~WAHSHEN ~
HOURS AGO
I alighted from the limo. Sapphire Crescent hotel and its exquisite decor took my breath away for a moment. When my secretary said this place was the best spot, I didn't doubt it. From the upmarket carpeting to the plush cushion on the lounge, the luxury making of the dinner and the electric feeling that Jazz music sparked in the air as it played somewhere in the room.
I had booked a private suite. I instructed the waitress to play one of Frank Sinatra's tracks while I eyed my company. Sinatra's delicate, vintage excitement hidden in music brought the perfect feel to the room- Formal, charged and relaxing.
I wasn't the only one feeling it. The guests settled into the mood too as they sat across me in a reddish-brown posh cushion. A peculiar brand of wine was served - a gentle blend of grape and alcohol, refined to leave a tingle and a desire for more.
'Rule number one in a business meeting. Comfort makes people patient and eager to listen'. My self-taught reminder lingered in my ears, as I watched the guests fine-tuning their files on the table.
"Good evening. I believe this is everyone." I spoke first, an air of confidence about my voice and the smile tarrying on my lips.
"Mr. Gravestone." One of the men extended his hand which I took lightly. The others retained a keep-to-self demeanour, as if the obviously palatable cool in the room did not faze them.
"It is very good to meet you all. That you came all the way here leaves me in nothing short of immense gratitude." I flashed them a lavished smile, uncovering and exhibiting the English I had learnt so diligently in school.
"Well, not to take your time, I will cut to the chase. Kimberly Memorial High school no longer needs any of you. Please vacate your offices within three days."
I held up a broad smile, my eyes full of light while the guests in front of me shuffled with flushed faces and grumpy tones of anger.
"How dare you call us here to say something like that? Have you no respect?" The woman amongst them threw the words at me like she was scolding a misfit child.
"For all of you? No, not at all. In fact, it took every fibre in my body to accord you some decency." I kept up the cool, indifferent tone. They stared wide-eyed at me. My bold utterances stung their ears.
"You sly little thing." Another snapped at me. The smile on my face vanished.
"Sly?"
I shook my head, wearing a look of utter disappointment. While they were lost in wonder as to what I was going to do next, I took my time to pop open my briefcase, sanitize my hand and wipe it. The man who had shook me, blew up with fury. He sprang from the cushion and slapped a hand on the table.
"Never had I been treated with such disregard."
He was sitting at the extreme so conveniently he lunged for the door.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Believe me your life depends on the outcome of this meeting."
He stopped, hobbled around a little and then returned to sit back down. His pride bruised.
"The school trusted you all, when it was down and out and when it was growing, with hope that you could keep it alive but you did was drain it like the leeches you are. Well, I am here to save the school from all of you so kindly get out of the way; for Me."
"I have taken the liberty to print your resignation letters as well as a court service because I am suing you all for embezzlement."
I lifted the papers and rested them on the table. They scampered for it, each picking up a copy. As expected, they read through the remedies I was asking for, first.
"Five billion in pounds, outrageous!!" one jaw-dropped, staring ghostly at the paper.
"And the list goes on." another noticed, his voice laced with disbelief.
"Good, you are observant. Now let's not beat about the bush." I clasped my hands together, leering close.
"If I go ahead to pursue this, I will win. I think you all know that too well, but I am willing to reconsider on one condition."
"What's that?" the woman asked, in a whisper of dread.
"Return your shares along with 1 billion in pounds for atonement." Gasps filled the room, curses too. They were fuming with anger and glaring daggers at me. I remain composed and unfazed; my expression unreadable.
Frank Sinatra played on, transitioning smoothly from song to song until it was nearing the last track. At the same time, I was pouring myself a drink, the signed documents scattered before me. I took one more glance at it and shook my head in pity. Adults really shouldn't live dirty lives. People like me are out there. We will exploit their weaknesses. I let the liquor slid down my throat, relishing in its burning sensation. Someone knocked, interrupting my peace.
I looked over the glass, at the door. George was behind it, still as a statue.
"Come in George."
The glass exit was pushed aside and George stepped in. "Mr. Gravestone, its ready."
I squinted my eyes in surprise. "That was fast."
I shuffled on the seat, picking up everything I needed. George joined me, bagging the glass cup too, the only object on the scene that retained my DNA.
"So, I can go pay the English girl a visit now?" I asked in a tone as sly and evil as my intentions. George nodded, walking out with me. It was still midday. I had time. George drove me in the Lamborghini but he parked far away from the school. As planned, a female teacher was already waiting at the principal's office when I arrived. She escorted me to the girl's dorm and then, left with a pay check that was enough to make her disappear from the face of the earth entirely.
Now, I was alone, walking up the back stairwell that was only used as a fire escape, the disgusting smirk on the teacher's face as she sold off information of a student she ought to protect, made my gut twist. I found myself shaking my head to get the thought out of my mind.
I had gotten to my destination. I pushed the door open to step in, at the same time the sound of a crash echoed through the room.
I froze.
I heard staggering footsteps and then the sound of someone colliding with something. I leaned in a little; that person's gasps filled my ears, frantic gasps.
Then I heard a girl's voice.
"No. No. No. This isn't supposed to happen. You are not supposed to get stabbed."
I burst into the room, and was across the room instantly, gun in hand. "Not a sound." I said to the girl. She freaked and jolted away from the body immediately saw me, her legs meeting the bed frame at the same time our eyes crossed.
At that moment, the shock I felt before was replaced by a heart-stopping realization. My hands began to grow weary when I saw her face. Unconsciously a word fell out of my mouth.
'Sierra?'