Traffic

Chapter 5

Alejandro left his office with a smile on his face. There was definitely a wedding ahead; the scene he saw was proof. His nephew was crazy about her. He locked the door and walked down the corridor to his bedroom. It was early morning and he needed to do something important. He went downstairs and found Lisa in the kitchen, cooking breakfast.

"Good morning, Ms." He greeted smiling.

She jumped, startled, and turned around to see him. She smiled at him.

"Good morning, Alejandro, are you ready for breakfast?"

"In a moment, darling" he put his hand on her shoulder, "Could you do me a favor? Have you met my goddaughter, Elena?"

"Not yet. I heard she arrived yesterday, but I haven't seen her."

"Oh well, you soon will. She's sleeping, but she prefers to have breakfast in her room. She had a long trip and she seems tired, do you mind?"

"Absolutely! I will take her food upstairs in a moment" she smiled.

"Don't worry, I'll do it" he said, "Remember that my brother will come down

eager for food, and we both know how grumpy he gets when he's hungry" he winced at the memory.

"You're right!" she whispered in a worried tone, "I'll let you know when her breakfast is ready" she turned around and started her work.

Alejandro left the kitchen and went to the living room; he turned the TV on and watched the news channels; they had the same, robbery, burglary, fires, death, famous people and their new surgeries. There was nothing about missing people. He breathed easier; it seemed like the boy that used to live with Elena wasn't able to do much to find her.

"It's ready" he heard Lisa say.

He walked to her and took the tray from her hands. It was a breakfast for two, "The other one is for Jack" she said smiling, "He also deserves to be pampered."

"All right, darling" he smiled, "He will be very pleased."

He turned around and headed to the stairs. Lisa was the chef since they were teenagers. Now that she was middle aged, he looked at her as a loving mother, with her sweet face, her kind smile and her white hair. He loved her a lot; when Jack was born and his parents died, she raised him. She did everything that Thomas and he couldn't do, since they were working all the time.

He walked down the corridor to the door of Jack's bedroom. He didn't need to knock; Jack went out of the room looking alarmed and almost runs into him. He choked a laugh.

"Good morning, Jack" he showed him the tray, "Do you want breakfast?"

Jack looked at him and tried not to blab; he was so shocked that he couldn't think.

"What are you doing here, Alejandro?" he asked nervously.

He closed the door, fearing that he might see the girl still sleeping in his bed.

"I found Lisa and came here to bring breakfast for you and Elena" he lied, "I wanted to help her."

"Oh, thank you" he took the tray.

"Well, enjoy your meal, son" he smiled, "I need the tray to take Elena her breakfast, could you leave your plates in your bedroom?"

"No!" he stopped him, "Don't worry, I'll take her the food. After all, I'm the one in charge of her."

Alejandro looked at him; he couldn't believe it. He was so afraid of being discovered that he would obey for the first time. He pretended he didn't notice that.

"All right, you're in charge" he put his hand on his shoulder, "I must go to work, so I'll see you at dinner."

"Yes, ok" he was nervous, "I'll give her breakfast" but he didn't move an inch.

Alejandro smiled and left; he was eager to end the day and watch a new entertaining video.

Jack waited until his uncle disappeared in his bedroom; when he heard him closing the door, when he heard the door closing, he turned around an entered his bedroom silently. He put the tray on the table and looked at the girl; she was still sleeping. "Incredible" he whispered. He was expecting that Elena would be awakened by their

conversation in the corridor. He went to the bed and looked at her. Her hands were at the sides of her head, like a baby.

He covered her with the blanket until only her face was visible. She was wearing a two pieces pajama that was more revealing than she thought; it was tempting, erotic. He went to the bathroom and splashed his face with cold water. Then, she went out to fight his desire.

"Brat" he mumbled "you're tempting me" he folded his arms, confused.

He wasn't sure if Elena was doing it intentionally or if it was part of his uncles' plan, but it was working. Every second he wanted her more; he was frustrated. He went to the table and sat on the sofa, and started sipping his coffee. There was nothing more to do than wait until she'd wake up. The dramatic scene that was ahead was inevitable.

***

The smell of fresh coffee flooded Elena's nose and woke her. She stretched our lazily and heard her stomach roar. She sat down and rubbed her eyes; she didn't remember what she did last night. Her last memory was of her entering the boy's room. She watched the room carefully; she recognized it even if she had been there just once. She slept in Jack's room.

She put her feet on the ground and shook her head, trying to stay calm.

"Good morning" she heard someone say.

She turned to see who was talking.

"Good morning..." she whispered. Jack was looking at her with a cup of coffee in his hand.

"At last you woke up. Are you hungry?"

"Yes..." she stood up; she felt dizzy.

He approached her when he saw her nearly falling.

"Easy. Do you get morning-sick?"

"No, never" she gulped and winced, "I need to go to the bathroom."

"Sure, it's that door" he pointed at it.

"I know" she whispered.

She slowly went in the bathroom and closed the door. She looked at herself in the mirror; she felt the room turn upside down. She sat on the floor and breathed several times.

Finally she stood up feeling more calmed; she washed her face and rinsed her mouth. She dried her hands and opened the door. Jack was sitting in the little living room. She saw that breakfast was ready. Did he bring it?

She approached him feeling a mix of nervousness, fear, and shame. She didn't know what to say; it was her who broke into his room at late night.

"Alejandro brought the tray for both of us" she opened her mouth terrified, "It's not what you think" he smiled, "He wanted to bring you breakfast, but I told him I'd do it."

She sighed in relieve; Alejandro didn't know about it.

"So you didn't tell him?" she asked carefully.

"That I slept with his newly arrived goddaughter? I'm not a fool, dear" he sipped his coffee, "Take a seat, have breakfast with me."

She obeyed, but she didn't feel quite right. She sensed that she'd have to pay for her recklessness.

"I'll thank him later" she affirmed.

Jack poured her coffee and handed her a plate; she thanked him with a glance and took it.

"Go ahead, eat something. We have a long day waiting. I have to show you around the house, remember?"

"I thought you didn't want to" she whispered.

He looked at him frowning; she wasn't the fearless girl of the night before.

"I'm taking care of you" he smiled, "I will protect you."

Elena gave him an incredulous stare; his words raised emotions that unsettled her. Nobody except her parents had ever told her that. It felt nice to hear it.

"Thank you" she said, blushing.

Jack frowned in frustration. He liked her expression more than he wanted to admit.

"I don't particularly enjoy watching over a whippersnapper all day" he watched her face change, "But my uncles ordered it."

She stood up, took her plate and cup, and walked to the door.

"This hasn't finished, brat" he turned around to face her; she was flaming red with anger, "You still owe me an explanation. Or will you tell me you broke into my room because you want to sleep with me?

She opened her mouth with indignation and Jack started laughing. Elena left the room feeling completely confused; she slammed the door. Jack smiled at the uproar; he sensed that there would be drama, though he didn't expect that at all.

He continued eating his breakfast calmly. The day was just beginning and he'd have all the time in the world to enjoy his little revenge.

***

Alejandro got a not very friendly call from his brother ordering to meet him at a nearby restaurant. He found him sitting at the best table, smoking and drinking. He winced.

"What is the reason of this sudden meeting?" he asked when he sat in front of him.

"We have a problem" he said gravely, "Do you remember our goddaughter's boyfriend?

"Yes, Mr. Nobody, the one she lived with" he looked at him trying to understand, "Why is he relevant?"

"He's a goddamn cop" he mumbled, "At least he was some days ago, because it seems that soon he will be promoted to detective" he snarled and sipped his drink.

"Does he know anything?"

"It seems that they're carrying an under the table investigation. The case hasn't gone public" his eyes glistened with evil, "He's suspicious about us."

"Did anything happen? You're not telling me this just because" he frowned worried.

"Last night my guys informed that a cop infiltrated in the company; he took some pictures from us and the building" he took a puff from his cigar, "The fool thought he'd get away with it ..."

"I assume from that last comment that you took care of him" he poured himself a whisky.

"Of course. My men got him" he smiled, "I slit his throat myself."

"How creative" he whispered; he felt shivers run through his spine.

"I wanted to cut his tongue" he moved his cup playfully, "But I didn't have enough time. You can see the body in the news. I informed the authority about the unfortunate incident."

"Then the problem is gone" he cleared. His head was pulsing.

"We have to be more careful. We shouldn't let her go out of the house, and if we do, we should only let her go to places where we wouldn't find a cop."

"Luxury restaurants? Movie premieres? Opera?" he asked amused.

"I'm not in the mood for your jokes, Alejandro" he looked at him severely.

"You are never in the mood, my brother" he agreed, "Don't worry. By now, I don't think Elena wants to go out. Jack still has to show her around the hour; besides, after what happened yesterday, I don't think he wants to take her out."

"I know; I saw the footage this morning. Everything is going better than I expected" he admitted, "I must say you were right in that matter."

"Are you complimenting me? I don't believe it! Are you drunk?" he smiled. Getting any praise from his brother was almost impossible.

"Asshole..." he said and took a big gulp from his drink, "You know very well what we have to do. Her condition will start changing soon. We must tell Jack about it."

"I know. We have some weeks before the wedding. Having them at home all the time will make things go faster."

"I hope Jack doesn't make something stupid; it'd be really annoying to find another girl" he said lazily.

"He won't, Thomas; Jack is not like you."

He stood up and said goodbye to his brother; he trusted his sense. He knew his nephew and he knew he wouldn't dare touch her; the proof was last night happening. Jack was noble and respectful; he was a gentleman just like his brother William. He was the living image of his father.

***

Sitting in the dark office, he was thinking about the consequences of his acts and decisions. His fist was balled in anger and regret. He was to blame for his colleague's death. He just received the news a few minutes ago; he couldn't believe it. Everything was carefully planned. What went wrong?

He rubbed his temples and put his back against the chair. He had no idea of how to break the news to the guy's family. He sent him to the operation. The others warned him about how dangerous it was, but he didn't listen.

And now, all alone and full of regret and voices in his head, he could only think of how to repair the damage. The case had progressed; the information that he sent was very helpful. At least his death contributed with that.

He got on his feet in comprehension. Cops die every day; it was normal, it was an occupational hazard. He had no reason to feel guilty. The guy fulfilled his duty; sometimes you lived, sometimes you didn't. He was murdered. The photo in the news was not as shocking as the view of the corpse in the forensic office upstairs.

"If that what it takes to find you..." his voice faded in the empty room.

He was sure that those guys took Elena.

He closed his eyes and sighed. He remembered that day perfectly. He got home when it was dark. He had stopped by the jewelry shop; he finally got the courage to buy the ring. He meant to make that girl his wife.

He wasn't surprised when he found the house empty. He used to get there earlier. He wasn't worried when, an hour after, she was not home yet. He was in the best mood he had been for weeks; he decided to make dinner. It would take some hours, but it'd be worth it. Maybe this time Elena would want to sleep with him. He looked at his watch; it was 10:15 pm y Elena there yet.

He pulled his cell phone out and called her; he heard a recording saying that the phone was out of service. He frowned; he went around the house, fearing that she had taken all her stuff. He sighed when he realized how ridiculous his thought was. Elena would never dare to leave him; she didn't have anyone else to go to. She couldn't do it even if she wanted.

His cell must have run out of battery...

He thought, feeling nervous. He saw the flashing light if the answering machine indicating unread messages. He approached it and pressed play.

First message, received today at 10:00 am—bip—Hello, I'm calling from Central University. Miss Wood missed class today; I hope she's not sick—pause—Mr. Wood, you are aware that this institution requires previous notification of absences. I'll be waiting for your response. Have a nice day.

"Elena missed class?" he asked confused. He paused the answering machine. She never missed class, not even one; there wasn't a day that she didn't mention how happy she was studying her dreamed degree. Why did she miss class?

"I don't like this" he mumbled.

He went in her room; everything was exactly as she left it in the morning. Her few things were still in place, but where was she? He turned and went back to the answering machine; he pressed play and listened to the rest of the messages.

Message received today at 5:00 pm—bip— Elena, it's me, Sarah, why did you miss work? I've been waiting for you all evening. Are you done packing? I could go and help you. I know it's hard for you to leave Eric, but you know that it's for the best—pause—answer, honey, and don't worry, I got you.

He heard the bip; his jaw dropped. Was she packing? Elena was planning to leave? What the hell! His face went red; he threw everything he found; he broke things, kicked the couch and stabbed it several times. The noise of the machine interrupted him.

Message received today at 5:35 pm—bip—this is a message from State Police. It's a protocol to call back people who reported an emergency—bip—Good evening, I'm calling to confirm if Ms. Wood is ok—Eric stared at the machine. Emergency?—we got a call from her mobile phone at 6:40 am informing about some men attacking an old lady. We need to know about her security. Have a nice day—silence.

Eric sat on the couch. He was breathing heavily; he dropped the knife and took a deep breath. Elena had reported an attack. Why didn't she call him? He got on his feet feeling alarmed; he took his keys and went to the station. He had the feeling that something happened to her and he wouldn't stop until he found out what had happened.

It was like hell. His colleagues kept telling him that was overreacting, that the waiting time was 48 hours. He just got crazier.

"Call her cell phone" he heard someone say.

"She's not picking up" he mumbled. He was losing his patience.

"Is the call getting through?" his superior asked; he said no. "She probably ran out of battery. They're like that" he yawned, "It's midnight, go home, Wood. You're just a little paranoid. The fact that she's not taking a call doesn't mean that something happened to her."

"I'll leave" he sighed defeated, "I can't stop thinking that something happened to her" he frowned.

Especially because Elena charged her battery every night.

"Did you fight?"

I just found out she wanted to leave me...

"No. She always gets mad when I take out the gun at home" he lied and tried to find an excuse, "But not so much that she won't talk to me."

"That's another reason not to be alarmed" he put a hand on his shoulder, "Elena must be waiting for you at home right now" he smiled.

He nodded, feeling their support; he apologized for arriving so suddenly. He got in his car and drove back home. He entered the apartment, which was completely dark. The turned the lights on and the smell of dinner make him sick, since it was all over the floor and staining the walls. He took a deep breath and went to the couch; he called her cell phone again and the recording said that the number had changed. He became even more nervous. What had happened?

He whined. He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a little leather box. He stared at it some minutes and finally opened it; a simple and beautiful ring was shining in there. He closed the box and put it on the coffee table. Then he went to her room; he hugged her pillow and smelled her sweet perfume. A tear streamed down his cheek and

he closed his eyes.

***

Jack finished breakfast twenty minutes after she left the room. He took the plates and put them in the tray.

"I think it's better to finish this" he said to himself smiling. He had pending issues with Elena and he was eager to solve them.

He went in the bathroom with that thought in mind; he took a quick shower and shaved. He liked the tiny hairs that decorated his chin, but he still shaved. It was like homage to his father, who couldn't be with him in the years when his beard started growing.

He sighed at the memory. It was time to visit their graves; he would take flowers for his mother and a bottle of whiskey and two glasses for his father; this was his tradition.

He dressed as casual as possible; jeans, a white long-sleeved shirt, a gray sweater and a pair of worn Vans. He looked at himself in the mirror; he didn't mean to dress up, but he looked really good. He smiled.

I hope that when she sees me, I can enjoy seeing her cheeks flushing.

He put his cell phone in his jeans pocket, turned around to pick the tray with dirty plates, and went out of the room. He stopped in front of Elena's room, which was closed—and locked, he assumed. He smiled amused and went down the stairs. When he was in the first floor, he saw Lisa vacuuming the carpet; she smiled at him and turned the vacuum off.

"Good morning, Jack" she went to him and stroked his cheek, "Are you feeling ill? Why did you wake up so early?"

"Good morning, Lisa" he whispered annoyed, "Thank you for breakfast."

"Oh, it's nothing. I like to pamper you" she folded her arms, "I wanted to meet your uncle's goddaughter, but Alejandro told me she preferred to have breakfast in bed, that's why she took the tray for both of you."

Jack's jaw dropped. Alejandro knew it! He breathed heavily; he couldn't believe it. When did he find out?

"Jack?" Lisa frowned, "Are you all right?"

"Yes, sorry" he recovered control, "I remember something that I have to do."

"Very good" she smiled unconcerned, "And did she wake up yet?"

"I don't know" he lied, "But I'll go call her."

"I don't want to bother her" her lips tightened, "I'll wait for her to come down."

"Don't be silly" he snorted, "It's time for her to wake up."

"Jack, this is the first time in a long time that you wake up this early" she scolded him, "You can't force a newly arrived guest to follow a rule that you never obey" she sighed.

"I..." he tried to explain, but he was beet red. He felt like an i***t, "I'm sorry, you're right."

"Let her rest. She will come down when she's ready. And don't bother her; I warn you" she frowned angrily, "If you want the rules to be followed, you have to follow them yourself" he pointed a finger at his face.

Jack didn't say a word. Lisa turned around and went to the kitchen still holding the vacuum. He closed his eyes feeling more frustrated than ever. What was wrong? He was acting like a delusional. He was sure Lisa caught something unusual in his behavior. And all this fuss because he wanted to see her; it was pathetic.

He went to the living room and turned the stereo on. Music was his best medicine against bad humor. He turned the volume up to the top; he lay down in the sofa and closed his eyes.

***

Elena went in her room feeling like a fool. Her recent behavior confirmed Jack's words; she was a brat. Why did she ever think of sleeping in his bed? Was she that stupid? What the hell was wrong with her?

She put her plate and cup in the bedside table. She sat on the bed frowning, feeling angry with her. She was to blame; Jack was just the victim. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. She had no idea of why she did that. She was probably really tired and his bed looked really comfortable. But why couldn't she walk some steps to her own bed?

"You are a fool, Elena..." she sipped her coffee.

She stood up, took her Pod and plugged some speakers in. The best thing to calm her annoyed mind was music; it always worked. She sat back on the bed and continued eating. She knew she'd have to face him; she would have to apologize, but she didn't know how to do it.

***

Alejandro arrived to his office. The employees looked worried; the place was full with whispering and mumbling, and fearful stares, as if they were suspicious. He ignored this and went in the elevator. His jaw was tense; the incident of the undercover cop was taking more toll than he thought. They should be more careful, keep a low profile, and plan every move thoroughly.

The elevator stopped and he walked out frowning. The secretary greeted him; he waved his hand but didn't say a thing. The woman didn't reply and continued working.

"Don't transfer any calls" he asked feeling his head boiling, "And please, bring me an aspirin" he rubbed his forehead feeling tired.

She nodded and stood up. He sat on the sofa and looked at the mini bar. He wanted a drink; he needed it to swallow the knot that was blocking his throat. He closed his eyes and sighed.

The secretary came back seconds later and offered him a pill and a glass of water.

"Pour a whiskey for me, please" he took the pill and swallowed it wincing.

She quickly obeyed; she put some ice in a glass and poured the golden liquid in it. She handed him his drink. Alejandro pulled out his cell phone and texted Jack.

"Do you need anything else, Alejandro?" she looked at him worried.

"That's it, honey, you can go back to work" he tried to smiled.

He put his phone on the coffee table.

"I know that the rumors that are spreading are all lies" she said suddenly, "You and your brother are good people, especially you" she smiled a bit embarrassed, "I know that you work hard to keep this company growing, and I can't stand that others talk without knowing" she frowned.

"I appreciate that" Alejandro said looking at her in the eyes, "I really needed an honest opinion" he smiled.

"You're welcome" she said nervously. She seemed to have something else to say, but she turned around.

"You're always so kind" he heard Thomas say.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Bailey" she got away scared, "I was just worried."

"I know, darling" he put a hand on her shoulder; "I'm glad to have such a loyal employee" he smiled.

Her body tightened; she bowed slightly and left the room.

"Stop doing that" Alejandro said frowning.

"She's in love with you" he ignored him; "It's so obvious that it's painful" he went to the mini bar and poured himself a drink.

"That's not your business" he mumbled, took a gulp from his drink, and closed his eyes again.

"Oh, you didn't deny it" he sat beside him, "Remember we have to keep a low profile. Sleeping with you secretary is not helpful."

"I haven't slept with her, i***t!" Alejandro yelled and got on his feet. He saw his brother smiling mockingly and poured himself another drink.

"How delicate" he sipped his drink, "We have to hide" his voice changed.

Alejandro, who was not facing him, felt his body tense when he heard him. They'd have to be more careful; their plan was in risk.

"What do you propose?" he asked, still not facing him.

"Let's take a break from business, what do you think?"

He looked at him surprised; that what something that he never imagined coming out from Thomas's mouth. Was he serious?

"Is the situation that bad?" he dared ask; now he was worried.

"We don't want the press sneaking in more than they've done, so starting today, we'll freeze any deal, business or idea that we have come up with" he looked at him gravely, "I suppose you agree."

Alejandro nodded.

"Then I'll leave" he stood up, "Let's use all of our energy in the happy couple that we left at home."

"Leave Karen alone" he said seriously, "I don't forgive you for the last thing you

did to her."

Thomas smiled at the memory of that day. He waved and went out of the office. He said goodbye to the girl, who was watching him silently; he liked her reaction. He went in the elevator. Alejandro frowned; his brother's visit made his headache go stronger.

He lied on the sofa and thought about what had happened. Karen was a beautiful and innocent woman, unlike him. He knew she loved him, but he couldn't reciprocate her feeling after what happened.

Karen had been working for him for half a year; she was efficient, polite, and very helpful. One day, Thomas visited him, and when he saw the new girl he showed interest in her. Alejandro didn't allow him; she was innocent in every way and he wouldn't let his brother hurt her.

Weeks later, he had to fly to Canada to close a deal. Karen didn't know about it, but Thomas did; it was a fatal mistake. Thomas took advantage of his brother's absence and pretended to be him.

He couldn't blame Karen for being confused; they were identical. Their only difference was the way they treated other, but she didn't know that.

"Karen" he called her impersonating his brother, "I want to talk to you about something."

She agreed; she had intended to confess for days, but didn't dare to do it.

"What is it, Alejandro?" she asked and entered his office.

"I like to know that we trust each other" he smiled.

She blushed intensely; he was so handsome.

"You asked me to call you by your first name" she said smiling.

"You're right" he smiled at his slip; he went to the mini bar and poured two whiskeys, "Here; I want to tell you something important that has me worried."

"What is it?" she held her glass confused, was he in trouble?

"I find myself in a predicament" he whispered; he was really enjoying his lie. He looked down, "I don't think I can spend more time without holding you in my arms."

She looked at him, her mouth open. What did he say?

"What...?" she felt her ears hot.

He approached her slowly; his face was falsely grave, and in the inside he was laughing.

"You are the most beautiful woman I've seen in my life" he laid, "I want to kiss you."

"But Alejandro..." she stepped back alarmed, "You're my boss."

"That doesn't stop me from feeling this" he stroked her cheek. She stopped. Her legs were trembling.

Thomas got nearer; Karen closed her eyes with desire, and he kissed her.

It was more savage than she expected; she thought it would be tender, but it wasn't, and his hands were running around her low back.

"Thomas!" she heard someone yell.

She opened her eyes and almost fainted.

"You're spoiling the party, Alejandro" he said and got away from the girl.

She looked at them confused. What was going on?

"Karen, I apologize" Alejandro pulled her away from his brother.

Her eyes were bulging; her hands were shaking.

"She's a good kisser" Thomas said and wiped his lips, "Next time don't wear that much lipstick, darling" he smiled.

"There won't be a next time!" Alejandro yelled furious.

He held her tight and gave Thomas a furious glance.

"She's inexperience for sure" he walked to the exit, "But with proper training she could become an excellent mistress."

"Training ...?" she whispered. She was terrified, pale, and unable to move a single muscle.

"Get out!" Alejandro yelled and covered Karen's ears, "Don't go near her again, did you hear me? I forbid you!"

Thomas ignored him completely and left the office.

For a while the office was silent. Alejandro didn't know what to say to her. She was still silent and he feared the worst.

"Karen, look at me" he asked, "Did he do anything to you?"

She didn't answer.

"Karen, I..." his voice faded in the air, "I'm sorry."

She stared right into his eyes and started shaking; she indicated slowly a no with her head, and finally collapsed on the ground. Alejandro took her; she was barely breathing. He carried her to the sofa.

"Breath in, dear, everything is fine" he whispered. Karen's eyes were shut and she was hyperventilating.

"No..." her voice cracked, "No, no..."

"I'm sorry that this happened" he took her hand, "Thomas is a bastard. I should have realized that he wanted something with you" he closed his eyes furious, "Please, forgive me."

Karen opened her eyes and sat; Alejandro still had his head down, frustrated and helpless.

"It was not your fault..." she whispered.

He looked at her with surprise.

"Of course it was; I should've warned you about him. He's always been like that, especially with women that are related to me" his fist was tightly balled, "You didn't deserve that; you needn't go through that deceit."

Karen started crying; she hugged him. Tears wouldn't stop streaming. Alejandro knew that there was nothing he could do to repair the damage; now more than ever, he'd have to keep his feelings for Karen shut. He didn't deserve her.

He shook his head and came back from the memory, which only made his headache stronger. He didn't understand why Karen kept on working for him; it's been three years from the incident and despite he asked her to quit, she didn't.

Some weeks later, after some vacations that he gave her as compensation, she came back fearful but determined, claiming that now she could recognize him. She asked him to let her stay and he couldn't say no.