Meeting Mr. Mogul(74)

"Yes, sir. It's about Andy's father … " he replied and trailed off in a pause.

"What about him?" I asked hurriedly, a little annoyed at the suspense.

"I think this tidbit of information can help you bring her back here,"  he started and paused for another moment again, "but, sir, I don't think  you should use it."

"Why? What is it?" I asked as my annoyance turned in to worry.

"I prefer you read it, sir. I'll have Maggie email you the result and files," he replied.

"Okay, tell her to do it right away," I commanded before ending the call.

Suddenly I felt a little hopeful, yet the worry kept on gnawing at the  back of my head. I thought Andy's father was already recovering. What  was this information Mark is talking about?

While I waited for the email to arrive on my phone, my flight had been  called in. With a frustrated sigh, I headed to the first class line to  check in. When I was finally seated, I check on my phone again for the  email but there were no new messages. As the minute passed, the fasten  seat belt sign flashed. I ruffled my hair in defeat before turning my  phone off for the flight. I tried to assure myself that the flight was  only three hours long.

To distract myself, I took a nap so that I wouldn't be annoyed at the  worry in the pit of my stomach. I woke up a few times when they offered  snacks and when I had to go to the bathroom. As the three-hour flight  came to a close, I felt calm since I could check my phone in a few  minutes.

When the seat belt sign had gone off after touchdown, I quickly turned  on my phone to check my email. With a sigh of relief, I had one email  form Maggie. I waited for the airplane to settle before I hurriedly read  through the message. Suddenly, I felt my heart jolt at the message. I  tried to register the information I read as I have doubts about Mr.  Peterson's full recovery.

I was pulled out of my trance as the pilot gave his last announcement. I  didn't think twice as I got my duffle bag and head out of the plane.  Since I didn't have much with me, it took me less time to find my way  out and grab a taxi. I gave the taxi driver the address on Andy's file  as I got in. I knew they've sold their house, so the only person who she  could possible stay with would be her father's closest friend and  co-army veteran, Billy Henderson.

When the taxi slowly drove towards a small town, I'm having doubts that  we are lost. And I was right when he told me that he was dropping me off  to the town's sheriff station to asked directions. I didn't know  whether or not to be pissed at him but at least he took me to the right  town.

"Excuse me, sir. Can I ask for directions?" I asked as I entered the  small sheriff station. The building was located right in the middle of  the town, beside the city hall  –  from my guess at the white house like  design of the building.

"Sure. Are you here on a vacation, son?" a man in a uniform behind the front desk looked up at me.

"No, I'm here to look for someone. Do you know a Billy Henderson here?" I asked briefly as I got straight to the point.

"Ah, yes. Billy, I know him personally. What do need with him?" he asked in interest as the officer studied me from head to toe.

"I wanted to ask him about Andy Peterson," I replied firmly as I tried not to get intimidated with his stare.

"Andy? George's little girl?" he asked in surprise.

"Ah, yes. I'm sort of dating her … " I replied as I lied timidly.

"I didn't know Andy was finally seeing somebody. George must like you to  allow his daughter to date you. The last guy she was with was a prick, I  tell you. I hope you aren't one, are you?" he got up from his seat and  fixed his pants as he try to stand dauntingly.   





 

"No, sir. I love Andy. I wouldn't do anything to hurt her intentionally.  Though I haven't heard about this guy who she dated before … " I admitted  truthfully.

"Oh, she hasn't told you about Laurence?" he asked in disbelief. "Are you sure you are dating Andy Peterson?"

"I am, sir. But we have a little bit of disagreement. She doesn't seem to trust me." I sighed heavily in defeat.

"Don't worry, son. I assure you it isn't your fault. That ex-boyfriend  of hers had damage the poor girl enough to not trust another man again,"  he gave me an assuring smile.

My eyebrow scrunched together at the new information. I know that  something might have happened in her past that her closed off with  romantic relationships. My curiosity had slowly grown.

"Well, anyways, you seemed like a good guy. Do you want a lift to  Billy's place? I'm going to do an errand. I can drop you off on the  way," the officer offered.

"Thank you, officer. I appreciate it," I nodded in replied and gesture for him to lead the way.

I never expected the first time I would ride on a police cruiser was  because I was lost. But at least I'm not riding at the back of the car  like a criminal. The drive was short. When we arrived at the Billy  house, there stood by the front porch was an old man in plaid polo shirt  and jeans. The white shirt underneath had dirt on them like he was  doing some housework.

As the officer parked the car in front of the house, the old man walked down the few flight of stairs and met us half way.

"Good day, officer. What brings you here?" the old man, I would guessed would be Billy, asked.

"This man is looking for you. I'm just dropping him off," the office replied as he left the door opened after he got out.

I followed suit, turning the old man's attention towards me. As I got  out of the car, his eyes turned form curiosity to surprise. "What in  lord's name is William Maxwell want to see me?" Billy asked aloud.

"Are you Mr. Billy Henderson?" I asked after closing the door of the police cruiser.

"Yes, that's me, what can I do for you Mr. Maxwell?" Billy replied with a brief titled nod.

"I'm looking for Andy. Is she here?" I asked, getting straight to the point.

"Andy? Why are you looking for her here? Isn't she living in the same  city as you? The last time I called, she was still there with Terry," he  replied in confusion.

"What?" I asked in disbelief, my eyes growing wide at his words.

"I called in a few days ago to congratulate George on his discharge from  the hospital. He told me that they would continue living there for his  treatment," he replied hesitantly as he continued to look at me in  confusion. "Didn't she tell you about any of this?"

"Son, I think my doubts had increased about you and Andy dating," the office across from me commented.

I glanced at him briefly but ignored his words as I had an internal  debate. Andy lied to me. She wasn't going home. She was staying. I  didn't know whether to feel relieved or angry by this information.

"Are you okay, Mr. Maxwell? Do you want to head on inside and rest for a  while? You look liked you had long trip," Billy offered as he gestured  towards his house.

I looked up at him with a forced smile. "Thank you. I think I do need to rest for a moment."

"I can take it from here, officer. Thank you for driving him here,"  Billy turned to the police officer, who still lingered by the door of  the police cruiser.

"Okay. Have a good day both of you. I'm glad I could help," The office titled his head before sliding inside the driver seat.

We watched the police cruiser back away from the driveway before  entering his house. I couldn't believe she lied to him. When I get back,  I would give her a piece of my mind. But since I am here, I should try  and get information out of the man who partly raised her. I need to know  who this ex-boyfriends was, and possibly the truth of Mr. Peterson's  illness. I have to make the most of this visit and gather as much  information I have about the girl who I couldn't seem to let go.
   





 
And then, I remembered what I said to the officer back in the police  station. ‘I love Andy. I wouldn't do anything to hurt her  intentionally.' There was no going back with those words. I finally said  them out loud. I've fallen in love with Andy Peterson.