Kingdom of Sin

07 | Elora

The journey to the mortuary seemed longer than it probably was, time went slower when you were trapped between a silent, stone-faced man and one who found the task of keeping his mouth closed impossible, especially when it came to making inappropriate comments about any person that walked past.

Cin and Nico were waiting in the car for my return whilst I went to retrieve the file they had instructed me to get. I glanced around the main reception, trying hard to suppress my growing nerves.

It was a relief to be back at work. I was glad to return to my usual routine and be surrounded by familiarity again. Although being kidnapped by attractive Italian men had been interesting, it was not high on my bucket list.

I lifted my head, stood tall and strolled towards the main desk with feigned confidence.

"Good morning, Rhett," I greeted the receptionist who was currently typing away on the computer whilst I rested my the tips of my fingers on the edge of the hard wood.

Rhett had only been working here for five months. He usually spent his time annoying me with his constant attempts of flirting and efforts to get me to go out with him. Rejection was clearly a concept he could not comprehend. Although, I had the feeling that there were many things he couldn't comprehend.

He paused his typing at the sound of my voice and swivelled his head to me. "Elora!" He flashed me a flirty smile. "How is my favourite co-worker?"

"Good, thanks, "I smiled tightly, eager to leave and find my aunt, "Do you know where Doctor Clermont is?"

"I do," he grinned and continued to look at me.

"Well?" I prompted.

"Well, what?"

"Where is she?"

Rhett peered at me as if I were being cute. "I can't just tell you"

"Why not?" I fought back the urge to reach over and strangle him as I tried hard to keep the smile on my face.

"I need something in return like maybe...a date"

"A date?" I repeated.

"A date," he nodded in confirmation.

"Well, there's a supermarket a few minutes away. I'm sure they'll have some in the dried fruit aisle."

"Dried fruit aisle?" His eyebrows were dipped. "No, I meant an actual date. You know where two people go out and-"

My patience was already wearing thin.

"Look, Rhett," I said politely as possible, "I don't have time for-"

"Elora?" I craned my neck to see my aunt, clothed in blue scrubs and looking displeased with me. "Where have you been, young lady?" She interrogated as she got closer.

"Aunt Lou," I exclaimed, pushing myself from the desk and quickly grabbing for her arm. "Where have you been?" I asked as I dragged her towards the main doors and into the corridor, away from Rhett and his unwanted flirtation.

"Where have I been?" She gaped and gave me a vast look of disbelief. "Where have you been? I have called you over ten times and left you messages that all went unanswered."