Chereads / The Black Dahlia / Chapter 10 - 7. After the storm

Chapter 10 - 7. After the storm

Gabriella

A week later...

"Mierda ( fuck)"  I cursed on no one but myself for being in this condition.

Almost a week went by but Alejandro didn't made a single move on me. I thought being mysterious will attract him towards me but I was so wrong.

I know that Alejandro has sent a man to keep an eye on me and that irritates me more. I need to do something very big to get his attention. I need a full proof plan.

I decided to take a shower and grab something to eat. Today's Saturday which means my day off. I am so happy about it working as a waitress is a tough job especially for someone like me.

After taking shower I directly walked towards my wardrobe and decided to wear a cargo jogger and a black top.

I walked inside my open kitchen to cook something to eat. Before I could even take out ingredients for dish i heard the doorbell ringing. I was confused because no one will visit me at this time but still i went to open the door.

I opened the door and my eyes widened in shock. I took a deep breath to control my emotions. Now is the time to start my acting.

"Do i know you??" I asked trying to be polite.

"No, but can be come inside " she asks.

I gave her nod and move aside to let her in. She entered my small living room and looked around in pure disgust.

Well she is the only one who hates my living condition because I hate it too.

She sat on the sofa in an elegant manner and her two bodyguards took their position beside her.

I can't believe it!!! Rosa Martinez is sitting beside me. I knew that i am going to meet her sooner or later but i never thought that it will be so soon.

"So you saved my son's life" she asked.

I looked at her confusedly like she talking in some foreign language.

"I am sorry but I don't know your son" i replied.

She narrowed her eyes at me not believing me at all. Of course she won't believe me after all she is Rosa Martinez.

"You saved him from a car accident few days ago" she said.

"You mean that douches bag" i said and instantly realized my mistake.

Shit!!! I shouldn't have said that, my bad!

Rosa was a little perplexed and had a little smile on her face.

"I guess your first meeting with my son didn't go that well. My son is like that, his first impressions are not very great. Either you are smitten or intimidated. I have to day you are the first one showing disdain", Rosa said.

There was an awkward silence. The space between them felt cold, due to the excessive awkwardness. After a few minutes of nothing, Rosa said "I am grateful to you for saving my son tell me how can I help you?"

Gabriella was stunned by this response and nonchalantly replied "it was not a big deal, I just saved his life out of kindness you don't owe me anything".

On hearing this Rosa decided to show her who the boss was, she said in an assertive manner "young lady, you have no idea who you are talking to. The Martinez family doesn't like keeping debts. We believe in clearing our books as soon as possible. I am offering you a job, which might help you improve your life, become my son's personal secretary."

I could not believe my ears. My heart was doing cartwheels inside, my luck was favoring my big time. Yet i had to play too hard to get and politely decline. "You don't have to do this, it's alright", i said shyly.

"Suit yourself. It's just an offer, I am not forcing you do as you may please", Rosa replied emotionlessly.

After a silence of few minutes I replied "I have reconsidered the offer and I would love to apply".

"Alright this is my card, call on this number today evening and my assistant will provide all the details regarding the interview. You remind me of someone from years back, I cannot point specifically who but it feels like someone important. Anyways, keep your portfolio ready, best of luck!" Rosa said in a nonchalant manner.

"Thank you Mrs. Martinez", I said courteously.

Rosa smiled and said "I will take your leave, take care".

Few minutes after Rosa's departure, I relaxed on the couch and took deep breaths to relieve the immense stress she had been under for the last thirty something minutes.

It was a close call, and she said I reminded her of someone. She must know my mom, from years back after all she was a prominent figure as the matriarch of the Medellin cartel. I hope she doesn't find out about that connection, I feel I put on an almost perfect act.

A solitary tear rolled down my eyes as I was reminded of my mother and brother, due to this thought. After a few moments of sadness my anger was renewed and i was ready to focus and make this stage of my big plan successful, whatever it takes.

"Let's relax for some time and then we will prepare the portfolio and also call Rosa's secretary", I said to myself.

I decided to go outside to a park nearby for a walk and spend some time in nature's lap to recharge my batteries and take my mind of things for a while.

I cannot allow any lapse in concentration during my mission's execution so it was necessary that I take regular breaks and keep myself fresh and ready for action.

I cannot afford even the slightest of errors, which could foil my years of hard work and preparation. I took a book about  history of Cartels in Colombia, one of my favorites and also brought some takeout lunches from the nearest Taco  joint, serving the best Mexican fare including tortillas, Tacos and Empanadas to name a few of the many awesome delicacies of the Mexican cuisine.

I could observe Alejandro's man observing me from the shadows. Honestly speaking he was a great spy. In fact, if I did not have Sergio's insightful Intel I wouldn't have noticed the guy.

I was impressed by Alejandro even more, although he was an asshole and my sworn enemy, I had to respect his professional ways. He was a worthy enemy and I will give him one hell of a war, something he will remember till his last breathe, I mused to myself.

"Enough!" I admonished myself. I came here to relax, if I keep obsessing over him and the mission every waking minute I will burn-out.

After spending some quality in the park, I walked back home. I decided to prepare my portfolio. After arduous efforts of a few hours, my almost perfect portfolio was ready to slay the interviewer.

I was gushing at the years of hard work to reach this stage. Finance degree was not a piece of cake, from acing the SAT to graduating magna cum laude I had worked my ass of in the last few years. I couldn't pay my way through it or fake it. I couldn't leave anything to luck and leave a trail for the Sinaloa cartel to follow.

By the time I was done, it was almost evening, time to call Rosa's secretary.

Our conversation lasted twenty minutes and she briefed me about the interview.

I decided to watch Narcos on Netflix and then fixed some supper for myself, before calling it a night by 10pm, I had to be up early tomorrow was a big day.

I woke up and took an elaborate shower, I applied conditioner and shampoo to my hair, and after all it was my day to impress I was allowed some leeway.

I dressed up in a water colour print pencil skirt and navy blue blouse. I paired my outfit with white stilettos and put on minimal formal style makeup and my hair was tied in a high ponytail.

I was dressed to impress the corporate overlords, nothing too fancy or flashy, everything was minimalist and neat. I ate a French toast along with some cappuccino at a nearby café and then took a cab to the Martinez group of hotels headquarters, where my interview with Carlos Velazquez was scheduled for at 9am.

As the taxi turned the corner to head for the main gate, I squinted my eyes to avoid the glaring sunlight and admire the tall building, I was impressed by the structure and it magnanimity, Soon I will bring this structure down and make it one with the earth. I gushed at this sinister thought.