With Love From Josh

Beneath The Cover

Nathaniel's Mansion 👆

I raised my chin and looked him in the eye as he got nearer. I was on standby for any sudden movements.

"Good afternoon Miss. Mr.Gunn sent me to come for your bags" he held out his hand for my car key.

I gave it to him but still didn't trust him. "Your name?" I asked.

"Oh, well I, I don't know whether I'm supposed to tell you that...but u can call me Handy" a timid smile appeared on his face.

Handy? Like as in handyman?? I don't know what's wrong with him but since it is Nathaniel we are dealing with here, he is probably doing his best to be playing safe. Nodding I ask where my car should be parked.

"I will pack it for you in the garage Miss. Mr.Gunn said you should..." Someone called my name from the doorway. I turned and saw a woman in her mid thirties rush towards us.

"Afternoon Miss. Forgive me for frightening you if I did. Mr.Gunn is waiting for you so please follow me " She turned to Handy. " You might also want to hurry."

He nodded and opened the car door as I moved away with Melody by my side. She held her chin up just like I had done minutes before and looked all calm and collected now. It's only I who knows there is a storm raging within her. In more ways than one we shared some qualities.

The art of giving the illusion of self control all the time is definitely from mother. She has...no, had... mastered that art. I can't believe she is dead. Tears start to well up in my eyes, no! I must be strong. This is Sidney Cortez and Cortez is not just a name. It's a mark of strength.

Walking through the door I was oblivious to my surroundings until I heard  " Miss? "

" Yes? " I looked at the woman but her face was blank.

" Miss? " Melody repeated and I turned to raise an eyebrow at her.

Sidney : " Jealous much? "

Melody : " Never. I was just pulling u out of your day dream.  Thank me later. " 😉

" Miss? "

It was the woman this time and I looked at her with a smile.

"Please wait here."

Sidney : " Of course. Can we sit? "

" Of course " she mimicked my reply and walked away.

As we sat down I looked around. The living room was very large. I could see a lot of hidden doors blending in with the wall and below the staircase. The staircase itself had a wine carpet. The theme seemed to be wine and gold.

Nice. I could get used to this, but how long are we staying? I know I shouldn't ask so I won't. But I hope it's long.

Five minutes later the woman was leading us upstairs to Nathaniel. When we entered the room he told her to come back after 15 minutes and of she went.

I became uncomfortable as Nathaniel silently shifted a stack of papers on his desk to one side.

Nathaniel : " Have a seat both of you. " He nodded at Melody and looked at me with no expression.

I felt the need to use the bathroom but it will be embarrassing to ask so I kept my mouth clumped.

" Let's get down to it."

He looked at me and there again I thought I saw a glance of an unreadable emotion that didn't belong on his face.

Melody didn't notice a thing. She wasn't even trying to look at him.
She was only looking around the space which was probably his office. I wanted to hold her head in one direction but I did not.

Nathaniel : " Your mother's funeral will be held tommorow next. 25 of your relatives have been notified. We have to make sure everyone is protected because an attempt to kill or kidnap can be made. Your relatives have been taken care of so they won't ask any questions about not seeing you there. "

He stopped and took a sip from his glass of water.

I understood everything he said but I didn't want to believe what he was implying. I must be at my mother's funeral. It's unthinkable  not to go.  I kept quiet waiting for him to continue. Hoping my understanding was wrong. I had to be at the funeral.

Nathaniel : " Your sister will be there. As herself, but you will be in a disguise. You will be their top target.
X and his men want you 6 feet deep, if not 600 feet.
Go shopping with your sister and Anastasia; the woman who brought you in . Buy stuff and change ur look. Something permanent. The money is with Anas. Where should the body be buried? "

"Paradise Garden" I and Melody spoke at the same time.

Sidney : " Father was buried at that cemetery "

He checked his watch and a knock was heard. The 15 minutes was up.  Anastasia came in.

Nathaniel : "Anas , show them their room and after helping them unpack take them shopping."

Anastasia : " Certainly Nath"

I was a surprised to hear her  call him Nath and not Mr.Gunn.

Nathaniel : "You can leave now."

Sidney : "Thank you sir. "

Nathaniel : " Nathaniel or Nath"

I blinked. Something is not right here. Was I dreaming?

Sidney : " Yes Nathaniel. "

Melody was eyeing me up and down as we followed Anastasia to our various rooms .

What is bugging this girl? Can't she see I'm trying to think?

Sidney : "What?"🤨

Melody : " He is not your boyfriend. He is your boss isn't he?"

Pressing my lips into a firm line I ignored her.

Melody : " No wait! Is he your boss AND your boyfriend? "

My legs stopped moving. She was  crossing the limits. Nathaniel won't want her seeing the situation like that one bit.

Sidney : "Melody, just stop. He is my boss. He wants to keep me alive so he is protecting us. Period. "

Melody : " Since you don't like him I can tell you I'm in love with him."😌