Gin came back quite quickly. I was still lying on the bed, but I could see that she was a little annoyed as she threw a small towel at me.
Gin: your turn.
I got up and went to the bathroom.
When I came out again, she was fully dressed and standing by her window. I wore my bottom before going over to her.
Me: are you angry?
Gin: you should trust me. I already given you myself.
Me: ok…. ok…. I am sorry.
She simmered down a little.
Gin: don’t do that again or I will be angry.
Me: ok….
Her demeanor changed suddenly. She giggled again.
Gin: one more time?
Me: har?! no…… cannot….. rest abit first.
Gin: lousy….haha…..
Me: It’s too exhausting on one arm.
Gin: when are you getting it remove?
Me: the stiches next week. The cast, I am not too sure.
GIn: ok….let’s go grab some food. I am hungry.
With that, we made our way out from her place and spend the day window shopping in town.
After dinner, I send her home before making my way back at about 11pm.
When I opened my door, Mel was sitting on the armchair. The TV was switched off. Apparently, she was waiting for me.
Mel : where were you?
Me: I went out with a friend.
Mel: Gin right? Mum said someone came. From the way she describe, I know it was Gin.
I did not deny and just nodded. I walked toward my room as I did not want to get into an argument with her.
Mel: wait. We need to talk.
I stopped and turn to look at her.
Me: about what?
Mel: Gin. I told you to stay away from her. She is not simple.
Me: why?
Mel: because it’s for your own good.
Me: Gin is fine. She is a nice girl.
She rolled her eyes.
Mel: you are so blinded. I saw her holding hands with another guy.
Me: Why are you making up stories about her?!
Mel : I did not. I saw them myself.
Me: Then why are you so against her?
Mel: I already told you that I am not picking on her.
Me: Yes, you did. You purposely embarrassed her in front of the department.
She looked at me straight in the eyes, not too happy about my statement.
Mel: It was not to embarrass her. Anyway, I don’t mix business with personal life.
Me: Anyway, that’s my business. Don’t meddle with my affairs.
Mel: Fine!
She got up from her seat and walked to her room and went in. I went into mine as well.
After I washed up, I lay in bed thinking about the whole story. I realized that I did not have a chance to tell Mel more about Woon.
Sunday
Woke up late, around 10am, as I was feeling a little tired, perhaps I had thought too much about Woon. Probably it is just an infatuation that he had on Mel.
I looked at my phone. There was no messages or text and Aunt did not knocked on my door, which meant that Gin did not visited me. I decided to take the initiative.
Me msg: Good morning.
Gin msg: Good morning. Sorry, I did not text you yesterday. I was busy.
Me msg: it’s ok. I was tired, but I had a good time yesterday.
Gin msg: I am glad you did. Anyway, I have some errands to run today. I’ll see you tomorrow ok?
Me msg: Ok.
As I did not want to face Mel at home, I went out alone and caught a few movies again.
-——————————————————
There was nothing much that happened during the following week. Mel had told Aunt to tender her resignation and retire as she is now making enough to support Aunt. Aunt agreed and even though her boss tried to get her to stay, he finally agreed and even allow her early retirement.
I had my stiches removed and was glad I was healing well. My fist after a 2nd opinion, it was deemed that I had a badly bruised hand instead of a hairline fracture. And so my cast was removed as well. Getting back the use of both hands really felt good for me.
As for Gin and myself, we did not talk about what happened on Saturday. However, because of the amount of OT that Mel gave me, Gin and myself only have time for each other during lunch hours.
The weekend come and went and again Gin told me that she was busy and we did not meet up and I did not probe further, but what Mel told me last Saturday came into my mind again.
I decided that I would ask Gin on Monday.
Monday
It was this day that my life took a dramatic turn yet again.
It was business as usual in the office. I arranged to have lunch with Gin. Just before lunch, there was 2 visitors to our office. The 2 guys were dressed smartly, both in black bespoke suits and looked like Russians. Liz showed them to the meeting room and Mel went in shortly.
Mel was facing the office and from the glass panels, I could see that she seemed to be furiously apologizing to them.
Soon, the visitors got up and left with Mel accompanying them.
Upon their departure, Mel called for us to the meeting room and once the door was closed, she started without us having a chance to be seated.
Mel: Do you know who they were?
We shook our heads.
Mel: They are the Head of Operations and Head of Legal from XXX company.
Mel: They are going to sue our company.
We were all surprised and we looked at each other.
Mel: Because we provided them the wrong order! And their client is terminating their contract because of us!
She turned to Gin.
Mel: Why did you put in this order?!
She threw a document on the table and I could see that she was furious. We peeked at it.
Gin: You send me this and I just followed instructions.
Mel: SINCE WHEN DID I GIVE YOU THIS INSTRUCTIONS?!
She thundered.
Gin: I have your email as proof.
Mel: WHAT EMAIL?
Gin was getting pretty upset as well and she defended herself.
Gin: YOU SEND ME THE EMAIL!
Mel: I NEVER DID!
Both girls started to shout at each other. Tan and myself tried to intervene.
Mel: SHUT UP BOTH OF YOU! GIN! DONT TRY TO PUSH YOUR FAULT TO ME!
I had never seen her so angry before.
Gin: WHY ARE YOU PICKING ON ME?!
Mel: YOU MAKE A MISTAKE OWN UP!
Gin: YOU ARE A FUCK UP BOSS! I QUIT! LOSER!
Suddenly, Mel reached out and before Tan or myself could react, Mel slapped Gin across the face.
At the same instance, the door to the meeting room opened. Our Company’s Asia CEO, a 40 over years old balding man of over about a hundred kg, stood there with a shock expression across his face.
Ricky: Mel! Stop that! Come to my office!
Gin started sobbing, holding her face as she squatted down in front of Mel. I quickly went over to her, and holding her shoulders, led her out of the room.
Mel disappeared with Ricky to his room and I calmed Gin down. Her cheeks were swollen from the slap and there was a small cut on her lips.
Once she calmed down, we all went back to doing out work and I wondered what will Ricky’s conversation to Mel be about.
Gin had lost her mood to lunch with me and wanted to be alone. She left the office during lunch. I waited for Mel in the office to speak to her.
When she returned, she went straight into her room, collected her back and locked her door. Without saying anything to anyone, she stormed out of the office. I quickly followed her and I was just in time to hijack the lift as it closed.
Together alone in the lift, I looked at her and she was standing there with her arms folded across her chest.
Me: Are you ok?
Mel: I am suspended now. Are you happy?
Me: No. What did Ricky say?
She started to get irritated.
Mel: I told you I am suspended!
Me: ok….ok…. You should cool down and speak to him again.
Mel: I am so angry now!
Me: cool down…..
Mel: Obviously she made a mistake and then she tried to push the blame to me.
I spoke carefully so as not to agitate her further.
Me: but…. she said you send her the email.
Mel: Do you trust me?
Me: yes. definitely. But then she said she still has the email as proof.
Mel: I would definitely want to have a look at that mail! I never send anything to her.
Me: Could it be that you forgotten that you send her the mail?
She glared at me and looked like she wanted to slap me.
Mel: I don’t forget, sam. You should know.
Me: ok…. calm down. DId you tell Ricky this?
Mel: Yes. he said he will investigate.
Me: ok…. that’s better.
She cooled down a little.
Mel: I don’t know how long this suspension will be. And mum just tendered her resignation as well. Shit.
Me: I can support her.
She rolled her eyes.
Mel: how much do you earn?
Me: not much, but I don’t need much myself.
Mel: Don’t forget, the client is going to sue the company. If they do, the company will close shop. Anyway, nevermind, I’ll try to talk to Ricky again.
Me: where are you going now?
Mel: somewhere to cool down.
The lift opened and we made our way out to the main lobby. As we cross the lobby, we saw one of the earlier guys who were in the office. He got up and strutted to us, stopping us in our tracks.
Man in black (MIB): Ms Mel, Mr Igor would want to meet up with the both of you.
I looked at Mel and she replied calmly.
Mel: What is it about?
MIB: He wants to strike a deal with you.
Mel: How?
MIB: He will speak to you directly when you agree to meet up with him.
She paused for a moment.
Mel: ok.
Part 3
-—————————————–
I stood there, not knowing if I should go.
Mel: he will come along as well.
She looked towards me. MIB nodded his head without saying anything.
He pick up his phone and as we walked out the lobby, a car with, dark tinted windows, appeared from nowhere into the pickup lane. I guessed that the driver would be parking illegally nearby.
As drove off, I wanted to ask Mel more information about Igor. However she looked to be deep in thoughts and I kept quiet.
The journey was quite far and I was surprised that we stopped at Raffles Marina.
MIB opened the door for Mel.
MIB: please follow me.
Without speaking, Mel followed the guy and I just tagged along behind.
He showed us to a speed boat, and once all of us were onboard, it sped off. I was curious where he is going to bring us. Not once did Mel speak.
After about 30mins of bumpy ride in the small craft, it slowed and pulled alongside a 150 footer luxury yatch. It was anchored just off Singapore and Malaysia.
We got up from the side of the huge boat. Once on the deck, I looked around. There were 3 stories on the boat, with the 1st and 2nd level housing a large cabin. I had never seen such a boat in our Singapore waters. There was even a small staircase leading down to another cabin below deck.
I took a look at my mobile phone. The operator signal showed Maxis.
MIB came up last. He walked in front of Mel and again we followed and he lead us to the cabin directly in front and opened the door. I peer inside and there was no one.
Finally Mel spoke for the first time since we left the lobby.
Mel : where is Mr Igor?
MIB: please change and come out. He is waiting on the sun deck for you.
With that, Mel just walked into the cabin and I followed as well. On the small table, there was a pair of bikini and a beach shorts. MIB closed the door and stood there looking out to sea.
The windows of the cabin was heavily tinted, and with the glare of the sun outside, and there was no way he could look into the cabin unless he put his face to the glass panels.
I looked around the cabin. There was a toilet. Mel took the bikini and disappeared into the toilet. After a short while, she came out with her work clothes in her hand, wearing just the stilettos. The bikini was white, and the top and bottom was padded at strategically placed position. There was no visible pokies or cameltoe for me to look at. Nevertheless, she looked fantastic.
I went into the toilet and change. When I came out, Mel was just sitting on the high chair looking out at sea.
I put my work clothes besides hers on the table. Finally, I asked her.
Me: Is this Igor very rich?
Mel: I have only met him once when he came over and signed this deal with us.
Me: How much was the deal?
Mel: 15 million.
Me: how much is he suing us for ?
Mel: 40 million.
Me: shit…..
Mel: let’s go….
She knocked on the door and MIB opened it. He led us up the stairs, directly to the 3rd floor. A canopy covered half the top deck, and there was a large Jacuzzi in the open area and it could easily accommodate 6 person. A handsome looking man of about 40 is in it.
Mel and me was stunned. Not by the luxurious yatch which even had it’s own Jacuzzi, but at his female companion in the tub. We stood there and looked at each other.
MIB: Please come forward…. Mr Igor is waiting.
He led us towards the Jacuzzi. Igor spoke as we reached the edge, without so much as getting out.
Igor: Welcome, Ms Mel….. and I believed that you are Sam…..
She did not looked at him, but at the lady. I also stared at her. But somehow, she looked different.
Mel: Hello Mr Igor….. but can I asked why is she here?
He put his arm across the lady shoulder and smiled.
Igor: My apologies, I forgot to introduce.
Mel cut him off and replied dryly.
Mel: I know who she is.
Igor put his hands up and laughed.
Igor: haha…. you have mistaken. You had not met before. Please meet Tonic.
Mel: Mr Igor, please stop joking. Her name is Gin.
He continued chuckling.
Igor: I told you that you have mistaken. This is Tonic.
Just then, we heard the distinct sound of a boat approaching.
Igor: ….and….that should be Gin arriving.
I widen my eyes. Not sure who to look at. Igor, Mel or the so called Tonic in the water. He must be kidding me.
Igor: Ms Mel, please come into the Jacuzzi…..
Mel stood there, not moving. I heard some footsteps and turned around. A huge guy came up the stairs. I am about 1.75m, weighing about 85kg and this guy, by huge, I mean he is about 1.95m tall and looked like he weighs close to 120kg of muscle. MIB stood nearby and Igor waved him off. I watched him descent the staircase that we had just came up from and the huge guy stood by the stairs, looking at us and not coming over.
Igor: Ms Mel, I thought we have something to discuss? Come. Please come into the pool. You too Mr Sam.
I was taken aback a little. How did he know my name?
I looked at Mel and just after a very brief moment of hesitation, she waddled into the pool, sitting besides Igor and staring at Tonic. I went in too and sat down besides Mel, looking at the girl. I cannot tell if she is Gin. But then I noticed that her cheek was not swollen from the earlier slap.
Igor: Ms Mel….
She turned and face Igor.
Igor: Before we start, I would like to tell you that you are as beautiful as the time I saw you last year….haha….
Mel did not blush.
Mel: thank you. Let’s talk business.
Igor: more patience less haste…… let me speak first…..
He paused for effect. His arms went back across the girl’s back. Mel nodded and he continued.
Igor: I think you must be wondering why I am here, in your country again. But first allow me share some information. Please keep it confidential because I need your help. If you can keep it confidential and help me, I will get you back your job. After all Ricky is an old friend of mine.
Mel looked surprised this time. I was too. But the more information this man is going to reveal to us, I suspect that it will get us more entrenched into his plans and there will not be a way out for us except to follow it through.
Mel: I didn’t know that.
Igor: of course! if not how would your company be awarded the project? haha….
Mel: what if I turn down your request?
Igor spoke silently, not in a menacing voice, but slowly.
Igor: Your company will be sued.
Mel: That is not my problem. I am expecting to be fired if I do not agreed to help you.
Igor: hahaha….. the email you sent to Gin. That will get you into trouble…..
He smiled at her, like a wolf playing with it’s prey.
Mel: I did not send the email.
Igor: of course you did not…… Tonic did….haha….
He turned to Tonic and gave her a kiss on her cheek. Mel looked confused.
Igor: Sam, remember when “Gin” visited your house? That was Tonic. She took the opportunity to use Mel’s notebook and send out the mail to Gin.
I opened my eyes wide and looked at Tonic. If that was Tonic, it meant that the girl whom I bedded was Tonic instead of Gin! I noticed Mel glaring at me and quickly look back at Igor.
Mel: That is why I told you not to bring anyone home!
Igor: haha….. He did not. She just dropped into visit…..haha….
She looked angry and turn back at Igor. At this point, we heard the huge guy spoke.
Vlahd: Sir, Ms Gin is here.
Igor: Vlahd, ask her to come her.
Vlahd spoke to someone still on the stairs and allowed her up to the sun deck. Gin appeared in a green bikini and Igor motioned her to the pool.
Gin cross the sheltered canopy and came into the pool. She sat besides Tonic and myself. Both Mel and me look at the 2 of them, Gin & Tonic. They look so identical that even in this close proximity, it was hard to differentiate them apart. Gin obviously had a swollen face.
Mel stared hard at Gin but Gin did not respond to her stare.
Mel: So what? It does not mean anything.
He let go of Tonic, took his wine from the small table besides the pool and took a sip before putting the glass back onto the table. He crossed his arm and looked at us.
Igor: Ms Mel. Do you think it is that simple? You gave Gin the instructions. The order was wrong and caused my company to lose 30millions dollars. It was your wrong instruction that caused the lost. Do you think your company will let you off so easily if I sued them for 40million?
He paused.
Igor: I had got people to do some checking. 40 million will cause your company to go into liquidity. Your name will be tarnished in the industry. I will make sure that no one will hire you again.
Mel: We will just go to the company and report about what you just told me.
Igor: Do you think anyone will believe you? That is why you are in your swim wear now and your clothes are downstairs. I needed to make sure that you do not have any listening devices with you.
Mel kept quiet and Igor finally smiled. He knew that he had won.
Igor: And with your mum resignation, I am sure that you will get into financial difficulties, especially that you are still serving the mortgage of your other property.
I looked at her, surprised. I did not know that she had made a purchase of another property. I am sure that Aunt does not know as well. No wonder she was always threatening me that she will shift out.
Igor: Don’t be foolish. There is only one route for you. That is to cooperate with me…… haha…..
The sun was blazing overhead and the breeze was light. Coupled with the consistent sound of the waves lapping against the hull of the boat made the weather a perfect day to be out at sea. However, Mel and myself were now caught in a situation that we did not expect.
Igor: So, are you ready to take our conversation further?
Mel nodded quietly. I watched as Igor reached out and gently brushed away a stray strand of hair on her forehead. She did not cringe but allowed him to do so.
Igor: you are so beautiful.
When he said that, I came to realize that I was in a tub with 3 beautiful ladies. The Taiwanese twins were definitely pretty, but as I watched him brushed her hair, I came to realize that Mel was breath takingly beautiful, especially with her looking so helpless. Her fair skin was so smooth and unblemished and looked as if it reflects the sun rays.
Suddenly, she turned and look at me.
Mel: Sam, could you please excuse yourself?
Me: har?
I was confused by her request.
Igor: haha….. Ms Mel….. no…. Mr Sam will stay here. I know you are trying to protect him….. But you asked him along, if I am not wrong. So, he will be in the plan as well…..haha…..
Mel: but…….
Igor: No buts….. With Mr Sam, I think it will be easier for you to execute my plan….
She tried to get Igor to let me off.
Igor: I tell you what. If he gets involved, I will throw in an additional reward for both of you. I’ll settle your mortgage and I will also give him a house besides yours.
I am not sure where her place was but I was sure it will be worth a few millions. However, the main motive for me is to stay and help Mel if I could. I cannot allow her to work with Igor alone.
Firstly, I do not trust him.
Secondly, I am sure that his plan would not be easy to execute. With his riches, he could get almost anything done.
Me: Mel, don’t push me away. I will stay to help you out.
Igor: Excellent….. Ms Mel, well?
She rolled her eyes.
Mel: stupid guy.
Igor: haha…. perfect…… I take that as a yes.
He looked at Gin & Tonic.
Igor: Girls, I want you to apologize to both of them first.
The twins did so. With the knowledge that they were under the instigation of Igor, Mel accepted it. Of course, as I was not offended in anyway, I did so as well.
Igor: I need the 4 of you to work together as a team.
He continued.
Igor: I am actually trying to buy over XXXX Company. However, the major shareholder does not want to sell to me.
Mel thought about it.
Mel: With your resources, you should be able to get it from him easily.
Igor: I have something going on back home. I cannot use force on this guy. He needs to sell it willingly. So, I am engaging your help.
Mel: How long?
Igor: You have 3 weeks to get him to agree. If not, your company will receive my lawyers letter.
Mel and myself looked at each other. It is not going to be easy.
Mel: why me?
Igor: Because you are clever, pretty and resourceful. I am sure you will get the job done.
Mel: There are many more who are better than me.
Igor: And………….. because you know him.
MIB appeared and pass us some documents, then we were shown to the earlier cabin to change back into our clothes, before getting on the speed boat to take us back to land.
As we depart, Igor stood on the sun deck with Gin & Tonic still clad in their bikini standing besides him, waving farewell to us.
Once we arrived at the Marina, MIB walked us to the carpark and the same car appeared.
MIB: Ms Mel, Mr Igor’s instruction was that you make your way home on your own. This is my card if you need me.
Mel took the card and looked at it. She just nodded with saying anything and he was gone.
I looked at the card. It was empty, with just an overseas number on it. There was no name or anything else on the card. Mel kept it.
There was something with her. She had not spoken since we left the boat.
Mel: Sam, could you make your way home alone? I need to think about some things.
Me: could I stay and accompany you? I wont disturb your thoughts.
She smiled weakly and walked back into the building, towards the restaurant there.
After we got a seat in a quiet corner, she sat facing the sea. I ordered something for us and kept quiet throughout. After about 30mins, she finally turn and face me.
I looked into her beautiful brown eyes, but they looked a little dull compared to their normal sparkling mode. She was definitely troubled by something.
She looked away briefly, took in a deep breathe and spoke softly.
Mel: You want to know what I am thinking?
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
Mel: I am basically stuck. I cannot back out now. You should not have agreed to help.
Me: I cant just leave you to handle this yourself.
Mel: sigh…..
Me: tell me and we will try to figure this out.
She put her face in her hands.
Mel: do you know who the person Igor is talking about?
Me: errrmmm…. no….. I haven’t managed to google him….. and the company does not ring a bell.
Mel: He….. He….. is…. my father…..
Her words stung me. I was definitely astonished at the revelation. I mean, Mel’s father, a rich man? How could it be? Why would aunt stay with my dad then?
So many questions suddenly flood my mind at the same instance that I did not know which to ask. I just sat there with a shock and dumb look on my face.
But then I had never asked about Aunt’s history, so I did not know anything about this.
Mel: Mum met my dad long time ago when he was in his late 20s. He already inherited his parent’s business then. She did not know that dad was already married. Mum even met his mother, my paternal grandmother. Because their family, wanted to have a grandchild, a boy, and his wife could not bear any children. So my grandma wanted dad to find another lady to procreate.
She used the word procreate trying to distance herself from him.
Mel: Mum was impregnated with me. But when I was born, grandma gave my mum some money and disallowed my parents to be in contact any more. So mum was alone all these years until she met your dad.
I listened with my mouth opened. This is sounding like a drama serial.
Mel: He had never seen me since birth and the only pictures that I had seen of him was from photos on the internet.
Me: so, he had a boy now?
Mel: no. I heard that he was a playboy. Basically a millionaire playboy in his peak. His wife somehow gave birth later to another girl. But no, he does not have a boy.
Her story left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. Basically, she have to get her dad to sell his shares in the company that was passed down from his ancestor or she will face repercussions from Igor’s end.
Its just like being wedge either between a rock and a hard place. She needed to make her choice.
I looked at Mel. She looked so helpless now. The lazy sea breeze caught her hair and blow it across her face. She brushed it away.
Mel: sam…. what should I do?
This is a tough question.
Me: Mel, I cannot advise you what to do….. You have to make a choice, your father or yourself.
Mel: I don’t know. Although I have not met him before, he is after all my father.
Me: I know…. but he left you and your mum right?
She nodded.
Me: Do you think Igor will sue the company?
Mel: yes…. I have heard of his ruthlessness….
Me: and do you think you will get into trouble?
Mel: If there is an email from me, then I will get into trouble….. the company will counter sue me.
Me: can they? I mean, take it as a genuine mistake.
Mel: I don’t know what’s in the email. I tried searching my outbox earlier today when I was with Ricky. I could not find it.
I thought for a moment.
Me: could Igor be pulling a fast one?
Mel: No…. you look at him. Do you think he is those type? He had the ability to place Gin into the company, and also Ricky. Who knows who else could be in cahoots with him. The email is real.
When she said that statement, I told her about Woon. She was surprised, but her question caught me off guard.
Mel: How did you see those photos? I mean he is hospitalized now.
Me: oh… errm…… errmmmmm….
Mel: You went to Gin’s place. right?
She said as a matter of fact.
Me: I mean…. well…. she….. initiated it after all…..
She looked at me and rolled her eyes.
Mel: and you let her into our place.
I shook my head and defended myself.
Me: Nope. You mum let her in….
Mel: sigh….. whatever…..
She had digressed from our conversation and I brought her back.
Me: so…. do you think he will spread those news about you? making the mistake?
Mel: Yes….. he will…. then I’ll be in seriously deep shit….
Me: your father, what if he loses his shares?
Mel: He loses his company.
I sensed that we are closer to an answer now.
Me: He gets the money right?
Mel: yes.
Me: ok….. I think we got the answer…..
She looked at me knowingly.
Mel: he’ll hate me for it…..
Me: I don’t think you will be going to acknowledge him anyway…..
Mel: I….I guessed not…..
Me: ok…. keep this from Aunt….
She nodded.
This seemed to be a small silver lining. But just a tiny fraction of the lining. we have an answer but not a solution. Just not yet.