The Last Laugh

***

Ace's POV:

By the time we were leaving the office at seven that night, the dinner Heather and I were supposed to share was cancelled. She'd been called and asked to travel that same night. I felt awful but I had to live with it.

I had to concentrate and observe the company's outcome.

Heather would be gone for a week or so.

***

The next day, I got down to business. Christina opted for less costly milk and raw materials. That wouldn't help. Not at all. James was still adding whatever he was adding.

About two weeks passed and the money I'd given Christina was finishing. Rumours were going round that our industries might shut down, that Christina was ruined. Some employees hadn't been paid yet. Perfect. Everything was working out for the best.

During one lunch time, on my way down the corridor of my floor, I saw that same man I'd seen leaving the building the other day, now leaving Christina's office. I stared at him for a long time. He seemed so familiar.

And then it hit me. I remembered.

I had a flashback.

That night my father had disappeared. That night I was spying on Christina in that kitchen. The young man she was speaking with! The one I'd never seen! He was the one! The person I was trying to see just before someone hit my head and I lost consciousness.

I had to follow him.

Discretely and at a safe distance, I followed the man down and out of the building. He took a taxi and I followed that taxi with my car. We drove through the city for a long time. He lived at the other end of the town.

I'd probably be back at work late but it was worth it.

His taxi finally dropped him in a dangerous quarter with strange houses. I observed him from the other side of the road till he entered a house which seemed to be his. I knew what to do. I had to know why he'd met with Christina again. After all these years, I had to. I finally returned to the office.

*

That night before heading home, I bought multiple spy cameras. I had to put them in Christina's office.

Why didn't I think of that a long time ago?

That night, I made sure to connect them to my laptop, so I could observe and watch her every single day. Recording any important thing she would say. I told Keith about everything. And he had a brilliant idea.

mini cameras in her office, then it's

looked at the time. It was eleven

"You think?"

never. You got the keys to the building

"Yeah."

let's go.

right. We got dressed and got

*

masks on our faces. We sneakily got into the building, avoiding all cameras. I was able

lot of Christina's secrets

enough to show the police. But only once the company

be alright,

*

bed. I missed Heather so much. She'd been absent for two weeks now. I was about to sleep

was just thinking of

much! This fashion week lasted longer than I thought it

right. When will you be back, honey? When? I miss you so much. We just got

to be in your arms. Immediately I return, I– I'll come sleepover, mm? What do

shot up a

be– that'll

she giggled a little, "I have a feeling that I've always known you. This little time I've spent away from you has made me to think a lot. In such little time. I feel

race and I smiled

can, Heather. I promise

I can't wait to be with

can't wait to be

"Thank you. Goodnight, Ace."

"Goodnight love."

*

Heather's POV:

had I proposed to offer myself to someone. I'd just done so with

so special about you?" I asked

weeks. But I couldn't last without seeing or talking

-------

twenty two. I'm not ten. I begin to cry with

so much," he says with tears

you, dad. Mom is– she is