22

The DNA report is to be released today. I have spend the past one week going over the historical financial reports to keep my head busy from the murder of Ryan's mother. Ryan hasn't responded to any of my calls, text or emails. I still get those looks everywhere I go. I had an affair with Quinn, I am suspect in a murder case. I am no one's favorite especially to those self proclaimed righteous hypocrites.

Today I woke up to find my Audi spray painted 'Murderer and Hoe'

Oliver and his girlfriend, Nimo have offered to drive me to work as they head to school.

"Did you sleep well?" Oliver asks. He's driving, Nimo is seated on the shotgun. I notice the new iPhone she is using. I am sure Oliver got it for her. She is extremely extravagant. Where is he getting all this money? Few months ago he was broke working in a car repair shop which mysteriously burnt down. Now he can afford a fancy apartment and leech girlfriend. I push the thought away. I have too many things happening around me. I can't catch a break. The Bible verse rings in my head, 'There is no peace for the wicked. "

Urgh! Why did Quinn have to respond by saying evil begets evil. Now every little failure I will link it to my evilness. I deceived and manipulated a lot of people. What I did to Theo is unforgivable, it wasn't my secret to tell.

"Have not heard me?" Oliver asks.

"Sorry. My night was peaceful." I lie as I pretend to go over the financial records.

"It must be fancy working at La Cooper Towers." Nimo squeals.

"It is just like working at any other place." I shrug.

"You are so humble. I would be so thrilled to work in any of those skyscrapers."

"That is not my kind of thrill." I mutter.

"I bet Mr. Copper is great to work with, I have worked with him..." She stops herself and then it hits me what she's saying. The incident at the police station comes to mind when she was kissing the older man. She must have slept with my uncle.

"You have met Mr. Cooper?" Oliver asks.

"... I... I.." She stammers "... Not really."

"But you said you have worked with him." Oliver is astonished.

"I am just repeating what people say." She says.

"last time you said the same about that scumbag politician." He is getting mad.

"You know how our generation is, we lie so that our peers can think we have meet a lot of famous influential people. When I say I have met or worked with someone known, I am just lying. Isn't that the case Cara?" Nimo drags me into her lies.

I nod with a fake smile. I hope Oliver doesn't buy into any of her lies and manipulation.

"I am sorry babe, I shouldn't have asked you too many questions."

I can't believe this! When did my brother become such a simp.

"It is okay. I know you meant well." She says and leans forward to peck him.

I zero my attention back to the financial records hoping to find something. The rest of the ride is a blur.

*****

I am busy focused on my work until a bonquet of roses is placed on my desk. I lift my head to see the thoughtful person. I find Andre smiling at me.

"Hi?" He whispers.

Instead of answering I smile back picking up the flowers.

"Do I deserve them?" I ask.

"Yes, you do." He answers and sits on top the desk.

"How are you holding up?" He questions.

"I am fine." I say.

"Today is the day." Andre says.

I raise my eyebrows confused.

"The day you will be exonerated." He says excited.

"Oh..." I sigh.

"Aren't you happy?"

"I will be when the DNA results are announced."

"I know you are not capable of murder."

"Tell that to the rest of the world."

"I wish I was there that night."

I remember something "Where were you?" I ask.

He shifts uncomfortably, "At home." I can tell he is lying.

"Quinn said you weren't home."

"He was looking for me?" He asks surprised.

"Yeah, something about Theo's mother."

He runs his hand over his clean shaved head.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I ask.

"No. He thought I could help him find her."

"Can you?" I find myself subconsciously interested in the topic a bit too much.

"Not anymore, the leads I had hit a dead end." He says.

And I find myself sad that I can't get more information about Misha. I make a note to do my own research, after all, I have learned from the best, Andre. Additionally, it will be my gift to Theo.

Andre looks down on his watch, the shine on it is enough to tell it cost more than my three months salary. "It is already noon, I can drive you to the police station for the results."

Just as he finishes suggesting that Quinn walks in wearing a hand stitched suit. Working with him has shown a different side of his. He can get very intense with matters concerning work. He is surprised to find Andre in my office and I can tell he is not pleased. On his arm he bares a pile of folders. He slams them on my desk few inches away from Andre an action that doesn't go unnoticed by Andre.

"I need those bank accounts reconciled and consolidate the financial statements by tomorrow." He states.

I stare at the folders in disbelief, he has been doing this for a whole week. Each day the folders become taller and the numbers become longer. And each day I complain and Quinn reminds me what I will lose.

"Consider it done." I say with no enthusiasm.

He turns to Andre, sizes him up.

Andre isn't intimidated by him. He remains indifference to Quinn's glare.

He turns his gaze back to me. "Careful with whom you trust." He tells me and leaves.

"The dude is still salty I couldn't help him." Andre scoffs. "We should go before we get stuck on traffic."

I stare at the folders on my desk, if I don't get started now I will never finish by tomorrow.

"I can't. I have to finish this" I point at them.

"Easy work, I will create for you a software that can do that for you."

"You are a life saver." I sigh in relief.

"By the way, you didn't mention that Quinn was your boss." He speaks as he scoops the folders on my desk.

"Long story." I grunt.

"As long as it doesn't include you being his lover and he can not stay away from you."

I roll my eyes as I follow him to know my fate.