Trapped between love and lust

Chapter 13 Mission impossible

**Lily**

Here I was, back in my office ready to take on a new challenge. What happened the past month was life draining for sure but I wouldn’t let that distract me from my goal. My door swang open as Lucas barged in. I hated how he’d just walk in without knocking.

"I've got a job for you," he announced. How we got here, I can barely fathom. Lucas had been a thorn in my side lately, making my work life unbearable. I observed as he strolled up to my desk, casually taking a seat. Sure, he's my boss, but my office is my sanctuary.

"I thought I'd throw you a bone since you seem so keen on climbing the ladder," he chuckled before continuing , "So, Johnson, are you up for it?"

"Firstly, Lucas..."

"Haha," he cut me off, hand raised to my face, "It's 'boss' when you're talking to me."

I muttered a curse under my breath. I detested being around him. Ever since he discovered I wasn't in love with him and we split, it's been constant clashes. He's a low-life trying to control my life, dictating what I can and can't do just because I'm a woman.

"Firstly... boss, it's not about desperation for a promotion. It's about excelling in my role," I retorted.

"You do know you can't compete with a man, right?. Don’t get all high and mighty just because you where put in charge of the Nightingale case " He flashed a taunting grin, scrutinizing my reaction. But I kept my cool; I won't let him dismantle what I've built, nor will I let him shatter my confidence again.

"Isn't it evident? I'm here, aren't I?" I snapped back.

"Who knows how you got here? you are a woman after all." his reply was dripping with sarcasm. Was he insinuating I used my body to advance? Argh the audacity.

"Try me, and about that case… I’ll be the one to put an end to it." I retorted, my voice devoid of emotion.

"Here's a file," he placed it on my desk. I swiftly picked it up and scanned through it.

"These are records of the drug trafficking case we've been stuck on for a month after what happened ," I remarked.

"Correct.”

“But why this file? No new leads."

"I've got one for you." He stated.

"Really?" My spirits lifted. ‘Should I really be trusting Lucas though?’. Finally, a chance to crack this case and prove my worth. To show my parents I'm not just a pretty face. I've been underestimated my whole life and I was determined never again to be in that space.

"Ready for it? Or maybe you’re too scared" He questioned.

"Fill me in," I replied, managing a slight grin before hiding it behind my usual poker face.

"Ever heard of KCM Shipping Corporation owned by Adrien Hawksley?"

"I'm familiar with KCM Shipping Corp, but Adrien Hawksley is new to me," I responded. "Looks like I've got some digging to do... What's up?"

"Plenty of unusual activity at the depot. Shipments have spiked by over eighty percent, coinciding with a surge in our drug trafficking target."

“And…?”

“And so, I am confident he's in cohort with them. Since he owns the biggest shipping company it’s easy for them to import drugs in and out without a trace. He has quite the reputation. So, before we move in without solid evidence, I'll need someone to gather intel in his residence. That's where you come in, Johnson.”

“I don’t follow.”

“You need to go undercover and gather the evidence we need to finally crack this case.”

“And how do you expect me to do that?” Discomfort was evident in my eyes as I furrowed my brows.

“Well, that’s on you, captain. You're resourceful, right?” He chuckled before rising to his feet. “By the way, this is strictly confidential. Nobody else in the station knows about this task. Best we keep it that way.” With that, he vanished behind my door. Gosh, he's such a pain.

“Leaving this huge task for me to handle alone, mature,” I scoffed, “very mature.”

But it was so unusual for him to give me such important information, was it wise for me to trust him?.

I spent the rest of my working hours researching and brainstorming about how I’d approach this issue, but it was another dead end. My phone buzzed from under my desk. I opened the drawer to grab it and saw Molly's name on the caller ID.

“If it isn’t the chief herself,” she screamed from the other side of the phone.

“Not yet, chief, but I’ll take it,” I replied, a smile forming on my face. Molly and I had been best friends since high school, through college, and now, as close as ever. She was there for me during tough times. Even though she was engaged to my cousin, our relationship hadn’t changed one bit.

“So tell me, is that guy still a pain in the ass?”

“I’m guessing by 'that guy' you mean Lucas,” I chuckled. “Of course, who else could it be?” she replied.

“He's the same as always… I guess being a pain is just in his blood,” we both laughed at that remark.

“Anyway, away from that dirt-bag …..I’ve missed you , Lily,” Molly announced, her voice sweet and sentimental. I appreciated how much she cared about me.

“I miss you too molly but stop being overly dramatic.” I chuckled. “You know I’ve had a couple of rough weeks, but I promise to take you out for drinks this weekend.”

“Sounds good, looking forward to it, and no excuses,” I sensed her happiness on the other end. “And find yourself a man,” I heard Charlie yell in the background.

“Sorry, Molly, but I think I hear a fly or something in the background,” we both chuckled.

“Take good care of her for me, Charlie,” I continued.

“What! But I’m the one you’re related to,” he pouted.

“Nope, sorry, I guess there was some kind of mix-up when you were born,” I teased, both Molly and Charlie laughing on the other end.

“Take care, Lily. We love you,” they announced.

“Bye, love you guys too.”