Chapter 9

Unseen influence

My amazing beta got ill so this chapter might feel a little rough my apologies for that. Get well soon Svart Jasmin! Also, some people are saying Christian is not nice and I know that. He isn't supposed to be. He is troubled and abused and is continuing that cycle. Like I said this story is dark. Also for those following this story. I will post weekly teasers of this story on FSoG Fanfic Obsessed an amazing group of fellow fsog fans. ask Daisy Grey or Lanie Loveu for an invite.

Anastasia

The cup of tea feels hot in my hands but I clinch it harder desperately trying to numb the pain and humiliation I felt last Thursday. I miss my mom and I miss Kate and Jose. I feel so alone and desolate. Mom wanted to stay another week but her lawyer called her yesterday telling her she needed to come back to Savannah asap. Bob's son was stirring up more trouble about the inheritance accusing mom of all kinds of hideous things. Mom was so distraught that I did not want to saddle my crap on her. But she knew something was wrong she always does. I stare outside the window the sky is dark and cloudy the wind is loud and smashes the thick raindrops against the glass but somehow the ticking sound is soothing, like a children's lullaby.

I dread going to work again tomorrow the office gossip is brutal and I know I will be subjected to the stares and whispers of my colleagues especially Kylie who was practically gloating about what happened. Mr. Lyndon apologized to me and told Kylie to shut it but that didn't stop her from digging at me when he wasn't around. Just four more weeks and I will be paired with someone else if I still work at that hellhole. I think sourly. I started to look around for other jobs. I have been thinking about moving back to Montesano if I find a job there so I don't have to pay both rent and Ray's mortgage anymore. I am two months behind on his mortgage payments and the money I save from renting this place could be used to pay those months of. The only downside is that I have to drop out and won't be able to visit Ray every day. Besides the chances of finding something in Montesano are small there aren't a lot of jobs there. I did put in some applications for decent paying jobs here in Seattle. I hope to hear back from them soon. I cannot wait to hand in my resignation at GEH.

A knock on my door and Jimmy' cheerful sing-song voice pull me out of my reverie.

'Good evening Annie wanna hang out?.' He says with a big smile on his face. Like always his is flamboyantly dressed in some multi-colored skinny jeans and a bright blue shirt.

His warm friendliness brings tears to my eyes all the emotions I have been hiding since come crashing down at once.

'He, Annie sugar what's wrong?' He asks with a gentle voice and stirs me back inside of my apartment. He puts the goodies he brought down on the table sits next to me and puts his arms around my shoulder pulling me against his chest. It feels so warm and comforting that I cannot hold back anymore. Hot warm tears stream down my face which each sob my body contorts painfully in his arms. Jimmy pulls me closer and gently strokes my back rocking me like a little baby. 'Sssh it's ok sugar cup it is going to be ok...' He gently whispers.

I keeping sobbing until I have no tears left to give I feel empty but lighter somehow. I look up and stare straight into his warm soulful brown eyes.

'Feel better?' He inquires gently and I nod.

'My momma always says; 'Cry as hard as you want to but make sure that when you stop crying, you never cry for the same reason again.' So tell me, Annie Steele, what is wrong?' He says imploringly and my walls crumble. I tell him everything how Christian and I met why I took the internship how he pursued me and me turning him down and how he blew up at me on Thursday. Jimmy is listing intently while he continues to stroke my back. It is calming and comforting.

'He sounds like the typical playground bully who pulls on the pigtails of a girl he likes hoping to get her attention. It is childish and frankly kind of dangerous. I know that Grey is all kinds of rich, powerful and intimidating but you really need to file a formal complaint with HR sugar. Because this is nothing short of harassment.' Jimmy says empathically.

'I don't know Jimmy I am scared what if they fire me? I can't lose this job not until I have something else that pays equally well.'

'Oh, Annie they can't fire you for filing a complaint. Trust me I have been a corporate lawyer so I know. You need to stand up for yourself. If you don't do anything will stop him from doing it again to you or to somebody else. Even as the big boss he has to abide by his company's harassment policy. I have a lawyer friend you want me to contact him?' He asks pointedly.

'I already dread working there tomorrow again Jimmy. People are already gossiping and pointing at me and Kylie my co-worker has been a straight up bitch. I just don't want to be singled out more than I already am. So no please, no lawyer' I sigh.

'Listen to me sugar cup. Filling a harassment complaint is confidential meaning that nobody but the ones involved will know. Grey is all kinds of rich and powerful you can't go up against him without outside help. Trust me. Stop making excuses and start protecting yourself..' Jimmy says sternly.

I know he is right I cannot let him do this to me again I need to stop it before it escalates. But I don't have money to pay for an attorney and I cannot expect people to give me stuff for free. No, I need to do this on my own.

'I know you are right. I will make an appointment with HR first thing tomorrow morning. But no lawyer Jimmy I simply cannot afford it.'

Jimmy sighs in exasperation.

'My friend could help you out for only a small fee. You want me to accompany you instead?' He asks while padding my leg.

I smile at him.

'I think I can manage I don't want it to escalate. Or be singled out as that girl stirring trouble. But thank you for asking.'

Jimmy starts to say something but I stop him.

'Trust me Jimmy I will be fine. Helen Crawford seems like a fair and decent person. Just thank you for being a great friend and being here for me.'

He gives me a beaming smile.

'Wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now sugar cup.'

Helen Crawford GEH head of HR office is modern and stark. Her desk is made of solid glass. On it are a laptop a phone and a pen. Various cubistic works of art hang on her walls. There are no personal pictures or trinkets anywhere. The entire atmosphere of the office is cold, detached and impersonal. It does nothing to ease the anxiety I am feeling about this conversation. I anxiously pluck at the fabric of my gray pencil shirt. A nervous habit I cannot seem to break.

Mrs. Crawford enters her office with a hautain confidence. She is carrying some paperwork in her right hand at does not acknowledge me at first. The knot in my stomach grows tighter.

'Miss. Steele.' She says finally acknowledging my presence in the room. She firmly shakes my hand. She sits down at her desk and gives me a cool smile that doesn't reach her eyes. My heart plummets this doesn't bode well.

She scans the paperwork she has brought in.

'I understand that you have a complaint about Mr. Grey's behaviour towards you last week. Is that correct?' She asks coolly.

'It is.' I reply hoarsely.

'Could you please elaborate how Mr. Grey has offended you?' She asks while staring at me impassively.

Offended? Is she deliberately understating things? Why isn't she taking me seriously? I scrape my throat and I cannot help but fidget again. I feel like an errant schoolgirl called to the principles office. The only thing is I never was that girl.

'He called me stupid and a two-penny whore in front of a bunch of executives during a meeting because he didn't agree with my attire.' I say bluntly willing her to understand that this was harassment and not some random petty insult. I quickly sum up what happened.

'I see.' She says her voice sharp and cold. She scribbles something down on the piece of paper in front of her.

'Look, Anastasia, may I call you Anastasia?' she asks in a friendlier manner.

'Ana please.' Only mum calls me Anastasia when she is mad at me.

'Ok, Ana.' She says and smiles at me. ' I know you are young and a little naïve... But we have clear clothing guidelines at GEH. Every person working for GEH should adhere to these guidelines. Dressing in a provocative manner is not professional and will send the wrong message to…. People…. especially the male population working here at GEH. Let me give you some friendly advice. If you want to make it in the business world you need to develop a thicker skin. Mr. Grey can be very crude at times but he is an amazing CEO, leader, and person. He was just looking out for you in his own blunt way.

There is no need to get bent out of shape over this and file a complaint. I am sure Mr. Grey did not mean it in a demeaning way.' She says. There is a certain menace in her voice that sets me on edge.

I cannot believe what I am hearing and I feel the blood rise to my cheeks. I am made boiling mad. How dare she?

'Mrs. Crawford, I can assure you I was not dressed provocatively. He humiliated me in front of a group of people. I don't know how else I should interpret this.' I hiss and feel the tears prick in my eyes. It was a mistake to come here I should have known that she wouldn't take me seriously.

'Maybe you did not find in provocative Miss Steele but you were in clear violation of the guidelines. You are of course free to fill in a formal complaint but I can assure you that an official inquiry will be detrimental to your future career. Not just here at GEH but also any other company you may work for.' She snaps her blue eyes cold and piercing.

Is she for real? Suddenly I wish that I would have taken Jimmy up on his offer. I feel so stupid.

'Is that a threat?' I ask incredulously not sure if I am hearing her right.

She scoffs and waves her hands dismissively.

'Of course not. It is a fact. You need witnesses to corroborate your story getting their statements cost time. During that time you would be placed on administrative leave until the investigation is finished. I can tell you now that not many people will interpret what transpired between you and Mr. Grey the same as you which is harmful to your case. ' She says snidely and I understand the unspoken message she is sending. No one wants to be on Grey's shit list which makes me free game. Well, I am not going to wait like some meek little lamb till he pounces me again. Jimmy was right I need to stand up and protect myself.

'Then I can longer work her at GEH. I would like to turn in my resignation.' I say angrily. Mrs. Crawford eyes widen a fraction for a moment before her face turns impassive again.

'Of course, you are welcome to hand in your resignation. But I would like to remind you are contractually obliged to reimburse the money GEH has invested in you thus far. Currently, that is around fifteen thousand dollars. We also won't be able to give you a reference. Which you will need. I urge you to think about this before making any rash decisions. I understand that you are hurt and upset but you are throwing away your future and pushing yourself into debt. I won't accept your resignation yet, not until you had time to think properly about this.' She says dismissively.

Fuck I had forgotten about early resignation clause of the contract. I don't have fifteen thousand dollars and I won't get a loan without another job to pay that bastard back. Once again I find myself stuck between a rock and a hard place. I inwardly curse Grey for making my life hell. But I won't ever give him the satisfaction of destroying me. I feel the tears prickle in my eyes but I won't Grey again I have cried enough over this and it's not going to help me. I need to stay strong.

'Thank you, Mrs. Crawford. I let you know what I will do as soon as possible.' I get up from my chair and walk towards the door. But Mrs. Crawford stops me.

'Miss. Steele, please do the right thing. I would hate to see your future destroyed.' She says imploring me. I want to tell her to go fuck herself but I refrain.

The rest of the week goes by in a blur. The gossip is slowly starting to die down and Kylie's snark remarks have become less frequent. Grey has not bothered me again they say he is in Washington DC buttering up politician's and I thank god for small favourers. Fridays are the only days I look forward too. The classes I get are challenging and fun and I don't have to think about work for one day. Finding a new job, however, has proven to be a challenge I got rejected for almost all jobs I applied to. I only have not heard back from Puget sound publishing. I haven't told Jimmy the truth about my conversation with Mrs. Crawford afraid to disappoint him. He has been a really good friend to me but he cannot help me. Not with this. The only upside this week is that Ray is doing better. The new medicines they put him on are much more effective. The downside is that they are more expensive and his insurance doesn't cover all the cost. Thankfully mom helped to pay for the new meds. I know she does not have a lot of money but she says she will manage.

I rifle through my cupboards looking for something to eat for today. My finances are extremely tight so I have careful with food. I sometimes think that Jimmy is probably the only reason I haven't starved yet. I sigh I am out of almost everything I have no choice but to spend my last few dollars grocery shopping. I grab my bag and head on the door. The streets are crowded with people floundering around on their free Saturday afternoon.

I cross the street and an uneasy feeling creeps over me the hairs on my back stand up and I feel exposed like someone watching me. I increase my steps and look around but I cannot see anyone. Get a grip Steele you are just getting paranoid from all the stress at work.

I breathe a sigh of relieve when I enter Ernie's supermarket. I grab a basket and quickly do my shopping stopping for eggs, noodles, pasta ,potatoes, bread and some vegetables. I have no money to buy meat, fruit or any other extras. I quickly make my way to check out and pay my groceries. The uneasy feeling of being watched returns again and I almost run back towards my apartment closing and quickly locking my door. I resign on spending the rest of the day relaxing at home crawled up on the couch with Mouse the cat a nice cup of tea and a good book until it's time to visit Ray.

'Annie.' He says smiling brightly at me.

'Hi, daddy how are you doing?' I ask and kiss his cheek.

'Honestly for the first time in a while I feel really good. These new medicines are miracle workers.' He says beaming at me.

'I can see that you look real good daddy.' I say and squeeze his hand.

'Here. Jimmy send you something again from Canlis.' I say and hand him a Tupperware with canapés.

'That boy is spoiling me. Tell him thank you.' He says and puts the box down on his nightstand.

'So how have you been Annie. You look a little stressed.' He says his voice full of concern. I feel the tears prick again but I won't give in.

'I am fine daddy just a little busy but fine.' I lie.

Ray stares me with discerning eyes. I always have been a terrible liar and he knows exactly when I am not exactly truthful.

He scrapes his throat.

'Annie. Your mother and I have been talking. I know money is tight and you and your mother are doing your best to cover everything. It is not fair I don't want to be a burden to you both. So I have been thinking about selling the house and my workshop in Montesano. It will save a lot of money and help cover for my other medical expenses.' He says while looking me in the eye.

Sell the house? His home? Our home? The place I grew up in where I felt loved, safe and secure? The house that holds so many good and happy memories. The last place where we were a family? No never! I won't let Grey take this from me, from us too.

'You can't sell the house, daddy? Where will you live? Where will you work when you get better?' I try to hide the desperation in my voice but fail miserably.

'We will cross that bridge when we come to it.' He says shrugging.

'Really Dad. it's not necessary to sell the house I can manage. This internship is paying really well. Please don't worry about it.' I say trying to change his mind.

'Annie..' he starts but I stop him.

'Dad I promise I will tell you when I cannot handle it anymore. Ok please just don't worry about it.' I say in a final bit.

He looks torn for a moment.

'Fine I won't sell the house but I will sell the workshop. It will give you some breathing room.' He counter offers.

'Daddy. I can manage.' I start but he squeezes my leg stopping me.

'It's alright Annie not sure if I want to run my own company again when I get out of this damn hospital anyway.' He says in a conciliatory manner taking me by complete surprise.

'I thought you liked being your own boss?'

'I do, but having your own company is a lot of work. Not sure I want to do it again. Now, can you please read me the sports reports I am dying to know how the Mariners did and I cannot read the small print anymore. I think I need glasses.' He says and gives me a little smile.

It's after 8 when I finally leave Ray and head home. It's dark, cold and rainy outside. The wind howls and pulls against poor Wanda who valiantly purrs through the bleak weather. My wiper moves quickly up and down my windscreen trying to control the heavy gush of rain smashing against it. I park my car at the parking lot in front of my apartment building and quickly run inside. Berating myself for forgetting an umbrella for the umpteenth time. I am completely soaked and shivering like crazy when I reach my floor.

I walk towards my apartment and almost trip over something.

I hear an accusatory meow I look down and are met by two intense green eyes staring angrily at me. Strange

'Mouse what are you doing out here in the middle of the hallway!' I exclaim. I pick her up and walk towards my apartment door. How did the cat get out? I could have sworn that she was peacefully sleeping on the couch when I left. Did she sneak after me? Or maybe Jimmy let her escape? He has a key to my apartment. He was flying to New Orleans today to visit his family maybe he came in to say goodbye and let Mouse escape?

I open my door and walk in everything looks just the same when I left.

'Did you sneak after me you silly cat?' I say and put her down. I move to the kitchen and throw some cat chunks in her cup which greedily starts to eat.

I quickly make something eat before taking a shower. I decide to watch some TV before going to bed. Tomorrow is yet another manic Monday and already dread what the day will bring.

Every breath you take
Every move you make
Every bond you break
Every step you take
I'll be watching you

Every single day
Every word you say
Every game you play
Every night you stay
I'll be watching you

Oh, can't you see
You belong to me
How my poor heart aches with every step you take.

My alarm clock goes off and Sting's melodic voice croons me awake it's six AM. Why did it go off so early? I slam it shut and roll around in my bed hoping to catch another hour of sleep. I am still bone tired. My eyes fly open and I look at my alarm clock in panic. Shit! It's 8 AM I am going to be late. I jump out of bed quickly shower and dress. I decide to forgo breakfast to save time and grab my lunch from the fridge. I barely make it in time for yet another painful day at work.

'Morning Ana.' Mr. Lyndon says when he sees me flying to my desk.

'Morning sir.' I reply and sit down at my desk. I need to finish the Coping Together add campaign today and start to work. I am so engrossed in my work that I barely hear the persistent buzz of my cell phone. But Kylie is quick to remind me in her usual snarky way.

I roll my eyes at her and pick it up.

'Ana Steele speaking.' I say and move away from her so she can't listen in.

'Miss. Steele this is Clarice Hold from Puget sound publishing speaking. Am I calling you at a convenient time?' she asks friendly.

My heart skips a beat and my mouth turns a little dry.

'Uhm yes sure.' I stutter.

'We would like to invite you for a job interview. Are you free this afternoon?' she asks. I could ask Mr. Lyndon if I could go home an hour early today. I could make something up. If I would get this job I could get a loan and pay these fuckers off before I tell Grey to shove is internship up his ass.

'Yeah, I am later this afternoon.' I reply happily.

'Good! I will schedule you in at three. Is that alright?' she asks.

'Sure. See you at three.' I say.

'Goodbye Miss. Steele.' She says and hangs up the phone. I almost skip to Mr. Lyndon's office and ask him if it's alright if I leave 2 and a half hours earlier today. Luckily he doesn't inquire why and lets me off the hook.

Time ticks by slowly but 14:30 is here at last. I quickly grab my things say goodbye to Mr. Lyndon and head to the underground garage to grab my car from its usual spot. I get in and turn the ignition. Wanda purrs to life and I begin my 15-minute drive to Puget sound publishing.

The building is sleek and modern with an amazing view of the sound. The receptionist at the desk greets me and I am let to a small white waiting room in the back of the building.

'Anastasia Steele?' a tall blonde woman asks.

'Yes.' I say slightly hoarsely.

'Hello, I am Clarice Hold we spoke on the telephone. Welcome to Puget sound publishing.' She says in a professional but friendly manner firmly shaking my hand.

'Thank you.' I say and follow her to an office with amazing view over the water. A gentleman is a perfectly cut suit and dark brown hair is sitting on one of the chairs near the desk.

'This is Mark Peters. Head of HR. He will help interview you.' She says introducing him to me. She sits down and the interview starts. She asks why I haven't finished my degree and I tell her my circumstances. They both react sympathetically. The rest of the interview goes smoothly and I am asked to do an English aptitude test. It is pretty easy and I am done with it in an hour. The computer rattles the results out immediately and I aced it.

'Well, Miss. Steele this is one of the highest scores we have ever seen. I want to offer you the job right now but I need to discuss it with Mark and our CEO first. I will try to call you back tonight.' She says beaming at me.

I feel elated soon I will have a new job that even pays a little better than my job at GEH. I cannot wait to call Helen Crawford and turn in my resignation for good. I say goodbye to Miss. Hold and almost skip out of the building. My drive home goes smooth and I turn up the volume of the radio and sing loudly when Christina Aguilera's Stronger comes on. It is 5:30 when I get home and don't expect a call from them today. I put my phone in the charger feed Mouse and prepare dinner. When I am halfway through my phone rings and I almost leap towards it.

'Anastasia Steele speaking.' I say anxiously.

'Hi, Anastasia this is Clarice Hold speaking. I am calling about the job we had. I have some bad news. Higher management wanted someone with more experience for the position. I am sorry.'

My stomach plummets and I feel a little sick. All my hopes are dashed again in an instant.

'Oh.' I manage to say weakly.

'I know it is a disappointing and I personally wanted a different outcome but unfortunately I cannot change. Please apply to us again when you have more experience.' She says kindly.

'Thank you I will.' I mutter softly.

'Have a good evening Miss Steele. Goodbye.' She says hangs up the phone. I put my phone down feeling empty. I turn down the stove I am not hungry anymore my stomach is in knots. Maybe I will eat something after my visit to Ray. Right now I need to grieve this setback. Come on Ana next time it will better just hang in there. I put on a brave face again when I am visiting Ray I smile, joke and laugh with him but inside I feel hurt and a little like a loser. I hope I feel a little better tomorrow. Mom's wise words echo through my head. 'Night is darkest just before dawn Anastasia. Never despair.' I miss her and decide to call her first thing tomorrow I need to hear her soothing voice telling me that everything will be alright.

It has been three days since I got the rejection call from Puget sound although it still smarts I am slowly getting over it. I am still actively looking for another job but haven't had any success yet. I have spoken to a realtor to sell Ray's workshop and I am driving up to Montesano Friday after classes to meet with him. If the workshop is sold off soon it will save me at least 400 dollars a month. The money I can use to pay the mortgage on the house. I am over two months behind now, the bank is understanding but still wants its money. I sigh and finish up for today. The only upside is that I only have to work two more weeks with Kylie who is still a giant bitch. I hope working with someone else will make GEH a little more fun. I wish Mr. Lyndon a great weekend and head out. Mr. Lyndon is the only one making this GEH experience bearable and I will miss him when I am assigned to another department in two weeks. He is a sweet elderly man that always makes me smile. He recently became a grandfather and proudly showed me the pictures of his granddaughter.

I step into the garage and walk towards my car at its usual spot. I gasp in shock glass splinters cover the spot where Wanda is supposed to be but she is gone. Someone stole my car out of all the very expensive cars here in this parking garage. I start to panic No. No. No. This can't be happening! I need my car. I frantically phase up and down the parking spot. I fish my phone out of my bag and call the police to report my car stolen.

It is useless! They want me to come to the station to fill in a report. I have no money for the bus so it's going to be a long walk. I want to scream and cry why can't I catch a break!? These last few months my life has been completely derailed and I don't know how much more bullshit I can handle before I break down. I wipe my tears and start walking towards the exit.

'Miss? Is there something wrong?' I hear a clear males voice.

I turn around and see a smartly dressed man is a black suit looking at me. His hair is cut in a buzz cut and his posture is military. I have seen him before when I went up to deliver the Coping Together report to Grey.

'Yes, someone stole my car.' I blurt out.

'Where did you park it?' He asks. I walk back to the spot where Wanda was and he follows me. He looks to the floor and then up the walls of the parking garage.

'Bad luck. Your car was standing in a security camera blind spot. It is probably the reason why they took yours. What kind of car was it?'

'A light blue Volkswagen Beetle from 1988.' I reply.

'I see.' He says before taking out his phone. 'Car stolen GEH personnel garage need someone here right now.' He says and hangs up his phone.

'Come let's get upstairs Miss? The police will be here shortly.' He says.

'Steele, Ana Steele.' I reply.

'Thank you. Mr..?' I ask

I am impressed how the hell did he manage the police to come here?

'Sawyer ma'am Luke Sawyer. Deputy head of GEH security. My direct boss is Mr. Taylor. He will be pissed off when hears that someone stole something on his watch.' He says and cracks a smile.

We take the elevator to the 20th floor. We walk towards the security room where another gentleman with a blond buzz cut is sitting. He is a couple of years older than Mr. Sawyer but has the same rigid military demeanour.

' Miss Steele car was stolen in the parking garage, Jason. The police will be here shortly.' Sawyer says coolly.

Mr. Taylor looks pissed.

' Have you secured security footage, Sawyer?' He asks sternly.

'I am going to now. But miss Steele was parked in a blind spot.' He says scoffing.

'Get me the other footage. I want to know who went in and out the garage today.' He snaps.

'Yes, boss.' Luke replies and leaves the room leaving me alone with Mr. Taylor.

'I am very sorry to hear that miss Steele. I promise you that we do our best to catch whoever did this. Do you have theft insurance? he asks.

'No, only liability. Wanda is old I never thought anyone would take her.' I say and feel the tears well in my eyes again.

'I see.' He replies and leaves the room.

Moments later Luke comes back with to Seattle PD officers in tow and we fill in the police report.

'I am sorry to bring the bearer of bad miss Steele. But I don't have much hope of finding your car. The 1988 beetle is a classic and parts are very high in demand.' One of the officers informs me and I just want to hide in a corner and cry. But that is not going to help me.

Mr. Taylor enters the room again and puts a set of keys and some paperwork in front of me.

'GEH has a very broad insurance policy and we take full responsibility for the disappearance of your car miss Steele. I have spoken to Mrs. Crawford and Mr. Grey and they agreed to compensate you for your loss. There is a red Audi A4 parked in parking bay 105 it is yours.' He says casually.

I cannot believe what I am hearing.

'I can borrow a company car for now?' I say looking for clarification, of course, they wouldn't give me a car. Especially not an expensive Audi.

'No, miss Steele. You are being compensated for the loss of your beetle. The car is yours if you sign on this dotted line. You are in luck GEH always has a fleet of Audi's for company purposes. We recently renewed all the cars in the fleet so yours barely made any millage. I think that's adequate compensation don't you think so miss Steele?'

I feel faint. This is all just too weird. Why would they give me a brand new car? I have a funny feeling about this. But I can't exactly turn their generous over down.

'Wanda, she was old. she was only worth a few thousand dollars maybe. It is too much.' I mutter.

'Actually Volkswagen beetle's from 1988 are quite expensive so it's about even I think.' Sawyer chips in.

'Just sign miss Steele. Unless you prefer another car.' Taylor says stoically. I take the pen out of my bag and sign on the dotted lines of the paperwork.

'Good, that is settled. Sawyer will take you to your new car.' He says dismissing me. The two policemen stay with him in the security room and I follow Sawyer out. I step into the foyer and see him coming out of his office casually conversing in French with a group of men and women. Our eyes meet and it is like the earth stops spinning. He stares is intimidating both scorching hot and ice cold. There is something sinister behind his eyes and it scares the hell out of me I need to leave now! I quickly avert my gaze and swiftly follow Sawyer to the elevator. I still feel his eyes burning into my skull when I get into the elevator. A wave of conflicting emotions crashes over me. I want to yell at him slap him and curse at him at the same time I am kind of grateful he gave me a new car. I don't know what I would have done without transportation.

Sawyer tells me that the car has a full gas tank and has full coverage insurance via GEH. We stop in front of a beautiful brilliant red Audi A4 sedan. Sawyer explains all the futures of the car and how to start it. I thank him for everything he has done for me and finally head home glad this hellish week is over.