For The Love Of Chéri (CHAPTERS 1-112 REWRITTEN)

Chapter 115 : Be My Eyes And Ears On The Field, With The Workers..

"What was his answer to that?" Javier asked after he laughed.

"He said I was crazy, and an nymphomaniac. He then gripped shut the open top of his shirt to protect himself from me." Spangna recalled.

"It was only through you that I found out that he even has a sense of humour, or that he goes out and actually enjoys things everyone else does. Cause he's so weird, but then the French are weird in general." Javier said.

Spangna smiled. "Are you telling me? He likes to watch cookery shows and...mimes."

Javier started to smile. "Mimes...?!"

"Yeah. Its hilarious and weird. He thinks some are funny and others are artful. I told him that I think it's all arty-farty bollocks. Then he asked be what that meant. I lost the will and made tea. Life with a frog is insane, but I wouldn't have it any other way."

~ X ~

In the large reception area, near the bar and big events room, Marcel was sitting on a stool at the unmanned bar. His earpiece was hanging loose around his neck, his radio and work phone were both off. He poured himself a large glass of red wine and sat quietly a moment.

After a few moments, he hopped off the stool to the ground and walked into the big events room which was so quiet, he could hear the floorboards creak slightly along with the sound of the metal on his belts and all over his shoes.

This was a room that made as much money as the bedrooms, sometimes even more. Marcel placed his glass on a matt on the grand piano and sat on the seat. Leaning against the piano, he stared blankly at the large stage.

After a few moments he started to slowly play Chopins nocturn nine, number two. He played it almost on automatic, without even looking at the keys as he stared blankly at the stage.

The piano solo filled the empty room, and he became aware of someone walking up behind him.

Molly walked up to the piano and stood by him.

"What do you want?" He asked, not even taking his eyes off the stage.

"I didn't know you played. I thought you only danced occasionally." Molly replied.

Marcel stopped playing and turned to her. "My step-mother taught me how to play many, many years ago."

Molly looked at the glass of wine and that his earpiece was off. "She taught you well. Was she a nice woman?"

Marcel's eyes glanced down a moment. "I remember her vividly. She was a kind woman, with a gentle way. Desperate to make us all a solid family unit. I dared even think that...she may stay, and I had a great love for her. But, like most all women, it ended in bitter betrayal." He said as he closed the piano key lid.

Molly saw that his phones and radio were off. "Are you finished for the day?"

"Yes. But, what is it you want?" He asked.

"Sir, I wanted to know if you've okay'd my holiday request for late January?" She asked.

"Hmm...let me see." Marcel said as he got his phone out to look at his diary and notes. "Yes, you may." Marcel said.

"Thank you." She said as she turned to walk away, then turned back to him. "Sir, can I ask you something else?"

"You may."

"There are some rumours going around, and I just want to know if there is any truth to them." She asked.

"Speak them." He said flatly.

Molly hesitated a moment, then asked. "Are you and...Spangna...a..a thing?"

Marcel calmly took a sip from his drink. "Firstly, it is not of your concern but, I admire your audacity to ask me directly. I will answer it, and give you a clear warning. Yes, we are a couple. Do not allow yourself to enter any conversation about it, nor add to gossip with others, or treat Spangna any differently, or the penalty will be severe. Do not disappoint me."

"Thank you AK. I won't join any conversations about it." She replied as she turned to leave.

"Wait!" He said, making her stop and look back.

"Yes?"

"Who speaks of this mostly?" Marcel asked.

Molly looked nervous, but decided to be completely honest. "Mostly assets. The security team, and a member of the Bordello family."

"Which member?" Marcel asked.

"Chéri. Though I am not sure how much he knows as he seems to initially join the conversation saying he'll 'drop the tea', but he ends up mostly...canvassing for information." Molly admitted.

Marcel nodded. "Listen Molly. I have a proposition for you, should you wish to accept."

"Yes?"

"Be my eyes and ears on the field, with the workers and with...the security team. If you hear a rumour, no matter how damning, I want to know. What is in it for you, is a twenty-five percent reduction on all of your fees for a month duration. You will be treated no differently though, but if you bring exceptional information then I am willing to renegotiate your contract."

Molly couldn't believe her ears. She was more than happy to ally herself to Marcel in secret and have some form of protection, and the potential to renegotiate and have a reduction of fees. "Oh yes, yes. I will tell you everything." She affirmed. "However, you probably know this but, Lorenzo sneaks off during his shift to spend time with Renata. The other security team members know about this and cover for him."

Marcel looked back at her. He was surprised to learn of his team working in collaboration to cover up for a new member.

"I have also heard that Kenzo Hinn, was called into a private meeting with Madam Dolores. I don't know what it was about, but Javier was not happy about it. He was talking to Rodriguez about it when I walked by them. Spangna then seemed upset and dragged Javier off to talk in private, but I'm sure you know about that." Molly answered.

Marcel stared back at Molly. He made sure to keep his face completely emotionless as not to betray the fact that he did not know the details of any such conversation, and felt shocked to the core that Spangna had not mentioned anything to him, which was very unlike her.

"I didn't hear any more from them as they went to speak alone." She added.

Marcel nodded slowly. "I will allow you extra time to frequent these people and overhear their conversations."

Molly nodded. "You know that I would never betray you." She said.

"That, I do not believe." Marcel answered.

Molly's eyes were downcast a moment."If you hadn't rescued me and the others from Marzak's sick cult, I'd still be there today. A prisoner of his mansion...drugged up to my eyeballs and handcuffed to a bed. I have yet to prove my loyalty to you."

"Then, I urge you to start, with haste. Time, is running out." Marcel answered.