Tristan could not believe Alfredo was actually changing towards him merely for a woman he barely knew. He had actually been acting up since the previous day when he had them leave her to find her way home and when they were done, the old man insisted they checked in on Claire. To think that the mere appearance of a woman was threatening to tear them apart, Tristan was beginning to doubt Alfredo’s loyalty to him. The previous day, he had called on the restaurant demanding to know if Claire had returned and was informed she never showed up again although a friend of hers did show up at the restaurant. Out of emotions he could not explain, Tristan cut short the call and turned to tell Alfredo that there was every possibility that Claire had returned home instead.
“Call her then Mr Jenkins,” the old man said.
That made Tristan pause.
“Mr Jenkins?,” he asked him.
This was all getting interesting. Was this the so famed strength of a woman Shaggy sang of, cause if it was then it was really working on him. It had been a long while since the old man called him by that pseudonym and it felt oddly strange seeing that he had asked him to drop every formalities. He cleared his throat in anticipation for an apology and then correction of self but Alfredo maintained a stern face like he did not care. Seeing that it was not working, Tristan chose to ignore him and went on with what was on ground at the moment. He told Alfredo that he did not have Claire’s contact and he would have to wait. Alfredo decided on his own they would be going then to the hospital should she have been stranded. Tristan could not believe his ears on why exactly would she be stranded.
“Perhaps sir she has no money on her and you left her there without asking,” the old man said
“Tell me Alfredo who walks around without cash these days?,” Tristan asked hoping he was beginning to make some sense.
Alfredo sighed.
“Forgive me sir but can I ask for a favour?,” the old man asked
“Go ahead. Shoot.” Tristan said
“Might I have twenty box, I forgot to get some earlier during the rush,” Alfredo said
“Oh come on Alfredo, you know well enough that I don’t carry cash around.” Tristan said
“Well, there’s that then.” Alfredo said raising an eyebrow knowingly.
“You…. you played me.” Tristan accused
“No I didn’t, I simply explained something sir.” Alfredo said
“Well mine is understandable,” the young man argued
“And how’s that?,” was the disbelieving answer
“Well for starters, I have a car Alfredo.” Tristan said gesturing towards the car.
Alfredo thought about it briefly and nodded his head saying it was fair enough but still they had to check. Up until now, Tristan could not believe he had actually gotten into that car with the man and headed back to the hospital. He knew he should have yelled at him or threatened him at least with his job but some kind of supernatural force seemed to be keeping him from making any such move. He could not explain what exactly it was but be knew he had to watch least his employees begins to notice and rebel against him. He was the boss after all.
Getting to the hospital, he noticed Claire was gone from there and turned to look at the man in front and tell him that he was right but Alfredo was already out of the car and heading inside the hospital quickly. Tristan fumed with rage that he could not explain. He was going to sit his ass inside the car and wait for the man to return so he could remind him who’s boss. He waited for a while and then Alfredo could be seen heading for the car. As he entered, he turned to look at the fuming Tristan as he spoke that Claire had left probably. No one took any notice of her. While he spoke, Tristan shut his eyes as of that would stop him from speaking at all.
“Sir…. Sir? Sir?,” Alfredo began calling him when he noticed how he was all ruffled up.
Tristan did not speak nor answer him and stepped out of the car going around to the driver’s side just as Alfredo was getting out.
“Tell me Alfredo, who do you work for?,” He asked the man.
Alfredo laughed nervously as it suddenly dawned on him that he had overstepped his bounds. He hoped this was not him getting fired as he would not be able to cope. He could tell this was no rhetorical questions and that Tristan Jenkins wanted an answer which was why he bowed his head as he slowly gave one.
“I’m really sorry sir. I work for you.” Alfredo reaffirmed
“Good job. Now how much do you have on you?,” Tristan asked.
Poor old Alfredo, he had absolutely the slightest of ideas why the man was suddenly asking him that. He was however certain he would receive heavier punishment if he did not speak up. Alfredo reached into the pocket of his trouser and brought out a couple of notes.
“This much sir.” he said nervously
“Good. Now hand me the keys,” Tristan said
“Sir. I’m really sorry but are you firing me?,” the man asked now shaking all over
“The keys man!!!,” Tristan yelled.
With no arguments, the man brought out the car key and handed it over to the crazy owner. He could not challenge him. Instead, there he stood like the coward which he was hoping the man would have mercy on him. He muttered one last apology yet that caused Tristan to start laughing. The young man stated he most certainly was not dismissing him or relieving him as the case might be but wanted to check out something about human beings.
“What sir?,” Alfredo asked him drawing closer
“Stay far old man. Human beings I said and that’s you my first subject. Endeavour to get home soon.” Tristan said and got into the car.
It was not until he had kicked off the engine that he understood what Tristan Jenkins was playing at. He obviously was picking up mind games from that shrink of his. Maybe he would call her up and tell her to add outright craziness to his list of ailments. That day Alfredo had to find his way home and trust me it was not easy. He got home late in the evening sweating like he had gone hiking at a mountain. The first thing Alfredo sought as he entered inside was water. He sure had missed that familiar taste of nothingness. He dared not say anything more.
Tristan welcomed him with a smile. He has been waiting for him to return and then tell him what he meant. Now he pointed out that when he had left, Alfredo had money on him which was why he did not protest. Now Miss Willows too had not made any protest as at the time in question that she was not with cash and that actually explains that she did not complain because she had her ways. Alfredo could bet his theory was right although he could not make that clear to him. They stayed home all through and had not returned to the restaurant. Tristan saw no reason why they should get back and spent time looking at her passport with him. She looked just her as always and he sure had something to do with her face outlook. She looked like she was trying hard not to cry and still that was the photo he wanted to use on her file. There was certainly something about this girl that was swaying him around and he wanted nothing more than to find out what that would be. If you are wondering if he felt worried or bad about the development, then you are wrong as the fascination was thrilling.
That morning he had woken up and began getting prepared for his day at work. News had spread all over that he was in Norman. It would only be a short time and he would be all over the news. The people were displaying enthusiasm on having wanting him to come back and control the show as he was doing always.
He put on a really nicely tailored suit and turned on his charm. This should work on her. She was a woman quite alright and should be beneath him like there was anything else there. He kept telling that to himself all these nice egoistical things that seemed like they were building up his ego. He could see Alfredo was all the more better that morning and was not going to be asking him anymore stupid things. He opened the door for him and held it till he had entered before closing the door. That does the trick, he certainly was boss and should not be taken for granted.
Soon enough, they were heading to the restaurant as quietly as possible. Tristan Jenkins in deep craving for a cigarette popped three chewing gums into his mouth.
He could see there were people obviously the paparazzi waiting outside for him but he was not worried. They would eventually have to know their place. what caught his eyes was the car from which Claire was getting down that morning and the man she was smiling at. Probably he was seeing wrong.
“Um Alfredo?,” he called
“Sir,” the mab answered
“Is that Claire Willows outside?,” he asked.
Alfredo saw what he was and nodded.
“It certainly is sir.” the old man said
“Who’s that she’s frolicking with?,” he asked
“I don’t know about the frolicking bit sir but I have no idea who he is.” Alfredo said and Tristan’s eyes darkened.