Chapter 14 investigating the money laundering

Marx had gone off to serve in the army after completing high school. They had managed to keep in touch until one time when he went to fight in Vietnam. Alex did not know what had happened to his friend, he had come back more silent. He did not want to talk about what had happened and he had decided to respect his friend's desire. Locking himself for three months, he had come out, a mask on his face. Afterward, he had gone on to start one of the best securities and intelligence companies. His team consisted of well-trained people, computer wizards, and of course him. He had then thrown himself into a normal life of women, that he had almost convinced Alex that he had been okay.

Sometimes in times of relaxation, Alex saw shadows in his eyes. They probably the main reason why he had never taken time to be with one girl or maybe he was still not satisfied planting wild oats. Come what may, he knew that whoever had taken on to stealing from his company had only but numbered days.

Organizing his planner, grace only had to call him from her desk to remind him of an impending meeting that afternoon. Groaning, he stood, attempted to fix his tie, thankfully grace was around, making the tie straighter, his coat now fitted to his form. Together they strode out of the office. The meeting today would be held at a different hotel where he would be meeting with one of the long-lasting family friends. They had a part in the working of their companies each but what mostly held them together was their love for philanthropic activities.

Stepping into Lucia’s food palace was like stepping into an antique place. She had not expected the hotel they were going to have such a rustic feel to it. It was made of wood, most of the roofing done using palm tree leaves. It was a one-store building and the lower part had an outer part, furnished with wooden chairs made from bamboo, tables made of glass at the top, while embellished with wooden stands. Their feet were wooden, made from several bamboo stripes crisscrossed to form a delicate pattern.

White square patches of clothing were placed consistently on the four sides of the table. Wooden salt shakes, some napkins, toothpicks were placed artistically, giving the place a traditional fresh feel. The restaurant walls were done halfway, then supported the other part to the first floor by wooden beams. Getting in, they moved straight to the first floor, though grace could not help but look at the strategically placed seating. The walls are adorned with creative art; flower vases are placed at the center of the tables.

The help was immaculately dressed in white aprons, hair held in a ponytail for the waitresses while the waiters had their hair well-trimmed. This was a place she could actually see herself coming. The first floor was arranged in such a way that it offered enough privacy for a meeting between four people for each sitting. The place had fresh hair, a breeze drifting from the windows. Sitting down, they were immediately approached by a waitress, a beautiful dark girl. Holding her notebook, she proceeded to ask what they would have, and Alex decided that they would first have drinks while waiting for the rest of the meeting participants.

It seemed that the meeting would be a little bit late. Sitting there, Alex had started talking to her, he was so charming that she almost thought they had been on a date. Sipping onto her water, she licked her lips as she focused on him. Right here he looked so point even with all his suits and tie. His lips held in what looked like a silent smirk. His eyes so white, a stark contrast with his very dark iris. His thin shapely lips were now saying something which felt like it was in the background. Goodness, the man was really attractive, how would she survive with him around. Arousing from her stupor and daydream, she realized that he had moved his hand to place it atop hers to get her attention.

With a start, she asked what he had asked and Alex cleared his voice. So umm, Grace I saw that you have a degree in geography, what made you apply for a job in a hotel. Looking at him, she wrestled in her mind whether to tell him the truth but settled on brushing away the answer. ‘Sir, the reason why I applied for this job was that I really needed a job.’ She said as she looked pointedly at him. How had she not seen how dark his hair was, clipped short, the edges outlined to look sharp. His eyebrows were really bushy, a make-up artist would definitely enjoy shaping them. Stopping at that, she found herself actually imagining her boss in make-up.