Chapter 72

*Olga*

I read the text and it was Mark asking when we could meet up and catch up. I replied and we continued texting for ten more minutes before I put the phone away and went to sleep.

The following day everyone woke up late. Maria was the one who woke me up first as she unlocked the door and input the security code to disarm the alarm. She cleaned up the lower floor of the house and then went upstairs to get Nala.

"How are you feeling?" Frankie asked me once she was downstairs waiting for Nala to make a strong cappuccino for her. I counted four single shots in the mug before she topped it up with milk and froth.

"A little tired I guess," I replied, rubbing my eyes. I could see she was still recovering from the effects of the drug I gave her.

"Yesterday I blacked out, I don't remember much. I feel like I was drinking but I know I didn't touch alcohol,"

"Must be travel fatigue catching up with you," I suggested. I didn't like the way she was trying to unravel things. If she remembers what she told Jayden before she blacked out then I will be in hot water.

Brian was the next soul down and he looked well-rested and sprightly. He shouted a cheery greeting and then asked Nala to make him a decadent hot chocolate. Jayden joined us fifteen minutes later, looking as tired as Frankie.

Maria and Nala served breakfast for us three before they went upstairs to tidy up the rooms. My assigned housekeeper finished in my suite and came out with a load of sheets and clothes.

"Is there any other article of laundry you would want to be washed?" she asked me. I shook my head and she pushed the trolley of clothes down the hallway to the ramp that led to the basement where all laundry was done.

"Both of you look like you need to sleep," Brian commented pointing with his fork at his Dad and Frankie.

"That's right kiddo but we both have overslept, we will have to compensate for the lost hours," Jayden said, stifling a yawn."Nala please give me the strongest coffee with seven shots."

"Do you want to get a heart attack? I will give you four shots maximum," she said smiling. She had been heading to the basement when Jayden intercepted her. She made an Americano and gave it to him.

"Thank you, by the way you will pass by The Aviary today, you were asked by the GM to go train the two new baristas."

"What about Brian?" she asked.

"You do realize I am not a child, besides Olga is around," Brian pouted.

I quickly shook my head, "I have a lunch meeting at one."

"That's okay, the training will be in the evening from five so I take it you will be back by then." Frankie said. I nodded and chewed on the madeleine slowly.

"Well if there is nothing else we should get going," Jayden said, swallowing the last of his coffee. He and Frankie got up and headed outside as they talked about stopping for energy drinks along the way.

"We will be in the basement in case you need any of us," Nala said.

It was now lunchtime and the housekeepers and Nala had finished their laundry duties. I was on my way to meet up with Mark. I drove to a quiet part of the town where few people visited. This would be the equivalent of the downtown areas of other cities except that it was still more expensive than the uptown areas of many places.

I parked my car in the parking lot and walked into the mall and got on the escalator that led to the first floor where we were to meet. I entered the small mom and pop style café. The barista on duty smiled at me and nodded as I pointed at the far end of the restaurant where there were three booths.

I took a booth and sat down. A waiter came up to me and presented the menu. I skimmed through the menu and settled for a cocktail and chicken wings. I was told to wait for five minutes for the wings to be delivered. I also ordered for a shisha bong as I wanted to try it out after so many years. I was halfway through my wings when Mark sidled into the chair opposite me.

"Must you be dramatic?" I asked him with a smile on my face.

"Life itself is boring, death on the other hand is exciting," Mark told me. He shook my hand and ordered blueberry cake and a pot of black coffee.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked genuinely perplexed.

"Oh don't you know?" he asked and paused for a second, "I am dead. Legally dead, I drowned off the coast of Seasbury."

"Go on, tell me what happened," I prodded.

Between bites and sips he narrated what had befallen him from the moment he went underwater. When he was done I shook my head and realized he was as much an actor as I was.

"So that's why he was happy," I said. One way or another Jayden had found out about Mark's death and was joyful. If he only knew that Mark was alive and kicking at the moment.

"This cake is very dry and brittle, it doesn't have the taste I was hoping it would," Mark grumbled and pushed away the remaining piece.

"Your palate has been attuned to fine things," I told him, remembering how he was daily at The Aviary.

"What do you mean?" he asked me. I leaned back in the chair and looked around the small restaurant to make sure no one was hearing us.

"A few days ago, Jayden had traveled to Seasbury but when he came back he was in a very good mood and I wondered why. It looks like he found out about your death."

A frown formed on his face, "What was he doing at Seasbury? I don't think he knew I was there."

I leaned back and took another deep puff of the bong. "He went to seal a deal concerning the maritime business. I hear he will begin plying the sea route to Seasbury."

"I see you were successful and now have him under your thumb." Mark said, looking at me with a smile.

I shook my head letting out the cloud of smoke through my nose, "I lost the baby."

He stretched his hand out and held mine comfortingly, "I am sorry for that. I am certain you haven't told him."

"No one knows, I tried to seduce him again but it is very difficult in the house with the occupants around him. I reached out to your contact and asked for more drugs but my mission was a failure so I need to go to step two."

"What is step two?" he asked me, narrowing his eyes.

"That is why I agreed to meet you. I want Jayden, and you want Sierra. We help each other out."

"I am listening," Mark said.

"We abduct Sierra and use her as a bargaining chip. I use her as a hostage to get Jayden to finally accept me and then once he does, you will have your Sierra as well."

"The authorities will be on our tale," he said. I had also thought of that angle.

"No they won't, I don't think Jayden is stupid enough to try that," I told him.

"I am not comfortable with the plan," he said finally after what seemed like ages. "What if someone gets hurt?"

"You mean what if Sierra gets hurt?" I asked him.

He nodded looking at me, "Yes Sierra."

"The plan is foolproof. I get my man and you get your woman. It is a win-win situation for both of us. No one will get hurt. Other than kidnapping Sierra and using her as bait, no harm will befall her."

"Let me think about it and I will tell you."

"Don't take too long though," I said. "I have a time limit and a fire breathing dragon down my neck." I knew I couldn't stall Lorraine any more.

Mark finished his coffee and stood up.

"I will pay your bill no worries," he nodded and then left. I watched his retreating figure and finished the last of the pot.

I drove back home after running a few errands in town. I got back and Nala left Brian in my care as she went to train the new baristas.

Frankie came home two hours later and I retreated to my site where I was hoping that Mark would agree to my plan. Jayden was dropped by Dave an hour after Frankie and he busied himself in the kitchen making supper.

Frankie came to invite me for supper but I told her I was fine. As I retired later on, my phone rang and I picked it up.

"Hello," I said quietly. Frankie and Jayden were still in the living room and I didn't want them to overhear me.

"Olga," Mark's voice said. "Let us go with your plan. I am all in but we will do it my way."

I chuckled and hung up. Now everything is set.