My, oh my, time flies.
In the space of one weekend, I’ve been subjected to every catastrophe imaginable and yet… the deal went through.
The deal went through!
I knew I could do it.
It’s in my nature, my blood, my whole life to succeed!
All I have left to do is sign the final papers and… Walla! Zippo!
Done, finished, complete.
Hmm.
I should feel fantastic, exhilarated… I should be jumping up for joy… the impossible can be possible. Only…
My growling tiger thirty minutes ago looks… like a drenched, wet nosed kitten.
She didn’t say a word through the entire interview. She was the perfect example of a secretary, I could ever want… dictating every word precisely… even repeated back to me with dignity and refinement, she did.
Could it really hurt my conscience if I don’t like what I’m seeing?
It’s a good deal Jamie, can’t you see it?
I feel guilty as sin.
I don’t like feeling this way. It isn’t right.
It was my choice, my choice only, it doesn’t affect you Jamie.
“You finished with your lunch Jamie?”
“Yes.”
Polite, cordial, quiet as a mouse.
This is so not like her.
“Perhaps we could go fishing inland. They say there’s a great place not far from the port… you can catch fish every time.”
No response.
Not even a smile.
“Or we could take the route to the top of the island or on the beach. I hear it’s really pretty on the beach.”
“Could be.”
“Hey! You love to swim, we could go snorkeling… we’ll pick up some dinner and watch the sunset, come on Jamie, how about it?”
“Why?”
“Why? Well… darn it Jamie can’t you be happy for me!”
“You got what you wanted, now you can let me and my friends go. You have no more excuses to keep us prisoners here.”
“None of you were my prisoners, Jamie. They have an airport here and Charley’s boat… I even gave some money to Charley for fuel.”
“At least you did that.”
“I’m not who you think I am. I’m a moral abiding citizen; I pay my taxes, I…”
“Steal combinations from unsuspecting bosses.”
“I didn’t steal the combination! Mike gave it to me. He authorized me to take over the company till he got back.”
“Do they have guides on this island?”
“I see your changing the subject.”
“We can pick up some of the street food and pack it in plastic bags. Maybe they have bottled water at the café.”
“I’m sure they do.”
“We best change our clothes Alex to more appropriate attire. Are those good walking shoes?”
“I’ll go bare foot.”
“We’re walking to the beach Alex. Let’s see, we’ll need a hat and some sunscreen and…”
This is going to be a long visit Alex.
A very long visit.
“We should pick up some beer to take with us, beer always taste good on hot days.”
“You are not going to drink anything with liquor, Alex. Water and Gatorade will do.”
“What about those little drink umbrellas?”
“What do we need those for?”
“For the fun of it… they might even bring a little romance.”
“What did you say?”
“I said you might even stand my company a little.”
“Mr. Harding this is a working relationship, nothing else. So keep your little fingers and toes out of my space. Got it?”
Oh boy.
She’s really riled this time and here you thought you had the upper hand Alex.
Boy was I wrong.
Ok, Jamie, I know when I crossed the line.
Now what can I do to fix this?
“Am I off the hook yet?”
“No.”
“Oh come on Dillian, there’s no hard feeling’s is there? Everything went as planned. You got your girl.”
“Shut up Charley and don’t even think about getting out of your chair.”
“Aaaah… come on Alice you can vouch for me. I’m the good guy. I got you two together, didn’t I?”
“What a lame excuse Charley… Dill, I think we should sick Ray on him.”
“Ya maybe your right Alice, he needs a good lesson on how to treat a lady.”
“Now you guys don’t gang up on me. I only…”
“Shut up Charley!”
“Geesh! I like your company too. Next time I’ll keep my mouth shut.”
“Ok Alice, you agree with all the terms of the agreement I wrote here?”
“Yes Dillian.”
“Good. You sign here and here, Charley your next.”
“Me? I thought I was in the dog house.”
“You are, so you better sign, you’re the witness.”
“You’re a brave little bugger Dillian, tangling with Alice. I guess I can like you a little.”
“Thanks.”
“A word to the wise though, this guppy has claws, be thankful it’s not Jamie, she’s a barracuda.”
“Charley, you make it sound like their a couple of wonder women.”
“They are. It makes me wonder how Alex is surviving. I bet she’s driving him crazy.”
“Probably. Alice you ready? Let’s walk the beach and look for shells. Charley get lost.”
“Sorry, no can do, my Dad’s fond of the girls. In a nut shell Dillian… it means I get permission to watch over you two.”
“Ignore him Dillian.”
“Have fun kiddoes! Don’t walk into any jellyfish!”
“Do I have to?”