Suddenly, the tension was palpable. After a few moments of silence, Millie stopped the car by the roadside.
She wound down her window, lit a cigarette and took a long drag before turning to me and said, “It was indeed someone who works for Ashton that knocked you off yesterday. My contract with you is to keep you safe, and investigative work is not part of our deal. If you have doubts that I’m taking double salaries, feel free to cross check with Ashton. If you don’t wish to see my face, I will do it out of your sight. But I won’t leave until I fulfil my contractual obligation.”
The woman was all calm and collected, as though she had already anticipated that her secret would be exposed any time. That, or this was all within Ashton’s planning and expectation.
Nonetheless, I didn’t wish for him to learn that I was now aware of his arrangement.
After some considerations, I decided to give Millie one more chance. “I believe you didn’t do that for money. However, this will be the first and last time you tried to pull something like that with me. If you choose to pledge your allegiance to me, we can still work things out between ourselves. Alternatively, if you wish to continue your work for Ashton, then I’ll terminate our contract right now. I’ll make sure you’re fully compensated based on the contract, but I’ll ask that you stay away from me as I don’t want someone I can’t trust around me.”
Millie tilted her head a little and was quick to come to her decision. “One last time.”
It was her way of apologizing and promising.
Since I decided to forgive her, I chose to re-establish mutual trust between us.
“Fine. Let’s just put this behind us and move on. Since investigative work is not your strong suit, will you look for someone with such talent in your circle? I want to know what Ashton is up to.”
“Certainly.”
“It’s late. Let’s just head home.”
Millie nodded and tossed the cigarette butt out the window before starting the car and heading for Stovall residence.
Staring out at the blurry neon lights flashing by, I felt a sudden weight on my shoulder.
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