Riding the Ryders

CHAPTER 6

He shot me this look in the rear view mirror that I couldn’t define, and almost immediately like someone who had been caught, fixed his eyes to the floor and left them there. “The nearest store is about 20 blocks away Ma’am, and there were no cabs because of the storm.” That was when I realized he was completely drenched, something my irritation hadn’t let me see initially. I leaned back into my seat and cleared my throat, choosing to ignore the awkwardness. “Well, did you get the umbrella?”

“I did.” He held up an orange umbrella still in its wrap. “I’ll hold the door open for you.” He reached for the door handle, struggling with his wet clothes against the leather. “Wait.” I said, now in my usual calmness. In the time I had spent waiting alone, I had thought about many things. Nathan was 3 hours late which likely meant he wouldn’t be coming at all. So waiting here for him would be nothing but a waste of my time. I decided to change plans.

“Take me to New Life Centre.”

The place was barely 10 mins away. It was a moderate sized building. The kind that looked like it was more affordable than it was not. Its name stood plastered to the top with a few letters barely holding on. Once the driver had reached the entrance gate, I asked him to stop, counted a wad of cash I knew would kill the slightest curiosity, and sent him home. There was no need risking any witnesses.

I got into the driver’s seat and waited till he was out of view, then I reversed and turned into the opposite end of the building, stopping in front of its concrete wall. A second later the wall split open and I sped in, parking at a lonely area somewhere underground.

I let myself sit in the thick darkness surrounding me in an attempt to shake off the humiliation of the night. I told myself in the overhead mirror that I was now in my territory and had to suck it up and act like one. In a matter of seconds, I got myself together, stepped out and strutted into the lobby.

New Life Centre was a modest but private fertility clinic that catered for women in middle to low income brackets. Well at least during work hours. After 8pm, a different calibre of women flocked in. The type of women that paid deep sums for procedures that not a single soul ever knew about. They type that knew to always use the same entrance and to always mind your business.

At this point I had waltzed into the CEO’s office, walking right past the frantic secretary who kept begging me stop without ever daring to leave her seat. The look on Christy’ face when she saw me added a little bit of amusement to it.

“Miss Kane.” She stood up in a way that looked like she hadn’t even thought about it.” “What a lovely surprise.”

“Christy.” I greeted her with the same fake smile. “I know this is last minute but I really need to see you. Now.”

Christy’s dum smile got brighter. “Of course. I’m actually just rounding up with my client here.” She glanced over at a stocky woman whose gold jewelleries made her look like a disco ball. “If you don’t mind giving us some time...” She trailed off.

She wanted me to connect the rest myself.

I waited to make sure she was finished. Then I calmly walked over to an empty chair beside her client and sat with my legs crossed and my back straight scrolling through my phone with complete lack of interest.

From my line of view, I saw her client look at me, look at her and then look at me again. Christy tried again, this time with more humility.

“At least give me 2 mins….”

“I don’t have all evening Dr. Christy.” I cut her off instantly still pretending to be focused on my phone. For a moment, no one said or did anything. Then Christy walked over to where her client stood and said some things to her in lowered voices. I heard the woman mumble back a ‘What?’ in a way that had me imagining the look on her face. Christy led her client towards the door, still speaking in low tones but I didn’t raise my head until I heard the sound of the door close.

She returned to her chair but stayed standing, hands clasped in front of her. “How can I help you miss Kane?” That f*****g smile again. I looked round her office, tilting my head to make it obvious. My eyes settled on the sleek silver desktop positioned in front of her chair. It literally reflected the chandelier light. “Nice computer.” I pointed out smirking. She thanked me with a smile that actually looked genuine this time. “I’m glad to see you’re enjoying my money.” I continued. “Too bad I’m not getting the respect I deserve.”

The smile dropped. “My apologies ma’am. It will never happen again.” I gestured for her to sit. “That’s fine. Your insolence is the least of my problems.”

“I’m here concerning the eggs.”

She smiled as one does when they think that they’re safe. “Oh yes. They’re maturing nicely and as expected.”

“Good.” I nodded my head in approval. “I’m ready for insertion.”