Chapter 5
1391 Words
“Black! I don't know who is trying to kill me. Send your men to find out who they are. Grill the security men on duty when the incident happened. If they can't give cogent reasons for switching off the cameras, ask the butler to fire and inform our lawyers to prosecute them. I want the criminals caught fast. No one is safe!”
“I got that Miss. I'll give you a comprehensive report later. Meanwhile, I have doubled the security details attached to you.”
That time when Annabelle was pushed inside the pool, as she struggled attempting to save herself, she realized that her limbs moved slightly.
‘Wow, I shall soon start walking. Many thanks to Jack I came out of the pool stronger than I went in,’ she muttered, spreading her lips in a faint smile.
After the ordeal, "Jack! Thank you for saving my life. What would l have done without you?”
Jack, beaming, replied “Annabelle, you don't have to thank me. I am here to help you walk again. Helping you is now my life's mission.”
Annabelle couldn't help but curl her lip joyfully. “Let's celebrate. It's good to be alive. We’ll eat out tonight.”
Jack agrees. “Why not! If it puts a smile on your face after that unfortunate incident, let's go and celebrate.”
They went to a high-end Italian restaurant and the chef especially welcomed Annabelle. This place is part of the Adrian Powers Hotel Chain.
“Mam, it's been a while, welcome to Petals Blossom Restaurant.”
“Thank you, Jefferson. Take us to my usual window seat.”
“Very well mam.” He took them to a private room with a window view. The seat allows you to see the blooming rose gardens swarming with brilliant red and yellow petals and fresh flower fragrances.
“After sitting down, Annabelle exclaimed “Jack, I am excited to be here.
“It's good to be more outgoing. Remember we'll go on a picnic next week.” Jack said, exuding a joyous aura.
Jefferson, the chef, recommended their specialty spaghetti sauce with chicken and red wine.
Before dinner was served, she showed her gratitude to Jack.
“Hey, Jack! Thank you again. To think that I was against Dad hiring you, … must have been out of my mind. She said, laughing wholeheartedly and bringing a lot of contentment to Jack.
The food was served shortly, and both of them were relishing the cuisine and the cozy restaurant’s atmosphere.
It was late when they returned to the Adrian Powers Villa.
With a twinkle in her eyes, she suggested.
“Let's do this more often,”
Jack replied, “Sure why not?”
That night was a turnaround in Annabelle's recuperation.
Eyes glinting, Annabelle murmured. “My God, I feel so alive, since Jack came here. I feel more warmth and power in my limbs.”
She attempted to walk but couldn't. Yet, for the first time since the accident, she wasn't anxious. That night, in her dream, she was running and playing lawn tennis, a recreational activity she enjoyed.
The next day at the breakfast table, Adrian noticed her gaiety.
“Somebody woke up on their best side this morning,” Adrian declared.
“Yes, Dad! I feel your prophecy is about to come true. Jack is a wonderful Caregiver and friend.” She narrated what happened and Adrian.
Overcome by the affront to his security structure, fist clenched, his mood darkened.
“How could they do that to you? Who could boldly target you under my roof? Are they tired of living?”
“Dad! I don't know who wants me dead. We'll find out soon. Black is on top of the matter.”
“It's appalling. Should I sack all the servants and hire new ones?”
“Not yet Dad, let's leave it to Black. Sooner than you know it, we will catch the criminals.”
“What is your schedule like today?”
“We'll be signing the fifty-nine billion dollar solar panel infrastructure deal with Rightful Light LLC”
“While in the evening, we’ll be attending a charity ball organized by the Patrons of Motherless Babies orphanages at 7 pm.”
“Okay my dear, enjoy your day.”
“You too, Dad, see you later.”
“Turning to Jack and grinning knowingly. Hey Jack! Thank you for the good work. I can see fast changes.”
“Oh! Mr. Powers don't mention it. It's my pleasure.”
Finally, turning to Helen, “Helen dear! What's bothering you? You look strangely quiet. I hope you are feeling well or is it work-related annoyances?”
Pretending to be happy, she smiled coyly and replied “Nothing Uncle, I am fine. I just have a slight headache.”
“OK! Now that Annabelle is here, you should loosen up a bit. Get some rest and go see Doctor Gomez for a check-up.”
“I’ll do that right away.”
“That's good to know.”
As Adrian Powers rose from the breakfast table full of joy, unknown to him, one person was seething with bile, stealthily planning to destroy the happiness of his family.
—----
When Annabelle left the breakfast table, Jack lingered a bit.
“Hello, Helen! I don't want to bother you.”
“You are not bothering me.”
“Can you suggest any hobbies your Cousin enjoys?”
“Why! She likes lawn tennis and horse riding. But now, she can't take part in those sports. Hey! I have just the thing to keep her happy.”
“Go on a picnic with her to Water Margin Botanical Gardens near the Ocean.”
“Really!”
“Yeah! Tell me the day you prefer and leave the arrangements for me. All you need to do afterward is take her there, relax, and enjoy your outing.”
“We’ll go tomorrow, it's summer after all. Confirm that the botanical garden or national pack you choose is accessible for wheelchairs, and has facilities for those with disabilities.”
“Sure! I'll let you know before noon.” Helen said.
—----
Jack returned to Annabelle's sitting room.
“What kept you so long, Jack? She asked with a hint of impatience?”
Jack, oblivious of her mood, replied. “If the weather is pleasant, I’ll take you out on a picnic tomorrow.”
Annabelle's suspicion disappeared when she heard he was planning an outing for her. She couldn't wait to go on the trip.
“Just curious, apart from lawn tennis and horse riding, which indoor games do you know how to play?”
“I like playing card games, Scrabble, Monopoly and Chess. On that outing, we could bring our binoculars, and take loads of pictures with our smartphones.”
Enthused, she continued, “Fortunately, I am not picky about food. Veggies and nuts and fruits and wine are just fine. Now looking serious, “I bet you can't do this. Dad used to carry me on his back on picnics. Can you do that? Let me remind you, that I am no longer a baby…I weigh a ton. She asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes?”
“Of course, I would like to carry you on my back. He smiled knowingly. Seriously, I think we have all the activities we will do planned. What's left is to get the best place for the outing.
Great!
Lastly, get ready for an epic chess game. If I win, you’ll give me all your snacks for a week and I get to snap my finger at your ears. Is that a deal?”
“Sure,” Annabelle responded. “Wait a minute! When you finished telling me about the plan for the picnic, I suddenly felt a cold draft. Is this room chilly or am I feverish?”
“Annabelle, do you have cold feet or do you believe in superstition? Well, for your information, this room is warm. We could postpone the picnic if you aren't feeling up to it.”
“No, I am not superstitious.
We’re going to a picnic tomorrow.”
If only Jack knew what awaited them at this picnic, he would have planned it secretly or canceled the event.
- Writer
