Mary sat quietly in a hall, awaiting Smith's arrival. Mike had offered her coffee which she politely declined. She had woken up feeling uneasy that morning even after she tried few of her calming techniques but none of it seemed to work. It only worsen her anxiety. Even in the fully air conditioned room, she could feel her sweaty palms. She had pondered long and hard on the cause of her present state of mind. She was never one to fidget about anything. Not even when it's her first day resuming a duty. She had always been calm and collected.
You know why. A voice gently nudged her.
She had been hearing that silent voice since she left home. She had switched place with Jennifer last night, so she could get to work early today. She remember how she had related the event of what transpired during Smith's visit to the hospital, to Jennifer without holding anything back. Her cousin, had shown her share of surprise towards Mary's speculation of his visit but when she explained in detail, how he had visited only her mother's ward, Jennifer couldn't agree more with her. The reason he would do such a thing, however, remained a mystery.
Absentmindedly, Mary could not help but smile thinking about how Jennifer had also teased her about being over her head with her Boss. Her fingers now gracing her soft lips. She had however countered Jenny, saying Smith was not her boss when they shared their first kiss. Besides, she had no intention of attaching any importance to it.
It was then it occurred to Mary how she had felt a dread settled within her immediately she uttered that statement. Could it be why she had been feeling uneasy this morning? She asked herself. The fear that Smith would in fact, not be affected by the intimacy they felt the previous day. She knew she had only bragged to Jennifer about not being affected. She couldn't get a decent sleep through the night as thoughts of him kept flooding her mind.
Perhaps, coffee is not such a bad idea now, she thought aloud, having the need to clear her head.
She rose from her seat, in search of Mike. Hopefully, he would be kind enough to serve her one now. Mary opened the door just as Bugle's hand was going for the door knob. She was taken aback, not expecting to see anyone standing behind her door but then, Bugle knew who she was. He greeted her with a smile as he gave a courteous bow. Mary gave him a confused smile, embarrassed at his chivalry.
"Are you going somewhere?" Bugle asked without taking a step away from the door.
"I...um...Yes. No. I'm... I'll just go take a seat" She stuttered, pointing at the seat she vacated earlier.
Bugle nodded, taking pity on her discomfort. He gave a brief introduction of himself.
"I'm Bugle, by the way. Smith's Legal Advisor", he said, extending his hand.
Mary shook his hand, silently chastising herself for her clumsiness.
"I am Mary." She replied. "I believe you know that already, and the reason we are here, seeing how you didn't falter like I did earlier". She felt her old self slipping back to take charge.
"Or not. Maybe I'm just very confident of myself?" Bugle asked teasingly.
"Well I would say now is not the time to put our confidence to test" Mary replied, matching his light tone.
"Mmm, Smith was right about you, afterall"
"Now I wonder what you two have been discussing about me. Are you sure you are only his Legal Advisor and not his gossip partner?'
Bugle could not surpress his laughter.
"You sure know how to make a gentleman break into a fit of laughter"
Mary giggled.
Mary had forgotten her earlier anxiety, with Bugle keeping her spirits afloat. She wondered briefly if Smith was away or too occupied to join them. Though she remembered Mike saying he was around when she had first arrived. There was a knock at the door as Mike entered to welcome Bugle and offer him something to drink. Mary had seized the opportunity to request for coffee herself as Bugle requested for green tea. After Mike brought their drinks, Bugle brought out a file from his briefcase. He placed it on the table, in front of Mary.
"Now let's get down to work damsel", Bugle said, giving her a wink. "I don't want Smith requesting for my head on a platter".
"Uhuhn! He would?" Mary said in mock horror.
"I would not underestimate what that beast is capable of if I were you"
"Shut up Bugle and let her sign the damn paper"
Mary swung her head about. Her gaze finally resting on the door but it was still firmly shut. Then she remembered she had seen some cameras installed in the room. Smith had been watching. She lifted her gaze to one of the cameras facing her. Fervently wishing him to come to the room. The only reason she didn't utter a word was the repressed anger she heard in his voice. As though, he was irritated at something or someone.
"Yes Boss", Smith said with a mock bow.
Mary noticed how relaxed Bugle seemed to be with Smith. Unlike others she knew working for him. Even Mike and James, despite how often they stayed around him, they don't take his words with levity.
Bugle opened the first page of the document, instructing her on what to do as he don his professional look on.
"Here is an NDA - Non Disclosure Agreement, for the job you applied for. The details are listed in the second part of this document when you open to page five". He explained. "Now, you are advised to go through every sentence, digest, understand, before appending your signature on the last page of the document".
"Okay". Mary said, flipping through the pages, unable to hide her shock at the lengthy pages she's expected to painstakingly go through within a short time.
"Yes, I know. That's understandable". Bugle said referring to the look of shock on Mary's face. "If you had come with your lawyer, I'm sure he would advise you on what to do but if you don't mind, I can tell you what would be in your best interest. Smith can become livid with anger but we wouldn't care".
Mary didn't realized a giggle had escaped her lips when Bugle said "I see you don't give a shit about your new Boss too".
Mary's eyes widened. "No!" She exclaimed
"No? You don't?"
Mary realized the error in her response.
Bugle was sure going to put her in trouble. She mumbled.
"I meant Yes, of course. I care! Since it would mean I get a stable payroll".
"Oh, just that. I see where your loyalty lies" Bugle replied, taunting her.
Mary moved her head closer to Bugle
"I don't know which of you is more difficult to relate with". She whispered to him
"Definitely him. It is clear as daylight young lady". Bugle replied in the same manner before raising his voice to Smith's hearing.
"J.B!", he called out. "I was wondering if you could help Mary out of her confusing state". He said
Mary wished she could be invisible that minute. She looked sharply at Bugle, who laughed to his content.
"What? Did I say something wrong?" He asked, giving Mary an innocent look.
"When you two are done exchanging glances, Bugle, you know where to find me". Smith said, ignoring all his playful talk.
In that instant, Mary knew for certain Smith was in a foul mood. Now her suspicion is what she hoped isn't true because he had outrightly been ignoring her but not Bugle. It was as if they didn't make any progress yesterday, breaking some barriers. She still remembered how reluctant he was parting with her yesterday and how he repeatedly sought assurance of seeing her today. She wondered what changed in less than 24hours. She felt her eyes glistening with tears as she blinked it repeatedly. She tried to compose herself, refusing to let any of Smith's attitude get to her.
"What would be your advise concerning this document if you were my lawyer?" Mary asked Bugle
"Okay, back to business." He said rubbing his palms together. "I would ensure you read every part like I said, before signing but I have an advantage here since I compiled it. So, feel free to append your signature on it."
Mary looked at him doubtfully.
Bugle shrugged. "You can have me on record if you wish. What the agreement requires of you is not to reveal the existence of Smith's daughter and the circumstances surrounding her to anyone. You don't know who would be talking to the press the next minute". Bugle said. "However, you are under no obligation to do as I say. You still have the right to go through it all and then make your decision but you only have maximum of 24hours to do that as stated in the document".
"Not fair"
"You think? Well, I don't play fair" Bugle said with a smile.
"Good point. I'll put you on record while you repeat what you have just said, then I'll sign it".
"Mmmm, someone seemed to have trust issue".
"Don't blame me. Not when my supposed advocate isn't playing fair".
Burgle laughed. "Let's do this!" he said urging her on.