Her Con Artist

CHAP-12

I was sitting outside under the tree, using Owen's laptop, which i got after some promises. Like i will make him the pasta that i made the other day and only for him. He was a big foodie like me so i agreed to his condition. I was currently going through my emails and looking at my schedule. Opening the file, i looked at my pend up work and felt a headache coming right away..

Gosh. Ugh!

Closing it, i clicked on application file and bit my lips in anxiousness. My vacation was ending in two weeks and i still had to solve this puzzle. Leaning my head against the trunk of tree, i looked up at sky.

What do i do?

It's been two days, i can't gather enough courage to talk to Edgar about the whole situation. But i can't longer, i need to clear the between Eric and Edgar. I sighed, swipe opening my pone, i clicked his id and the number got dialed. I took a deep breath and closed the lid of laptop as i waited for him to pick up the phone. It was 4 in the evening, he must be free this time, its his usual free time. After three bells he picked up the call,

"Hello dear."

"Hello uncle, how have you been?" I asked, moving my tongue over my dry lips to make them wet.

"i am fine. " He said and waited for me to tell him why i called him but i couldn't.

"Uncle, I-i umm-"

"What is it? Monica is everything okay?"His relaxed tone changed into anxious one.

"Actually i have to tell you something." I said, in a low voice, my heart racing in nervousness.

"Yes, tell me. Its okay, you know you can tell me anything."His words reminded me he was like a father figure to me, so he will try to understand me despite all the things. Yes he will also get angry but he will try to help me.

Taking a deep breath, i started telling him from the beginning, "Uncle, i went to a bar to drink after work there i met......."

After my whole story, my throat was dry with all the talking. He never once said anything to me in between. When i was done, i waited for him to talk.

"That's alot of take in." He said, sighing.

"One more thing- you remember the employees who were fired and jailed on the basis of false accusations eight years ago?"I asked, sitting straight in anticipation.

"Yes. i do remember them clearly. Why are you asking about them?" His voice held confusion and hint of alertness.

"Uncle, recall and remember anyone of them had a son names- Eric." I said his name after looking around here and there.

"Umm No. Among them none had son named- Eric. Bu-"

"What are you doing?" I looked up as i heard Eric's voice, making me jump. Startled, i almost dropped m phone but due to my fast reflexes, i caught it before it touched the grass.

Glaring at him, i put the phone against my ear,

"Monica? It is one of them? Are you okay?" He asked, alarmed as well.

"Relax, uncle. I am fine was just startled that's all. Anyways, so when are you free, the sooner the better." I said, looking at Eric, who had sat i front of me with his legs crossed over and looked at me with narrowed eyes.

"Tomorrow at around 2pm. I will be free early so will have alot of time on my sleeves."

"Okay. See you." Cutting the call, i met his blue eyes, which were curious.

"I told Edgar everything. He is ready to meet you and clear all the stuff. We will go tomorrow at noon, got it?" I said, pushing my hair back.

The light breeze were making my untied hair dance along with them.

"Okay." He said, looking at me with unreadable expression. I opened my mouth to ask him why was he staring but before i could, he laid his head on my lap. Making me freeze in surprise at my spot. Slowly moving my head down to find him smiling at me, making my temper scale sky rocketing. Pushing him away lightly, i stood up with blank expression on my face. He sat up and scowled at me for pushing him away.

"What? Its not your pillow that you can simply put your head without my permission." I said, flipping my hair over my shoulder.

He chuckled as he looked at me. I glared at him to which he stood up and walked towards me with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"You didn't stop me from doing it, meaning you like it. Dont worry, next time i will ask." He said, leaning close to my ear.

"Hey! That's not what i mean! Come back here!" I spoke loudly, flustered by his statement, because it was somewhat true. He laughed out loud, his shoulders shaking as he was walking away.

Ella and Owen were right, once you get to know him, he annoys the hell out of you.

I sighed and smiled without knowing. Shaking my head to clear my mind and focus on the work at hand. They were doing their work on their new plan which they didn't tell me for now. I was caught up with my own work to nag them to tell me about their new plan. The day went passed away in a blue and it was midnight when i decided to sneak up on them as they were fast asleep. I tip toed across the rooms, looking here and there and found the coast clear. I gently opened the room where they keep their all the stuff and walked inside. Switching on the lights, i looked around the small room, the bed had laptops and papers scattered around. I walked towards the table which was near to where i stood. Pushing the empty biscuit wrapper and picked up pages of scribbled notes. There were some codes written on it went over my head. Rolling my eyes, i placed it back and walked towards the bed. Pushing the laptops lightly to the side, i took a seat on bed and looked through the pages. My eyes scrutinized over the papers trying to find a specific piece of paper, which was related to TSB Construction. I was looking around when i doubled check and found it. Smiling, i picked it up.

TSB CONSTRUCTIONS

Flipping the page, i found what i have been expecting.

CEO- Leon Dexter

All of his information was written there. His accomplishments and things he did. None a bad word was written here. I laughed with a scoff.

He must have probably erased his bad deeds.

Expecting nothing less from him, i flipped the next page and found Dalton's name and his information.

I need to know what they are up to now, what if Dalton is harmed during all this? I will surely ask Eric about all this tomorrow.

I hear footsteps coming this way, my head whirled towards the door in shock. Throwing the paper on the bed, i crawled under the bed and laid down on my stomach. Pressing my head against the floor, i watched the doors beneath the foot-board. I watch as the door open and the person stopped for a second and then closed the door quickly as ringtone rung in the room.

"Hello. yes yes."

Frowning, i listened to the voice, it was familiar to me.

"Yes. i will send you the address and the picture, be careful on your way." It was Josh. He was talking to someone on the phone.

I was minding my own business when i felt something crawl over my leg. My whole body froze at that moment and i could only hear the sound of my heart beat. Slowly, i turned around to see what was on me and found two shining bead eyes looking at me. I shrieked and quickly came out of my hiding.

"What the-" I heard Josh yell in surprise while i was running away from the bed, while dusting my pants where the rat had been sitting on.

"Ahh! Get it! What are you looking at!? Find the rat and kill it!" I shouted at Josh, who looked at me like a dear caught in headlights. Not focusing on him much, an idea came into my mind.

I ran inside the bathroom and grabbed wiper to kill the rat which has put his dirty hands on me.

As i entered the room, i found everyone looking worried and alert. They must have heard our shouting.

"good, more people to help." I said, looking at them. I neared the bed and sat quite far way from it and keeled down to see where the heck the monster was.

"What all the fuss is about!?" Russell groaned,

"There's a rat here!" I yelled, throwing light under the bed with the help of my phones flashlight.

"What!?" Lexi shouted in fear

"I am out of here!" Ella said, running away from the room.

"Scary cats. Give me that, i will kill it." Owen said, coming towards me and grabbed the wiper from me.

Shrugging my shoulders, i came to stand beside Eric who had are you serious look.

I was not scared of them, i just find them creepy and dirty.

Josh was no where to be seen, it was Russell, Eric and Owen with me.

"Ahh! s**t! OOWW!" Owen suddenly started yelling and jumped away from the bed. Throwing the wiper and my phone which he was using for flashlight, he came rushing towards us.

"Eww. That s**t jumped on me!" He complained as he hide behind me.

I rolled my eyes and sighed.

Coward and he was calling us scary cats.

"Shut up." Russell said, grabbing the wiper and we had a dead rat within a minute. Well, i guess the rat gave up after looking at the monster in front of him, aka- Russell. He opened the window and threw it out.

"Go to sleep."Russell said, walking out of the room Owen following suit. Grabbing my phone from the bed with a disgusting face, i walked inside the restroom to wash it. taking a tissue, soaking it in water, i wiped my phone with it.

Stepping out of the bathroom, i found Eric standing against the wall, deep in thought.

"Let's go." I said, wiping my wet hands against my shirt.

I was held by my arm and tugged forward by Eric. I looked up into his eyes in confusion.

"What are you doing here at this hour of night?" He asked, gently pushing me against the wall and leaned towards me.

"i-umm" I bit my lip and looked up at him in guilty because i knew he will catch my lie easily. So its better to speak truth than lying.

"What did you find?" He asked, softly, pushing my hair away from my face.

"Nothing special." I rolled my eyes and poked my tongue at him.

It took him by surprise and i took this chance to walk away. He called out but i was far away and decided not to stop until i reach my room.

"Did you kill it?" Ella asked me as soon as i came inside.

Closing the door, i sighed in relief and nodded my head. She smiled and laid on her bed with a relieved look on her face. Tired, i fell on my bed and fell asleep right away.

Next morning, during break fast, Eric told the others about Edgar and my relation and the misunderstanding. They all were shocked at the new information and didn't pry on me. We told them about today's plan that Eric and i are going to meet Edgar. They didn't object and agreed. I was in my room, doing some work so that i could catch up easily after this mess is wrapped up. I can't let my boss find any thing to point fingers at me. She always tries to find fault in my work so i was cautious all the time.

It was noon when i heard a knock on my door, i was laying down after getting ready.

"Come in." I callee out and took a sitting position, to look presentable.

Eric walked inside, wearing black pants and black shirt with black coat. His milky white complexion, ash brown hairs and blue eyes went well with his dressing. Making him look more handsome than ever.

"Ready to go?" He asked, looking at me all changed.

I nodded my head and grabbed my phone from the side table, before following him out of the room. The others were either asleep or out in the lawn. We get inside the other car and i put seat belt on me. The ride was silent as the songs played on low volume on the background. We both were lost in our own thoughts. In about 2 hours we reached the company where i work.

Beedle Co.

He stopped the car at the gate of the company building, the guard came towards us. Opening my bag, i took out my employee card and showed it to him. He nodded his head and blew the whistle which he was hanging in his neck.

Thanking him, Eric drove in and parked the car in the parking lot. Walking inside the building, i found usual hustle and bustle. Swiping my employee card on the device, the plastic door opened and i grabbed Eric's hand before the door closes on him. The guard standing beside the counter looked at me and greeted me.

He looked at Eric in question.

"He's with me." I said, to which he nodded in aknowledgment.

"Good Evening, Maam." My trainees and employees below me greeted me as i approached the lift.

Nodding my head to their greeting, i stepped inside the empty lift and Eric followed suit.

"Maam?" He asked, with an impressive look. Pressing the button- 14, i looked at him with a roll of my eyes.

"They all work under me." I explained to him

He nodded his head and leaned against the wall of lift.

Ding.

Lift gates opened, i walked towards Edgar office. My block heels making clicking sound on the marble floor.

It is so silent here today.

Turning towards left, i read the sign- CEO OFFICE.

Knocking on the door, we waited. I threw a glance towards Eric who had a blank look on his face with hands in his pocket.

"Don't be nervous. I will be there with you." I whispered and patted his arm to bring some comfort to him.

"I am not nervous." He said, rolling his eyes but the continuous tapping of his feet said something otherwise.

Smiling at him, i opened the door as Edgar called us in.

Looking up, i found Edgar sitting on the couch which was a few feet away from his table. His room was spacious and had beautiful scenery which can be seen through the full length mirror.

"Uncle." I greeted him, as i stopped in front of the couches.

"Sit." He said, looking up from his phone, he had his cold facade on. To intimidate Eric.

Eric and sat on couch and i started peeling skin off my lips in nervousness and it was a good distraction.

"Tell me your full name." He said sternly with calculating looks.

"Eric Norman." Eric told him calmly. He didn't looked nervous at all instead it was me who was nervous.

This was my first to hear his full name.

"Monica told me everything. You said you will return my money once you see records that your dad wasn't involved in the incident. Right?" Edgar said,

"Yes Sir." He said,

I blinked at him for calling Edgar sir with respect.

Well what a nice guy.

"Tell me a bit about your dad." Edgar asked, intertwining his fingers in front of him. His forehead creased in concentration.

"His name is Norman Lewis. He used to work at TSB Construction and was a colleague of Leon Dexter. Or i must say best friend." As soon as words left his mouth, i found Edgar getting freeze at his words.

His eyes widened in shock and he looked up and down at Eric with disbelief written on his face.

"Uncle? Are you okay?" I asked as his face got paled.

Edgar sighed and put his head in his hands. I stood up and filled the glass with water and approached Edgar.

What was going on?

"Come in." I said, passing the glass to his hands. His trembling hands took the glass from me and drank the water in one go.

Eric had a suspicious look on his face. Upon feeling my eyes on him, he looked at me in confused state.

"I know him very well. He was my friend. I couldn't recognize you as you have grown up into a man. I guess you don't remember me." Edgar said after taking a deep breath and looked at Eric with adoration and softness.

I frowned st his sudden change of emotions. Eric wore a confused look as he looked away trying to think. He took a close at Edgar and then his face morphed into a surprised look.

"Uncle Eddy?" He called with uncertainty. His eyes were swirling with emotions as he looked Edgar.

Edgar nodded his head and smiled softly.

Eric blinked his eyes slowly and had downcast look. Trying to process all the new information.

Well i was the only one left hanging

I don't know what was going on.

"B-but i thought you were involved in my dad's murder case." Eric spoke, gone that emotional eyes, now they were burning with rage.

My head turned so fast towards Eric that i was surprised for a second my neck hadn't broken yet. Eyes open with eyebrows raised in shock.

Murdered!? His dad was murdered. Oh my gosh.

Why was he doubting Edgar of his dad murder for what reason?

Edgar opened his mouth to speak but looked at me and closed it. He typed something on his phone and looked at Eric who looked troubled. I raised my eyebrow at uncle, he was avoiding eye contact. He does this whenever he hides something from me and right mow he was hiding something and wasn't going to say anything in front of me.

Suddenly the door opened and came Dalton. His eyes widened to find me there, with a big smile he approached me.

"Dalton take Monica with you. I have to discuss somethings with this gentleman here." Edgar said, looking st my narrowed eyes with a soft guilty smile my way.

I stood up knowing there is no way to persuade uncle so it's better to leave. It's not like i will let him off the hook so easily. I will eat his ears off until he tell me.

Throwing a big smile at him, i walked out with Dalton. Edgar sighed knowing what was about to come. My constant begging. Which he hates.

"You didn't tell me you were coming." Dalton said, elbowing me gently in complain.

"It was a spontaneous plan. How have you been?" I asked smiling at him.

"Doing fine. Just listens to your boss complaining about you all day long." He sighed with a roll of his eyes.

I chuckled to which he joined.

Ahh missed this. Miss my brother.

"I missed you." I said, hugging his arm.

"Liar." He said pushing me away with his finger at my head.

I hit his arm with a roll of my eyes. Dalton ordered food for us as we waited in his office.

"Who is that man with you?" He asked, once we were finished with our laughter.

"He-umm.. " I hesitated, whether i should tell him or not.

"What is it Monica?" He said softly with worried expression.

"First listen to what i have to say before you start your lecture okay?" I said with a toothy smile at the end. He rolled his eyes at me.

Well, i told him everything from the start of this crazy journey. His expressions changed through out the story and in between i shut my lips at his glare at me. During our conversation, our food arrived but he didnt let me touch it. After i was done, i grabbed my juice and took a large gulp, the cold juice slaked my thirst.

"Firstly, you are stupid beyond my expectations." I pouted at his insult but chuckled shamelessly.

"Second- from what i surmise that you have develop feelings for him." He said, boldly.

I avoided his eyes and ate my spaghetti carefully not to spill over me. I could feel his eyes on me but he that fox waited for my answer. He sighed after sometime when i failed to answer his question and started eating his food. I threw a smile at him grateful that he didn't push the topic, he knew that i would tell him if anything happens.

A buzzer went off in his room after a while, indicating Edgar was calling Dalton into his office. We walked in together into the office and looked both of them having a cup of tea.

What happened here?

"Dalton please show Eric the way to restroom." Edgar said, standing up from the couch.

Eric stood up, nodding to Edgar and passed me a smile on his way out. When i looked back, i found Edgar whispering into Dalton's ear. Frowning, i tried reading their lips but it was useless. Once they were out, I looked at Edgar who was in distress.

"What is going on here?"I asked,

"Monica, he is the son of Norman. Uncle Norman." He said, grabbing my arms tightly in hands as his eyes urged me to remember.

Norman Lewis. Friends with Leon.. Eric.

Oh my gosh!

My eyes widened with shock as i looked up Edgar to confirm what i am thinking is true.

"Yes, Moni. Eric is his son, your childhood friend."

"B-but how?" I whispered, unable to wrap my mind across this shocking news.

Uncle Norman, Edgar and Leon were best friends until one day, Leon was blinded by money and the power it brings along. Leon chose his friends over money and threw them under the bus for which they had no idea of. After Uncle Norman died, Eric's mother moved to her parents in another city. So i didn't know what happened to them.

"What does he mean by Uncle Norman was murdered and why does he thinks it has anything to do with you? What are you hiding Uncle? Tell me!" I asked him the question, which had been stressing me since i heard about it.

He gulped, looking away. I grabbed his hands and literally begged him with my eyes.

"Monica. Leon killed Uncle Norman." He said, tightening his hold on my hands.

My body froze, my hands and feet were going numb. I couldn't think straight.

I cant believe this!

I looked at him with eyes welled up with tears, begging him to say its not true. He only took me in his arms as i silently cried.

I can't believe i was associated with the murderer all this time.

"As we three were very close and i have visited Norman a few times in his home so Eric must have misunderstanding thinking i was involved."He explained. I took a deep breath to calm myself.

"Monica, listen! You can't tell Eric who you really are. Okay You get what i am trying to say?" He said, caressing my head as i wiped my tears.

I was wasting my tears for that person who don't deserve them.

"I won't." I said, nodding my head

"He is planning to go after Leon." He said, passing me a glass of water.

"I know. I was thinking of helping him but now i am surely diving into this. Leon needs to face his fate, he has damaged too many people lives." I said, pushing my hair back angrily.

Edgar sighed and nodded his head. He knew once i had made my mind i wont back down.

"I will help you, its dangerous for you. Keep me updated."

~~~~~~~