From Frying Pan to Strange Fire

Joan remained on the bed, the image of what happened that morning refusing to leave her mind.

She didn’t know who those people were or why they came after her, but the driver was innocent. He was only doing his job, looking for his daily bread. Why did they have to kill him?

The more she thought about it, the more guilt ate at her. If she hadn’t booked that ride, that man would still be alive. It was her fault he was caught up in this and died in the process. The thought broke her down to the point where tears began to flow from her eyes.

She heard a knock, but refused to respond. She sat still, staring at the door with a depressed expression until the knock echoed again.

“It’s Daniel, Madam. I brought your food. You haven’t eaten anything for a long time so I know you must be very hungry. Can I come in?” Joan heard the words filter in and she sniffed, wiping her tears with the back of her palm.

“Come in.” She said, but was forced to repeat it when she realized her voice came out raspy.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Daniel, however, already proceeded to open the door before she could complete the words the second time since he had heard her clearly the first time.

He walked in with another man, who pushed and handled the food trolley. The man bowed to her, then went ahead with his job without saying a word.

Joan stopped him from dishing the food as she preferred to do that herself. Seeing that his job was done, Daniel spoke.

“You can leave. I’ll let you know when you’re needed.”

The man left, but Daniel stayed back, however, he stood at a distance away to give her some space.

“I know you have questions, Madam. I’m here to answer them. But I’ll suggest you finish your meal before asking. Don’t worry, you can take your time. I’ll wait. Or if you want me to come back later, I can do that also.” Daniel said, seeing how she shot him a questioning look.

“Did your boss send you to do this?” Joan asked as she eyed the food set out before her.

“No, Madam. He doesn’t even know I am doing this.” Daniel responded.

“Why are you doing this without his consent?”

“Because I know you have questions that you may not want to ask him.” Daniel answered, then added, “Do you need me to taste the food?”

He noticed she wasn’t eating yet and was just staring at everything. After witnessing what happened the first day she joined them to eat at the dining, he suspected she still believed the food was poisoned

“No. I might as well just eat it and die.” Joan commented as she began to eat.

“You won’t die. You can’t, in fact. Not now at least. Please don’t talk about dying anymore. Boss would be pissed if he heard it.”

“Why?” Joan asked with a full mouth, only now realizing how hungry she was and how delicious the meal was.

“Because you are his world. The very essence of his life. You don’t believe it yet but it’s true when I say boss loves you. There is nothing he wouldn’t do to make you happy and keep you safe. Even if you ask him to go to the ends of the earth for your sake, he would do it if it makes you happy.” Daniel explained enthusiastically, but still keeping his voice low.

His words made Joan remember what Grace told her the first day they arrived at the pent house. But she still couldn’t fathom how someone could love another without prior meeting.

“Where is my phone? And how is my friend?”

“Your phone is downstairs. I’ll get it for you after your meal. Your friend is already on her way back to Apex Dominica. She should arrive this evening.”

“Who were those people and what did they want from me?” Joan asked after a moment of silence.

“We don’t know yet. But an investigation is ongoing. I will keep you updated if you want.” Daniel flashed her a smile to ease her worry.

Joan nodded her head. The image of the driver getting shot in the head flashed in her mind again, and she instantly lost appetite. She dropped her cutlery and fixed her attention on Daniel, narrowing her eyes.

“How come you were there?” Joan asked. “The last time I saw you was at the airport. Why am I finding it hard to believe this whole thing was not planned by your boss because I was trying to escape?”

“Planned?” Daniel asked, surprised. “No! Boss would never do anything to hurt you. I was on the same flight as you, but my job was to protect you while staying out of sight. I saw you leave the hotel and I followed just to ensure your safety. I also wasn’t expecting the attack, but it’s good I was there because if anything had happened to you, this place would have been hell for everyone, especially me. Boss will kill all of us and kill himself.” Daniel answered, adding the last part in a whisper.

Joan was about to ask why he said that when the door opened and Roman walked in. She frowned at him, but his eyes were fixed on Daniel, who had pursed his lips.

“What are you still doing here?” Roman asked.

“Madam asked me to stay back to provide her company while she ate.” Daniel answered without hesitation and Joan’s eyes widened in surprise. When did she ever say that?

Roman turned his face toward Joan with a brow raised, and saw her frowning at him. He didn’t even get a chance to ask her if what Daniel said was true or not before she spoke.

“What? Am I not free to have company again? Or have you made me a prisoner in my own house?” Joan threw the questions at him, indirectly backing Daniel’s claim up while not answering in the affirmative.