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Chapter 21. Unexpected phone call

"Could I please drive the car back to my hotel?"
"No, I am afraid I am not allowed to let you do this Miss. It's one of the most important rules that I must follow."
"What other rules are there and most importantly what are the things that the people who will train me, won't inform me about.
"Train you Miss?" He asks frowning.
"Oh, I am sorry, I though Mr. Alexander already informed you of his decision to replace you with me?"
"You, Miss?"
"Yes, and please don't lecture me as well, for being an English woman that can't handle this job, or I will explode from hearing this too many times which is now causing my temper to go off the charts."
"No Miss, forgive me as I didn't mean to offend you and I would never make such an assumption for you. It is just that I wasn't informed of who will fill my position, after my retirement next month. Please allow me, to speak to Mr Anderson, before we can get started with your training. I will take full responsibility for you and for this whole month you will always be next to me when I'm driving, to learn all the main routes and how Mr. Alexander likes the car to move in a speedy but smooth way."
"Yes, of course. So, you will be in charge of my training then?"
"Yes Miss. I promise I will do my best to transfer all of my knowledge and experience to you. I do feel that I have to warn you though, that being Mr. Anderson's chauffeur all these years, was a demanding task and although I was generously rewarded, there would be times that if I didn't know his story, I would have left. You should be prepared that this isn't going to be easy. You will basically be on call at all times, even during the night and you will have to be available to respond to his call 6 days a week."
I then take a seat in the back of the car and shortly I am again lost in my own thoughts. What did he mean when he said if he didn't know his story? What story? I bet it was nothing compared to mine, but it had to be some kind of a big deal, for a man to stay at a job only for that, implying that he only stayed out of sympathy or even pity.
I arrive at the hotel and after another quick shower, I lay to my bed touching my lips and thinking about that kiss, that obviously didn't mean anything, but I would have to make things clear, and explain that I didn't like to be so intimate with him, especially now that I was going to be his driver.
The phone brings the room out of it's darkness and i am quick to answer it, guessing who it is, not even bothering to look at the screen.
"Hello?" I answer.
"Hello again Miss Claire."
"Mr. Anderson?" I say surprisingly, jumping up from the bed. Alexander's father was the last person I thought would be on the other end of this line.
"Yes, this is me. You recognized my voice. You are a smart girl and I expect you to continue to act like one, during this conversation."
"Where did you get my phone number?"
"Don't be bothered about that. There is nothing I can't find or can't do when I really want to. It's good to also keep a mental note of that." His confidence sounds disgusting to my ears.
"I don't understand what this is all about Mr. Anderson and I would like to know if Alexander knows about this call."
"Leave my son out of this. This is you and me alone now talking. I have a proposition for you to back away from Alex, and I think you will like it more than being my son's driver/sex toy!"
"Mr. Ander..."
"Please don't interrupt me, I am not done talking yet. My son's driver is still outside your hotel and has my checkbook on his hands, with a check for you. I think you will find the sum quite generous and it can be yours, as long as you leave the states and never return."
"Are you now done?"
"Yes, you may speak, although I don't find it necessary."
"Oh, but I must! I don't know how you formed that opinion of me (I am cursing on that saleswoman for convincing me into that dress), but I assure you it's the exact opposite. I am a descent lady, that came to this country as I am turning a new page in my life and your threats and money won't have any effect on me."
"Silly girl, you're infatuated by his charms. Don't be flattered honey, he has that effect on every girl he meets."
"My relationship with Alexander was somewhat friendly and will be strictly professional, after I start working with him."
"I think this conversation has already been too long Miss Fay. My son is engaged to Mr. Yang's daughter and I want you nowhere near him. If you don't have a respect for money, respect that poor little girl."
"I kindly remind you, I am Alexander's friend and I know all about his imposed obligation towards this woman. I cannot believe any father would do this to his own daughter, so yes I do feel sorry for her, but that doesn't mean I will accept your offensive offer and do as I am told, as I have already explained my relationship with Alexander, so if he agrees on this business transaction I won't be in the way, as it doesn't directly concern me the least."
"You talk too much Miss Fay. I have seen the way my son looks at you and it's not in a friendly way. He may have told us the truth about the airport incident after all, but nevertheless he cares for you in a non professional way, I assure you of it and that is not something I will tolerate at this crucial time for our business, as it might jeopardize everything."
"You are just as cruel as your business partner, treating your own child like the means to ensure a business deal. Please don't bother me again Mr. Anderson. I have nothing else to discuss with you."
And by saying that I hang up the phone, breathing heavily and left speechless after the unbelievable conversation I just had. My phone rings again and I am relieved to see Alexander's name flashing on my screen. I answer it and I am still a little short of breath, which he immediately notices.
"I've been calling you for a while but your phone line was busy? Is everything ok?"
"Could you please come over? I have to talk to you." I tell him sounding troubled.
"Is something the matter? Please tell me. I am on my way out of the apartment, as we speak."
"I will tell you when you get here. Don't worry about it."
"How can I not worry about it? At least tell me what this is all about."
"Alexander please, we can't discuss this over the phone. You will be here in less than fifteen minutes, so just get off the phone in order for me to get dressed."
"You don't need to get dressed for me. Just stay on your pjs and I'll be there shortly. I'm on my way already. Shit! My driver isn't back yet." I'll have to take my other car which means I'll be a little late. Anyway, I'll see you in a while."
His driver knew about Mr. Anderson's plans. He told me he was down here waiting for me with a check. People keep on surprising me in this country! What's wrong with me? My intuition has abandoned me and remained back in England? He seemed like a decent guy and treated me so kindly.
I am getting dressed while thinking of a non hurtful way, to inform Alexander about everything. Now I know he is only a victim here and this time I am going to have to be the one that will rescue him, but it's his own father we are talking about, so it's not as simple to just casually tell him the raw truth.