A Fresh Start
Chapter 11
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Ranger's POV
Before 1700 we met in the Garden Courtyard Bar, a shaded area, already protected from the sun by the apartments and lush tropical plants and ferns, lit with up-lights onto the green foliage. It was a very ambient spot for a bar, with private tables and nooks, as well as the usual seating by the bar. As she entered the garden area, she made quite the entrance, I noticed that my eyes were not alone in tracking her arrival. Stepping gracefully down the stone steps in strappy heels, wearing a lovely dark blue dress, simple, stylish and figure hugging with a skirt that bounced above her knees, she looked lovely. Her gorgeous curly hair was shiny and bouncy. I really liked her wild curls. Her eyes caught mine and she smiled at me. I returned her smile and stood to greet her.
"You look lovely, Babe," I said.
"Thank you. You look pretty slick, too," she chuckled, with a teasing wink.
"Pretty?"
"Okay. But don't let it get to your head, pretty boy. Handsome then. Happy?"
I nodded with a smirk, offering her a seat beside me. Pfft. Pretty boy. No way. But, I'll accept handsome.
Her face lit up when she noticed the glass-topped bar was a long and continuous aquarium with corals, rocks and sand, many colourful small fish, and anemones. Her expressive face delighted in the natural beauty of the natural display, especially when a small spidery looking starfish moved right in front of her. "This is amazing. There, those are anemone fish, hiding in the anemone's tentacles, Nemo's friends." Her eyes sparkled. I smiled at her child-like awe, so natural and genuine. She was not afraid to be herself. "I have nieces," she qualified. "They love the movie Finding Nemo." That makes sense.
"What would you like to drink, Babe?"
"Oh, I think I'd like a mojito, please. This is such a lovely spot, so ambient with all the foliage and the water features."
I ordered her a standard mojito and a beer for me. She sighed happily.
"I've just had a good workout in the pool blasting out 2.5Ks after today's interviews. I had two. I really needed that." She rolled her eyes with a slight shake of her head but then relaxed when our drinks arrived. "Sorry. I had to work off a bit of steam."
"Here you go. Salud," as I clinked glass to bottle. "Salud," she replied with a smile. "Thank you."
"Oh, that is nice and refreshing," she sighed as she muddled the lime and the mint some more with the stirrer. "We-ell, I have to be honest, and warn you, I am still a bit steamed up."
"I'm happy for you to share. I am curious, now even more," I encouraged. "That's a solid workout in the pool."
"Well, don't say I didn't warn you. But first, another sip." She sighed. "Mm. Nice. The first "interview" was over with in no time. I have this gut feeling, which I call my spidey sense, which is more than just intuition. It's instinctive. After confirming with the receptionist, as I entered the office for the first interview, I noticed there were a number of large photographs of young women, some very young, practically girls. Not smiling but their eyes had a sadness and an element of fear about them. Don't get me wrong, they were beautiful photos, like stunning portraits, professional, you know? They were mostly taken with a forest background, like somewhere in Central or South America, going by their faces and the type of vegetation. I just got bad vibes about them. I grabbed my phone and took some photos as I made to put my phone on silent. I was ushered into the main office and received by the manager and another man who was standing to the side. Before I even took two steps I stopped. He was mentally undressing me before his eyes even met mine. Red flags. Nope. More photographs. My reservations were confirmed. It was quite overwhelming. I wasn't expecting the blatant advertising under the guise of a not for profit charity organisation. He wasn't smiling, he was assessing, but he was proud of his displayed works as he cast one of his arms out.
"I'm sorry. I really don't feel well," I said quickly, doing an about face and left, holding my mouth and my stomach like I was about to be sick. I made a quick apology at reception feigning nausea, asking for directions to the bathrooms while grabbing one of the glossy brochures. I thanked her and said I'd call to reschedule. Thankfully the elevator arrived promptly. I didn't feel safe until I had walked two more blocks. I sat in a quiet café to collect myself and sent a text to a colleague and a relevant contact. I sent four of the photos, especially the two group photos which had really made me feel wary, confirming my doubts and our Intel."
Intel? I wonder.
"What was it that set off your spidey sense so alarmingly?" I was concerned. My educated guess was considering some unpleasant options which I have encountered in my line of work. Could she be involved in some way?
"Call it gut feeling. I have seen pictures like this before. I have been involved in searches and investigations in such matters. For one, I recognised the other man's face, even though I only glimpsed him for a moment, but not initially until I glanced at the glossy brochure later on. The photos were similar to…," she paused and looked around before whispering, "people smuggling, trafficking of girls and young women. The group photos showed them holding hands tightly, huddled together in fear, smiling but it did not reach their eyes. I know it probably sounds a bit far-fetched, but…," she shrugged.
I was really curious what had set her off. She didn't strike me as a fragile or faint-hearted person. How was she in the know?
"That was very perceptive of you. You did well to leave so quickly in that case. For what, if I may ask, were you applying, as your job interview?"
"Please, can we sit over there? It's a bit more private and discreet I think." I grabbed both our drinks and followed her to one of the lounges in a pleasant leafy nook. She sat down and I admired her long legs as she neatly crossed them in a very lady-like manner. Mm, very sexy. I don't think she realises how attractive she is. This lovely lady is relaxed in her own skin and has no tickets on herself. I offered her the mojito and she stirred thoughtfully before taking a sip, eyeing me for a moment. I got the distinct impression she was assessing me, on a trust level most likely. Slowly, she put her glass down and sat closer to me. Hm, nice. Her subtle fragrance was enticing. Leaning in she told me.
"I went in for an accounting position that was advertised. I am a qualified data analyst, and an investigator, including forensic accounting and profiling. Let's say, it was more of a reconnaissance than applying for an actual job."
Madre Dios! Have I got a job for her! I acted surprised and nodded seriously. I had not expected that! That is some smarts there. There is more to Stephanie than meets the eye, and the eyes really like what they see. Focus, Manoso.
"That is very impressive, Stephanie." She did it again, that cute blush.
"De nada. I'm nosey and I like to dig, for information. It comes naturally."
Modest as well.
"I hope you were not alone. That can be risky, dealing with these sort of people. They can be very dangerous, and ruthless."
"I understand and I appreciate your concern. I know, especially having done the research. I didn't use my own name. In fact, I went in totally incognito. I wore brown-coloured contacts with thick rimmed glasses, and my hair pulled back in a tight braid, hiding my curls. My colleague joined me as arranged in the café. He was making sure no one was following me. We have worked together for many years."
How very interesting. She has very desirable skills. I wonder if she is working for one of the alphabet agencies. I'd like to know more about her. She is an unexpected breath of fresh air.
She sipped the rest of her mojito, stirring and pressing the lime wedges for more flavour and juice, then sucking on the ice cubes.
"Sorry. That was probably a bit too much information, but, meh. Now you know. This was a special request, finalising from an ongoing investigation I was involved with, some months ago, until it was… interrupted. I had to take leave. It confirmed our suspicions, and action will be taken by the authorities. Before leaving that café, I did a complete change, removing the braids thus releasing my disguised curls, and the coloured contacts and put on some dangly earrings. I changed into a summer dress and sandals, putting my other gear into a couple of Miami shopping bags, walking out like a happy tourist with my colleague on my arm. We debriefed later with our contact."
"I am impressed. You have good instincts, as you say. That always helps. I am pleased you took the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe. Would you like another drink?"
"Thanks. I think I'd like a margarita, but also a glass of water. My turn, this time. You paid for the last round. Okay? Another for you, the same? After all, I invited you," she reminded me with a smile. She signalled for the waiter before I could change her mind. She's not a gold digger, but an independent woman for sure.
"What did you get up to today?" she asked curiously.
I was amused by her question. It felt almost domestic. I smiled at her, finishing the last of my beer.
Hm. How much to reveal? She has been very open and trusting. At one stage during the day I wondered if she was a plant or some kind of honey pot, but I quickly dispelled those notions. I had no foundation for any searches on her. I wonder if she had tried the same with me? After all, she did say she was an investigator, and she was curious.
"My day went smoothly. I am on a mini vacation, of sorts, but I did touch base with my work. Going to Little Havana with you yesterday was especially relaxing and enjoyable. It was just what I needed while I am in vacation mode. In fact, it was quite cathartic and beneficial. I really enjoyed your company. So, if you're interested, I contemplated some other ideas. Maybe, if your schedule allows, a boating trip with some jet skiing thrown in and lunch. Or some snorkelling, with a picnic lunch thrown in. Not on one of those tour groups, just me, showing you another feature of Miami."
Her face lit up with the ideas and I smiled back at her. She was so easy to talk to.
"That is very thoughtful of you. I like your ideas. You seem to know what I am after."
"Well, I did notice which of the activities caught your eyes yesterday morning as you were shuffling through the brochures. Besides, I know some wonderful places to show you those highlights."
We paused as the waiter brought over our drinks and some cheese straws. She sipped the water first and relaxed. Another sigh as she looked around the garden courtyard. It was a beautifully appointed area. Soft music was playing, and her face lit up as she recognised the soft Latino rhythms. We both reached for a spicy cheese straw and nibbled for a bit.
"Was your second interview a legitimate job interview?"
"Oh yes. But another whacko. Why are some men such creeps? It's like buying a car from a sleazy used car salesman."
She leaned forward and took a gentle sip of her margarita, licking the salty rim happily.
"Now that is yummy! Wow. Better than ones I've had in New Jersey!" Another sip and she put the glass down.
I waved my hand in the go on gesture, "Do tell."
"He started off quite professional. I wore a stylish, discrete business suit, no cleavage or such. Didn't make a world of difference. As soon as I walked in after the initial meet and greet, I felt like turning around."
"Why? Do I need to teach this creep some respect?"
Her light laughter was nice as she nudged me with her elbow gently.
"It was the way he eyed me up and down, lingering in certain places longer than is considered professional. I chose to ignore it and handed over my folder, to redirect his attention, with my résumé and credentials. He was very impressed.
"You come with glowing references from some very important people," he remarked.
Then he surprised me by asking, "Did you provide extra services?" I was confused.
"Extra services? I don't understand," feigning naïvety. I damned well knew what the sleaze bag was implying as a lascivious smirk crossed his countenance.
"Oh, yes. As you can see I was offered a cadetship which I fulfilled for three months with an open invitation to extend in that area of work," I pointed out ignoring his innuendo.
"Ah, very good," he said, almost salivating.
"Unfortunately, the role for which you seem to be suited has been filled."
I asked why? This wasn't what I expected and it seemed to be going from bad to worse.
He was surprised that I asked the question while he was staring at my assets which confirmed my doubts about his integrity even further, giving me cause to question his intentions.
He casually replied, "We decided to do an internal reshuffle. However, I had already dismissed my previous PA to a different department. She wasn't up to the extra requirements."
I promptly stood up, gathered my folder and all my credentials very quickly, much to his surprise.
"Mr Wilkins. I came here for a job interview, which you now tell me is no longer available. You are wasting my time. Then you have the audacity to offer me the personal assistant position which has just been "vacated". I am not available for that, not in any capacity. I can understand why she wouldn't put out. You disgust me. You do not deserve me at all."
He gasped at my assertions. Pfft. So, I told him some home truths.
"Go home to your wife and three children and apologise for neglecting them. Buy her some flowers and take her out to dinner, if she will still tolerate you. Better still, go past the clinic and get a health check for STDs. Crabs must be so uncomfortable, since you haven't stopped scratching your balls since I arrived."
His eyes were wide open as was his mouth, gaping at me like a goldfish. I had done my research. I wasn't going into the interview blind. I wanted to know and trust with whom I was working. It did not reveal any concerns or red flags then.
"Perhaps that young man who was assistant to your PA might be available to fulfil your wishes. But your wife… Alicia? Hm, Alicia wouldn't like that at all, especially since your son Austin is the same age. Don't mess with me, Mr Wilkins. I'll see myself out. Here," I said, as I poured him a fresh glass of water, "drink this to calm your temper. Better yet, make an appointment with your cardiologist to check your ticker. By the way, that's a very nasty purple colour."
He was going from red to almost deep purple in the face. He started to rant so I threw the rest of the contents of the chilled water into his lap. "Mr Wilkins! You need to chill. I do not put up with that kind of attitude! Good day!"
As she took another sip of her margarita, I marvelled at her animated recall. I was enjoying her recount and began laughing.
"Remind me not to mess with you, Steph. You fight dirty. I like the way you maintained the upper hand."
"Oh, I can fight alright. Afterwards, I really wanted to do a physical workout with the bags or on the mats, but I didn't have a sparring partner, hence the extra pool workout. I have yet to check what their gym is like here."
Now there is another aspect of her persona that appeals to me. Not only is she feisty, she works out, not just in the pool. Mats? Bags? Sparring partner? Oh, man! This could be a very interesting connection. Secretly, I wanted to raise my hand eagerly and volunteer for all of those.
"I like your attitude. You have spunk and spirit. Feisty." I toasted her as she took another sip of her margarita.
"Let's say, I have acquired certain skills in taking command of my own destiny."
I gave her an assessing look and accepted what she said without further ado. I really wanted to know more. She absolutely intrigues me.
"I gather you investigated him and his company before your interview. How interesting. You obviously tapped a few raw nerves with this Mr Wilkins."
"I am not a pushover. I hate being treated as an accessory and will certainly not work with "benefits" as he was suggesting so lewdly with his eyes and innuendo. I have met some creeps in my experience. That's one of my specialities."
"Creeps? You specialise in creeps and sleazebags?" That made her laugh and almost spill her margarita.
"No, silly. Funny, ha ha. I'm a licensed investigator."
Ah, yes. That certainly puts an interesting spin on things.
"Have you investigated me?"
"No. Why should I? I only investigate people of questionable backgrounds, in my line of work."
I couldn't stop the smile and she reciprocated. I'm sure that will come. Maybe sooner than she thinks. Who knows?
Come to think of it, I don't recall smiling so much in the company of a lady, a very intriguing lady.
As Happy Hour finished, we decided just to have dinner in the dining room, rather than go out.
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