Chapter 6 President Gray

“Drive Mr. Gray.” “What the hell happened in there?” “Nothing.” He observed her face and touched her cheeks gently. He saw the visible hand print that was spread across her face. “Leah, what happened? Who hit you?” “Mr. Gray, it is none of your concern. Can you please take me back to the hotel?” “Hell no! I’ll take you somewhere so you can get treated for that wound. Whoever it was, I’ll rip them to pieces!” Leah was stunned. Why was he acting like they were a couple? He knew little to nothing about her, but he was treating her better than Jason ever had! Why am I feeling like this with her? I just feel like I have to protect her, like I want to be there for her. Calming the anger in his heart, Derreck began driving back to Gray Enterprise. He called a doctor, his friend Garrett Jones, to come and have a look at her. When they made their way back to the upper echelon and back at Gray Enterprise, they used Derreck’s private elevator to get to the CEO/President’s office located on the 22nd floor. When they got there, Garrett was already waiting for him in the office. “Derreck, nice to—” “Take a look at her. Any cost, provide her your best.” “Derreck, I only ever give my best.” Derreck gave an icy glare at Garrett. “Fine, fine. Ma’am, please have a seat.” “Thank you again Mr. Gray. It seems that you’re constantly looking after me.” He hummed and silenced his movements. Once he was satisfied watching his good friend treat Leah, Derreck made his way over to his desk and called Peter in. It was now 1030 in the morning, so Derreck had to prepare for his meeting. Peter walked in after hearing his boss call for him via the secretary. He hurriedly made his way into Derreck’s office. When he walked in, he saw Leah sitting on the couch being treated by Garrett. “Miss Jackson, nice to see you again.” “Hello Peter. You as well. I apologize that we keep meeting under these circumstances.” “As am I Miss Jackson. Excuse me.” Peter walked into the room off to the right, inside of the President’s office and closed the door. Peter noticed the fury and the icy aura that was emanating from his boss and he shuddered slightly. He gulped hard and chose his words carefully. “Sir, you requested my presence?” “Do you still have a friend that works at Jackson Industries?” “I do sir.” “Find out what happened there. I need to know who dare put their hands on her!” “Sir, if I may.” “Peter, we’ve known each other for years, however, choose your words carefully. “Respectfully sir, you’ve never been this way about a woman before. What’s changed?” He took a deep breath and glared at the man before him. “Investigate this matter thoroughly. Leave no stone unturned.” “Yes sir. Right away.” He got up and left Derreck’s office without another word. He had to find out what happened in that building today and quickly. As he was making his way out of the main office, he caught a glimpse of Leah and realized why his boss was blind with rage. Her cheeks were red and there were palms staining her delicate and fair cheeks. Peter couldn’t believe that someone would put their hands on a woman and in public! I better investigate this matter quickly and thoroughly. Senior Gray would have my head if I don’t have anything to report back! With that thought in mind, Peter swiftly made his way out of the office and began investigating this matter. This was priority 1! “Okay, here is the medicine. Apply it to your wound 3 times a day and you should see it fade in no time. The swelling would still take a day, maybe 2, but you’ll recover fine.” “Thank you Doctor—” “Jones. Garrett Jones. If you need anything or have any questions, please don’t hesitate.” He slipped her a grey card with white writing. Doctor Garrett Jones, MD, RN, BSN. She gave a smile, the warmest she could muster, with swollen cheeks and replied. “Thank you, Doctor Jones. I appreciate your help.” “As a doctor, the health and safety of my patients are my number one priority. Take it easy and apply some ice. It may be cold and a little painful, but it’ll also aid in reducing the swelling.” “Thank you.” “Of course—” “My apologies, Leah. Leah Jackson. A pleasure to meet you.” “Of course Ms. Jackson. I’ll give Derreck your prognosis and be on my way. There’s a lounge right over there, he should have some ice. If not, hang tight and I’ll ask him for you.” “You don’t have to do that Dr. Jones, however, I appreciate your assistance.” He nodded and strolled into Derreck’s office. He made sure to close the door behind him. Knock, knock. “Come in.” “She’s all set. She has some medicinal cream that she needs to apply 3x a day until the wound heals. She also should apply some ice to her cheeks. It’ll help with the swelling.” “Thanks Garrett.” “Let me ask you something. How long have you known her?” Derreck looked at Garrett with an indifferent expression, but the rage was still highlighted in his features. With glaciers in his tone, he responded. “Does it matter?” “Just looking out for you bro.” “Hm. Got it. What do you know about Jackson Industries?” Garrett stood frozen. He hadn’t known why his friend asked him that question. Pushing the emotions that rose inside of him, he responded flatly. “Not much. Just that they’re dangerous and they don’t do everything by the book. I don’t know specifics, but that’s what I do know.” “Hm. Got it. She’s the daughter of the President there.” “Really? I didn’t know he had 2 daughters. I’ve only ever heard about the one; Brigette. She’s very cunning and flirtatious I’ve seen. Did she work in the company?” “Well, cunning, I give her that. Leah was speaking about her this morning. I wont give specifics as that’s her business, but I understand why you gave her that description. She did work there and was fired just this morning.” “Hm. I have to head back to the office, if you need anything, you know how to contact me.” Garrett walked out of Derreck’s office and made his way back downstairs. Soon after he left, Derreck walked out into the main office and sat across from Leah on the couch. She noticed him taking a seat and spoke up. “Mr. Gray, thank you. I don’t know much about you, except that you own this place and that you’re affluent, but I am very grateful. You’ve shown me great hospitality and respect, so thank you.” “Ms. Jackson, please call me Derreck. I don’t like many people calling me by my last name that don’t work with or for me.” “Very well then, Derreck. Thank you.” “You’re welcome. Again I’ll ask my question from this morning—” “Derreck, you do have a meeting to attend in 10 minutes. I don’t have anywhere to go or anywhere to be. We can chat when you get back. Besides, I have to thank you properly.” “Ah, work is never done.” “No it isn’t. Enjoy your meeting and don’t rip any heads off, unless they deserve it.” She let out a chuckle and Derreck did the same. “A sense of humor, I see.” “I’m not all business all the time Derreck.” “I see.” “Mr. Gray, you should head to your meeting now.” “Der—” “We may not be colleagues, but I am no rookie to business.” No argument there. “Very well Ms. Jackson. There is some ice in the fridge over in the lounge and some Ziploc bags in the cabinet. You’re welcome to that and any snacks that you like.” “Hospitable, thank you.” “You’re welcome.” With that, he stood up and walked out of the office. On his way to the conference room on the 12th floor, Peter approached him. The smile that was on his face before he left his office, had long disappeared. With an aloof expression, he asked a question. “What have you found out?” “Well sir, their cameras are deadlocked. Unless we were there or knew someone who could breach their security systems without notice, we have no clue.” “Do what you have to do. In the meantime, do you have the documents for this morning’s meeting?” “Yes sir. Here are the documents that you requested.” “Thank you Peter.” “Of course sir.” They walked into the conference room side by side. “Good morning, everyone. Please take your seats for this morning’s debriefing. Looking at our numbers from last quarter, there was an influx of 30%. Peter is passing around a copy of the projections. We are on-track to achieving our numbers by the end of the quarter. Bonuses will be scheduled for 2 weeks from now, so any questions, please send an email or stop by my office. Also, January is approaching fast, so business will slow down in the coming weeks. Mr. Dudley, do you have a question? Since you seem to enjoy TALKING WHILE I AM TALKING!” “N-no sir. Sincerest apologies.” “Consider yourself fired if it happens again. As I was saying, be prepared for business to slow down and as always continue to do what you do. You’re all dismissed.” “Thank you President Gray.” Once everyone was out of the conference room, Derreck made his way back to his office. The meeting took 1 hour. They spoke of other important matters that are in the process. When he got back to his office, he saw Leah sitting on the couch scrolling through her phone. She hadn’t noticed him when he came in. “Did you ice it?” She jumped and looked at the man in front of her. “Holy crap! You scared me! Yes, for like 10 minutes. It got too cold and started hurting.” “Hm. I see. You should try to ice it some more Ms. Jackson. The last thing you want is for the swelling to continue.” “I will at some point. How was your meeting?” “You know how it is.” “Indeed I do. What do you want to know?” “What are you willing to talk about?” “Anything that isn’t painful.” “Very well.”