Karl Gordon Is Back

Chapter 11 : A Step Closer.

Karl sat in the lobby with a disposable lunch tray on the glass table across him, though he barely touched the food.

He chewed slowly, his mind far away from the bland taste of rice and grilled chicken.

His eyes were fixed on his tablet, fingers typing.

It was barely three hours ago since he caught Caden and Melody, that was enough motivation to get him back to his search for Ruchie. He had two weeks left and he better get started on finding her.

Karl lowered his gaze to the tablet in his hand, as the screen glowed to provide response to his search.

Joy Kennedy.

He leaned back slightly into the couch, scrolling again but just like her boss, there was nothing about her.

No pictures, no social media, just a few mentions that confirmed she worked with Ruchie Emold as her personal assistant.

Karl exhaled through his nose, great. Another dead end.

He adjusted his grip on the tablet and typed Joy's name again into the search bar, extending his search beyond his city.

“Still pretending you’re enjoying that food?”

Anna’s voice broke through his concentration.

Karl looked up.

She stood a few steps away, holding her own lunch. Her eyes flicked briefly to his tray before returning to his face. A sigh escaped her lips.

“I am,” he said evenly. “Or at least, I’m trying.”

Anna moved closer and took a seat beside him. “Are you okay?”

“I saw,” she said finally. “...about what happened earlier.”

He nodded, “What about it?”

She frowned, “What about it?!” Her voice rose higher than she intended. She cleared her throat and dropped her voice in a whisper, "You caught your girlfriend cheating on you with your bestfriend!”

Karl's eyes returned to his screen. “What do you want me to do? Burn down the company?”

Anna chuckled, “No.” She said, “ I wanted to know if you’re okay.”

His eyes flickered to her face. Her brows were drawn together.

She was worried. For him.

“I’m fine,” he said, smiling.

She searched his face, clearly unconvinced. “Are you sure?”

He nodded, “Thanks for asking.”

She smiled and released a small breath. Her gaze drifted downward to his screen and stopped.

“Joy Kennedy?” Anna repeated, her eyes went back to his face. “Why are you looking her up?”

Karl’s fingers stilled.

Shit.

He could tell her the truth but from what point exactly? He knew he could trust her. She had tried to save him in his past life, who else could he trust?

His grip on the tablet tightened, “Not yet.”

“She works for Ruchie Emold,” he said smoothly. “I need to get a document signed for Allure. Ruchie doesn’t exactly make herself accessible.”

Anna raised an eyebrow. “So you’re going through her assistant.”

“It’s the most logical route.”

She studied him again and her lips curved into a small smile.

“That’s funny,” she said.

Karl frowned faintly. “What is?”

“I’m having lunch with Joy in five minutes.”

He paused.

“You’re friends?”

“More like… acquaintances,” Anna corrected. “We met through a mutual contact a while ago. We’ve been meaning to catch up.”

Karl leaned back slightly. “Is that so?”

“Yes,” she said. “Why?”

He met her gaze. “Would you mind if I joined you?”

Anna blinked, caught off guard. “You want to come?”

“If it won’t be uncomfortable.”

She hesitated, then shook her head. “No. It’s fine. She won’t mind.”

Karl nodded once. “Then I’ll join you.”

~~~~

Joy Kennedy was exactly as Karl expected; well put together, beautiful with a dimpled smile. She greeted Anna warmly, then turned her attention to Karl.

She stared at him for a long moment, her eyes fixed on his face. “Hi.” She said warmly.

Karl took her hand in a warm handshake. “Karl. Nice to meet you, Joy.”

Her cheeks coloured.

“Karl.” She repeated, “Nice to meet you, Karl.”

Joy’s handshake lingered and her eyes were bright when they met his.

Karl smiled.

“I hope you don't mind me joining you for lunch?”

Joy shook her head, “Not at all.” Her gaze flicked to Anna briefly, "I'm glad Anna brought a friend..”

They settled at a small table near the edge of the café, sunlight filtering in through tall glass walls.

Karl sat opposite Joy, Anna to his side.

“Anna told me you're also an assistant?”

Joy nodded. “I am.”

“I bet it's tough.” He said, in seriousness.

“It’s intense,” she admitted, stirring her drink. “But I enjoy it. You learn quickly in that position.”

“I imagine you have to,” Karl said. “Most bosses don't tolerate mistakes.”

“Especially Ruchie.” Joy laughed. “She doesn’t.”

Anna watched the duo quietly, her fork moving slower with each passing minute. She noticed how Joy leaned forward when Karl spoke, how her voice softened, how her eyes lingered on him just a little too long.

Karl was engaging.

Too engaging.

“And do you ever think of moving on?” Karl asked casually. “Doing something for yourself?”

Joy paused, considering. “ No.” Sometimes,” she said. “Working with my boss, I've been able to meet people I could only dream of meeting.”

Karl nodded.

“For instance, she’s going to Emmys golf course this Friday and I get to accompany her.” Joy said without thinking, “I could only dream of going there! They only let in people based on their net worth!”

He smiled at that. “That’s true. I've heard about that place..”

Joy nodded, seeming oblivious to the mistake she had just made.

Lunch came to an end soon but Joy lingered.

“I’d like to stay in touch,” she said, handing over her phone. “If that’s okay.”

Karl met her gaze. “Of course.”

He gave his number.

They said their final goodbye and soon, Joy was on her way back to work.

“Emmy golf course..” Anna repeated.

Karl glanced at her. Looks like he wasn't the only one who caught on to her slip up.

“Yes.” He said.

“We have a company hang out later this week, on Friday. At the Emmys. Mr Caden secured a spot for everyone..”

Karl stopped in his tracks, “Why?”

Anna shrugs, "Company hangout?” She met his gaze, “That's good right? You can meet up with Ms Ruchie..”

Karl steps in front of her, making her stop in her tracks. “I have a favour to ask.”

“What's that?” She asked cautiously. Karl looked very serious and she worry his request might be something she'd be forced to turn down again.

“You can't tell anyone about my intentions of meeting with her.” He said, “Not to Melody, not to Caden, not to anyone.”

Anna is silent.

“Not until I have it all sorted out. Do I have your word?”

Anna exhaled and nodded. “You have my word.”