Chapter 38

**James POV**

James sauntered into his office whistling an off-tune whistle to a song he doesn't even remember listening to. Brittany, who was perched at her usual seat raised her eyebrows in surprise at this sudden change in her boss. Before, she could predict his moods. It had a pattern; reserved and moody or silent and angry. No in-between grey area.

Now... she has a front-row seat for a spectrum of his emotions. She is liking this new side of him. However, she also fears for him. She wouldn't be able to watch when he plummeted to the ground from soaring heights. And he will get plummeted, it's how the world works.

James is not unaware of his secretary's thoughts. He knows she fears for him, but some things in life are worth fighting for. Nowadays he checks his mailbox before he ventures any further in his work. It's his way of starting a day. James typed the mail with the question that's been niggling his mind since his correspondence with his little Red.

[mail from James to Bella]

To: iamfifibel@gmail.com
From: james.aonal@gmail.com

Subject: what's with the name?

Little Red,

I never got around to ask you, why fifibel? What's the story behind it?
James

[end of the mail]

The response is swift. She too must be waiting to start her day with an email.

[mail from Bella to James]

To: james.aonal@gmail.com
From: iamfifibel@gmail.com

Subject: Re: what's with the name?

Dear meddler,

Why the sudden interest? I never asked you what's with 'aonal' and if it's not your last name then what is, do I?

Anyways, it's a national secret. I can tell you but then I may have to kill you. Are you ready to die?

Secretively,
Bella.

[end of the mail]

James wanted to reply with..."if death is the only thing you are going to offer then yes, I'm willing to die...for you, by you. But not with you. No, Little Red, not with you, because I would die first before any harm may befall you".

James was not kidding when he thought about writing this. But he is still new to her. He doesn't want to scare her with his depth of emotions. She needs to get used to him first.

He couldn't allow her to know about him or who he is yet. If she finds out who he is... she may run. And then he might have to remove his kid gloves. In a way, this anonymity is helping him. He will use these emails to make her fall for him. It's a kind of hypnotism. Like slowly easing a wild bird into getting used to a cage. But then James is not above using any means necessary to get what he wants.

Slowly, very slowly, like a crafter, he must mold her. She must start to depend on him. She must become desperate enough to check her mailbox every minute.

So much so that she couldn't imagine a day without thinking about him, so much that she must think a life without him in it is impossible. Then...and only then, James will tell her. About him, his feelings, his past...about everything. She will understand him then. She must. Until then, he must be satisfied with these glimpses.

[mail from James to Bella]

To: iamfifibel@gmail.com
From: james.aonal@gmail.com
Subject: Tell me now!

Little Red,

Now, I really want to know about it. About dying...I believe you are not good at homicide. Am I wrong in my belief? Shall I be scared? Do I have to contact the police?

You want to know my last name, you just have to ask nicely Little Red. I may tell you.

James.

[end of the mail]

A sudden tap and opening of his office door distracted him checking the response. Brittany entered the office holding a folder.

"Brittany, I wanted to say this yesterday, but you were not ready to hear it. I apologise for yesterday. You have every right to say what you said. I was out of line. For that, I'm sorry. Let's put it behind us, shall we?" he said extending his hand.

Brittany gave him a reassuring smile and accepted his hand, "It's okay, James. I was told a time or two I can be incorrigible at times".

"Only twice?", James mocked, his eyes smiling.

Brittany rolled her eyes at his tone and said with all seriousness, "Mr. McKenzie, I didn't discern the depth of your feelings about that particular subject. Now that I saw it, I can understand from where you said what you said. But still, I stand on my belief that it's too early. Don't drag that poor girl into this mess. You might not realise it but you are painting a bullseye on her back by starting this. She will become the target for them. Do you want to play with her life?"

"I won't let anything happen to her, Brittany. I will guard her with my life. Anyone who thinks about harming her has to pierce this shield to reach her", James said vehemently, matching her severity.

"You might not be there always", Brittany said and at his glare, she swiftly changed the topic before things can return to square 1. "Anyways, I came here to give this file. The details you asked about Ms. Bella-Rose James. I also opened the account as you instructed. No one can connect it to you. And there is one more thing, the upcoming office event, the team has decided to make it a masquerade ball, if it's ok with you? More intriguing and all", Brittany asked, raising her head from the notepad she is holding.

"Sure. You know what to do. Do what you think is best", James said off-handedly giving no thought to such trivial things.

"You must attend, Mr. McKenzie. After the Seattle fiasco, untold unrest is circulating in the offices. People must believe that everything is normal in Aon, and for that, you need to attend this year. They need to see the pillar that holds it together. If they see you, these gloomy clouds may disappear", Brittany persuaded.

"I will think about it", James said.

Brittany opened her mouth to debate some more, "I said, I will think about it. Is that all?", James cut her off.

Once Brittany left, James called his security chief, Tank.

"Tank, I want Bella under tight security. Hire a 24/7 surveillance team with four guards. Put them around the clock. I will leave that to you. See that, they must have no connection to us or Aon. They must monitor her every movement and report to me. Where she goes, whom she talks to, every single thing. Even if she sneezes, I should be informed", James fired his demands as soon as Tank answered.

Tank is dying to know who Bella is or how she met James, but he is professional enough not to voice his questions. Instead, he said, "I know a couple of guys who might work. When do you want it?"

"Immediately. Are they fit for this job?", James ordered his specification.

"They worked undercover", Tank answered patiently.

"Okay. I don't have to tell you that no one should know about this. Not even their family members. And especially Bella. She must remain ignorant of all this, understood?", James stressed the importance of the delicate matter.

"Of course. I will get on to it right away", Tank said.

"How old are they?" James hesitated once the order had been made. He doesn't want any young buck following his Red making puppy-eyes at her.

"Old enough to know not to look at her", replied Tank knowing his boss well.

"Very well. I will fax you her details", James cut off the call and looked at the file on his desk. One swipe away from his Little Red. All he has to do is open it. And he can see her picture. He can finally lay his eyes upon her...can devour her beauty...can know her eye colour.

However, James hesitated. He doesn't want to look at an inane object. He wanted to feast on her when she stood in front of him, in flesh and blood. Though he had the advantage of power, James restrained himself not to take a peek at the photo. Instead, he flipped the file and carefully opened it.

He consumed the details like a beggar who laid eyes upon a feast for the first time. 23-year-old. So young. Yet so mature. There is not much. No travel history, no boyfriends (James felt a deep satisfaction when he learned that fact). His Little Red is a true virgin. He can't wait to teach her life's experiences.

There is a single square photo that was turned back. James carefully lifted it up, bringing it to his eye level, he scanned the small photo size. His Bella is on the other side of this photo. He brought it to his lips and laid a gentle, feather-light kiss on it. He then carefully put it back and closed the file.

Brittany's voice from the intercom interrupted his solitude.

"Mr. McKenzie on line sir", Brittany said briskly, informing about the expected call after Annabel McKenzie's visit.

"Connect it to line 1, Brittany. And please come into my office and fax this file contents to Tank. He is expecting it", James informed her, bracing himself before tackling his parents. Thus, is his situation with his parents that he must brace himself before talking to them.

"James, what is this I'm hearing about you not giving any money to Anna?", his father questioned him as his form of greeting.

"Hello to you too, Father. I was not aware I have to explain my decision to you", James answered leisurely.
"Mind your tone boy. I'm still your father. And when I question you, don't give me cheek", his father sputtered with anger.

"You have lost your right to question me, father. How many times shall I remind you? Remember, I paid the price for your mistakes. It was me who pulled you out of that bog. So, don't you ever question me about my decisions! This is my money and I can do whatever I want to with it. If Anna or her mom wants money to throw away then you may give them from your account; if you have anything left in it. As far as it goes, I'm not obliged to give them or for that matter, you, anything. I hope I made it clear to you. Now, I have work to get back to", James some precisely.

"How dare you? You-", James cut the call.

Anger built inside him. How could they affect him so much after these many years? When will he be able to get free from this? Before he could break another lamp, James checked his mailbox to read one of his old emails from his Red.

However, there is an unread mail waiting for him. When he read it, his frown turned into a laugh. This girl...

[mail from Bella to James]

To: james.aonal@gmail.com
From: iamfifibel@gmail.com

Subject: Revealing the National secret.

Dear prober,

Since you are not leaving the topic, I might as well tell you. But remember, it is a national secret and must not leave your lips at any cost. Even under extreme torture. I'm trusting you with this secret. Don't break my trust.

It's a long story. When I was 18, I was approached by some FBI agents. They were impressed by my stealth skills and offered me a job as an undercover agent in a mission. Now, I can't disclose the details of the entire mission, even to you. There were guns, gangs and what not! Suffice it to say, it was extremely dangerous. I braved everything for my country.

I was in a disguise for three whole months, playing the role of a girl named "fifibel" to gather some "sensitive" information. (FYI-The name "fifibel" means goddess of bells. Bells are revered on some Chinese lands) Anyways, I was successful in collecting it and bringing down some really bad guys, risking my life in the process. Now, you know me, I'm modest and don't like to brag about myself.

The president tried to honour me with a medal for my bravery, but I rejected it. I told him instead- "there were many fellow agents who need this kind of appreciation, Mr. President. Give it to them. I don't need the help of an inane object for people to recognise my bravery".

But Mr. President was adamant. He asked-"what about you, Bella? Don't you want any reminder of your mission?"

I couldn't object to him. So, with a heavy heart, I replied- "if it's what you wish Mr. President, then I will use the name "fifibel" as my nickname from here on as a reminder of this mission".

Mr. President was in tears as he said, "Bravo fifibel. Bravo. I never saw such a selfless agent in my career and never will".

So... now you know. My deepest darkest secret. Don't you dare utter this to anyone? Erase this mail as soon as you read it. It's for your own safety.

P.s- I'm asking very nicely- what's your last name, James?

Patriotically,
Bella.

[end of the mail]

President in tears? This girl...what does she think of him? How did she think to get away by spouting this nonsense?