He reached over to the coffee table between us and pulled out some paperwork. Passing it to me he said, “It’s a nondisclosure agreement. You need to sign this if you wish to work for me.”
Taking the form from Jasper, I said, “Mikal had me sign one as part of my hire.”
“This one is different.”
That puzzled me. How many ways can one say ‘keep your big trap shut’? Looking over the agreement, I quickly picked up on the difference. “Mr.…I mean, Jasper, this states that I am not to associate with any Henderson or their associates.”
“Correct.”
“Just to be clear, I can not only not talk about anything regarding you or anything I learn while working for you, but I can’t…”
“Can’t even have dinner with them, chat with them in the lobby or beach. That includes your friend, Miss Wellington,” he stated in a very firm tone.
This was more than just a bit drastic and most likely, not even legal. Well at least not in the US. Here in Tabiq, I had no idea what the laws were to protect employees from their controlling asshole employers.
I heard Burke’s voice instruct, “Just sign it.”
Great. Two men ordering me around.
If Burke trusted me, then he needed to stop talking in my head so I could think on how to play this to my benefit. Nothing wrong with playing dumb.
“Miss Wellington? I don’t believe I know that person,” I responded honestly.
As though accusing me of lying, he said, “Really? Were you or were you not just speaking to her when I approached you?”
“You mean Robin?” He nodded, and I added, “I wouldn’t say I know her. I’d been waiting for some time in the lobby and she and I just ended up chatting. That’s what people do at a resort. They smile and chat because they’re on vacation and like to meet new people.” It had been a long time, but at least it was something I enjoyed doing.
“You’re not on vacation and Miss Wellington is off limits. Is that clear?” he asked gruffly.
“Perfectly.” I picked up the pen that was on the table, but hesitated.
“If you have a problem with anything in the contract, you may consider this your position terminated,” Jasper stated.
“No. It’s not that. My only concern is…I don’t know who the Hendersons are, so how am I to know who their associates and friends are? I mean, you said Miss Wellington is off limits, but I have no idea why. What if I, totally by accident, spoke to someone without knowing their connection to the Hendersons?” I asked, playing up the innocence.
Jasper raised a brow. “You’re an American and you don’t know who the Hendersons are?”
Don’t say it. The tone he used when he said ‘American’ was pissing me off. What on earth did he have against us?
“Are they movie stars or something?” I said, playing dumb. “I really don’t watch much television.”
“They own the resort you’re staying at,” he clarified.
“Oh. I didn’t know. Mikal made the living arrangements. Should I pack my things and find another hotel?”
“No. I am the one who asked you stay here,” Jasper stated.
Now I’m confused.“You want me to stay at a place where I cannot speak or see anyone?”
“If you read more closely, you are not to associate with any Hendersons or their friends unless directed by me to do so.”
I had no idea what this had to do with my job, but I was beginning to understand why Burke and the Hendersons wanted Jasper under observation. Anyone willing to go to such lengths had to be hiding something. And I’m going to find out what that is.
“You’re the one signing my check, so I do what you tell me to.” Or at least let you believe I do.
He seemed pleased with my statement. I signed the contract and handed it back to him.
Jasper stood up and said, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend. Mikal will be in contact with you later today with a list of things I would like you to work on.” I stood up as well and he added, “If you could meet me here tonight at eight for dinner, I’d like to discuss a few other things I will require, of which Mikal is not aware.”