Shadow of deceit

"Please I don't want to leave my dad's side! He needs me! Little Katie had cried out when the life support machine was being removed from her father's lifeless body.

The nurse and doctor had felt great pity for her that night for no one knew how to console the child.

Katie had been the one to call 911 when her father had collapsed in their small living room. All her life, it's been just her and Daddy. She had seen other kids talk about their mom in school but when she asked dad he would say that mummy had gone to be with the angels.

After his death, She was then taken to foster care, where she was raised into a fine young woman. Her fathers death was sudden and mysterious, the hospital had termed it a sudden heart failure.

Katie was devastated about her Father's death. She felt lost and alone, her relationship with other people suffered greatly.

Here she was 13 years later, a fine beautiful woman with well-carved features and a degree in economics.

"You look stunning! "Katie's elderly neighbor had said as soon as she cited her locking her apartment door in the hallway.

"Thanks, ma'am, it's my first day at work, I won't be back on time " Katie responded

This woman was one of the closest things she had to family since she moved to the city so giving her the details was to ensure that she didn't worry about her.

Katie glared at her phone screen outside waiting for a taxi to stop in her direction. The warm sun glared at her Face, everything about the climate looked like it agreed with Katie.

"Where to ma'am? A nice taxi had asked while horning his car at her

"Clay group of companies please " Katie pleaded while entering the car without hesitation

"Looking good! It's such a beautiful day huh? The driver inquired trying to start up a silly conversation with Katie. But she ignored it.

She was nervous, today was her first day of work at the company. Her father's friend Mr Richard had politely inquired about her income and job as a financial analyst for a small firm in Manhattan and insisted that she come work at his company because the money she earned there wouldnt be enough to give her the life that she deserved.

"That would be 20 dollars, ma'am," the taxi said interrupting her from thoughts. She didn't observe the car had gotten to its destination because she was new to the city.

The tall glass skyrocketing building stood out in the city of New York, its shiny appearance reflecting the city's corporate world.

As Katie pushed through the revolving door, the grand sophistication of the lobby welcomed her. The polished dark marble floor beamed at her and the lovely interior design. She quickly walked up to the dark polished reception desk to make inquiries from a lady sitting there.

"Good morning miss, I"ll like to see Mr. Richard."

Katie told the receptionist at the reception. "Tell him Katie is here" she added

With a beaming smile, the receptionist replied," I would put a call through, hold on please."She then quickly dialed a number on her electronic wired telephone and murmured questions into it.

"Take the lift to the ninth floor, there you will find Mr Richard, He has been waiting for you." the receptionist replied to Katie after getting off the phone.

As Katie entered the elevator, she stood still watching herself on its shiny metallic wall while smoothing her sleek dress, mentally preparing herself for the meeting ahead.

The elevator came to a stop on the ninth floor and Katie came out into a spacious room. It had a beautiful glass view of the city. A large table dominated the room behind which Mr Richard sat.

"Hello Katie, " he said, standing up to extend a hand." it's a pleasure to finally meet you again after all these years".

Katie shook his hand feeling shy from his touch.

"The pleasure is mine" Katie replied.

Mr Richard hadn't changed much from the last time she saw him at her fathers burial .There was only a thin silver hair line on his once bright brown hair.

"Have a seat Katie " mr Richard said , gesturing for Katie to sit on the chair in the front of his desk.

Katie sat down feeling shy and confused .

With a straight look , mr Richard said "you remind me so much of your father. when I heard that you worked for that firm, I decided to snatch you for my company "

Mr Richard then gets back into his chair , drumming his fingers on his desk , he leans forward, his eyes never leaving Katie's face .

"I believe you have potential Katie"he said "And I will like to help you realize that potential "

Katie expectations was small ,she was expecting to be placed as a secretary or anything.

"What position do you have for me sir?"Katie asked in curiosity.

Mr Richard smiled with a glint in his eye."I"ll like you to be my personal assistant" he said."you"ll be helping me in taking financial decisions for the company"

Katie eyes widened in suprise.she hadn't expected this. "Personal assistant?" She repeated .

Richard nodded. "My personal assistant " he said. "I think you'd be a great fit for our team. And I'm willing to offer you a very competitive salary and benefits package."

Katie's mind was racing. This was a huge opportunity, one that could change her life forever. But she was also hesitant, unsure if she was ready to take on such a challenging role.

Katie also felt a surge of pride and gratitude at the same time ."Thank you,Mr Richard,"she said,trying to sound calm and composed. "This meant a lot, coming from you".

This was a dream job, one that would allow her use her intelligence on financial issues to make a real impact. But as she looked into Mr Richard's eyes, she saw something there that gave her a pause.

"Tell Laura to show you around Katie, that's all you will be doing today " mr Richard said,In an ordering tone.

As Katie got up to leave, Mr Richard stood up as well, with a smile still plastered on his face.

"I would love you to come over and have dinner with my family this weekend ." He said, his eyes glinting with an invitation ." I consider you my child now "

Katie was taken aback by the invitation, she hadn't expected Mr Richard to invite her to his home and she knew she couldn't say no.