A Devil Boss

Chapter 3.1

As Mister Diabolus had said, another letter was waiting for her in her room the next day. One of the maids had placed it on her bed along with fresh towels.

Completely relaxed after a good breakfast and a round of swimming, she curiously opened the letter and read through what was written there. Several times she had to do that until finally, the written words reached her.

He really wanted to take her? She didn't quite believe it, but it was written there in black and white. Besides, he wanted to finance her studies, which surprised her no less.

She had definitely not expected that. It was clear that the studies, which were only completed in summer courses, were not exactly cheap. It was a dual degree program, and during the summer, she would not be able to work but would be cramming for university. So the chance to start in the spring had come in handy, so she could save up enough money to pay for the courses.

However, the fact that the law firm financed her entire studies was a real surprise.

Therefore, she settled down on her bed and then began to cheer with joy and kick the air. This fit of happiness lasted for a few minutes until Sera recollected herself and looked up from when she could start. Right now, she was still living in Phoenix and needed to get back here first to move her belongings. She also needed to find an apartment quickly.

For a moment, she couldn't believe her eyes and then looked at the calendar. Was she supposed to start today already? Was he serious? She urgently needed to talk to him about that.

With one jump, she had gotten up from the bed and left her hotel room.

After ten minutes, she was already standing in front of Mister Diabolu's office door and knocked vigorously.

He invited her in and didn't seem at all surprised at her appearance. "How can I help you?" he asked, and for a moment, she thought she heard amusement in his voice.

"How do you imagine this to be?" asked Sera, not responding to his voice and placing the letter on the table. "I don't live here, and I have to go home first to pack my things. By the way, I don't have a place to live either," Sera enumerated.

Mister Diabolus made a throwing-away hand gesture. "I will, of course, provide you with an apartment until you find one yourself, and you can plan the move on the weekends. Phoenix isn't particularly far away," he explained, rising. "But since I just got a new case, I'd like you to be on it from the beginning."

His words visibly surprised Sera, and she raised her eyebrows. "What now? No briefing, contract, or anything like that? You are suspicious to me," she remarked dryly.

"Of course, there is a contract," he opined. "In it, the first month is also specified as an acclimation period. That means you can quit during that time without fear of problems. You will still receive the part of your salary. At the same time, I can also terminate you. If it doesn't suit," he informed her, holding the door open for her. "So if you would please follow me to your new colleague. She'll take care of the contracts."

Sera didn't let on that she felt utterly run over. She hadn't expected to be able to start right away. It was just too sudden, and Sera didn't even have time to prepare in any way.

Nevertheless, she nodded and followed her new boss.

Maybe it wasn't so bad if she started right away. That way, she could already earn money and wasn't held off for so long. That always made her nervous.

Mister Diabolus led her to an office where a young woman with a sexy figure and a very present charm sat and immediately handed her the contract.

Unlike her, Sera felt quite shabby in her plain clothes. Patiently, she waited to read through the contract and sign it. She wouldn't let her boss rush her on that one. It was vital for her to know the deal thoroughly.

"You can take these with you to the hotel," Mister Diabolus informed her. "I'd still like to take you to meet my new client. Do you have something classier to wear? It's going to Lester Dabalast."

The name said something to the young woman, and she considered it. He was a famous actor who had appeared in many films. "The one I was wearing when we first met," she explained. How was she also supposed to know that she should have something even nobler? Sera folded her arms, and her expression betrayed that she felt offended. Her clothes might not have been as classy as the superstars', but they were still of good quality and had been sufficient to present themselves so far.

"He puts a lot of emphasis on classy clothes and doesn't like to be talked to if he feels those present aren't on par with him. Which, as a rule, no one does," Mister Diabolus informed her in a calm voice.

Thoughtfully, the young woman eyed her boss. "I see, and you do?" asked Sera curiously, but with a confident sneer in her voice. As if she wanted to make fun of how much some people only cared about looks.

"No, of course, I don't," Mister Diabolus said, making a dramatic gesture. "I do move in circles that are accepted, though," he remarked, also sounding like he was making fun of it. At least sort of.

A sly grin appeared on Sera's lips. "Then Mister Dabalast will have to make do with someone not up to his standard today. After all, it wasn't meant to start right now," she said with a shrug, accepting the finished contract from the pretty woman.

"I think we can find something suitable in our clothing collection," Mister Diabolus waved it off. "It's on the eighth floor."

What this company didn't own! Actually, it wasn't surprising when they successfully closed so many cases. "All right," Sera agreed and sighed.

"This will make you feel more comfortable, too," her boss asserted, leading her into the elevator and to said floor. There, she felt as if she were in a clothing trove.

"And who says that? How do you know?" she wanted to know while looking at all the clothes. What a lot there wasn't! Noble suits, pretty office outfits, some of which consisted of pants, but also skirts. At first glance, Sera saw that they were of a different level than her own clothes.

"Because it's easy to feel out of place in the wrong clothes in such a noble house," he remarked matter-of-factly. "Take your pick."

Sera put a finger to her nose and tapped it several times. A sign she was thinking. Finally, she walked up to a black suit and pulled it off the hanger. The shiny black fabric looked classy and was a real eye-catcher in combination with the white blouse.

"Interesting choice," Mister Diabolus commented, pointing to a dressing room.

With the garment in hand, Sera rushed past him. Did she have to put on a fashion show to please him, too?

She deftly changed and then stepped out of the dressing room. "Better?" she asked with a furrowed brow, adjusting her sleeve.

"Yes," he agreed. "So we're good to go," he said, extending his arm to her.

"Huh?" asked Sera regarding his arm because she didn't understand that gesture at the moment. It was a meeting with his client, not a date. That's why she ignored Mister Diabolu's arm, because to her sensibilities, it wasn't proper.

He laughed softly. "Then I won't take you. As you wish," he said, sounding amused as he walked back toward the elevator.

Sera followed him, matter-of-factly, saying that she was neither a toddler nor an old mother who needed supports to walk.

"It's just polite," he said matter-of-factly. "Besides, normal in these parts."

Nervously, Sera rocked back and forth. "Still doesn't belong in a serious work environment if you don't want to give the wrong impression," Sera replied, quietly counting off the numbers the elevator displayed.

"I always go like this with my escort," he said reassuringly. "Just pretend you're my escort."

Relieved that the elevator door opened, Sera stepped out and turned to Mister Diabolus. "Let's get one thing straight: I am your secretary accompanying you on business. By the way, you did not allow me time to take the laptop and other ways to take notes for you," she remarked dryly because the laptop was still on the table in the office where she had worked the day before.

"There are a pad and pen in the car," her boss said, leading her into the parking garage. There, a man was waiting in front of a car and opened the door for them.

A dark, sleek sports car that most people could only dream of. Attentively, Sera eyed the car and finally got in. The interior was state-of-the-art, and it was certainly a lot of fun to drive. Fortunately, she found the pad and pen and took both so they wouldn't fall off. "Taste you have," Sera remarked with a slight smile.

"Thank you," he said, getting in the car next to her.

Once they were on the streets of Los Angeles, Sera looked around. She had never been here before, so she was interested to see what was available. In her mind, she went through a list of things she needed to do to move here. Finding an apartment was certainly not easy, so she resolved to save the money if Mister Diabolus temporarily provided her with one. She also had to make sure to re-register and move her belongings here.

Somehow it was exciting to work in another city, and she was happy to have gotten this chance.

Together they drove through the city.

"You can stay at the hotel for a few more days if you want," remarked Mister Diabolus.

"All right. I'll look for an apartment and, if necessary, go home on the weekend to manage the move," Sera agreed, looking at the houses they drove past. As classy and significant as they looked, they undoubtedly belonged to the rich.

"We're almost there," Mister Diabolus remarked, and just a little later, the car turned into a long driveway.

Even as they drove in, Sera realized how rich Lester Dabalast was. And his taste was excellent. A fountain stood in the middle in front of the mighty steps that led up to the entrance.

Moreover, she noticed the many security guards.

She didn't like that somehow. Especially since she was being watched.

Although Sera had done nothing, she felt uncomfortable and knew that she would not like such a life. Surrounded by so many security people watching you, she couldn't be happy.

But an actor probably needed that to avoid being attacked by lunatic stalkers. Such news often happened that a lunatic stalked his idol and even made his life hell.

When the car stopped, Sera got out and looked around. It was quiet here because the villa was off the road. Quite pleasant, actually. There was even a swimming pool.

Mister Diabolus got out and held out his hand to help her. "We are expected."

Ignoring his hand, Sera took her pad and pen and nodded in the direction of the entrance. "Then don't keep him waiting."

She saw Mister Diabolus raise an eyebrow. "You're with me."

"Don't do that," Sera remarked, raising her eyebrow in the same manner. Her statement referred to his proffered hand. She was here to work, not to be paraded.

"Do you really want to break with convention?" he asked, amused, but withdrew his hand.

Sera cleared her throat and pointed out to him that she hadn't gotten time to read through the contract thoroughly. She wanted to know every little thing about it. "So I don't know your convention. But I don't like to be unnecessarily hands-on."

"It's not mine. It's our client's," he said in a calm voice. "You are my companion. Whether it's business or pleasure doesn't matter. I am expected to have the courtesy to treat you with respect."

Before Sera could say anything back, they were led to Mister Dabalast by a maid of sorts. The latter was seated in an elegant and modern living room overlooking the swimming pool. The light leather upholstery of the seating looked as clean as if it had just been delivered.

Sera wondered how they could be kept so clean, especially with two dogs jumping around them here.

"Ah, Mister Diabolus. I'm glad you're here," the man said effusively, rising in his hand still his glass with the brown liquid.

Mister Diabolus extended a hand to him. "Very glad it worked out promptly," he said in a calm voice. "This here is Sera Taylor. My new secretary," he immediately introduced Sera, which didn't immensely please her, since now Mister Dabalast's gaze was on her scrutinizingly.

Not knowing whether to shake his hand, she merely nodded at the actor. "Pleased to meet you."

The fact that the dogs sniffed at her did not disturb her. She would have liked to pet them, but that was not proper.

"Come, sit down," the man asked. He looked agitated, and his hands were shaking.

Something terrible must have happened. Sera was sure of that much as she slowly settled down on the leather couch and opened her pad to take notes right away.

It was just as well because Mister Dabalast didn't spare her time and began to explain why he wanted to see Mister Diabolus. "There was an assassination attempt on my wife, who fortunately was virtually unharmed. However, I am suspected of having hired a hitman to kill her."

Sera did not let on outwardly but diligently wrote down the client's words.

Mister Diabolus eyed him thoughtfully. "And you want me to represent you," he remarked. "Do you want me to look for a private investigator as well?" he asked because that's what most people wanted anyway.

Sera watched as the client nodded. "I've already hired someone, but if you use another one, I don't mind. However, the two should meet, not that they suspect each other," he remarked.

Mister Diabolus nodded. "Of course. Please describe the incident to me," he asked, and the actor told what had happened. There seemed to have been several attempts, all of which somehow seemed like accidents.

The police assumed that the husband was the mastermind. "There's no reason to want to kill my wife," he said matter-of-factly, and the corners of Sera's mouth twitched. They all said that, but the way she assessed the evidence would be hard for Mister Diabolus to clear his client of the charges.

"Could I talk to your wife?" he asked because if it really wasn't, she might have exculpatory details. Or incriminating ones. Sera wasn't so sure about that yet.

"She is in my other villa at the moment. There she is guarded around the clock," explained Mister Dabalast, looking somehow lost. It seemed to get to him that his wife was the target of the attacks, even though she wasn't famous like he was.

Sera kept writing along and listening. As she did so, she tried to figure out from the words whether he was lying or not. It was not easy, but she wanted to learn. Maybe the actor was good not only at movie roles but also at lying.

Mister Dabalast gave the address of his mansion in Hollywood so they could go to his wife's house right away.

"I see," muttered Mister Diabolus, looking around the building. "Do they have a mistress or something like that?" he asked. "A fan who wants to marry her and is therefore trying to get rid of your wife?"

The actor made a dismissive hand gesture and said that he didn't have a mistress. "But you know yourself that there are fans all the time who have a chip on their shoulder and want to marry me," he remarked.

Sera grinned slightly. Mister Dabalast was right about that. Many fans built a dream world in which they lived. Therefore, it was not unlikely that a fan would seek the life of his wife.

"Good, then I would have a talk with your wife now. You can count on me to represent you in this case. Moreover, I will still talk to the police," he assured and nodded to Sera.

She understood the request and pocketed the pen before standing up and saying goodbye to Mister Dabalast.

It had been a surprisingly short visit. The actor seemed to have already been put at ease by Mister Diabolus' pure appearance.

They were escorted outside by the same maid, and before they knew it, they were on their way to the Hollywood mansion.

Thoughtfully, Sera read through her writing, again and again, trying to imagine what had really happened.

"Do you have any questions?" her boss wanted to know, looking very calm.

Surprised, Sera raised her head. "Me? What makes you think that?" she asked, puzzled. Of course, she had a lot, but they didn't belong. At least not at the moment. First, she would like to hear the woman's version to have a comparison. "I prefer to observe first."

"I see," Mr. Diabolus agreed. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Knowledge is power."

"Why don't you decide what form of address to use first?" asked Sera with a sideways glance at him before returning her eyes to the pad.

He made a throwaway hand gesture. "Do you mind if I call you by your first name? Usually, women offer it to me when they want it."

Sera shrugged. Indeed, she would offer it when she worked with him longer. At the moment, she preferred the formal form of address, but she didn't mind if he ducked her.

He raised an eyebrow. "Fine, we'll stick with you. But you may still call me Astarot," he said, slightly amused.

That name was very unusual, Sera had to admit. "All right," she replied, wondering if every boss let one use his first name so quickly. She hadn't had very much experience with that so far. With superiors, Sera had always remained formal.

The ride was pretty relaxing. Sera got to see a lot of beautiful villas. One more beautiful than the other. It was certainly great to live here, but she had often heard that wildfires sometimes raged here in California. She hoped she would never see one up close.

Finally, the car stopped, and Astarot got out. He held the door open for her again but didn't extend an arm. It was as if he had learned that she didn't want that.

That pleased Sera because she hated having to keep repeating herself when it wasn't necessary. She got out, nodded gratefully to him, and looked around. This mansion was even nicer than the one where they had encountered Mister Dabalast.

The sweltering heat made Sera sweat, and at the sight of the small fountain statues, where birds frolicked and bathed, she became envious. As pretty as the suit was, the color was ill-chosen for this weather.

As soon as she arrived at the hotel room, she would first take a long shower and then call her family.

Together with her boss, she went to the door where they were apparently expected. A butler opened it for them and asked them to follow him. In a drawing-room, Misses Dabalast was waiting for them. She was no longer a young woman, but still very beautiful and, above all, elegant and confident.

This was precisely how Sera imagined actors' wives to be. She even caught herself almost bowing, but just like with Mister Dabalast, she just nodded to her in greeting.

"Mister Diabolus," the woman greeted in a melodic-sounding voice, but something told Sera that she seemed nervous. "How nice of you to come."