His Identity

“I’ll be traveling to Los Angeles tomorrow”, Rita said over dinner the following evening.

Earlier, she had already informed Edmundo who never failed to hide his displeasure about her plans on going with Rodrigo. She didn’t care about what he thought and the only reason why she informed him was just for formality sake.

She planned on leaving very early tomorrow morning with the private jet. Los Angeles was quite far and she wanted to get there as soon as possible.

“Alright darling, have you informed the pilot?”, her father said, cutting into his chicken.

“Yes, I sent him a message earlier today and he assured me that the plane would be ready by morning”, she said, munching on her food.

“Who are you going with? Yasmin?”, her mother asked.

“No, Rodrigo”, she simply said.

“Why him? Why aren’t you going with Yasmin?”, her mother said, dropping her fork noisily.

“With all due respect mother, whoever I decide to take is really none of your business”, she said.

Her mother gave her an irritated look and if looks could kill, she’d be six feet under. Her father sighed at the confrontation, he always seemed lost whenever they fought and this was no exception.

Rita soon finished her meal, silently excusing herself before anything else happened. She made her way upstairs to her room where she planned on calling Rodrigo. When she got there, she shut the door silently to avoid anyone listening in.

She picked up her phone, dialing his number. He picked up on the first ring and she smiled when she heard his voice.

“Missed me already sugar girl”, he laughed.

“Badly. How are you?”, she sighed, relaxing in her bed.

“I’m fine now that you called. I’m just getting ready for our trip tomorrow. What time should I pick you up?”, he asked.

Rita could hear some sounds in the background and she wondered what he was doing. She didn’t want to appear clingy and she tamped down on the questions that threatened to rise to the surface.

“Say by six a. m. I want us to get to Los Angeles on time since the event would begin that same evening”, she said.

“You got it sugar girl”, he smiled.

“How is your mother. I hope she’s doing alright”, she said.

“Yes, she’s doing much better now that you’re taking care of her. She’s been singing her benefactor’s praises ever since she discovered that someone else was footing the bills”, he said.

“Oh my gosh! That’s so sweet, please send my regards to her”, she said.

“I will and oh, the maid you sent to her arrived this afternoon. I must say, she really knows her stuff. Now, my mother won’t be lonely when I’m gone”, he laughed.

“You see, I told you so”.

“Then it’s best I stop doubting you henceforth”, he laughed.

Rita stayed quiet for a while. She could sense that Rodrigo knew something was wrong by the way he remained quiet too. She didn’t know if she should inform him about the thief within the company but as she thought about it, she knew that if there was one person she could trust, it was him.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Rodrigo… There’s a problem”, she said.

“Go on càra, I’m listening”, he said.

“I’ll inform you on our way going tomorrow, I don’t want to bother you with that this night”, she said.

“You promise?”.

“Yes, I promise”, she said.

“Good. Sleep well my love, I’ll see you tomorrow”, he said.

Rita smiled, cutting the call. She placed her phone on a nearby table, resting her head on her pillow. The issue of the thief within the company was giving her sleepless nights and she really hoped she got the person on time.

“So much for being the President of the most respected organization”, she muttered.

Before sleep finally took her, the last thing on her mind was the task before her and how badly she needed Rodrigo now. She knew she couldn’t do it herself and desperately hoped he had a solution to her plight.

The next morning came bright and early, bringing with it a fresh hope for the day. As early as five a. m, Rodrigo had arrived. Rita smiled when she saw him, happy that he was here.

She was dressed in a black turtle neck gown over brown boots. Her hair was packed into a loose ponytail which made her look younger.

“Gosh! You’re really beautiful”, Rodrigo said when they were out of ear short.

He dragged her to a corner, slamming his lips on hers. Rita moaned, gripping his jacket. She would never get tired of his kisses and she couldn’t wait at the many adventures they would have on this journey.

“Let’s go before my parents walk in on us”, she giggled.

Rodrigo smiled, leading her out. They made their way to the car but this time around, Rita sat at the front beside Rodrigo who manned the wheels. She loved the way they sat and for one reckless moment, she imagined they were couples.

“How was your night?”, he said, gripping her hands.

The other hand drove the car and she wondered how he could manage that. Everyday, she was in awe of his brilliance and his skill and today was no exception.

“It was fine, slept a little though”, she said.

There was a frown on his face as he tried to determine what could make her say so. She gripped his hands, silently reassuring him that it wasn’t anything serious.

“You’ll talk about it?”, he said.

“Yes, when we get on the plane”, she said, giving his hands a gentle squeeze.

The drive to the airport where the private jet was parked was filled with comfortable silence. They soon got there and Rodrigo drove towards the private tarmac. The jet was parked, waiting for their use.

The word “Anderson” was boldly written on it with blue ink and Rita had never felt more proud. Rodrigo parked the car a few meters beside the plane, coming around to help her. Together, they walked towards the plane but they still maintained some distance because they weren’t sure if they would be seen.

“Good morning ma’am”, the pilot said.

Chavez, a tall elderly man had been piloting the Anderson’s for as long as Rita could remember. He was a cheerful man who made it his life ambition to see to the safety and happiness of his passengers.

He came from a large family in Hawaii. He was married with two beautiful children and he never failed to show them off at any chance he got.

“Good morning Chavez, how are you”, Rita said, shaking his hands.

“Doing very well, thank you”, he smiled.

He turned towards Rodrigo, shaking his hands. The trio soon boarded the plane and soon, they were airborne to Los Angeles.

Rita settled into the plush seat, flipping through a magazine while Rodrigo sat at the other end, going through his phone. They were being careful. They didn’t want Chavez to know about their relationship as anything that happens within the plane would be reported to her father.

Later on, Rita went into the private room within the plane and on cue, Rodrigo followed but first, he made sure that the cockpit where Chavez was was firmly shut. When he got to the room, Rita threw her arms around him, shutting the door in the process.

Rodrigo gave her a long kiss, smiling as he bit her lower lip. They were free at least for now, away from all the prying eyes.

“Easy girl, easy. I’m all yours for the weekend before we have to head back by Monday”, Rodrigo laughed, gripping her waist.

“You really don’t know how much I’ve wanted to be alone with you and now, my wishes came true”, Rita smiled.

Rodrigo led them to a plush couch that sat at the corner of the room. He drew her to his lap, cradling her waist. Rita laid her head on his chest, breathing in his intoxicating scent, a scent she had come to love.

“Okay, before we do any making out, what is it you wanted to tell me”, he said.

Rita sat up. She knew it was time to talk and the fate of her company rested in her hands. She had no doubt that Rodrigo would help her to the best of his abilities.

She told him everything her father had discussed with her, going over to the suspicions and her’s as well. When she was done, a light frown marred his face. She kissed it away, loving the feel of his rough skin.

“We should really find the person before it’s too late”, he said.

“I agree but as it is, I’m bereft of ideas”, she said.

“Leave it to me, I think I know just the right way to go about this”, he said with a determined look on his face.