CHAPTER 15 AMI IN HOT WATER

As plans go, the Gonzales group did not have the luxury of doing the Europe tour as Mrs. Gonzales and Rain were called back home immediately. When they are away, Ronnie is in charge of the Manor and the household staff. It was not Ronnie who called Mrs. Gonzales, but her sister Antonia.
The police are investigating the sudden disappearance of Ronnie’s son, Ridger. The last time people saw him was the day the Gonzales went for their cruise which was a month ago, July to be specific. It wasn’t unusual for Ridger to disappear for a few days or weeks but a month is something else. It wouldn’t have caused any problem, if the people did not notice that Ronnie did not seem surprised or concerned at all. Whenever people ask him, his answer was Ridger went to visit some relatives in the lowlands. Of course, the police were summoned but as the Gonzales were not in residence, they had to wait.
As soon as the Gonzales’ arrived, Rain had to escort Eliza home to La Trinidad. Eliza wanted to be with them but Claudia insisted that she should not. Rain assured her that as soon as everything is sorted out, he will visit her and maybe they can talk. Eliza was so ecstatic with his promise that she started telling people Rain will marry her. Rain was unaware of this though, so focused he was on the investigation currently taking place in his home. Although there is currently some crisis happening, his gut instinct is telling him something is not right with Ami but he can’t do anything about it so he tried to shrug it off. The concern at the moment is finding Ridger no matter how he dislikes the fellow.
When Claudia questioned Ronnie, he was defensive saying “How should I know? He told me he’ll be visiting his mother’s relatives in the lowlands. Let us talk about your cruise instead, shall we? He started playing with Claudia’s fingers clasped in his hands. Claudia disentangled their entwined hands and tried to move away but Ronnie pulled her closer like they were embracing each other. That was how Rain saw them when he arrived. He cleared his throat causing Ronnie to release Claudia. “I apologize Claudia, it is only that I missed you when you were away. You know how I look forward to my coffee breaks with you.”
Claudia, knowing more than what Ronnie was saying, answered, “No worries, Ronnie, but I hope in the future you refrain from excessive emotions as you know how I am awkward about them. Now if you’ll excuse my son and I, we have some matters to discuss. “
“I apologize again, my dear and to you too Rain. Where are my manners? You must be exhausted from your trip Rain, I will leave you two alone and ask Lina to bring you some coffee. Should you need me, I am just a holler away.” So saying, he left mother and son and proceeded to the cottage he shared with Ami.
“That man is so confusing. I think he has designs on you Mama.”
“Don’t you think I do not know? Before I met your father, he was always pestering me with his attention. It was he who actually introduced your dad to me. That was the best thing he did so I just tolerate him but lately though, he creeps me out that is also why I insisted on doing the cruise with you in part to avoid him for a while. He had been a good friend, I give him that but there are times, hairs at the back of my neck stand out when he is near. He always insists on us getting married being a widower himself. I think I will just have to tell him I really have no intentions on being a wife again.”
“Ever Mama? You are still young and some of my friends actually think of courting you only afraid I will box their ears if they do so. I want you to be happy again. I know you love Dad but I will not begrudge you another chance at happiness.”
“Bleh! What nonsense is this Rainaldo? Of course I am happy, I have you, I have my sister and her children and I have Ami as well. The only thing missing are grandchildren I can spoil.
“Mama, not that again! I know I promised you but I hope you won’t rush me. Oh by the way, about that, would you mind it if I courted Eliza instead? Ami is just so far away and I feel like she has a thing for her employers’ son, that Ali?”
“I don’t know son although he seems to be a very decent guy. However, talking with his Mama while we were on the ship has shown me a glimpse into that young man’s life. Though it is no longer a norm to marry distant relatives, the Al Fahezis have a very traditional outlook on life. It seems that the young man is indeed interested in Ami but for some reason he is still a bit hesitant because he does not want to disappoint his family. However, for you courting Eliza for real, it is all up to you. As I have said, whatever will make you happy, so be it. Just follow your heart, Rain.”
Saying so, Mrs. Gonzales left him pondering what she just told him although she would really prefer Ami to Eliza, but it won’t be her living with Rain. She went in search of Ronnie, though she hates doing so.

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Back in her room, Ami waited patiently for the receptionist. It is only past 7 but as time is ticking away, Farinah is in danger every minute. She now feels positive that Farinah is in the hotel, if not, nearby. Her hunches rarely were wrong. Aware of the furniture she used to block the door, she slowly pushed them back but always her ear on the door. The going was slow because of the carpet but she can’t be overly careful. Her stomach was growling but she did not dare venture into the hallway nor order for room service. The giant looked like a proper thug. He looked like the bad guys in the movie The Matrix only taller and larger. Finally, after nearly two hours of waiting, her phone rang. Afraid to pick it up, she hesitated until the name of the caller registered. The ringing stopped followed by a whatsapp message from Czarina. It’s me, Czarina, it said. Am outside your door, you may peek. Ami slowly went to the peephole and upon confirming that it was really the receptionist standing outside, she opened her door and quickly ushered her in. She noticed the take away bags she held in her hands.
“I figured you’d like this better than hotel food, besides, I do not know the new chef and based on the tone of your text, I guessed it might be better to take attention away from you. Now tell me while we eat, what brought you to Dubai alone?”
“You know of my employers’ youngest child, don’t you? You see she had gone missing while we were away on a cruise. The Al Fahezis were notified immediately so here I am. The last time Madam and I were here, I met a guy who has a similarity with Devlin, their partner, though I didn’t notice it that time. Today however, I saw him again but he did not recognize me because I was wearing my tattered jeans and a cap. Following my instincts, I tracked them to their suite on the 20th floor but before I got a chance to sneak in, another guy came. He was a giant, and very large. He probably is a bodyguard of some sorts. He had me by the neck but I managed to escape that is why I am holed in here. I know this is too much to ask, but do you mind getting some info about those guys upstairs and what or who do they have with them?”
“Hmmm, I actually have some info for you but please do not let them know I told you otherwise, I will be fired. Actually, the American arrived a week ago but he was alone, after a day though, there were two guys with him. One looks Asian while the other one looks like a hybrid, you may laugh but I think you agree with me. He really is a giant in the literal sense and very scary. Yesterday, both the Asian and the giant brought a huge parcel with them, it looked like a rolled carpet but I am not certain as they refused to let our porters handle the luggage. I was on day duty yesterday so I saw them. I caution you though, be very careful. If you like I can check who is in charge of room service tonight or tomorrow morning so we can get more details but please do not go there by yourself. By the way, where is that handsome son of theirs?”
“Thank you so much Czarina, this means a lot to me. About that son of theirs, I am guessing he is fuming by now. Can’t you just sneak me in as the room service personnel?”
“Are you crazy?!Absolutely not, if something happens to you, the Al Fahezis will have my head.”
Ami pleaded and gave Czarina her most adorable look which the latter can’t refuse so before she left for her night shift, she promised Ami, she’ll text her should they get a room service call from upstairs. It was nearly 10 so Czarina had to leave.
As soon as her guest departed her floor though, Ami snuck into one of the elevators wearing her cap again. She pressed the 20th floor button and prayed that Farinah is still safe and sound. When she reached the 20th floor, she peeked out first ensuring that nobody was loitering in the hallway. When she was sure that all was clear, she quietly exited the elevator and slowly made her way towards the suite at the eastern end of the hallway. She was nearly there when she heard a lock in the door being turned so she ran to a bend in the hallway. It was the American arguing with the hybrid giant. Looking at him, she could make out the similarities with Devlin although not as good-looking as her employer's partner. Maybe, she doesn’t know. Maybe Mabel can confirm it, she mused with a grin. Looking around and making sure nobody was about, the American returned to the suite but not before Ami heard him shout to the Asian guy inside. Sounds like room service for four? The hybrid giant scowled but stood sentry. Ami looked behind her and saw the fire exit door. She slowly and quietly tiptoed towards it and gently opened the door before she started going down the steps as quietly as she could. She was nearly on the 19th floor when her phone vibrated. She read the text and was delighted to see that Czarina made good on her promise. She went to the 19th floor hallway, rushed into the elevator and punched her floor. She made it inside her room not a moment too soon as she heard a knock on her door. Looking through the peephole, she saw Czarina once more. She let her in and they proceeded to disguise her as best as they could. Once they were satisfied with her look, she went out and pulled the food trolley along with her. Once again, she pressed the 20th floor button and was on her way up. She was so nervous that she hiccuped twice. She breathed in and out to calm herself. Finally, she reached her destination and she schooled her features so the hybrid giant won’t recognize her. Seeing that she was pushing a food trolley, the giant turned the knob and followed her in. She made a pretense of fussing over the food while trying to look for Farinah. That was when she spotted her seated by the table flanked by the American and the Asian guy. Nearly forgetting her disguise, she was ushered by the giant to go out so they could eat in peace.
“Time to go, you. You can collect the trolley tomorrow morning.” Saying that he almost shoved her out of the room.
She just nodded and went out working a plan in her head. She hurried to the elevator and went straight to her room. As soon as she was safe inside, she phoned the reception and was rewarded with Czarina’s voice on the other end. “Found her” was all she said then
switched the phone off.