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Uncovering Mr. Grey
It's Tuesday afternoon and I'm looking outside my window at another gloomy, gray, March morning in Seattle. I'm trying to sort through the files on my desk and prepare my detectives for their next big case, but for some reason I can't keep myself focused. Business is pretty steady, mostly with the usual cases- clients wanting to know if their spouse is having an affair, investigating stolen property or submitting a few background checks for employers. I don't mind these types of cases. They are a good source of income, but I usually hand them off to either Kate or Jose.
Kate and Jose are my best friends and the only people I trust, apart from my father. They have been with me since I started my business, but we have known each other for years and they are damn good at their jobs. We met at WSU Vancouver my freshman year of college and we have been inseparable ever since.
Kate is my roommate. She studied journalism and I always knew she would be talented. What makes her such an accomplished detective is her ability to spot a great story and her attention to detail, but honestly, most of her success is due to her tenacity. She does not give up and she is a force to be reckoned with if anyone tries to get her to back off.
Jose is one of my dearest friends but he is more like family to me- the brother I never had and always wanted. He majored in engineering, but his true passion has always been photography. He can capture the most beautiful artwork, landscapes and portraits alike, but in my business, it is the quick movements of criminals and cheaters that make his skills so desirable. He can always provide the clearest photos of his subjects caught in the act and that is why I pay him the big bucks.
But the greatest employee I have ever had was my father, Raymond Steele. He was the best investigator out there and I learned so much of my work from him. Ray was a simple man- a good and honorable husband and father who was ex-military and worked in carpentry up until the day he suspected my mother was cheating. He was head over heels in love with her, but she always had an excuse to run out and leave the house for hours. Although we weren't poor, he couldn't afford to hire someone to find out the truth, so he began to do the groundwork himself. It didn't take him long to find out that she was having an affair with a man named Stephen Morton, who used and abused her. Soon after, she divorced him and took half of everything he had, but a brilliant detective was born. He could spot a lying, cheating criminal from a mile away.
When she left, I stayed with Ray and I cut my ties with my mother. I could never understand how she could leave Ray for such a worthless piece of crap. It broke my heart, but it also taught me the greatest lessons I have ever learned- be skeptical and never trust anyone- which I still take to heart today.
I felt terrible for Ray and when I went off to college he was miserable and all alone, but I found my calling. I majored in criminal justice and once I graduated, I started my business, Steele, P.I. Ray was my first employee and he was happy again. We were happy again and working together side by side. But then everything changed when I lost him to a heart attack last year.
Prior to his passing, I would casually date- nothing serious, of course- but after my dad, I gave up on that altogether. I had lost the only man in my life that I could ever truly count on and I couldn't get myself past it. Every man I dated always had something to hide and without Ray there to help me see past all of their empty promises and bull shit, I just couldn't even try anymore.
Instead, I threw myself into my work and today I own one of the most successful private investigation companies in Washington. I have never been more focused and determined, but today I just have a bad feeling. I can't shake this warning blaring in my mind that today is the start of something new. Whether it is good or bad is yet to be determined, but either way, I am sure I am unprepared for it. In a pointless attempt, I try to forget about it and pick up the most recent case file. But five minutes into reading it, I am interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in," I call out, knowing that at this time it is either Kate or Jose.
Sure enough, Kate strolls in and plops down in the chair across me while dropping a closed case file on my desk and grinning like the Cheshire cat.
"No way!" I pick up the file and stare at the name typed on the label. "You closed this case already? But Mr. Simmons just came in yesterday!"
"I know. But you know that I am damn good!" She crosses her legs and leans forward, gripping the armrests in excitement. "Five minutes after I started following Mrs. Jennifer Simmons last night, she get's into her beautiful, brand new 2017 Lexus LS and drives straight to her lover's house, kisses him at the front door, proceeds to go inside wrapped around him and doesn't leave his home until this morning wearing the same designer dress and matching accessories. All the dirty details are in the report, but I got enough pictures of them at the front door to nail the bitch."
"Wow Kate!" I say rifling through the file and gazing at all the photographs. "You are so amazing! Thank you so much!"
"No problem, Steele."
Then unexpectedly she frowns, uncrosses her legs and begins to pace back and forth, clearly upset.
"I just can't believe these people. They have it so damn good. A loyal spouse who treats them like gold and spoils them rotten and what do they do the second they go away on a business trip?"
She stops and raises her hands in frustration, but continues and resumes pacing before I can answer.
"They fucking throw it all away just to bang the gardener!"
I frown, drop the file back on the desk and fold my hands in front of me.
"I know, Kate. It sucks, but that's just how people are. My own mother cheated on Ray. I mean he wasn't the richest man, but he definitely was the most loyal and he did everything he could for her. And for some stupid reason, she left him for a man that beat her and stole from her."
Kate stops pacing and turns back to look at me, her mouth settling into an uncomfortable line. Whatever she must have seen on my face has her backtracking.
"I'm sorry, Ana. I didn't mean your mom."
I shake my head at her and force myself to smile.
"No, Kate. It's okay. She is the same as the rest of them. I just hope I don't turn out anything like her."
She sits down and grabs both my hands in hers.
"Ana you are nothing like your mother. You need to stop worrying about that. I don't know how many times I have to tell you that not everyone is a bad person."
I shrug my shoulders and change the subject. As much as Kate and I agree on, this idea is not one of them. Everyone is out to get someone in this world. It is one of the main reasons why I never get past the second date. Not only am I sure that he will turn out like all the rest, but I am terrified that I will too. I mean, it's in my DNA, surely that isn't something I can change.
"Anyway, I have this new case file for you and Jose to work. It should be pretty easy. I haven't read all the details yet, but it looks like Mrs. O'brien suspects her husband, Peter, is cheating with his secretary. I don't know if you will be able to crack this one in a day though. Apparently she hasn't been able to prove anything by randomly dropping in at his office, but I'm hoping it won't take any longer than three."
Kate smirks at me and takes the file.
"Challenge accepted, boss."
I smile back and she leaves me to my work and my worries.
I glance at the clock. It's about one in the afternoon and I am shocked by how quickly the time has gone. I was eventually able to ignore the festering pit in my stomach and once I regained focus I was able to get quite a bit of work done this morning. The completed cases have been filed, payroll has been submitted for Friday and our workload has been sorted by order of priority. I take a deep breath, sit back in my chair and massage my temples. Now, I can finally relax and take my much needed lunch break. My stomach growls, embarrassingly, in agreement.
I grab the takeout menus from inside my desk drawer and look over my options, but the bell above the main door jingles and I look up expectantly. Kate and Jose are out working on their new case so it must be a client. I stand, smooth my hair and straighten my blouse before entering the lobby. Outside stands a tall man, dressed nicely with reddish blond hair and bright blue eyes smiling in my direction.
"Hello, please come in."
I smile back politely and hold my door open for him. He buttons his suit jacket and runs a hand through his long bangs before entering my office. Once inside, we stand awkwardly at the threshold and continue to smile at one another. Normally, I would close the door for privacy but for some reason my instincts are telling me to leave it open. So instead, I gesture towards the chair in front of my desk and take my seat in front of him. He sits, leans forward and extends his hand out to me to introduce himself as we shake.
"Hello. My name is Jack Hyde. Are you the owner of Steele, P.I.?"
"Yes, Mr. Hyde. I am Anastasia Steele. What can I do for you today?"
"Well, Miss Steele, I am looking for a private investigator to look into a business owner- a rival of mine- and I heard from a friend that you are the best in the business."
He speaks clearly and respectfully, but it sounds like a line perfectly delivered by a skilled actor and I am not entirely sure I believe him. However, I remain professional and hide my natural inclination to frown at him.
"Of course, Sir. No problem. Let me just get the forms and we can get started."
I stand and walk over to my filing cabinet with the uncomfortable feeling that his eyes are following my every move. It is tremendously unsettling and I find myself wishing Kate or Jose would come back early for the day. I cannot put my finger on it, but there is just something about being alone with this man that makes me want to run screaming for the door.
"Here we go," I say as I pull the correct form from the cabinet. "If you could just fill out these forms and give me a little bit of background information we can go from there."
"No problem." He smiles his creepy smile at me again and grabs the clipboard and pen I have placed in front of him.
"So," he begins. "I own a telecommunications company and I have a rival who is trying to destroy and take over my business. Once we sign and date a contract, I will give you more information about him and his business, but for now, that is all I can say."
"Okay… What is it exactly you would like us to do for you?"
"Well Miss Steele, firstly, there is no us. There is only you. I expect you to handle everything entirely by yourself and without help from the other investigators. The fewer people who know about this the better and as the owner, I trust that you alone are the best for this case. I expect your complete cooperation and confidentiality when it comes to this."
His blue eyes penetrate mine as he says every single word and I find myself looking away from his intense gaze. I nod, in understanding, but not in full agreement. Having multiple people on a case this big gives us not only extra eyes and brain power, but a sense of safety and assurance that I alone cannot depend on. I want to explain why this wouldn't be a good idea, but he continues and I resist the urge to interrupt.
"Secondly, what I am looking for exactly is information on the owner himself. He is ruthless and this takeover will be hostile. He is willing to go to any lengths to take my business from me and I intend to do everything in my power to keep it. I am looking for anything I can use to get him to back off and keep his claws away from my company. Even if that means digging into his personal life."
So, in reality, he's looking for information to blackmail someone….
"Well, Mr. Hyde, I am not entirely sure if I can help you with something like this. From what you are describing, it sounds as though you are looking to blackmail someone and I don't necessarily feel comfortable finding and giving that kind of information to you if those are your intentions."
His eyes narrow menacingly for the briefest moment, but become gentle and understanding within seconds- unfortunately for him, not before I can see the anger that flashes behind the glare. I bite my lip and look away in an attempt to calm my nerves, but I can't wait to get this man out of my office.
"I'm sorry if it seems that way. I really just want to protect what is mine. I promise you that I will only use this information if he insists on settling the issue this way- if it is absolutely necessary."
He plasters a phony smile on his face, but his eyes tell it all. He is not taking no for an answer and he intends to use this information any way he damn well pleases. I want to roll my eyes and call bull shit. I cannot do business with a man like this. Not only is he making me question his motives, but he is giving me every reason not to trust him and my mind is made up before he even finishes his sentence.
But my eyes must give me away because before I can decline, he pulls out his briefcase and opens it in my direction. The latches pop open and in front of me is thousands of dollars stacked and placed neatly inside of the case. Holy fuck! There must be at least one hundred thousand dollars in here. Is this some kind of joke? Some kind of bribe?
I glance up nervously and overwhelmed, unsure of what to say.
"Trust me, Anastasia," he says as if we have known each other for years. "I can make this worth your while."
I frown at his casual use of my first name but indecision keeps me from speaking my mind. My heart is telling me to yell, "get the fuck out of my office," but my brain is telling my heart to shut the hell up and take the cash. Not that Steele, P.I. is struggling, but a deposit that large would put us well over our semi-annual projection and that is something I most definitely have to think about
.
"How much money is that, exactly?" I ask, curiously.
"One hundred and twenty five thousand dollars," he says smirking. The triumphant look on his face makes me feel so disgusted that I actually scowl at him, unable to help myself. He knows he has my attention and the fact that I am seriously considering this makes me want vomit in my mouth. I have never taken a bribe before, but then again I have never been offered this kind of money…
"Of course, you will get the other half once we have the information we need to save my company from this… rival of mine." I widen my eyes in surprise as he pauses and lets that sink in.
The other half!? This has got to be some kind of joke. I shake my head in disbelief as I stare incredulously at his face.
"You're willing to pay me two hundred and fifty thousand dollars for information on this guy? You've got to be kidding me."
He folds his hands in front of him, licks his lips and gazes straight into my eyes as if he were a predator and I were his prey.
"Miss Steele, if I may be straight with you… my company is extremely important to me. I have worked my ass off to be where I am today and I don't intend to lose it to some pompous asshole who can't keep his hands to himself. If what I have heard about you and your company is accurate, I believe and trust that this...arrangement... will work in both of our favors. Now, I have laid my cards on the table. Do we have a deal or do you fold?"
He smiles at his poker analogy as I take another glance at the briefcase.
Wow. Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars…. I'd be an idiot not to take a deal like that. This deal alone will boost our profits by at least twenty-five percent this year and will probably draw in more clients than we've seen since we've opened. Plus, what have I got to lose anyway... besides my dignity.
I shake my head and clear that thought from my mind before pasting a fake grin on my face.
"You've got yourself a deal, Mr. Hyde."
I extend my hand out to him and he rubs gentle circles against my knuckles when he takes my hand in his.
"Please...call me Jack," he says as I catch his eyes raking down my body and lingering on the swell of my chest. That uncomfortable need to flee from my office returns, but I keep my poker face and respond with a small smile instead.
I am so going to regret this…
About half an hour later, Mr Hyde- I refuse to call him by his first name- leaves. We have drawn up, signed and dated our contract and I can finally breath again. He has given me the name of the man he wants me to investigate and a brief overview of who he is and his business.
Christian Trevelyan-Grey, is the CEO of Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc., a Telecommunications company in downtown Seattle. He is an exceptional entrepreneur, who in addition to running his own business, partakes in investments and manufacturing. He is best known for buying underperforming companies and either fixing them or selling off their assets to the highest bidder. He dominates the business world and is currently ranked number 8 on the Forbes Five Hundred list with a net worth of $2.2 billion…
Holy fuck…
From what I have just read, this is going to be a very difficult man to get close to. He probably has several bodyguards and a whole security team working to protect his company and keep him safe. Cracking into his database and email will be impossible, even with the help of Kate and Jose, who I am not allowed to provide any information to, as per our contract, clause three.
This whole case is going to be hopeless and Mr. Hyde expects weekly updates. Not to mention, it has been about a year and a half since I have actually been in the field. Usually I sit behind my desk submitting files and performing managerial duties while Kate and Jose go undercover, follow the subject and take notes and photographs.
What have I got myself into…
Before I can continue reading any further, my stomach grumbles loudly again, letting me know that it is way past my lunch break. I check the time. 2:55 p.m. I toss the take-out menus back into the bottom drawer of my desk and grab my purse. I need to clear my head before I jump into a case like this.
Taking my keys from the middle pocket in my purse, I stand and make my way towards the front door. After locking up the office, I decide on some much needed alone time - and on a much needed happy hour- at my favorite sushi restaurant. I get in my car and make the short drive to Sushi Kashiba.
Two Weeks Later…
"Fuck!"
I'm sitting at my desk with my head in my hands, trying to dull the ever persistent migraine that's coming on. It's been a couple of weeks and I can't seem to find anything on the elusive Christian Grey, other than what is available online and it is driving me crazy. His security seems to be tighter than the Pentagon's for Christ's sake! I understand that he is an important figure in society, but why go to so much trouble to hide so much of your personal life. This man is either paranoid or he definitely has something to hide.
I have poured over countless websites, but none of them have been very helpful. Aside from his business adventures, all I was able to discover about his childhood was that he was adopted by the Grey's- a very prominent family- at age four, as were his older brother, Elliot, and his younger sister, Mia. His father, Carrick Grey, is an incredibly successful lawyer and his mother, Dr. Grace Trevelyan-Grey, is a very sought out, pediatrician. Even after digging a little deeper, the only things I managed to learn via public records, were that he was born in Detroit to Ella Montgomery, his biological father is unknown and that he was kicked out of three schools for fighting.
Apparently, he was a very angry teenager, but he seemed to have gotten his life together when he was about 15. He graduated top of his class and was accepted into Harvard University to study Politics and Economics, although he dropped out 2 years later to start his business.
I admit that when I first Googled him, I was taken aback by how young and successful he is. And if I'm being totally honest, the man is HOT! However, it's quite odd that as gorgeous and successful as he is, he's never been photographed with a woman besides business partners and family members. A man like him, I'm sure has to have an abundance of women after him. So, why has he never been spotted on a date or tagged in some hopeless relationship?
Then a thought occurs to me. Perhaps he's gay and that's why he needs to be so vigilant about his privacy… It's possible that to maintain relationships with older, more conservative businessmen he chooses to hide that particular fact about himself to avoid judgement or prejudice. Or perhaps he's into some really weird, kinky shit. I remember reading Kate's research paper on BDSM for her Women's Studies course and shiver in disgust. That would definitely be a reason to keep his private life private. Well… whatever it is he's hiding, I need to figure it out before Mr. Hyde gives me an earful.
Speaking of which, I can't believe I actually accepted this job from him. Hyde gives me the creeps and he has been nothing but rude since we signed our contract! He has been calling every other day, demanding information when our contract clearly states weekly updates. It almost makes me want to tear it up and give him back all his money. But, of course I won't. Not just yet, anyway. It is so much money. I couldn't turn it down then and I don't want to give it back now. I could hire at least one more person and maybe we can even move into a bigger and better office.
But, I won't use the money. Even though I am entitled to this half of the money, regardless of what I find and share, I want to be sure that the information won't be used for blackmail without provocation. I know that my job is to find things out about people, but my information has never been used for anything sinister, and there's something about him that I just don't trust. Since the first moment he opened his mouth, I felt like he was lying about his intentions. So in the meantime, I'll be careful with what I decide to share with him.
Now if I could just figure out how to get the information, without arousing suspicion from Grey, that would be great. But, there lies the problem: how do I go about doing it without being trampled by one of his goons?
My head pulsates as I reach for the bottle of Advil.
"Damn it!" I yell out in aggravation.
"What's wrong, Ana?" Kate rushes into my office.
"It's this new case I'm working on. It's got me so frustrated that I'm literally going through a bottle of ibuprofen a week." I hiss out, throwing the empty bottle in the trash.
Kate frowns sympathetically.
"What's the problem, exactly? Maybe I can help," she offers.
"I'm suppose to find out some information about a very private, prominent person, but their security is top notch and I can't get around it. We need to get a hacker on payroll."
I try to laugh but just end up wincing. I'm joking, of course, since I can't tell anyone who he is, but that just seems to make my head throb even more painfully.
"Well, who is the person?" She inquires.
I wonder if there is anything that I can possibly say without giving too much away. I mean maybe she can help me come up with something, but contractually, I am not allowed to tell her anything.
"Kate, this is an extremely confidential case. You know that I can't say too much and I definitely can't tell you who it is. But, I have to come up with a plan. This person's security is so tight and I just can't get anywhere. Maybe, I can break into his place and hide out for a couple of days." I laugh at myself, despite the pounding ache in my skull.
Kate gives me her signature grin.
"Oh no! I know that look, Kate!"
I know at that moment she's come up with something and I know for a fact that I am not going to like it.
"Well, you know," she says, innocently. "It wouldn't be the first time you go undercover. I mean if it's a male then maybe you can try to "date" him." She continues, using her air quotes.
"Are you crazy!? I can't do that!"
"Why not?"
Because A, the man is probably gay and has no interest in women, or B, he has some sick sexual predilections that I have no chance in hell of satisfying because let's face it, I'm a 25 year old virgin with little to no sexual experience and C, what in the world would a man like that want with a woman like me, even if he is straight… not a damn thing, that's what.
I roll my eyes at her.
"Because, it's not something I'm willing to do! I know I've pretended to be someone else to get pictures or to spy on someone, but this is different! I have NEVER been personally involved with anyone to get intel!" I shout, irritated by her ridiculous suggestion.
"Well there's a first time for everything, Steele! You know it would just be as a last resort. It's obvious you're having a hard time trying to get anything on this guy. I mean you've gone through like five bottles of Advil since you started this case and I'm worried about your liver."
She winks and laughs at me.
"Haha, Kate. Very funny."
I try to scowl at her, but her laugh is so contagious that I can't contain my smile. She reaches out and grabs my hand in hers.
"Why don't you follow him for a couple of days and learn his routine. You're great at being discreet. And if you find an opportune moment where you can "accidentally" bump into him and get to know him a little better, go for it."
"I don't know. I don't think I can do it. I mean I'd have to really go deep. What if the poor guy falls for me?"
Or worse, what if I fall for him?
No, Ana. That's impossible. You know better than that. You know better than to fall for any man, especially one of his caliber.
"I'm not saying you have to marry the guy, Ana! Just think about it. Anyway, I gotta go. I got an internship at Mr. O'brien's office and I can't be late. I'll talk to you later, ok?"
"Sure. I'll think about it. Good luck on your case."
"Thanks, babe. Bye!"
"Bye."
I lean my head back on my chair and take a deep breath. Can I really do that? No, of course I can't. Kate is crazy. There is no way I can pull something like that off. There has to be another way to go about it. I close my eyes for a few minutes and try not to think about accidentally running into Christian Grey in the supermarket. I scoff at myself out loud. Yeah, right. Like he goes to the supermarket. I'm sure he has dozens of people who tie his shoes, let alone grocery shop. But then my ringing phone brings me out of my wayward thoughts.
"Hello, Anastasia Steele speaking."
"Hello, Ana. This is Jack Hyde. It's been a couple of days and I haven't heard from you. I hope you have some good news for me. Tell me, what have you uncovered?" he asks, irritatingly sarcastic.
I roll my eyes at the phone as though he can see me. Ugh! One! It's been one day, Hyde! Can't you give me a damn second to breathe.
"Mr. Hyde, I'm sorry to inform you but my answer is the same as it was yesterday. I don't have anything on Mr. Grey, yet. You picked a very difficult man to be the rival of. He is not someone I can easily crack open."
"Well, you are supposed to be the best in Seattle, aren't you Miss Steele?" He taunts me, condescendingly.
"Yes, I am. But, you fail to realize that Mr. Grey has very tight security. It hasn't been easy to get anything on him. I'm going to need more time and I can't do my job with you calling me every 24 hours for an update. Our contract states weekly updates, not daily."
"Well, Anastasia, I'm not a very patient man. I need results quickly! If you can't get anything soon, perhaps I should take my money and my business elsewhere." He snaps.
Fuck! I hate how he spits my name with such contempt. He is such an asshole! Not to mention, legally you can't take the initial money you've given me unless you want to meet me in court, jackass! I am seething with anger, but instead of making a bad situation worse, I decide to play nice and rein in my rage.
"No Mr. Hyde, that won't be necessary. I have a plan, but I'm going to need time. Trust me, I'll get you what you need." I assure him.
"Very well, I will check with you next week and you better be making progress by then! Good day, Miss Steele." He hangs up and his threat actually frightens me.
Shit! Now, what?
I rub my hands on my face feeling so exasperated that I can't even think straight. The only plan in my mind is Kate's less than palatable suggestion blaring at me at full volume. Damn it, I can't believe it but I'm actually considering Kate's idea! Can I even pull something like this off? I've never had to be personally involved with anyone I'm investigating. Hell, I've never really been personally involved with someone I'm not investigating. Especially not with someone as gorgeous. I mean, obviously I'd keep it professional. How hard can it be? Ugh, fuck it! I need this money for my company and for my employees.
I take a deep breath and finally come to the conclusion that I'm going to try and infiltrate myself into Christian Grey's life somehow. Somewhere deep down inside though, I feel like I'm setting myself up for a tremendous downfall. This plan is riding on the hopes that I can actually get this man to take a second glance at me, assuming he isn't gay, which I'm still not even sure about.
I'm going to have to swallow my pride and ask Kate for some help in the makeup and clothing department. Something she has been dying to help me with for years and something that I have been dreading for years. The thought of her waxing, buffing and concealing every inch of my body almost has me running in the opposite direction. But, I'm great at what I do. I am a professional. I can do this and I always get the information I need- one way or another.
Christian Grey has just become my biggest and hardest challenge, yet, but I will uncover what that unattainably handsome man has been hiding for so long, even if it's the last thing I do.
Christian Grey is about to meet Ana Spector!