“And why am I doing this?” she asked.
“Because I’m paying you to,” I stated flatly.
Alysa blinked several times and said, “I thought you hired me for financial advice.”
“I did. And now I need you to do the research before you can provide me accurate advice. The information I’m looking for will help you determine what that is.” And with any luck, it will give me a lot more than that.
“You’re the boss. So, how do I pull this off?”
Why am I unnerved by how fast she agreed?If she had said no, I’d have fired her. Maybe I wanted more fight in her, or to see more loyalty to her fellow countrymen. It seemed her loyalty lay with her paycheck–no different than a mercenary. But what did I care? So, she wasn’t as sweet and innocent as she looked. As long as the Hendersons didn’t know that, I could use it to my benefit. I guess I was hoping I was wrong about her.
“I’m planning a small gathering of locals from a nearby town. It will be an opportunity for them to get to know me on a more personal level and ask questions. Of course. I’ll extend the invite to the few Hendersons are here in Tabiq at the moment. I want you to befriend the women.”
“That’s all? Just be friendly with them?”
Nodding, I said, “For now. And remember the contract you signed. At no point are you to discuss this with anyone. Understood?”
“I’m not going to repeat anything you have said,” Alysa said firmly.
Looking in her eyes, I actually believed her. “Good.”
“So, is there anything else you want to discuss tonight or am I free to return to my room?”
I wanted to ask her to say, have dinner with me, get to know a little more about who she was besides what was on paper and what I’ve learned thus far. She intrigued me, and that was something that rarely happened. Unfortunately, Alysa might prove to be a distraction I could not afford. If I lost the election, it wouldn’t be just me that paid the price, but Tabiq as a whole.
“You’re free to go. I’ll text you tomorrow morning when I’d like you to return.”
Alysa rose from her seat and said, “Have a good night.”
Once she was out the door, I picked up my cell phone and called Mikal to make all the arrangements for tomorrow night.
“That is not giving the resort much time to prepare,” Mikal said.
“If they cannot pull it off, then tell them we will take our business elsewhere,” I stated. “Or perhaps you’re just not up to the task?”
“No, sir. I’ll be sure to have everything as you have requested. I’ll reach out to the resort manager immediately to make the arrangements.”
“And the guests?” I asked.
“I will contact the people on your guest list personally first thing in the morning.”
“Good. Report back to me after. I want to know what the people had to say.”
“I’m sure they will be excited to come,” Mikal said as I ended the call.
Yes, they will. But is the excitement for meeting with me or being at the resort?
I’ll have my answer tomorrow, and from there I’ll know what I need to do–distance myself from the Hendersons or use them to obtain the presidency and then kick their ass from my country.