The Plot

Chapter 19

Gabriella

It was 5AM when Gabriella awoke from her cat nap. Her dreams were tormented with visions of Leon everytime she rested her head on her pillow. She tossed and turned on her bed. Finding no rest in the dimly lit room, she decided she wouldn't try to sleep again. She sat up and got ready to start her day.

Some time had gone by and the grief was still fresh for her family as when they had heard the news that fateful morning. The pathologist determined that indeed one of the bodies was Leon; the one shot multiple times in the head. Her heart broke when the doctor confirmed it. She couldn't believe that someone was cruel enough to hurt her uncle. It was painful for her to think of his last moments in such agony and horror.

She wiped the tears that welled up. Leon's funeral was fast approaching. Family members from abroad were coming to pay their respects. Paula and the children were still grieving the sudden loss.

When she was finished, she headed downstairs to have breakfast.

•~•~•

Andrew

Andrew was hard at work in his woodshop. He drilled the screws into the fine cherry mahogany planks. By the time he finished, he was rewarded with a beautiful table. All that was left to do was to put a coat of lacquer on it. He wiped the sweat off his brow. This was the only consolation that could make his mind stop wallowing in sorrow for the loss of his friend.

He still couldn't believe that Leon was dead. But, he had to admit and stomach the truth. He took the broom near the door and swept up the wood pieces and dust off the floor. He shut the windows, turned off the lights then entered the house through the backdoor.

There, he met her cooking lunch. He speed walked to get out the kitchen without her knowledge. He was almost out; just a few more steps and he could avoid her like she never existed.

"Andrew." His steps halted. Damn. It.
He turned around, slowly. He couldn't stand her. "What?"

She turned away from the stove to look at him. "What do you want for lunch?"

"Anything. It doesn't matter." He turned to leave.

"Wait." She said. He heard her rest the metal spoon she stirred the pot with on a plate.

Andrew shut his eyes. God, please give me strength to tolerate this woman. You know how overbearing she can be. Thanks. Amen.

With his back turned to her, he opened his eyes. He answered, "Make it quick."

"Geez... Anyways, will you come down and have lunch with me?"

"No."

"You're so mean."

Andrew unconsciously rolled his eyes, "Tell me something I don't know."

"You're really not going to eat with me? "

He turned to scowl at her, "Woman didn't I just answer your question?"

It was a while before she answered him, "Well... I guess you're going to starve today."

"Fine. Keep your food. I didn't want it anyway." Andrew had enough and walked away. He entered his room, had a shower then went to his office to finish some paperwork. Andrew was on roll; responding to emails, signing documents and filing paperwork when a phone call interrupted him.

He sighed and answered the call. He dropped the file he had in his hands and reclined in his chair. "Hello?" He answered.

"Hey darling." Oh. Amelia.