RACHEL’S POV
She got to her office and dialed Max’s number. “How is it coming up?”
“I’m touring the areas. A few truants are outside. They scaled the school fence I guess, but I haven’t seen who matches the personality I want.” He answered.
“Good. Let me know when you find one.” Rachel Said.
“Yo! Nothing about my salary?” Max asked.
“Send your details.”
“But you have it.”
“You, pig! Should I have it stored in my head? You either send it or kiss goodbye to your money!” Rachel threatened, dropping the call.
MAX’S POV
“Bitch!” He cussed, lighting a cigarette.
He puffed out smoke through the open windshield as he scanned the environment he was in.
None of these people match the personality he wants for the job. He threw the fifth cigarette stub and sighed in frustration.
Just then, a student passed and one look at him, Max knew he was the one for the job. He hurriedly got out of his car and went after him.
“Yo, Man. Can I talk to you for a moment?” He asked, catching up with the student.
“What are you? A cop?” The boy asked suspiciously.
“No. If I was, I should have a cuff around your wrists long ago.”
“What do you want?” The boy asked, still not convinced.
“I have a job offer, but we have to talk in my car. People are watching and you are not supposed to be outside the school compound. You scaled the fence I guess.” Max said.
“Dragon sent you? Look, I don’t sell molly anymore.” The boy said.
Wow! The kid does drugs. A nice catch it is, Max.
“No one sent me. Let’s talk in my car. Come on.” Max said.
The boy followed him reluctantly and they got inside his car.
“I have a job for you, kiddo.” Max began.
“I’m no kid. What’s this job about?” The boy replied.
“I need you to spy on someone. You know, give me feedback about their activities, friends and all that. But the job is limited to the school environment because the person attends your school.” Max explained.
“You want me to stalk someone? You can hire a detective or something.” The boy said, giving Max a puzzled look.
“It’s not a serious job that needs a professional. I just want you to give me details about this person’s activities in school.”
“Okay. Who is this person?” The boy asked curiously.
“Can you do it?” Max asked.
“Sure, I can. How much are you gonna pay?”
“10, 000 bucks, Man.” Max replied.
“Are you kidding me? Make it 30, 000.”
“20, 000 and I’m done.”
“Fine. Who is this person? Do you have a picture?”
“You don’t need a picture. The person is Tiffany Dion…”
RACHEL’S POV
“Yo! I found someone and we struck a deal. He will be bringing us details henceforth.” Max said into the phone.
“Nice one. I hope you told him the terms and conditions? On no account should he say a word.” Rachel asked.
“I did. I have to run along now.” Max said, dropping the call.
Rachel smiled maniacally. One task down, more to go.
SHAWN’S POV
“Sir, your father is headed for your office.” Leslie informed him over the intercom.
“Thank you.” He muttered, bracing himself for his father’s entrance.
The door went open, and his father walked in. “Hey, son.” He said, taking his seat.
“Hey, Dad.” He replied, wearily.
“I’m not here to mince words, Shawn. I spoke to the board of directors at Gold’s Enterprises. I told them about wanting you to be made chairman after me since I’m retiring soon. They bought the idea, but the ball is now in your court. Get your marriage registered as soon as possible. The more you delay, the chances of you losing the opportunity increases.” Mr Gold said.
“Dad, can we please extend it to next week? I already made my findings on how to go about the registration. But I need time to get my documents and that of Tiffany ready before we can apply for a marriage licence.” Shawn explained.
“Hmmm…I see you have been making plans. Fine. But make sure it doesn’t exceed next week.” Mr Gold said.
“Sure. It wont.”
“Have you heard from your mum again?” Mr Gold asked nonchalantly.
“No. Why can’t you let your ego down a bit and call her? You miss her but won’t admit or say it.” Shawn said.
“I can’t. Your mum’s change was drastic. I mean, we built Gold enterprises together. There wouldn’t have been the G. E without her by my side. But her constant travels are not sitting down well with me. I hate her absence.” Mr Gold complained.
“You should talk to her. Two wrongs don’t make a right.” Shawn coerced.
“I won’t, and you know that.” Mr Gold said with a note of finality.
“Fine. Do what suits you.” Shawn said, shrugging his shoulders.
“I have to leave now. I have a meeting.” Mr Gold said, getting up.
“Bye, Dad.” Shawn said in a relief.
“I Know you are in a haste to get rid of me, but don’t make it that obvious.” Mr Gold said.
Shawn stayed mute and watched him leave.
TIFFANY’S POV
They were at the cafeteriaHerself, Freya and Timothy, when all of a sudden Freya whispered. “Hey, Tiff. That guy over there, the one with dyed oxblood hair has been staring at you. No! Don’t look back!” Freya said, trying to stop her from looking back, but it was too late.
Tiffany turned her back, and truly a boy with dyed oxblood hair was staring at her intently. His looks were creepy and it gave her shivers.
Noticing that Tiffany had caught him staring, he waved at her and gave her a wink. Tiffany quickly turned back muttering “Creepy.”
“I know, right? The guy looks creepy.” Freya concurred.
“I am a guy, but I have to agree with you girls. I mean, look at that jagged scar on his cheek.” Timothy whispered.
And against her wish, Tiffany turned to look at him again, but to her amazement, he was not there anymore.
“Where did he go?” Tiffany asked, looking around, and her friends joined her.
“We probably saw a ghost.” Freya said, sounding scared.
“On the contrary, you didn’t.” A voice said behind them.
They turned abruptly, and there stood the creepy boy! “Hi, I’m Oscar.” The boy said, extending his hand for a handshake.
They kept staring at him in shock until he withdrew his hand. “Who are you, dude?” Timothy asked, getting defensive.
“I am a new student. Just resumed last week.” Oscar said.
“What grade?” Freya asked, easing up a bit.
“Grade eleven.” He replied.
“Oh, you are our junior. That explains why we have not seen you before, plus you are a new student.” Tiffany said, avoiding his gaze. The guy scares her. She just doesn’t like his aura.
“Yes. I don’t mind being Friends with you, though.” He said, smiling.
“Friends with her? Look, I understand you are new here but we don’t mingle with juniors.” Freya stated.
“Is that so? I will leave you guys then.” Oscar said, before leaving.
“I don’t like that boy’s aura. Did you guys notice how creepy he looks?” Tiffany asked, when Oscar left.
“We did. But guys, remember what we said about judging people?” Freya asked.
“Do not judge a book by its cover, because even halfway through, a book is still not complete yet.” Timothy and Tiffany recited.
“Good kids! You still remember.” Freya said like a teacher, and they all burst into laughter.