Chapter 3 A DEAL OF MYSTERY

"Have you spoken to him?" Mr. Hansel asked. Mr. Hansel was the head of the Panther gang, a gang well known for transporting illegal goods: drugs, machinery parts, guns, and dangerous chemicals in and out of the country. He had some kind of business with Ethan lately, but things seemed not to be going his way.

"No, sir. He left before I got to the pub," his assistant replied (Steve).

"What? How dare he?" Hansel roared.

"Sir, I heard from a reliable source that he is trying to double-cross us," Steve said.

"He is trying to double-cross me? I knew Ethan wasn't trustworthy," Hansel growled inwardly.

"Sir, you don't have to worry. I will talk to him," Steve said, trying as much as possible not to anger Hansel.

"No, if he's decided to play games, then let's blow the whistle and see what his next move would be," he smirked.

"Sir!? Picking a fight with Ethan isn't the best thing to do. You know that man has a temper. Besides, he is the only person who can help us with this deal," Steve quivered inwardly.

Hansel glared at him, still quiet.

"I'm not fighting anybody..... I have bigger fish to fry," Hansel smirked.

**(Ethan's estate)**

"Who did you say sent you again?" Ethan asked.

"I overheard my boss yesterday. He is plotting against you-" he stuttered.

"Leave," Ethan commanded without knowing who the man was. It was of no use anyway. What was Hansel planning? I thought we had a deal? Why is he so sensitive about that container anyway? My part was to make sure the container was delivered safely. So why would he think I need that container? Except there is something valuable to me in that container.

"Master, your food is ready," Leah called, interrupting Ethan's thoughts.

Ethan turned to face Leah, who was still wearing her nightdress. Her ebony-black hair flowed over her shoulders. She stood, staring motionless at Ethan.

"When did I tell you I was hungry?" He said with his head facing the ground.

"I must prepare your meal, sir," Leah insisted.

"Don't assume any role, young lady. Don't do anything until I ask you to. Are we clear?"

"Yes, sir," Leah felt lumps in her throat.

Ethan stood up and walked past her without saying anything. He was looking frustrated but wouldn't admit it. Leah knew something was wrong with him. She heard their conversation. Somebody was trying to kill him. But why?

He never allows me to do anything. He doesn't even allow me to at least talk to him. As heartless as my previous master was, he still let me talk to him when he needed someone to talk to.

Leah sighed and left.

**(Hansel's office)**

Hansel was sitting in his office with his back turned to the huge office desk. He was motionless, lost in thought. He stood up abruptly, smashing the glass of red wine on the floor.

"Guilty conscience?"

He was frightened by the unexpected voice. He immediately knew who it was. He turned and saw Ethan standing by the door

"What are you doing here? How did you get in?" He blurted out.

"Why are you sounding strange? You should know I'm here for business," Ethan says, taking one step at a time.

"Oh yeah! Business. Why don't you take a seat," Laughing awkwardly.

"I don't have time for that, Hans. I just came to advise you not to do anything stupid."

"I have no interest in your container. All I need is my payment once the deal is done," Ethan added.

Hansel was frozen, speechless, still trying to process what was happening. He knew Ethan was a man of his word, but for some reason, he couldn't trust Ethan with this container.

"Well, if that's the case, then I have nothing to fear. Like you said, you have no interest in my container."

"When will it arrive?" Hansel added.

"Tomorrow or next. I will text you the exact location when it's ready," Ethan says.

He left without saying any other word.

It was raining heavily, and Ethan still hadn't returned. He left so early in the morning with his consigliere and two other men. His driver was home already, as were the men who accompanied him.

How can a man be so adamant? Why would he choose to come home late when his life was in danger? Because he is a very powerful man, so many people will be conspiring against him, Leah thought.

Why am I being restless? Who knows what he is doing out there now? He is probably in a motel spending time with other women now. Who am I to worry about him anyway? I'm just his servant.

It was getting darker and darker, but Leah couldn't sleep. She would roll from one side of the bed to the other. She was done with all the chores but she wasn't feeling tired for some reason.

She decided to use this little opportunity to tour the whole house. She went upstairs to the second floor. There were so many rooms that she couldn't count. She would open the door quietly and peek to see what was inside. All the rooms were empty except one.

It was like a library, better still, a fortress of books. The books were covered in dust and cobwebs. She took one of the books and sat on an old couch in the library. She was so into the book that she didn't know when she fell asleep.

Ethan walked into the library only to meet Leah sleeping. He stood there for a minute observing the mysterious woman in front of him. He moved a little closer to get a better view of her.

Why is she sleeping here instead of in her room? Should I wake her up? No, that wouldn't be right. Should I carry her? No, that's not right either.

He moved slowly towards her. Ethan abruptly halted, his expression shifted into something else as if he had seen a ghost.

Leah's eyes were open, staring endlessly at him.

"Sir......"