Price Of Loyalty

Chapter 2

Power and Secret

It took a while for everything to return to me when I woke up, including Raymond James, Dante, and the k********g. It was a beautiful room, unlike anything I had ever seen before. The furniture was sleek and contemporary, and the walls were painted a deep gray. Even though the tall windows let in plenty of sunlight, the uneasiness that was beginning to settle in my chest did not go away.

Why had I come here?

My stomach rumbled, but I was more concerned about hunger than anything else. Padding barefoot to the door, I swung my legs off the bed. Even though it wasn't secured, I hesitated when I saw the two armed guards outside.

They nodded and one of them replied, "Good morning, miss."

I said, "Good morning," feeling uncomfortable in their prying eyes. "Where is Raymond, huh?"

Since they didn't respond, I made the independent decision to investigate. The massive home screamed riches and power from every angle. Pricey paintings adorned the walls, and marble flooring shone under crystal chandeliers. I couldn't help but wonder how someone could live in such a place and not get lost.

I heard sounds coming from a half-open door as I rounded a corner.

"Marco, do you think I'm playing games?" That was Raymond's voice, composed yet menacing.

"No, supervisor. "I swear, I had no idea," stumbled another man.

With my heart racing, I edged closer.

Raymond went on, "We lost everything because of her father's treachery." We will be destroyed if we are unable to locate that ledger. Do you get it?

I gasped. Betrayal? The ledger? My father had done what?

"I'll do whatever it takes, boss"

"You're fired," Raymond suddenly interrupted.

My head racing, I quickly left before they could discover me listening in. My father had gotten us into what?

Raymond entered the room as I was picking a slice of toast at a little table in the kitchen. As always, he was perfect, and his well-tailored suit just added to his threatening appearance.

He poured himself a cup of coffee and replied, "You're awake." "All right. We must speak.

I took a deep breath. "How about?"

Raymond sat opposite me, staring at me. "A mess was left by your father. Does Dante want that ledger? It's crucial. It has enough names, dates, and information about illicit activities to bring down men like Dante and me.

As my aggravation grew, I added, "I told you, I don't know anything about it."

He leaned back and said, "Maybe not." But the only lead we have is you. You are valuable to Dante and to me because of it.

"What does that signify for me, then?" I inquired cautiously.

"It implies that you have two options," he stated. "Either you assist me in locating the ledger, or I release you and Dante discovers you. You can probably predict what he will do.

His comments struck me with the force of a freight train. With Dante after me, I couldn't live alone.

"All right," I answered grudgingly. "I'll assist you. But I'm not doing this for you; I'm doing it for me.

A tiny smile twitched Raymond’s lip. "All right."

For "protection," Raymond asked that I remain near him, but I had a sneaking suspicion that he was doing it more to watch me. He took me to a meeting with his men in what appeared to be a large study.

As he paced in front of them, Raymond declared, "This is serious." "Dante has been receiving information from someone in this room."

The tension in the air increased.

One of the men moved forward. "I promise it's not me, boss"

Raymond ordered in a stern voice, "Silence."

Everyone avoided looking at him, and the room became quiet. I tried to blend in by standing in the corner.

Raymond went over to the man who had said it. You've been with me for years, Marco. Show that you are innocent.

"I... I'm not sure how!" Sweat trickled down Marco's forehead as he stammered.

Raymond suddenly caught Marco by the collar and drew him in. "You had better work it out quickly."

Although the power show was terrifying, Raymond's control was what really got my attention. He was accurate in addition to being brutal.

Raymond discovered me in the hallway following the meeting.

His tone was softer than I had anticipated when he inquired, "Are you scared?"

"A little," I confessed. "But mainly perplexed."

With a little chuckle, he continued, "You'll get used to it."

I just caught a glimpse of something nearly human in his eyes. However, he left before I could respond, leaving me even more perplexed.

A woman entered the living room later that night as I was attempting to put everything together. Her features were crisp, and she exuded an almost tangible confidence.

"You must be Helen," she remarked in a calm voice.

"Are you, too?"

"Valeria," she answered, a smile curving her lips. "Advisor to Raymond." Among other things.

I couldn't quite place it, but there was something about her that unnerved me.

Valeria went on, looking around to make sure we were alone, "I came to warn Raymond about Dante."

"What should I warn him about?" Unable to resist, I asked.

She stated plainly, "There is a traitor among his ranks." "A very close person to him." But I'm still trying to figure out who it is.

Raymond came into the room before I could ask him any more questions. Valeria tensed.

"Raymond," she said with ease. "We must speak in private."

Raymond glanced in my direction. "Go to your room, Helen."

I refrained from arguing. Their conversation made me shiver for some reason.

I returned to my room and saw something strange. There was a scrap of paper protruding from beneath the pillow. My pulse pounding, I unfolded it and read the scribbled message:

"Avoid it until it's too late."

With my heart pounding in my ears, I gazed at the note. Who had abandoned it? What were they trying to say?

Footsteps echoed in the hallway, growing louder as they neared my door.