Page 12 of Red King
“Yes, let’s.” I smile.
Marcel leads us to the vehicles, and we all load our luggage into the back. The interior is spacious and comfortable, the cool air conditioning a welcome relief from the heat outside. We take up our seats, clicking our belts into place.
“Hi, I’m Julie,” a young woman says. “I’m in housekeeping. I think you’re my boss,” she tells Maggie.
“I am, indeed, but since we’re such a small crew, it’s mostly just in title. I will have to get my hands dirty, too; don’t you worry.” She laughs. I really like her. She’s my kind of people. “Do you have experience?” she asks Julie.
“Yes…” They talk for a few minutes, and I take the opportunity to look out of the window. I’ve never been to this part of the country before.
Soon enough, we leave the airport behind us and hit the open road.
“Tell us about yourself, Paisley,” Maggie says, drawing my attention back inside the vehicle.
I shrug. “What’s to tell?”
“Well, we know you’re an ER nurse looking for a change.”
I nod. “Yep, that’s right.”
“But are you running away from something or hoping to save money for your future?” She laughs. “Sorry, I can be full-on. I guess I don’t mince my words. You don’t have to answer that, but I couldn’t help but notice the lack of wedding ring.” She looks pointedly at my hand.
“Probably a little of both.” I smile. “I got divorced two years ago. My husband left me.” I decide not to mince my words, either.
“Let me guess: for a younger model…not that there’s anything wrong with you, but I know all too well how it goes.” She rolls her eyes. There’s a story there, but I don’t push.
“Something like that.” I nod. “He’s already remarried with a kid well on the way. I just…I…needed a change, and here I am. The huge package is an added bonus.”
“I’m here for the money,” Julie says.
“Me, too.” Maggie nods her head, smiling. “And I finally had the guts to leave my husband after he cheated on me for the fifth…no, make that the sixth time – that I know of. I’m sure there were plenty of other women.” She snorts in disgust. “The last time was with my so-called best friend. Broke my heart twice over, but somehow, I’m sure you know all about it, Paisley.”
I nod, even though I don’t. Jim never cheated on me, not that I know of. I doubt it very much. He isn’t the type. He left me when things got difficult, when they got really hard. In some ways, that’s almost worse.
“I’m so sorry,” I tell her. “Is it still very new?” I ask.
“Yeah, the divorce was finalized eight months ago, but the marriage was over long ago, so it doesn’t matter.” The hazy look in her eyes tells me differently.
“I’ve never been married. I had a boyfriend, but it didn’t work out,” Julia chimes in. “Sorry, I can’t relate,” she adds in a half-mutter.
“That’s a good thing, hon’. But then again, you’re still young. Do yourself a favor and pick wisely,” Maggie says with a laugh.
We pull into a parking lot outside a large building surrounded by lush greenery and get out of the SUV.
“You can leave your luggage. It will be quite safe,” Marcel says before ushering us inside. The interior is sleek and modern, with a large conference room set up for our orientation session.
We file into the large space and all stick on a name tag, grab something to drink from a nearby table, and then take a seat.
“First things first.” Marcel rubs his hands together. “Let’s get the admin out of the way.”
He places a three-page document in front of each of us. There’s a pen at each station, as well as a bottle of water.
“It’s a simple non-disclosure agreement,” Marcel says. “Before I can go any further, I need each and every one of you to initial each page and to sign in the applicable spot.”
“Why?” Jessica laughs, but I can hear the tension in her tone. “We’re going to a resort island.” She shrugs. “This seems a little cloak-and-dagger. It makes me feel uncomfortable. This should have been passed by my lawyer.” She leans back and folds her arms.
“I agree; this is pretty harsh.” Mark whistles, tapping the document with the back of his fingers as his eyes move over the second page. “If we break this agreement, we’ll face jail time and essentially lose everything. Even our family could be held accountable. Is this even legal?”
“It’s legal.” Marcus nods. “It’s harsh but very fair. You will be privy to highly confidential information while on the island. Adhere to the NDA, and you’ll be fine, deviate, and you’ll be nailed to the wall.”
