Frank was thrown roughly on a seat and the sack bag was removed
from his face. He was in a small dingy room that had bulbs hanging from the ceiling which were spilling yellow light. The only furniture in the room was the chair which he was sitting down on. The room was unpainted and reminded frank of a cheerless party.
"How did you find out about this place" a voice said from behind him.
Frank couldn't see the person because the way he was positioned wasn't exactly giving him a three sixty view of his surroundings. But the voice was the voice of the same person who had taken him earlier in the tunnel.
Frank heard a noise behind him and knew that the door of the room was being opened.
He caught a whiff of very strong cologne and a tall woman wearing a fur coat came to stand in front of him.
"Where did you find him" the woman said softly.
"He was wandering in the tunnels. The cameras spotted him earlier, apparently he knew about this place Mother Kaline."
It meant that that the camera he had seen earlier was functional.
The woman looked at him and Frank knew the instant he looked into those eyes that he wasn't in trouble. He didn't know why that sensation came to him but it was just there.
"How did you find out about this place?"
"I was directed here" Frank said.
"You do know where you are, don't you".
"I do. I know you people spy on other peoples husbands…precisely cheating spouses".
"If you do know, why you are here then, what do you want. You don't look like a woman to me" Mother Kaline continued, softly as ever.
"Because I want to spy on my boyfriend." Frank lied maintaining a straight face.
Mother Kaline arched her eyebrows up in confusion.
"I'm gay" frank said. "I'm not sure my boyfriend is faithful to me, so I reached out for help and a friend of mine referred me to this place".
Mother Kaline stared at frank. Frank didn't know why but something told him Mother Kaline knew he was lying.
"Why would I believe that?" Mother Kaline asked.
"Because if I wanted to do more than seek help then I wouldn't have come here by myself."
Mother Kaline looked at frank her gaze sharp. An icy silence enveloped the room as Mother Kaline continued to look at him
"Katy would take you to an agent who will help you" She finally said.
Katy stepped forward and released Frank from his handcuffs. Frank rubbed his wrists to get the circulation back.
"Don't try anything funny if not you wouldn't make it out of here alive." Mother Kaline said leaving the tiny room.
"I wouldn't dare" Frank murmured.
"Come with me" Katy said to Frank who rose up from the seat and followed her outside the cheerless room.
Frank was surprised. There really was a society here and it meant Luke had been right."Can I get my cellphone back?" Frank asked Katy who was leading him towards a deserted passageway.
"No you can't" she replied curtly.
*************************************
The first thing Amanda noticed about the man who had entered with Katy was his eyes. They were the warmest blue she had ever seen.
The type of eyes that could comfort you on a day when you felt like giving up and drowning in your sorrows. The type of eyes that could hold you in their gaze.
He was tall, he wasn't overly handsome because Amanda didn't like men who were too handsome. He had rumpled jet black hair that looked neglected but still gave him this careless beauty.
That was what Amanda used to describe him. Careless beauty.
"Mother Kaline says you should attend to him."
Amanda was confused but hid it perfectly. Men weren't allowed to enter this place but if Mother Kaline had given him the go ahead then Amanda had to attend to him.
"Take a seat" Amanda gestured to a chair in front of him.
Katy left the office and the man sat down his hands on his wrist which Amanda noticed was slightly red.
"My name is Frank" the man said offering his hand which Amanda shook. They were callused and strong.
"I'm Amanda. So why are you here?
"I have a bit of a boyfriend issue." Frank said.
"Excuse me" Amanda said in confusion.
The man chuckled and Amanda quickly looked away from his lips.
That was too fast.
"I know you got confused there but let me explain. I'm gay and my
boyfriend is bisexual. We had an argument not long back and lately I
have been noticing a few changes in him."
Amanda found it difficult to believe that the man who was seated in front of her wasn't straight.
"You don't have the look of someone who is gay" Amanda said amused.
"Believe me, looks can be deceiving."
Those eyes they held her captive…they held her…
Amanda snapped out of it and subtly shook her head.
"So what is it that you want me to do?" Amanda asked.
"I need you to watch him this night. He is attending this very special event and I didn't think I was invited. You have to monitor him just for this night I am sure that whoever he is seeing will surface."
Amanda almost laughed at the absurdity of the situation. She had never had An issue like thus before.
The society had never even had a man step into its surroundings before. Amanda wondered what had made Mother Kaline allow him.
"Can I see a picture of him?" Amanda asked.
"It's in my cell phone which your friend Katy seized."
"So what do we do?"
I can meet you at the gala and show you my boyfriend then you can handle the rest from there" Amanda thought for a moment.
"You wouldn't have to see me work though"
"Absolutely." He laughed raising his hands up in mock surrender.
Amanda smiled which she hadn't done to a man in a long time.
"Deal?" Frank extended his hands.
"Deal" Amanda confirmed shaking him.
"I'll meet you there" he said writing the address on a piece of paper.
Amanda took the paper from him and nodded.
Frank was escorted back to the surface by two agents holding guns.
They were women but Frank had never seen tougher looking women.
They covered his face with a sack bag so Frank couldn't exactly see
which route they had taken. He guessed it was so he couldn't trace his way back here.
When he had reached the surface. They left him and by the time frank
had realized and removed the sack on his face they were long gone.
He looked around him. He was still within the vicinity of the abandoned
warehouse. He knew that because he was staring at the back of the warehouse.
He knew that Luke must have been worried shitless about him because
his phone currently had twenty three missed calls and several messages all from Luke.
He jogged the side of the building going to the front where Luke had
parked.
He saw Luke pacing about his car and muttering incoherently.
Immediately Luke saw him he ran towards him."Christ Frank, don't you dare ever scare me like that again." Luke said enveloping him into a bear hug.
"Relax I'm okay. I'm too stubborn to die." Frank laughed patting Luke at the back.
Luke readjusted himself and kept a poker face.
"I just thought I had sent you to your death. You got me all worried".
"What did you find out? I called your cell a lot of times a lot of times and you didn't pick" Luke said the eagerness in his eyes barely hidden.
"Everything you said is true" Frank said walking to the car and entering
inside. "It's a society like you said and they have one of the toughestbad ass looking women down there."
"You weren't hurt? They didn't attack you?" Luke asked disbelievingly.
"I was actually kind of arrested, but I was released when I told them I
was gay."
Luke threw his head back and laughed. He gunned the engine and the car came to life.
"What was I supposed to do they had me at gunpoint." Frank cried.
Luke reversed the car and they were out of the place.
"So they didn't do anything to you."
"Don't I look fine?"
"Sure you do, just checking" Luke said his eyes now suddenly looking
distant.
Frank purposely had left out the part where he had seen Amanda.
Frank smiled at the memory.
Amanda was special he had concluded after seeing her. He didn't know
what it just was that drew him to the woman but Frank had never felt…funny near a woman before.He could still remember when he had taken her hand. They had felt right…they had felt perfect.
He had told that lie back in her office so that he would get another chance to see her.
He had no bisexual boyfriend and he knew that Amanda was going to freak out when she found out.
He didn't care. Yes he didn't like relationships but there was no harm in befriending her.
Being friends wasn't dangerous…was it?
"Hey, are you okay?" Luke asked his eyes still on the road.
"Huh."
"You seem deep in thought are you sure nothing happened down there."
"Nothing" Frank said looking outside the window at passing cars.
"What actually prompted you to go down there Frank? I mean you just went in without proper thought."
Luke was right. Frank went into that place because he had wanted to confirm something but he couldn't tell Luke…not yet.
"Let's just say I was hungry for an adventure," Frank smiled weakly.
*******************************
Amanda still couldn't believe she was doing this. She knew deep down that Frank had no bisexual boyfriend.She had felt the notion creep into her when Frank had told her. Yet she had agreed to do it.
Was it because she had wanted to confirm that someone like Frank was into men or…Amanda laughed. She couldn't be doing this right now, she had work to do.
The address Frank had given her was taking place in a hall. From the looks of people that were entering the hall it looked like some sort of fancy gathering.
Luckily for her Amanda was wearing a red gown that had floral patterns. It was one of the nicest clothes in her closet but it was nothing compared to what people in there were wearing.
She had actually fought over her subconscious which was telling her that she had only worn that dress to impress Frank.
Amanda joined the line of fancy clothe wearers who were entering into the hall. There was a bouncer up ahead who was asking for and verifying names from a clip board.
Amanda hoped Frank was somewhere waiting for her she didn't want to reach that bouncer and get embarrassed.
The line was a two way line and Amanda noticed a woman in the second line giving her a funny look. She turned to look at the woman and noticed that the woman was dressed regally.
Did women who looked over forty still body shame.
She turned away quickly. She didn't have time to compete in a stare down with a woman over who the better dressed.
She was just here to do her job and leave.
Before Amanda knew what was happening the line had thinned and she was in front of the bouncer."Name please," the tall dark man said.
"Amanda Jacobes."
The bouncer looked at the clipboard and raised his face up his face grim.
"I'm sorry you're not on the list, please kindly step…"
"She's with me" a voice said from behind her.
Frank came to stand beside her and Amanda took a cursory glance at him. It was enough to stir something deep inside her.
Frank looked dashingly devilish in a tux.
"Oh Mr Frank I didn't know it was you. I am very sorry"
"It's okay James I am sure it was an omission."
"Shall we" Frank said opening his hands.
Amanda hesitated.
"They don't bite I promise" Frank smiled.
Amanda pushed away the feeling that was bubbling in her stomach.
She mentally reminded herself that she was here for a reason.She placed her hands in Franks own and he steered her into the hall. It was a little bit dark inside because the overhead lights had been focused on the stage up front.
A group of guitarists were cooking up something romantic. The whole hall had been covered in red, even the tables were Frank was now leading her to.
Every table had roses sprinkled on them and candle lit in between. The whole atmosphere looked romantic.
Frank picked a table and pushed aside Amanda's chair for her as she sat
down.
"Hmm, chivalry. I'm not impressed" Amanda said with a smile.
"No hard feelings" Frank chuckled as he went over to his own seat.
"So where is your boyfriend, let's get this over with."
Frank cleared his throat
"I have no bisexual boyfriend and I'm not gay either" Frank said his eyes on Amanda.
Amanda wasn't surprised, she had known Frank had called her here for something else. She felt partly annoyed and partly relieved.
Annoyed at the fact that Frank had lied thus dragging her out here. Relieved at the fact that he wasn't gay.
"Then why did you drag me out here do you know what could happen if the society found that I wasn't working but rather sitting in a fancy place and eating fancy food with you!" Amanda feigned annoyance.
"Relax, the society wouldn't find out besides, you and I both know you need a breather." Frank said unperturbed by her annoyance.
Amanda sighed.
"It doesn't work that way. The society always has a way of finding out if its workers are slacking."
Frank laughed. That rich deep sound that Amanda was starting to like.
"Believe me when I say in this case they haven't got the slightest clue."
Amanda sighed and eased back into her seat. She hoped that the society wouldn't find out she wasn't on duty.
"How did you get to know about us…I mean the society? Last I checked
only women get to know about us.
"A friend told me about you guys and let's just say I was curious to find out if it was true or not." Frank lied suddenly picking at some invisible material at his tux. He wasn't ready to tell Amanda yet why he had ventured into that tunnel even when he knew it might have been dangerous.
Amanda scoffed and shook her head.
"I know you are lying but its okay. I don't want to pry."
Something else was bothering Amanda. The fact that mother Kaline had et him go scott free still bothered her.
"What of Mother Kaline don't tell me she bought into this your gay ruse?"
"I don't know, you tell me" Frank said his eyes never leaving Amanda.
"I…
"Look Amanda, I want us to be friends, you know get to know each other and all that but none of this is going to happen if you keep on questioning me like a detective" Frank said a small smile on his face.
Amanda found it difficult no to look at that smile and not agree. She knew she was letting her guard down but just for this night.
"Okay, friends, that could work."
There was a sudden noise at the stage up ahead and Amanda turned to see a man walk up to the stage.
"Please the main event will soon start in a few minutes, till then themain course will be served. Please do enjoy yourselves." The man said eaving the stage.
A throng of waiters started moving from table to table dropping dishesof food on each table. At the sight Amanda's stomach growled. A huge plate of food was dropped before them.
"So Amanda you can't tell me something bad hasn't happened to a beautiful woman like you…I mean men troubles." Frank said digging into his food."On the contrary it has but I was saved by someone"
"And who might that knight in shining armour be"
Amanda wasn't really sure Frank was going to believe what she was about to say.
"Ever heard of the The Renegade" Amanda whispered.
"The vigilante guy?"
"Yeah, he actually saved me one day. I wish I could meet him and thank
him. You know just for…never mind it's not as if you know where he lives."
"I could help with that. I know a friend who might know a friend" Frank
shrugged.
"Let's just drop the topic" Amanda sighed.
Amanda took a bite of her food and it tasted magical.
"Frank Sinatra. The last name doesn't sound American"
"My mom is American and my dad is Italian. My father was an immigrant. My mom is late though.
"I'm so sorry"
"It's not your fault"
As time passed Amanda completely relaxed with Frank as they talked the food steadily finishing.
A little time later all the lights in the hall went off and soft music started playing. The only lights were the candle lights and blue disco lights overhead
"Grab your partner's gentlemen and head to the dance floor".
Frank looked over Amanda.
"Care for a dance"Lead the way" Amanda said slipping her hand into his own as he led
her away from their table.
Frank placed one of his hands on her waist and the other on the small of Amanda's back.
Amanda didn't exactly want to say that her body was responding to Frank's
They moved slowly in accordance with the beat that was playing.
"Have anyone ever told you, you are very beautiful Amanda.'' Frank said using a hand to shift her hair to one side. Amanda threw back her head and laughed.
"You have mesmerizing eyes Frank"
It was Frank's turn to laugh.
Amanda felt lost in those eyes of his…she didn't want to admit it but she was starting to like Frank.
Frank came in closer and Amanda caught a whiff of his cologne.
"Friends?"
"Definitely"
Frank drew Amanda in closer and Amanda closed her eyes allowing herself to feel the beat and also feel at ease.
************************************
Frank parked the car in front of Chloe's house and turned off the engine."I had a great time with you, we should probably do this some other time."
Amanda blushed and was relieved to know that Frank couldn't see her in the darkness of the car.
"Were just friends Frank. You make it sound as though we are already dating."
Frank smiled and looked over at Amanda.
"I know we are friends but it doesn't mean we couldn't try doing fun things."
"Maybe some other time" Amanda said in a haste to end the conversation.
Yes she liked Frank but she wasn't ready to do anything that might make him think of liking her.
"You know you can't like me Frank. Let's just steer clear of that direction."
Frank raised his hands and said."Absolutely all I'm asking for here is just your friendship nothing more."
"If it's my friendship you already have it" Amanda said opening the car door and stepping out.
"Thanks for the ride anyway."
"It's a pleasure frank said nodding his head."
Amanda hesitated. She knew she was supposed to do something maybe hug him or something.
"Goodnight" she said in the end.
"Ciao" Frank said gunning the ignition and driving off.Amanda stood there for a few seconds watching Frank's car leave. It had been this way with Sebastian. She had been so blinded by love that when Sebastian had cheated it had hit her like a truck.
But this time she wasn't going to let these feelings get in the way of her thinking. She was going to tread very carefully.
A few seconds later Amanda was inside the house. The first thing she saw was Chloe over on the table poring over some papers.
When Chloe looked up at her she could barely recognize Chloe.There were rings of darkcircles under her eyes and her eyes itself looked stripped of life…they looked…empty.
"Christ Chloe, when was the last time you had a proper sleep." Amanda said walking over to her and removing the cup of coffee that was clenched tightly in her hands.
"Vanliks killer isn't sleeping" Chloe said emotionlessly.
Amanda shook her head.
"This isn't doing you any good. You need to get some sleep."
"Did you know that Vanlik had a boyfriend?" Chloe asked.
"Is that a problem"? Amanda inquired pouring the coffee into the kitchen sink.
Chloe turned to face her.
"You are not supposed to date while you still work for the society. You are not supposed to see any guy."
Amanda stopped dead in her track.
"How come I don't know about this?"
"It's in the rules book Amanda you never read it."
Amanda shook her head.Apparently Vanlik had a boyfriend by the name Kurtis."
Amanda could see that see that Chloe was leading somewhere but she still wasn't understanding.
Amanda headed over to the table where Chloe was seated.
"Are you saying that…no it can't be?"
"Exactly what you are thinking."
"The society can't kill Vanlik Chloe."
Chloe smiled ruefully.
"It's still a theory of mine. I am not sure but I have a hunch."
Amanda disagreed what Chloe was saying couldn't be true. Even if was a theory it was an ugly one.
"Look enough talk about death and society for one night. Let's go and get you that beauty sleep you deserve" Amanda said taking Chloe's arm and pulling her away from the table.
Chloe followed meekly and without compliant. Amanda steered Chloeto her room and tucked her under the sheets.
Amanda had never seen Chloe so depressed. Amanda switched off the lights and turned to go.
"I love you Amanda" Chloe murmured halfway into sleep.
"I love you too Chloe now close those eyes of yours."
Amanda retired to her room and tumbled on the bed exhausted. She barely even had strength to change from her clothes.
Her mind was slowly working its way back to the evening…and Frank.
"You can't think about him Amanda. Forget it" Amanda said to herself.
She beat her pillow to a more comfortable shape and closed her eyes
allowing sleep to take over.