The Mafia's Contract

Chapter 17

DERRICK’S POV

I stormed into the barn with my associate, Ken. The sounds of laughter stopped as soon as the maids saw me. Joan stood among them, looking beautiful as ever. She seemed more relaxed and at ease than I’d ever seen her. The sight of her made something tighten in my chest.

They stood up immediately.

"Good day, sir" they chorused

"What’s going on here?" I asked.

"We were just taking a break" Emily said "We're sorry, sir"

My eyes landed on Joan. I noticed how timid and scared she looked. She was basically shaking in her spot. I could tell she was anxious with the way she played with the hem of her dress.

Emily and Sarah walked out of the barn. Joan was about to leave as well until I stopped her.

"Joan" I said "Stop"

She turned to look at me. Her beautiful brown eyes pierced through mine, making my heart pause for a second.

In that moment, all I wanted to do was just talk to her. I wanted to ask her how she was and how she was feeling. I wanted to make sure she was okay. Instead, I said something else entirely.

"Joan, you’re still new here. You have no business participating in these shenanigans." I said.

Her face fell and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. I felt guilty. I didn't mean to make her cry but I kept my expression hard. I had to maintain authority.

"Derrick, relax," Ken, sad "She’s clearly upset."

I shot him a glare. "I don’t need to relax, Ken. Joan, get back to work."

Joan nodded. I could see her tears spill over as she turned to leave.

Ken stepped forward with a kind smile on his face.

"Hey, don’t take it to heart. You’re new, but you’re doing great. By the way, I’m Ken."

"Thank you," Joan whispered, her voice trembling.

Ken’s smile widened. "You’re very beautiful, Joan."

At the sound of his words, I clenched my fists. There was a strange feeling inside me. Jealousy? No, it can't be. I had no reason to be jealous. I didn't care about her.

"Ken, that's enough" I said "Joan, leave now."

Joan hurried out of the barn, and I could feel the tension in the air crackling. Once she was gone, I turned to Ken.

"Stop flirting with the hired help." I snapped at him.

Ken raised an eyebrow "Is that what you’re doing? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re the one with a problem."

"I’m not flirting," I snapped "Let’s get back to work."

Ken chuckled. "Sure, Derrick. Whatever you say."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"It seems to me like you like her"

I blinked repeatedly at him. Look at me, I'm making it obvious. I don't like Joan. She's just a maid and that's it. I was way out of her league. I wouldn't think twice about liking someone of her status. It wasn't possible.

"What makes you say that?" I asked him.

He smirked "You're always extra hard on the women you like"

I would love to argue but he was right. Instead of saying anything else, I turned around.

We moved to the back of the barn, where a large stack of hay concealed a hidden door. Together, we pushed the hay aside, revealing a false wall with a fingerprint scanner embedded in it. I pressed my finger against the scanner, and it glowed green. The metal door on the barn floor clicked open

"You know, Derrick," Ken said "You can’t keep this up forever. You’re going to have to confront your feelings sooner or later."

"I have no idea what you’re talking about," I replied

"Sure you don’t," Ken said "Just remember, Joan seems like a good person. She doesn’t deserve to be caught up in whatever internal battle you’re fighting."

I didn’t respond. Instead, I focused on the task at hand. When we walked in, we reached a large metal door. I swiped my keycard to open it. Inside was the heart of our operation. It was a high-tech control room filled with screens and equipment.

"Let’s get to work," I said, forcing my mind to switch gears.

I pushed Joan to the back of my mind and focused on work. I couldn’t afford distractions, not with so much at stake.

JOAN'S POV

Walking into the hospital, I felt a knot in my stomach.

I hated everything about the hospitals - the sterile smell, the soft hum of machines, the hushed conversations and the white walls, especially the white walls. It was my off day, and I decided to come to the hospital to see my mom.

I made my way to her room with a small bouquet of wildflowers in my hand. Pushing open the door, I was greeted by the sight of her. She looked better, much better than when she had first been admitted. Her face had regained some color, and her breathing seemed more regular. Though she was still unconscious, there was a peacefulness about her that gave me hope.

"Hi, Mom," I said softly, placing the flowers on the bedside table.

I pulled up a chair and sat down. I reached out to hold her hand. Her hands were warm.

"You look much better today. The doctors are really hopeful." I said.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. Talking to her, even though she couldn’t respond, made me feel better.

"So much has happened, Mom. I don't even know where to start."

I paused, looking at her peaceful face. "I got a job, you know. It's at the Stonewood estate. Sir Derrick Stonewood is my boss, and he's... well, he's... I don't even know how to describe him. But he's also been kind in his own way. He saved my life once, literally. If not for him, I'd be dead. . Lady Irene, his sister, has been wonderful to me. She's so sweet and easy to talk to. It feels like I've found a small place where I belong."

I squeezed her hand gently, imagining she could feel my touch. "The job is going well. It's a lot of work, but I don’t mind. It keeps me busy, and it’s good to feel useful. And the best part is, I'll be able to pay your hospital bills. I know how worried you were about that."

My voice broke a little as I continued. "I miss you, Mom. So much. But I believe you can hear me. I believe you're fighting to come back to me."

I glanced around the room, at the machines and monitors that kept track of her vital signs. The doctors had started a new treatment, and they were optimistic. It was the first real hope I’d had in a long time.

"I've made some friends, too," I continued, smiling at the thought. "Miss Sullivan is the head maid. She's really nice. Emily has been really helpful. She showed me the ropes and made sure I felt welcomed. Sarah isn't really nice to me but she's alright, I guess"

I leaned back in the chair, closing my eyes for a moment.

"I wish you could meet them. I think you'd like it for me there"

The room was quiet. The only sound I heard came from the beeping of the heart monitor. I found the sound oddly comforting. It meant she was still here, still fighting.

I looked at my mother, hoping for any sign, any form of response. I missed her so much. I wanted her to be alright. I couldn't lose her. The thought of that happening made my heart break. I couldn't bear the thought of it.

"Mom, I need you to get better. I need you to wake up. I have so much to tell you, so much I want to share. I can’t do this without you. I love you so much"

Tears filled my eyes, and I brushed them away quickly. "But I’m holding on, just like you taught me. One day at a time. And I know you’re doing the same. We’re in this together, okay?"

I sat there for a long time, just holding her hand and talking about anything and everything that came to mind.

"I should go," I finally said "I’ll be back tomorrow before I go back to work"

I leaned over and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Mom. Please keep fighting."