It's been two days after the birthday dinner, and Henry was still trying to make Fredrick understand the direness of the situation they were in. "And where in the name of God do you think your are going?" Henry blared, as Frederick dragged his box down the stairs.
"Nowhere that should be of concern to you."
Frederick got his hot headedness from his father, howbeit he could go a little overboard sometimes.
Henry's throat suddenly felt dry. He couldn't find words to utter, so he took a sip of water from his tumbler first. It was like venom coursing through his veins. "Watch your tone, boy. I'm still your father."
"Granted. I am in no way contesting that. But don't you think that as your son, I have a right to express my grievance and displeasure about things. All my life, I have been in the dark about my mum's identity. As if that wasn't enough, you already schemed my marriage with a lady I barely know and to crown it all, you came up with this ridiculous conjecture of secret organizations and blood lines. That's absolute trash and I'm not going to be cajoled into any alliance of any sort."
Frederick was fuming. Henry kept glaring at his son, barely touching his lunch. Louisa was quiet all the while, just eating on in silence. She was known to be more on the laconic, than verbose side.
"Mum, you clearly have something to say. So, cut to the chase."
Louisa's posture was what gave her away. Whenever she was contemplating commenting on a matter, her shoulders stay stiff, like a sculpture's. Frederick knew this, hence his assertion.
"Come and sit down."
"I don't think that now is the time for that. I would rather stand here or better still, be on my way." He crossed his legs and leaned against the bannister of the stair case, bidding his time.
Louisa decided to take on a different approach. "How about lunch, at least? You haven't eaten anything since morning."
"I don't have the appetite for it. Can I be on my way now?" He asked impatiently, gearing up to leave.
"Louisa, just let him be, already. He will be back."
Fredrick was livid with anger. Not sure, whether it was the fact that his dad was calling his bluff, or something else entirely. He hissed and dragged his luggage with him.
"Bye."
"How long will you be gone for?"
There was no response from him, so she added, "I will give you a call, Freddy."
"Whatever!"
***
"Good afternoon, Sir." The tall receptionist, greeted in her exotic British accent, as Frederick strutted to the counter. "Welcome to Hotel Vasquez."
"Thank you." Fredrick gave a raunchy smile, but chided himself almost immediately. "I would like one of the presidential suites…" He paused. "I will be staying for three days."
"Excellent choice sir. Your name, please?"
"Frederick August."
"Okay."
She punched in his information on the laptop and handed him the card to the room, after he settled the bill upfront.
Smiling up satisfactorily at him, "enjoy your stay, Sir. I am only one call away."
Frederick has had his fair share of advances from the female folk, to detect when a lady is flirting with him. Despite her attempt to sound all professional, he could see beyond the mask. No one could blame the lady though, Frederick's physique and features were to die for. He was proud of the effect he had on women.
"I plan to do so." He winked at her, forcing her to turn beet red in an instant.
As Fredrick smiled triumphantly to the elevator, a man about 6'9 joined him. He wore a flannel shirt and well ironed trousers. His hair was neatly packed into a pony tail, and he had a tattoo on his left cheek that came all the way to his neck. Fredrick saw himself sizing him up. He usually didn't give thoughts to superstitions, but there was something eerie about the man and it gave him the chills. Also, he couldn't deny that the whole incidence with the tattoo on Stacey's hand had left an impression on his mind. Stacey… he thought of calling her to know how she was doing, but he didn't want to send the wrong message. He didn't want his parents or her parents thinking that he cared for her or that he was playing into their lies.
Before he could press the elevator button the man already did, as if on cue. Frederick was taken aback by the action.
He apologized immediately. "Oh, so sorry," flashing Frederick a weird grin, that revealed his dimples. "I was a little too fast."
"It's fine." Frederick replied absentmindedly. He found the man's reaction to be incongruous, but he busied himself with counting down to when they would get to his floor. He had a bigger fish to fry.
Once the bell chimed, he felt relief wash over him. He really wasn't ready for any altercation.
Finally!
"Do have a great day," the stranger bellowed. "See ya around."
Fredrick didn't look back as he made for his room. He sincerely wished for their paths not to cross again.
***
Fredrick could tell from the cars in the parking lot, that the club was already filled with people. It didn't bother him at all, given that he was a regular VVIP client. The bouncers at the door quickly recognized him and ushered him in.
He made his way through the throng of inebriated people, to his favorite spot. The loud music and booze was intended to drown his misery. He planned on having a much fun as he could have.
They served him his usual and he relaxed unto the couch, enjoying the party.
Few minutes into his alone time, a lady. walked up to where he sat.
"Hello handsome."
Frederick raised his eyes to meet hers, and smiled. She was beautiful by all standards, and had the right amount of curves, just the way he loved his women. "Hi."
He stretched out his hand for a handshake. "I'm Frederick."
"Carina." Her voice was smooth and sounded like music to the ears.
"Beautiful name." Fred found himself smiling uncontrollably. She had to be a big shot too, else she wouldn't be able to afford the VVIP section too. "Sit with me."
She obliged and sat with grace, pushing some of her lush black hair behind her shoulders. Her every move drew him in.
"So, why sitting alone?" She asked looking straight into his eyes, holding him prisoner with her smile.
"Who said I am?"
"Isn't it obvious? You just have one glass here, and I have been watching you for a while now. So, I can say for a fact that you are alone tonight."
"Okay... I was waiting for you, I guess?"
She chuckled, throwing her head back a little. Frederick saw the full length of her neck, and swallowed hard. He was already imagining how many kisses he wanted to plant on them. She caught him staring and it gladdened her.
"Nice sense of humour, you have there."
"Would you like anything?"
She placed her order and they talked for a while longer. She was an impressive lady and Frederick was really captivated by her beauty, class and charm.
"Have a dance with me."
Frederick had no objection. He rose and extented his hand to her. She took it and rose up, pulling him to the dance floor.
He leaned in closer, so she could hear him. The music was blaring from the speakers and his heart was pounding to the rhythm.
"You dance pretty well."
"I know a few moves." She responded, whining down on him seductively.
Frederick couldn't help the blood that flowed to his core in that instant. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the pleasurable feeling.
"This is definitely not a few moves." He could barely stiffle the moan that rose from his insides.
"I will take that as a compliment, then."
He smiled back. "It's definitely one." He held her waist, to his body and whispered,
"Carina, would you like to follow me back to my hotel?"
She turned to face him, with her slender hands on his shoulders. All the while, she never broke eye contact with him. "Thought you would never ask."
He beamed with joy. His night was definitely far from being over. This was exactly what he needed. A beautiful distraction from all the chaos around him.
Once they were behind closed doors. Frederick wasted no second, in going for his kill. He pulled her to himself, kissing her slowly and passionately. A breathy moan escaped her mouth and it only got Frederick more aroused. She reached for his buttons and soon his shirt was flying to the other end of the room. He helped her out of her gown as well and couldn't help confessing how beautiful she looked.
He kissed, touched, filled and rocked her until they collapsed on each other, exhausted.
He woke up feeling good and light. His hands searched the bed for Carina's smooth skin but met an empty space.
"Carina?"
He rose to check the bathroom, but there was no trace of her. He checked for the key card, it was still where he left it.
Perspiration began forming around his forehead, despite the cold in the room. As he turned to grab his phone, he found a note she left him.
His eyes widened in utter shock. His heart was racing as he skimmed through the note. He started piecing things together; from the elevator guy to Carina.
"No... no ...no." He screamed out, burying his face in his pillow. "What the hell!"
Calling his father was the last thing he wanted to do, but it was the only thing he could do. He was the only one who would know what to do. It was either that or wait around for Carina and her friend to find him.
Mr. Henry picked on the first ring.
"Dad, I think they found me..."