuses, and shares in the company. The bitch wants to maintain 'the lifestyle she's accustomed to' she says. Maintain? She's a doctor, for God's sake. She makes loads of money herself. By the time her lawyer's done with me, I'll have nothing left. Nothing!"