A/N: I'm sorry for the delay. Please look into my profile for further news on updates. I hope you enjoy this chapter it's much longer than the others and I sincerely hope it's worth the wait.
One moment in time
By Stunstar
Chapter 4: Hanging by a thread
Beep: Hi Ray, its Michael. You didn't report for work today and I've been trying to reach you all day but I'm only getting your machine. So just give me a call when you get this message, will you? Take care, bye:
Beep: Hey, Michael here. You didn't report for work even today; I hope everything is good. I need to talk to you about work, there's going to be a convention and you have a lot of work to do, call me back okay? Bye:
Beep: Hello Ray, it's Michael again. Where are you? I've been trying to reach you for such a long time…Didn't you get my message earlier this evening? Get back to me when you get this message okay? :
Beep: Ray? Are you there? Gods, answer your phone already! This is the third day you've skipped work. Oliver's in town and he's going nuts. Some important Russian officials are coming over. You are needed here, Ray. At least call if you can't make it. If there's no news from you soon I'm personally coming over:
"So are you going to work today?" Max asked. Ray nodded accepting the cup of tea that his friend offered him. It was early morning, three days after the attack and both friends were conversing in Ray's kitchen over breakfast, except that Ray had had absolutely no appetite the last few days which had been a cause of great concern for Max, who had stayed over at Ray's after he heard the news. It had taken him several minutes that evening of the attack to convince Ray to unbolt the door and let him in.
"Well, that's good to hear. From those messages I'd say your manager is going berserk. Why didn't you call him back? He must have gotten so worried." Ray just shrugged and sipped the hot liquid.
"Hmmm… well, you did go to the doctor, didn't you? What did he say?"
"He said there's nothing major to worry about. It's just muscle strain and he said the bruises will disappear soon, it's almost gone…" he trailed off absentmindedly rubbing his neck and took another sip of his tea while Max sat down on a chair facing him, worry creasing his forehead slightly. "He also said that I should report this to the police."
"Well, I think he said the right thing. You were attacked Ray! That guy tried to strangle you!"
Ray sighed, "I know, I just don't want unnecessary trouble. I've told you what happened about a million times Max. Now drop it!" He added the last sentence a tad sharply as Max opened his mouth to argue the same argument they had had over a million times the past three days.
Ray's expression softened slightly knowing that Max was only looking out for him. He patted Max's hand with a reassuring smile, "It was just a mishap Max. I'm fine now. I just need to resume normal life and hopefully everything will be fine. Thanks for being there for me."
Max smiled back and winked, "Oh you owe me big time. How about coming out with me for some fun tonight, what say?"
"Deal."
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When Ray entered Monsieur Oliver's he saw Michael talking to one of the staff members and immediately felt a sense of guilt for not answering or returning any of his calls. Michael caught sight of Ray and immediately dismissed the employee he was talking to and hurried over to Ray his expression a mixture of relief and annoyance.
"What the hell Ray?! Where in God's name have you been these three days and that too without so much as informing me? It was your duty Ray not only as an employee but as a friend! Oliver's been eating my head since he arrived and you know the tantrums that guy throws. You would have been fired if Oliver wasn't crazy about your food. I was going to come over today incase you didn't show up. You-"
"Whoa, whoa!" Ray said hurriedly to block the tirade and holding his hands up defensively. "Chill Michael, I'm sorry. Something happened and-"
"There you are Ray! You had us all worried."
Both Michael and Ray turned at hearing the contemptuous drawl. Michael's face took an immediate scowl which he didn't care to hide as King headed their way.
"What happened to you Ray? Someone keep you up at nights?" King asked his eyes raking Ray up and down in too conspicuous a manner.
"What are you doing here King? It's not your department," Michael growled, he never concealed his hatred for the Floor Manager.
There wasn't a single person in the entire hotel who actually liked King. He also introduced himself as just "King" a single name like "Cher". Nobody knew all that much about him either except that he had a wife by name of Queen who was just as detestable as him. They made a good pair, possibly because nobody else wanted to have anything to do with them.
"Don't get your underwear in a knot Parker. I am speaking to Ray," he then blocked Michael out entirely and faced Ray, "Oliver asked me to fetch you Ray. He is in the Executive section of our terrace restaurant. Let me escort you," he added with unwanted gallantry.
"I can find my own way, thanks," Ray replied coolly ignoring the proffered arm.
"Your loss." King disappeared with a wink.
Michael glared after him, "Bloody bastard. King is he? I'd like to crown him one!"
"Don't let him get to you Michael," Ray said quietly. "I'll catch you later. I have to go see what Oliver wants. He'll probably chew my brains out for not priorly informing him of my absence. You were right if I wasn't so darned good at my job I'd probably be getting the sack."
With that Ray made a beeline for the lift and pressed a button and closed his eyes as the doors dinged shut. He was the only one in the lift a fact he was very glad about; his head had started throbbing for no apparent reason and he hoped Oliver wasn't too mad, he didn't think he was in the right state to be yelled at.
He arrived at the terrace restaurant, which was a wonderful place to dine at as it offered a view of the entire city around it, and headed for the executive section which by name of course meant it was exclusive and expensive. Oliver was a very different person from other owners of large businesses; he preferred talking to his employees personally if he felt the need to rather than operate through managers.
Ray spotted him seated alone at one of the tables going through some files.
He approached him, "Good morning, Oliver. Listen I'm-" before he could complete his sentence or offer any explanations Oliver waved his hand in an absentminded way.
"Take a seat, Ray," Ray did as told. Oliver closed the files he had been going through and leaned forward slightly smiling at Ray. Ray was one of his favourites among all his employees and he never insisted on formalities between them; although he was rather envious of the fact that despite having extraordinary culinary skills himself Ray by far excelled him in the field. But that didn't stop him from taking a liking to the mild-mannered and charming personality.
"I know you probably had a very good reason for skipping work so I don't want any explanations. It is coming out of your next pay check though," he added with a grin. Ray had to give an indulgent smile.
"Oliver, I heard from Michael that you wanted to see me. He said something about some Russian officials coming over or something…" he trailed off knowing Oliver would clue him in.
"Oh yes, we are having very important guests over. Have you heard of Voltaire Hiwatari?"
Ray frowned slightly as he replied, "Isn't he that Russian bigwig? He is the sole proprietor of one of the biggest conglomerates in the world if I'm not mistaken."
Oliver beamed, "No you are not mistaken. He is holding a convention here at our hotel and it's a very big event for us. You know it's your job to impress them in the food department. I know you'll make me proud. It'll be held on the 15th not many days left now. Before I forget I have set up a meeting with Boris Balcov now."
"Who is that?"
Oliver gave an admonitory shake of his head, "Ray, don't be so ignorant. Mr. Balcov is just as big and important a personality as Mr. Hiwatari. He has a huge business and is thinking of starting his own hotel chain. He might become a tough competitor for me soon."
"But what does he want with me?" Ray asked curiously.
"I'm not sure myself, he just told me he wants to meet you and he didn't offer any explanations," Oliver pursed his lips slightly, "he better not be thinking of hiring you. Whatever the perks he offers don't give in Ray," he added with a grin.
Ray chuckled, it felt good to be treated with this much importance. But he couldn't help wondering what Boris Balcov would want with him.
"Ah, there he is!" Ray came out of his thoughts at Oliver's exclamation and automatically got up just as Oliver had to greet his guest. Ray didn't know what exactly it was, perhaps instinct, but the moment he set eyes on the tall, imposing figure of Boris Balcov he became wary. And it wasn't just caution, there was something about the man that didn't quite feel right and it made Ray uncomfortable.
"Mr. Balcov this is Ray Kon, Ray meet Mr. Boris Balcov," Oliver said introducing the two.
"It's a pleasure Mr. Kon, I've been looking forward to meeting you," Boris said shaking Ray's hand.
"Thank you, the pleasure is mine, I'm sure," Ray replied with automatic courtesy although he felt anything but pleasure. They sat down and Oliver ordered breakfast; Ray politely declined by saying he had already had breakfast and instead settled for some coffee.
Ray sat quietly as Oliver conversed with Boris. He wasn't particularly interested and tuned out their conversation which mostly consisted of business matters. He didn't feel all that comfortable sitting there and wondered what this Boris person wanted with him. After what felt like an eternity Oliver got up and shook hands with Boris. Ray made to get up along with him but Oliver gestured for him to remain seated.
"Mr. Balcov wants to talk with you Ray. I'll see you later I have other matters to attend to." With that Oliver left leaving Ray alone with Boris who was staring at him intently. Ray stared back but couldn't discern and expression in the bland face.
Boris leaned forward slightly his elbows on the table and fingers intertwined under his chin. "Ray…," he trailed off as though testing the name on his tongue. Ray fidgeted slightly but waited for him to continue.
"I won't beat around the bush Ray, I was wondering if you'd be interested in a little business proposition, I'll make it worth your while."
Ray stared at him eyes slightly narrowed, "depends on the terms of your proposition… sir."
Boris chuckled softly, "I doubt you'll refuse Ray, for you see I know what you desire." Ray opened his mouth but Boris continued before he had a chance to speak up, "I heard that you badly want to own a restaurant of your own."
Ray stared at him surprised, "how did you…," but Boris cut in, "I have my sources." He leaned back studying Ray and he saw the young man before him start to smolder.
"I don't appreciate people spying on me," he growled.
"Calm down Ray, pardon me if you think I was spying on you. I merely had your best interests at heart. I'm sorry if I seem to have rubbed you the wrong way; maybe I wasn't good in my approach. Let me start over, I had heard about your excellence in cooking and I have also experienced it and I believe that such talent should be encouraged. As you must have heard from Oliver I want to own a chain of hotels myself and if you work for me for sometime I will be very happy to provide you with the financial backing you require to start a restaurant of your own."
Ray sat silently pondering over the man's words, it was extremely tempting but – "Mr. Balcov, I want to know what you will be getting out of doing this."
Boris looked carefully at Ray's suspicious expression, "I don't understand what you are trying to say, Ray."
Ray took a deep breath, "Well, it seems to me that this proposition of yours is all for my advantage, what will you get out of it? I doubt a person like yourself will do anything without expecting something in return." He didn't care if he sounded too blunt.
Boris smiled although Ray felt it was more like a leer, "You are a smart person, Ray and yes, you are right I'm not the kind who does anything without expecting something in return. Like I said I'm just going to start a hotel business and in order to be a success I need the best of everything and that's where you come in. Once my business becomes profitable and you have helped train other young chefs I'll give you what you want."
Ray stared at him dubiously still not altogether convinced. Boris noticed his expression and realized that for the time being this wasn't going to work. He looked at his watch and sighed.
"I'm afraid I'm getting late, Ray. I know you probably need time to think so I'll give it to you. I'll be staying here till two days after the convention and maybe you can come meet me on the 16th and we can discuss it further."
He got up and Ray stood up as well, he offered his arm to Ray and shook it firmly. Before leaving he turned back and said softly, "Just think Ray, in less than a year your most cherished dream could come true."
Ray stared after him pondering over his words.
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Kai was bored out of his mind. The convention had dragged on all day and he wasn't the least bit interested in it. He neither knew nor cared about techniques of improvement, employee management and other such things that were being discussed. The only thing he cared about was having a conversation with Ray who had piqued his curiosity so much he just had to have it satiated. But so far he hadn't even so much as got a glimpse of Ray. He was probably busy what with having to prepare food for the convention as well as keep the hotel's restaurants and room service being provided for.
The breakfast, lunch and tea had been excellent and a slight smirk had crossed Kai's face at the thought of Tyson who would go green with envy should Kai describe it to him. He looked at his watch, it was well past eight and he knew that in sometime dinner would be served as well and then the convention would come to an end. He couldn't believe that he had actually attended one of these, of course the only reason had been to talk to Ray but Kai had a feeling he would have to go searching for Ray himself, it didn't look as though he would run into him here; and it would have served just as well if he had come any other day instead of coming for the stupid convention.
After what seemed like an eternity dinner was served and as other guests busied themselves with eating the food Kai left the room quietly. Thankfully no one stopped him; his grandfather had been so pleased to see Kai there that he would probably stop being on his grandson's case for sometime at least.
He reached the ground floor soon enough and entered the restaurant. It was empty except for the staff members cleaning up. It had just closed for the night: the convention had dragged on forever. Kai made his way to the kitchen hoping that Ray was in there. One of the waiters stopped cleaning and approached Kai, "I'm sorry Sir the restaurant is closed and only the staff is allowed inside the kitchen premises."
Kai stared at him coldly, "I have to meet with your head chef."
The waiter looked at the door hesitantly, "Sir, I don't know, maybe you should talk with our manager first…" but Kai had already disappeared through the door.
The kitchen was a massive room, with a gigantic refrigerator to one side, huge tables with cutting boards, cooking utensils of various sizes and shapes arranged neatly, huge boilers, stoves and other implements. Sounds of utensils clanging could be heard from an adjoining room. Kai found Ray alone in the main area with his eyes closed sitting in a chair that was leaning back on its two hind legs against one of the tables. Kai approached him softly just then the door opened again and the waiter who had stopped Kai entered behind him.
"Sir you can't just walk in like that."
The sudden noise startled Ray, his eyes opened and he sat up straight making the chair fall back on all four legs with a crash. He closed his eyes involuntarily at the impact and then got up and whirled around annoyed at the interruption but his eyes widened in surprised recognition at the sight of Kai.
"What are you doing here?"
Kai shrugged, "I wanted to meet you. But this guy here," he jerked his head towards the waiter, "seems to be having a problem."
The waiter hurried over to Ray's side at the accusation, "Ray, I was just telling this guy that only members of the staff are allowed in the kitchen and it's after hours as well."
"Its okay, Andrew," Ray said, "I know him. You go on and finish your work, it's late and you should be heading home." When the young waiter left Ray turned to Kai and offered him the chair he had been previously occupying and sat himself on the table in front of the chair so that he'd be facing Kai.
"I'd suggest we go some other place if you want to talk but they are cleaning up the restaurant and I can't leave as yet," Ray explained. He studied Kai inquisitively, the young lawyer looked different from the last time he saw him. Even today he was wearing formals but he had abandoned the business suit, and the top two buttons of his white shirt was carelessly open as though putting them on stifled him. His hair was as unruly as it was the last time and Ray wondered if it was ever tidy. But the thing that captivated him was the man's wine-coloured eyes which were currently fixated only on him.
"That's ok," said Kai shortly as he studied Ray. The young man in front of him rubbed his hands over his face tiredly and stifled a yawn.
"You look beat," Kai stated.
Ray gave a weary smile, "It's not easy supervising dozens of chefs and waiters all day not to mention that I've been working my ass off for the past few days because of the convention. I've been here since six this morning." Then he cocked his head to one side as he always did when he was curious, "but I doubt you came just to comment on my work. What brings you here?"
"I believe I have something that belongs to you," Kai replied.
"Something that belongs to me?" Ray asked confused. "If I'm not mistaken I only met you once back in your office and I'm positive that I wasn't carrying anything with me that I could have left behind."
"You are right, you didn't leave anything in my office but you did drop something when you bumped into me at the park one evening."
He took out the book that he had been carrying with him and reaching forward deposited it next to Ray on the table. Ray gazed at it and his eyes widened as comprehension dawned on him, "That was you?" he gasped, the book had completely slipped out of his mind and so had the fact that he had walked headlong into someone during his mad dash – until now.
Kai merely nodded. Ray fidgeted and avoided his gaze. There was silence for sometime and then Kai spoke up quietly, "you were absolutely terrified. What happened, maybe I can help?" Kai surprised himself by his offer to help someone who was more or less a total stranger; the only other time he did that was to clients but that was purely professional. Somehow Ray's situation seemed more personal…he just couldn't figure it out himself, there was something about Ray; even now sitting there in front of him he seemed… vulnerable.
But Ray who had so far been avoiding the man in front of him looked at him sharply as he heard him, "I don't even know you," he said warily.
"I'm aware of that, but I don't see why we can't change that."
Ray looked at him dubiously, "look, getting to know each other is one thing but trusting each other and confiding is something that takes time."
Before Kai could respond to that the door opened again and the young waiter Andrew poked his head in. He made a beeline for Ray looking relieved, a small white envelope was clutched in his hand.
"I'm glad you're still here Ray. One of the bell boys dropped this envelope off for you saying it was from a Mr. Balcov." Ray thanked him and took the envelope, wondering vaguely what it could be.
"We are done with the cleaning as well; you want any work done here?" Andrew asked.
Ray shook his head, "No, you can head on home; I'll be out of here in a few minutes myself."
"Okay, goodnight."
"Goodnight." Andrew left and Ray opened the envelope. He read it and his eyes widened in interest. In the formal letter Boris stated that if Ray would come meet him the following evening he would also have his financiers with him and if Ray was interested he could discuss freely about his plans for the restaurant all he had to do was work with Boris under a one-year contract and there was no compulsion and Ray could back out if he desired. It seemed feasible enough, and definitely worth looking into after all what was the harm in one small meeting?
"You are in touch with Boris Balcov?" Kai's icy voice made Ray realize all of a sudden that the Russian was still there. His sudden change in demeanor surprised Ray, Kai seemed to have tensed.
"Actually I only met him yesterday. Oliver introduced me to him and Boris seems interested in hiring me."
"And no doubt he is offering you some perks that you find very tempting," Kai growled, his gaze was directed away from Ray and into the distance.
"How did you know?" Ray blurted.
"I've known Boris Balcov for many years. He used to work for my grandfather before he decided to go on his own. I can't say he is one of my favourite people." He directed his gaze back to Ray, "What did he ask of you?" he asked gesturing to the note still clutched in Ray hand.
"He wants me to meet up with him and his financiers tomorrow."
"And you're going?"
Ray shrugged, "what's the harm?"
Kai sighed and got up so that he was looking directly into Ray's golden eyes, "Ray, I know that we have only just met and that we hardly know each other. But trust me on this one, Boris is not a nice person, and that's putting it very lightly. Everything he does is for his own gain. It's your wish if you want to meet with him but," he paused then added very softly, "promise me you'll be careful?"
Ray stared at him surprised at the sudden soft almost anxious note in Kai's voice. He wasn't really sure why Kai cared or even if he did, but something in his voice made him nod, "don't worry I can take care of myself." As he said it an alley and the feeling of being strangled crossed his mind for a brief second and he closed his eyes and shuddered slightly.
The door opened once again drawing both their attention towards it and a middle aged woman bustled through pushing a trolley laden with used dishes. She smiled at Ray, "busy day isn't it? The convention people finally finished, what a late dinner!" she exclaimed wearily. "We have another whole cartload of dishes to wash; the others are going to bring it in sometime."
Sighing Ray hopped off the table, "yeah I know," he said, "I was just waiting for them so I could get this over with and then head on home." He rubbed his eyes and yawned again. The woman looked at him with concern, "why don't you go home then Ray? This is hardly your department; I'll supervise the cleaning."
"You are godsend, Patty," he said grinning and gave the woman a quick affectionate hug.
"Anyone could just look at you and fall over themselves to help you out," she replied her eyes twinkling.
Ray rolled his eyes at the comment, "I should wish," he said wistfully. The woman noticed Kai and smiled mischievously at Ray, "who's your handsome friend?" she asked in a whisper.
"You're married, Patty," he replied with a laugh.
"That's one of the tragedies of life," she mock sighed and walked away towards the adjoining room wheeling the cart with her.
Ray turned back to Kai who had been standing leaning against the table with his arms crossed all the while.
"My work is done I don't see why we have to waste more time here. Come on, I'll walk you to your car," he said with a smile. Kai nodded and Ray grabbing his coat off the rack in a corner started walking out with him then doubled back and grabbed the book that Kai had so thoughtfully returned and stuffing it in his pocket went out to join Kai who had been waiting for him just outside the door.
"I wanted to ask you something Kai," Ray said as they walked across the lobby towards the entrance. Kai glanced at him once before nodding for him to continue.
"Well, I wanted to know why-," he broke off not really sure how to put his thoughts into words.
"You want to know why I'm meddling in your life when I don't even know you," Kai finished for him without looking at the person walking beside him. Ray frowned and looked carefully at Kai trying to discern what was going on in the other's mind.
He shook his head sincerely, "that wasn't what I meant at all. I want to know the reason behind your curiosity. You're very curious about me aren't you?" Although he had asked it as a question Ray was more or less positive about what he had just said. He wasn't sure how he knew it, especially when Kai hardly gave anything away through his expressions or words, but he just knew it.
But Kai didn't reply even as they reached his car in the parking lot. He merely stood gazing into the distance. He was actually surprised that Ray understood him when most people struggled all their life to know what was going on with him. Was he that free around the young Chinese man? Or was Ray just very intuitive?
Ray waited for sometime then shifted slightly from foot to foot at the continuing silence. After sometime he decided to break it, "I know I act like a weirdo sometimes-"
"Ray," Kai interrupted, "I'm not used to people realizing what I'm thinking about. I don't know if you just guessed it or what but you're right, I'm curious; very curious in fact."
Ray sighed, "and I can't blame I gave you every reason to be. I'm not up to it right now Kai but I will explain myself to you someday." He smiled and extended his hand, "I do hope we can be good friends." Kai stared at him for a moment then nodded and grasped the extended hand and shook it.
"It was nice running into you again," Kai said with a smirk and then opened the door to his car and got in.
Ray grinned back, "I wish to do so again but hopefully not literally." Something of a chuckle escaped Kai's lips as he shut the door. Ray watched as the engine purred to life but the car didn't move and instead the dark tinted glasses lowered slowly.
"Should I drop you home?"
Ray shook his head no, "thanks but my home is nearby I'll walk. Take care. Goodnight."
Kai nodded in reply then said seriously, "remember what I said about Boris."
"Will do," Ray replied solemnly.
"Take care." With that the car accelerated forward out of the gate and out of sight and Ray made his own way back home; for some reason he couldn't stop smiling.
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Ray washed his hands and face thoroughly and wiped them clean. He looked at himself in the mirror and adjusted his bandanna and his hair which he had tied into a loose ponytail instead of wrapping it. Then he checked his clothes to make sure no telltale food stain or scorch mark had escaped his apron and onto them. He checked his watch, it was five minutes to ten thirty and his meeting with Boris had been set for that time. He found this late timing slightly odd for a business meeting.
He had earlier asked Michael to let him know which room Boris was staying in and he found out it was one of the luxurious suites on the top floor which was where he was headed currently.
He stood in front of the suite and knocked softly. Somehow he was starting to feel apprehensive and since earlier that evening he couldn't seem to get Kai and his words out of his mind so much so that he thought he had seen the young lawyer in the lobby room. Of course that could hardly be possible and if he had had the time he would have confirmed whether it was true or no.
The door opened and Boris stood there wearing a very rich thick robe
He smiled. "Do come in Ray. Excuse me for not being more formally dressed."
Ray merely nodded and entered feeling more uncertain by the minute and Boris' exaggerated politeness did nothing to help. He wished he had listened to Kai and his own instincts better and stayed away. The first thing he noticed when he entered and Boris closed the door was that they were alone. He whirled around and said sharply, "I thought you were going to have some of your financiers over here as well."
Boris smiled although it seemed more and more like a leer to Ray and placing his hand on Ray's shoulder led him over to one of the fine looking couches. "No need to get agitated Ray," he said, "they've been delayed they will be here shortly." Ray was not all that convinced but he sat down on the couch and was glad when Boris removed his hand from his shoulder it had made him highly uncomfortable.
"What would you like to drink Ray?" Boris asked gazing at Ray. He noticed that Ray hadn't bound his hair and he looked even better than he did the last time.
"I don't drink," Ray replied curtly. Screw Boris' intentions of helping him with his plans for a restaurant he wanted to get out of here and the sooner the better.
Boris chuckled, "Come now Ray, this hotel happens to provide some rather exquisite wine or if you'd rather have whiskey or champagne…" he trailed off and before Ray could reply there was a knock at the door and both of them turned to it, Ray hopefully and Boris a tad annoyed. He placed the bottle of wine on the glass table in front of Ray and walked swiftly towards the door. He opened it to find no one. He stepped out and peered at both sides of the corridor but it was empty. He closed the door and strode back over to Ray. "There wasn't anyone at the door," he said in answer to Ray's questioning look. Ray frowned.
"I meant to ask you," Ray said slowly, "why did you set such a late time for a meeting?"
"I knew you'd be busy with your work Ray with customers coming in for dinner so I decided not to inconvenience you."
"And you didn't think it was inconvenient to keep me here so late?" Ray asked his frown deepening. He took a sip of the wine, it really was good as Boris had said earlier but something didn't seem right. Yet he took another larger sip.
Boris chuckled again which Ray was starting to find increasingly irritating. "That hadn't crossed my mind Ray," he said, "although I'm willing to make up for that inconvenience. You can spend the night here."
The implication wasn't lost on Ray and he was absolutely disgusted. And he felt foolish at having come at all. Why hadn't he listened to Kai? He made it a point to apologise to Kai whom he felt he would have to trust henceforth.
He opened his mouth to reply in cutting words and tell Boris exactly what he thought of him and his revolting proposals. But the words wouldn't come out. He was feeling strangely lightheaded. A fog seemed to building inside his head. He thought he heard another knock at the door but he couldn't be sure. The fog started getting thicker till he couldn't hear, think, see nor speak.
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Salima lazily wheeled the trolley with her cleaning equipment on it and stopped in front of the suite she was supposed to clean. She yawned as she flipped out her master key and opened the door noiselessly. There wasn't much job satisfaction working in housekeeping for a hotel, but she couldn't complain for not yet having finished her education and desperately wanting a job hadn't left her much choice. It was at least better then working as a waitress where she had gotten fed up of the lame passes and inappropriate touching.
She gave an exaggerated sigh as she saw the messed up living room.
"Leave it to these big shots to make it more difficult for poor people like me," she grumbled as she started to pick up the fallen cushions. She wished that Ray would give her the time of day to perk up her job here. She had had the most hopeless crush on him since she had joined work a month ago and had run into him when they were leaving the hotel at the same time after work one night. But he was merely friendly and polite, nothing more. Damn it, life was unfair.
"Ouch," she exclaimed as she pricked her finger on a fragment of glass on the table where she had placed her had while stooping to pick the wine bottle fallen on the floor.
"That's why people shouldn't drink," she muttered darkly as she carefully picked up the broken glass pieces. She cleaned the spilled wine from the table and the floors. She vacuumed and mopped the entire living room of the suite till it was spic and span.
She wondered what state the bedroom would be in. The bedroom door was closed shut and at first she knocked politely to inform the occupant if there was one. There was no response. She knocked again very loudly this time and waited. When she felt that she had given whoever was inside ample warning she turned the door handle. It was unlocked and she entered.
She took one look inside and stared; the bucket of soap water she had been holding fell from her hand and soapy water slopped all over the floor. Then she screamed.
Tbc…
Please read and review.
