Mr. Rochester called me again the next morning.
He gave me his approval to proceed with my investigation report on Bill Kovach. This time I didn't feel so excited because I knew the price I paid for completing this investigation.
But like what Sebastian told me before, at least my efforts so far wouldn't be in vain, right?
There's always a silver lining in every situation.
Bill Kovach deserved jail time for his crimes. He somehow managed to become the candidate for mayor of San Francisco with the highest voting rate.
I didn't want to think about what other crimes he would do in the future if he had the power of Mayor of San Fransisco.
With Sebastian Moran's cooperation and credible evidence, I could close up this investigation much faster.
On the other hand, I had another issue with how my investigation fell apart and then fall back so easily. Who exactly was Sebastian?
He had invisible power to shut down The Daily Wire and covered up Kovach embezzlement in Barclays Bank.
Sebastian Moran obviously determined to support Kovach's political career and made him this city's mayor... he even hired hot-shot lawyer like Nicholas Shaw.
But now he wanted to throw it all away for sleeping with me?
Did that make sense?
Me?
It almost felt ludicrous.
Not that I wanted to look down on myself but I wasn't exactly a femme fatale type. My face was pretty but quite mediocre, not those drop-dead gorgeous that made men fall all over the place.
I was sure he would walk past me if we meet in the street, with my wild, thick brown hair and matching hazel brown eyes, I looked quite unremarkable. Unlike him.
Why Sebastian insisted I sleep with him... I still didn't understand, and not knowing his reasons drove me crazy with curiosity.
Shoot... I almost forgot my recorder pen I put in his private office. The battery only lasted a few days. I had to get it before Sebastian realized I was bugging his office.
I glanced at my watch that showed seven PM then sighed heavily, most of my co-workers had already gone back, so the office became a bit quiet. I usually returned to my apartment at nine.
I was hoping I could come home earlier but now I have another mission-impossible at Magnus.
I hope to God Sebastian Moran wouldn't be there tonight.
***
I thought his nightclub on weekdays wouldn't be as crowded as on weekends... But boy I was wrong.
A long queue line was visible right in front of the main entrance. Magnus still looked as busy as ever even though it's only Wednesday.
Well fortunately, I brought along my magic card.
I passed the waiting line while these party-goers stood impatiently on the sidewalk.
A big bald security guard on the main entrance lift his hand before I could even take my card from my bag.
"Wait a minute," he ordered curtly, looking me from head to toe. Tonight I didn't dress well because I came straight from the office. I only wore jeans and a thick khaki knit sweater.
"I have a member card," I protested to him when he held me off. The security guard slash bouncer took the black card from my hand and flipped it over.
Was it because it's a different membership card? I thought nervously.
"Where did you get this?" he asked suspiciously.
I snorted in irritation as he looked at me again. "That's mine."
"No, it's not!" he barked still with suspicion. "This card belongs to Mr. Moran. Did you steal it?"
This time it was my turn to be surprised. "How did you know? His name wasn't on the card."
"Only Mr. Moran and ten other people have this membership cards," he grumbled. "Each one has a number." He pointed to the corner of the card which turned out to be numbered but because it was embossed in slightly darker black so it was almost invisible. "And the number '00' belongs to Mr. Moran. So where did you get this card?"
I sighed irritatedly while trying my best to understand that he only did his job. "I didn't steal it. Mr. Moran gave it to me. If you still don't want to let me in at least please return the card to me."
"No, this card belongs to Mr. Moran. I must return it to him," he replied firmly.
"But he gave it to me," I insisted again in frustration.
Suddenly a tall slim man dressed in a swanky burgundy suit approached us. I didn't realize our little quarrel had attracted attention.
"What's wrong?" he asked the bouncer with some authority in his tone.
"He said I couldn't enter even though I have a membership card!" I explained before the bouncer could answer.
The burgundy suited man gave me a polite glance before turning his gaze to Sebastian's posh membership card in the bouncer's hand. I assumed he was the manager.
"This lady has Mr. Moran's card, sir," said the stubborn bouncer.
"Yes. Because HE gave it to me," I retort exasperatedly.
The expression of the manager gradually changed from polite to extremely courteous. "Ah, please excuse our staff, Miss Benson."
How did he know my name?
We both stared at the manager in surprise.
In a hurry, he asked the bouncer to return to his post immediately before turning to me with an overly friendly smile.
"Once again I apologize for this unpleasant treatment. If you don't mind I'll escort you inside myself," he even bowed slightly to me.
Other queuing visitors glanced at us curiously it almost made me feel embarrassed.
"There's no need..." I replied uneasily. "I just want his card back."
"Of course," he replied still with a broad smile before handing over the card in his hand. "Enjoy Magnus. You can order all food and drinks with this card, it's on the house. And if you need anything please call me," he added before inviting me to enter.
"Is Mr. Moran in his office?" I asked him after we passed the main entrance. The loud music that welcomed us almost drowned my voice. "Please don't say he's here too," I whispered to myself.
"Mr. Moran usually visits Magnus on the weekend, Miss Benson."
I thanked him then headed straight for Magnus's VIP floor.
I scanned my surroundings before entering the black door with the words 'no entry' written, after making sure no one noticed I sneaked behind the door and walked into the same hallway.
Without wasting any time I went to his dark office then took a pen recording which was still in the same place.
Not wanting to repeat the same mistake, within five minutes since I stepped into this nightclub I finished my mission, swiftly and safely.
I didn't even want to peek into his office and risked being spotted by Sebastian or Magnus's staff who would definitely report me to him.
While descending to the first floor filled with people clubbing on the dance floor, my eyes caught the manager's gaze accidentally.
Shit. If I went home immediately it would look very suspicious to him.
I flashed my smile before turning around and headed for the bar at slow pace. What kind of normal person would come to a nightclub only to spend five minutes in it?
I ordered a glass of Pina Colada which consisted of rum, sweet coconut cream, and pineapple juice.
As recommended by the manager, I showed my card when I ordered it and voila! I didn't have to pay for my drink.
I even got extra pineapple fruit and a small paper umbrella decoration in my drink.
Gosh, I love this magic card.
I sipped my delicious Pina Colada slowly while observing the crowd around me.
A group of fresh-faced college students danced on the dance floor, grinding into each other and enjoying the time of their life while colourful lights from the disco ball illuminating the dimly lit room.
I observed Magnus's attractive futuristic interior, impressed by the sleek and modern look of this place.
The last time I visited a nightclub was six years ago when I was still in college. I remembered I drank awful lots of Jack Daniels mixed with cola, I got so wasted I almost went to the hospital. It was a nasty but memorable experience.
For some time my gaze fixed on the dance floor.
What the hell, I thought grimly. I should forget Sebastian and my problems, let's join these people and have some fun.
I gulped the last of my precious Pina Colada and ate the decoration pineapple before making my way into the dance floor.
Sebastian's not here anyway so I could drop my guard.
My hips swayed slowly, trying to follow the music awkwardly at first but quickly flow into the rhythm with other people. For the next twenty minutes I danced and truly enjoying my time.
In this dark atmosphere, countless faceless people swayed all around me while music thumping endlessly. My head felt little light-headed and free, it's been a long time since felt this way.
Several times strangers hands tried to touch my hips or backside but I swatted them and quickly moved away to different spots.
But of course, there's always one of them who didn't get that 'a no is a no'.
Suddenly a pair of hands pulled my waist forcibly until my back hit his hard chest. I could feel his hard anatomy clearly on my backside.
This scum.
I tried to turn my body but his hands held me even tighter.
That did it!
"You motherfu—"
"What about my mother?" His spicy mint warm breath tickled my ear.
I froze instantly because I knew who's been standing behind me.
"Your— Your mother has been well, I hope?" I squeaked a little while my traitor body relaxed to him.
His deep chuckled made my stomach flutter.
"Aren't we supposed to meet on Saturday?" he asked half whispering on my suddenly sensitive ear. Sebastian squeezed my waist before pulling me closer to his chest.
I turned my head to look at him.
Sebastian Moran gazed back at me with his warm eyes. The scar on his left eyes didn't look so intimidating anymore. He was wearing grey suit pants and a white shirt with the top two buttons opened, his sleeves tucked up to the elbows.
His tall body and dominating aura stood out in the middle of the dancing crowd, several women who were dancing near us turned their gaze to him. Their eyes said it all.
I fought the urge to just lean a little to those women and whispered in agreement; 'I know... what an eye-candy, right? And I have his magic card!'
Sebastian grabbed my hand and led me to the bar to pick up my bag and coat which had been left there. My heart was beating wildly when I knew where he intended to take me.
But when my gaze caught a satisfied smile on the manager's face I wanted to swear at him.
That traitor!