Chapter14

"What's wrong father?", She asked quietly. "The stocks. It's not really moving in our favor. I got the reports from the financial manager yesterday and I'm sorry to tell you this but the company is gradually dwindling", he said. Rita sat back on her seat, going over what he had just said. She was a bit surprised because ever since, she had never gotten any report of this manner before. This was quite a surprise to her and she hated discovering it from her father in this manner. "Father, how bad is it?". "Bad enough for me to come here personally to deliver this news", he said, stroking his moustache. "What are the odds that someone's been stealing from us", she said, completely out of the blues. "High if I must say but by God if what you're saying is true, I would find the person even if it's the last thing I do". Rita remained quiet, thinking over his words. The more she thought about it now, the more she was convinced that someone was indeed stealing from them. For many years, the company had been doing well then all of a sudden for a few months now, they've been experiencing some difficulties. "We will find this person together father, I promise you that", she said. "I knew I could count on you. You took my traits after all", he smiled, downing his drink in one gulp. He rose up to leave, tucking his phone in his breast pocket. Rita escorted him our of the office, promising him that whoever was behind this would be discovered. When he left, she sat down, thinking hard about how to go about this issue. She knew that it wasn't going to be easy but she was determined to find who it was at all cost. "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. "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.