Claire walked out of the Villa when she spotted Pattison.
"Good evening, Mr Pattison!" She walked towards him.
"Good evening, Miss Thompson." He smiled.
"Mr Pattison, while I caught you for a minute, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course, Miss."
"I've just received apologies from Mr Jones Senior, any idea what this is about?"
"Eh…" Mr Pattison started running his hand through his hair. "I believe that you were owed some apologies."
"Why? What happened?"
"I am forbidden to speak of what happened in the Horton Club."
"Horton Club?" Claire furrowed her brows. "What happened? Was it just the other day when we signed the contract with the Chi Group?"
"I cannot say, ma'am."
"Why?"
"I was told to never bring it up."
"Hmmm…"
"Miss Thompson." Mr Moore came out soon after her. "May I ask if you intend to take the bus again?"
"No, not this time." Claire smiled trying to hide her confusion over the events at the Horton Club. "I'll be calling my friend to pick me up."
"Is it the same friend you called the other night and didn't answer their phone?"
"Maybe?" Claire couldn't recall it. She looked at him with surprise
"Will they be available?"
"Well, since she's unemployed now she has plenty of time on her hands," Claire replied with a bite in her tone.
"How long will you have to wait for your friend?"
"It took me about forty minutes to get here so I suspect as long as this if not a little longer. I will make a call and I will go back inside."
"Miss Thompson, I am heading towards the red bridge area, if you live near there I will be happy to offer you a ride."
Claire studied his face carefully. She was curious to find out about the events at the Horton Club, and Pattison wasn't going to tell her. The only person that knew was Mr Moore.
"No pushing me against the walls?"
"No."
"Promise?"
"Promise." Mr Moore looked at her with confusion before turning to his assistant. "Pattison, is there anything else?"
"No, sir. Have a good evening, sir." He hurried away towards his car.
Mr Moore opened the door and let Claire get in first.
She hesitated but did get in.
Claire was focused on the outside scenery and many villas within the area, not really paying attention to Mr Moore.
"What are you looking at?"
"The houses."
"How so?"
"I am admiring the architecture styles of some of them."
"What do you think of that one?" He asked as they passed by the next house. It was the biggest one so far. It resembled a concrete block with its contemporary style, or so Claire thought.
"Honestly? I don't like that one at all."
"Why?" He looked at her, his brows knitted.
"I am not as keen on this style. The contemporary housing is very edgy, or sharp. A concrete block without natural materials. It lacks warmth and a welcoming aura. It usually attracts a very particular style of owners with very much that kind personality. Usually recluses, introverts, and those who are happiest in their own company. They can be quite stern and disciplined and they don't like when people break their rules, however arbitrary. They can be edgy and enjoy novelty, but they rather be left alone. It's hard to like a house that'll never feel like home."
"What style of houses do you like?" Mr Moore coughed lightly.
"I am a little conflicted. I do love the artistry behind Georgian and Victorian houses, but I do love Northwest and French Country housing as they have very distinctive use of natural materials which adds that cosiness to them." Claire thought for a moment. "Definitely the latter for actual homes, and former for formal buildings and public areas."
"So, you have strong preferences for an exterior. What about the interior?"
"Are we talking about something realistic or free rein of imagination?"
"Free rein of imagination."
"That's difficult. I would love a house that feels liveable and that has warm undertones. The wonderful garden that I would want to see out of the window in the morning. A library! I'd love to have a library and a space to work on my own projects." Claire sighed. "I want a living space just for myself and those close to me where we could sit by the fireplace and enjoy the cosiness of the evening. And a big dining room to welcome guests. I was always taught that there's no better way of showing your love to people around you than if you share the meal with them." Claire realised just how much she opened up to Mr Moore. "What about your dream home?"
"That's tricky." Mr Moore replied trying to think of anything else rather than a home with Claire. That thought took him by surprise. And as she looked at him with her hazel eyes, he felt more strongly attracted to her and as if he never wanted to let her go. He still felt strongly about her in some ways but his desire to kill her was waning. "I don't know."
"I'm surprised. You always struck me as someone who knows exactly what they want."
"It might be shocking but there are few matters I have absolutely no idea about."
"Really? What are they?"
"I cannot reveal it. I don't need my enemy to know my weakness."
Claire laughed at that remark.
"You spoke to me all evening and you think of me as an enemy?"
"Well, Miss Thompson, I like to keep my friends close but enemies closer."
"You're ever so charming, Mr Moore." She said sarcastically. "I'm sure there's plenty of people who can appreciate your company more than I do."
Claire noticed a shiny object underneath her seat. She leaned forward and picked it up. It was her lost earring. She still tried to recall what happened a week ago and definitely had no recollection of being in Mr Moore's car.
"I'm sure there are." Mr Moore sneered. "At least I know that you honestly dislike me and you're not trying to hide it."
Claire straightened out in her seat, hiding the earring in her purse as discreetly as she could.
"That's an understatement, Mr Moore," Claire said honestly.
"How so?"
"I hate you to my core," Claire said it so casually as if it didn't carry any weight. Mr Moore was stunned into silence. "Yet, I must admit, I am intrigued enough to risk my life and get in the same space as you."
"Intrigued? What about?"
"Mr Pattison once have said that there's more to you than meets the eye. I am yet to work out what more there is rather than your obscene cruelty."
"I see."
"There's no point in punishing Mr Pattison. He said it from a good place, I'm sure. That man would probably give his life for you, yet I don't think you recognise it."
"Why are you defending Pattison?"
"Because he showed me kindness and respect even when passing your words and orders, which usually were the exact opposite."
"I see." Mr Moore fell silent and didn't entertain the conversation until passing by the red bridge which was close to the Alexandria Estate. Claire thanked him and left without looking back.