Page 13 of Red King
“What kind of resort is this? What confidential information? What goes on there?” Jessica asks, cocking her head. Her lips are pressed together.
“Nothing illegal,” Marcus says. “It’s all aboveboard, just sensitive, that’s all.”
Cathy swallows thickly. “It seems a bit…um…weird.”
“Everything will be explained to you in detail once you sign; otherwise, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave now. You will understand once you hear everything I have to say.”
“Leave? And then what?” Jessica’s voice is shrill. “I’ve signed a year-long contract with Island Corp. I left my place of employment for this position. You would be in breach of that contract.”
“No, we wouldn’t be in breach, Dr. Carver. We’re well without our rights to request an NDA to be signed. It formed a part of said contract. You may contact your lawyer if you wish. We have a few minutes to spare.” He looks at the wall clock.
Jessica pushes her chair back and, clutching the contract to her chest and with phone in hand, she leaves the room.
No one says anything. We all read the contract, which is, indeed, pretty hectic. In layman’s terms, it reads, “Keep quiet or else!” The “or else” being jail and loss of all worldly possessions. Nothing too drastic.
What sensitive information?
Itisweird.
For a moment, I consider leaving, but then I remember what I’m going back to. I don’t have a terrible life, but…I don’t want to go back to Cedar Pines. This is starting to feel like an adventure. Why all the secrets? What’s going on? I have to know. The NDA just made things interesting.
I look over at Maggie, who shrugs. Her eyes are burning with…excitement. I definitely like her a whole lot. From the look on her face, it’s clear she’s still all in. I can’t wait to hear what this is all about. It can’t be that bad, can it?
Mark keeps reading the document. Once done, he starts rereading it all over again. He is chewing one of his nails down to the quick. If he keeps it up, it’ll bleed soon.
Jessica returns; her face is ashen. “It’s true. If we don’t sign, we’re terminated. I can’t believe he didn’t pick this up sooner.” She sounds a little out of breath, and her cheeks are flushed. “I’m not sure what I’m paying him for,” she mutters, mostly to herself.
“If you decide to leave now,” Marcel says. “you would be paid out for three months of the contract, which should be sufficient time for someone of your caliber to find new employment. The same applies to all of you.” He looks around the room. “If any of you wish to leave, now is the time. Or you can sign and find out exactly what we are all about. Once again, I assure you that it is nothing illegal. You can back out at any time, but the NDA would stand.”
My heart beats faster.
Jessica puts the document down on the table. “I’m out!” Just like that, she walks away, the door clicking shut behind her.
“Anyone else?” Marcel asks. “Does anyone need more time to decide?” He looks around the room again.
Russel rubs his eyes and then stares down at the table. Mark is now chewing his bottom lip like it’s a piece of prime rib.
“I’m in!” Cathy yells a little too loudly.
“Me, too,” Julie yells. “I mean…” She shrugs. “I don’t have much to lose. I’m pretty broke.”
“It’s not just about loss of finances. You would be jailed for up to four years should you break this agreement. My bosses are pretty strict about upholding the NDAs,” Marcel warns. “Be very sure before you sign.”
Julie signs with a flourish. Russel follows suit, as do Maggie, Cathy, and I.
Mark is the last to sign. When he does, it’s clear that it’s with reluctance and severe apprehension.
“Why do I feel like I just signed my life away?” he mumbles, scratching the back of his head.
Marcel collects the documents. “Now the fun can begin.” He smiles broadly. “Has anyone heard of Draig Island?”
There are gasps around the room. Cathy grabs her chest, her eyes huge in her head.
“No…please, please don’t say that’s the island you’re taking us to,” Mark says. His face looks pale.
“That’s where the Tributes go,” Maggie says. “It’s supposed to be dangerous and infested with dragons.” She also looks worried.
“The island you’ll be going to isn’t Draig—” Marcel says.
