Cat Got Your Tongue: Cat Got Your Tongue, #1

By Jacqueline Fieck

Do you believe in fate? Genevieve is a newly graduated college student trying to find her way in a small town. She feels stuck in a life that doesn't satisfy her desires or dreams. One day she meets a furry friend wandering town who leads her to a mysterious and brooding billionaire. After a short interaction, she forms an opinion about the rude man. She decides to steer clear of Mr. Gideon although he seems rather intriguing. Ian Gideon is recovering from a broken heart and likes to fill his wound with meaningless flings. After meeting Gen, he catches interest because seems spunky and different than other girls. Ian pursues Gen but she resists him. He won't let Genevieve go without at least one date. Sparks fly, although it's not all warm and fuzzy. Tensions rise in this thrilling two sided adventure filled with twists, drama, laughs, suspense, and tears. Ian Gideon has a past lurking in the shadows. Will Ian's past destroy his chances of getting together with Gen? Will Genevieve find true love or true heartbreak? Read on to find out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jacqueline Fieck
• Release date: Sep 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215322673

Book preview

Cat Got Your Tongue

A picture containing map Description automatically generated

By Jacqueline Fieck

Copyright Ⓒ 2022 Jacqueline Fieck

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission. This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental. Jacqueline Fieck asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks, and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publisher and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.

Dedication:

––––––––

Love isn’t always easy but it’s worth the wait. If you haven’t met the right one yet, don’t give up! If you have met the right one, fight for them with all you have. I hope this book inspires you to see love in a new way.

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Salvation

About the Author

Other Books

Contact Info

Chapter 1

Genevieve

Mom, I really have to go.

Genevieve was running late for her early morning shift. She reached for her red work shirt in the laundry bin housing her clean clothes. After a week of sitting in her laundry bin the clothes really needed to be put away. She gave the bin a side glance of disgust then walked away. She didn’t feel up to the task. She emerged from her small closet with her clothes to throw on while her mother talked her ear off about the latest drama back home in Midway, Kentucky.

Gen didn’t care about the last Nelson girl getting married in her tiny hometown. The people in Midway only cared about farming and family. She liked the family idea but not the farming aspect. Although she didn’t expect to have a family any time soon because in her mind having a family of her own required marriage.

She had seen too many families ripped apart after couples thought they were in love but weren’t. Most couples were in lust with each other and thought their happiness wouldn’t fade. Their euphoria caused them to hold unrealistic expectations that resulted in a bad breakup or split.

If the couple was fortunate to have kids, the children would suffer because they had to deal with constant fighting and custody battles. At the end of the process, the children were just happy to have peace again. However, the real battle would begin soon after the divorce for their attention and love. The parents often battled for their child to choose them as the favorite parent.

Although in Gen’s case, her father didn’t really try too hard to win her over. Instead, he abandoned her after her parents got divorced. She was really young and didn’t know how to cope. Gen experienced their divorce firsthand from a child’s perspective. She had to endure the pain and rejection of her parent at a young age. She didn’t want any child to have to go through the process like she did.

Gen vowed at a young age to wait for the right man to come along that she could trust with her heart and virtue. She had reservations about marriage and relationships after her parent’s nasty split. She often thought about marriage but refused to accept any ordinary proposal. She wanted something real that would last for a lifetime. She wanted to be found by the right one.

As if everyone has a right one... Some women have three or four husbands. I don’t know if there is a right one out there for me. I can’t really waste my time with a relationship right now either. I have too much to focus on in my life. Gen thought to herself as her mom continued to vent.

Gen didn’t understand how people could date multiple individuals over and over again until they found the right one. After Gen witnessed her mom’s heartache and divorce, she had a hard time opening up to men. Her insignificant relationship history reflected on her lack of trust and good possibilities. She didn’t want to be thrown to the side by a man for being broken, neglected, and abused.

Most of the men she met and dated didn’t understand her and couldn’t relate to her, so she didn’t bother opening up to them. She didn’t like word vomiting all her trauma and past wounds on her potential partners. After dating a short amount of time, the relationship typically ended because she felt it was a waste of time. The boyfriends in her past always wanted more from her, but she wasn’t willing to go against her morals and virtues.

She moved to Burrow, Arizona nearly a year ago and was yet to go on a date. She didn’t want to waste her time with meaningless people. She had her best friend Leona and that was enough. Leona’s drama alone was enough to keep Gen out of a relationship. Although Leona dated casually for short periods of time to fill the empty void within her. Gen didn’t have that issue since she had Jesus in her heart, but she still desired marriage and motherhood.

Her mom started fantasizing about Gen getting married on the phone. Gen released a sigh. She needed to get off the phone so she could run to work. Her boss was going to be mad if she was late, again.

I’m only twenty-three, Mom! I have time to get married. Stop nagging me. I am going to be late for work. Genevieve responded, exasperated.

Okay Sweetie... I just want you to be happy and have someone to talk to. Her mom conceded.

I know, Mom. I’ll talk to you later. I love you.

Love you too.

Gen knew her mom was lonely and projecting her emotions. Her mom felt stuck with no one to talk to in the big house Gen grew up in. Gen urged her mom to move but she refused. She enjoyed conversating with people around town. Her mom’s familiarity with her childhood home held her captive in the small town. All the cumulative memories from the past clung to the old house walls and suffocated anyone who entered.

Gen rushed to get ready for her exhausting job at the bakery. She hated being awake at six in the morning to frost donuts, cakes, and other pastries. She loved decorating pastries because it helped her relax and stay at peace with her life. Unless rude customers or coworkers bugged her, of course.

Typically, she liked to hide in the back room of the bakery to work on her latest creations. That way she didn’t need to be up front with the customers. She was good with people, but she didn’t like to deal with the rude clientele. She got to experience rude people who didn’t appreciate her hard work. She never knew a person could get so worked up over the wrong-colored frosting on a cake. Gen fixed the cake, and her boss gave the rude woman a large discount although the order said yellow frosting instead of green.

Gen got to experience customer service at its finest. Working at the bakery paid the bills but her dream was to use her degrees in psychology and communication to help people around the world. She had high hopes and big dreams for her future. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to step into her ministry after hitting a bump in the road.

She believed one day God would open doors for her ministry because she had a purpose in life. She loved learning about the brain and how people would react based on traumatic events from their past. Gen was fascinated by the effects of trauma and how it pertained to people’s future. Trauma changed people’s DNA and caused them to take on a new personality and lifestyle.

She wanted to study more about the brain and grow into the psychology field after experiencing past traumas of her own. Communication was an interesting field that seemed to go hand and hand with psychology at the time. She spent years in college developing her two degrees but after accumulating 100,000 dollars in student debt and not utilizing her degrees, she felt pretty stupid.

Growing up she faced many struggles including her family being broken apart when she was nine years old. The divorce hit her hard but her older brother’s death was worse. She was only twelve when she witnessed her brother’s car accident. Genevieve watched her mother slowly faded away after getting hit with punches.

Her dad basically fell off the face of the planet after the divorce because he wanted to chase his selfish desires. He stopped coming around and communicating with her and her mom. After Kyle died her father ended almost all communication.

Good riddance, Genevieve thought to herself. He did nothing but instill insecurity and doubt in my mind about who I am and what I’m worth. He always put down mom too and made us feel worthless. Kyle could do no wrong though. He was dad’s favorite. When he passed away it crushed our family completely. Now it’s just me and mom. Even though mom can be a bother at times I still love her. We have each other and that’s enough for me.

Gen decided a long time ago she was going to prove her dad wrong by becoming a world changer. She had talent, intelligence, and motivation to achieve greatness. She just needed the right job. For now, her job was working seven to three at the local Burrow bakery. She knew it wasn’t her end all job, but it was enough to pay her bills and keep her afloat.

Genevieve pulled her long, sleek black and blonde streaked hair back into a high ponytail so it would be out of her face. She examined herself in the mirror quickly. Her favorite pair of worn baby blue jeans hugged her curves perfectly. She despised the bright red shirt with the Newton’s bakery logo. The employee shirt made her porcelain skin look washed out, but it was a must for their uniform.

If she could have it her way, she would wear a navy blue or a dark green shirt. Sadly, their uniform shirts were only available in bright red or white. The white shirts held stains and made her look even more pale faced so she chose to wear red. She liked the pop of color and stain cover up. She was thankful to wear jeans for comfort. Gen tied the laces for her gray tennis shoes before she ran for the door. Something inside her said today was going to be a different day.

Gen got to the bakery fifteen minutes late however no one seemed to notice when she walked through the door. She quickly punched in, placed her purse in her personal locker, threw on a white apron then went to work in the back room. She noticed the donuts, cakes, cookies, and other pastry orders sitting on her workstation that needed to be finished pronto. She started working and hoped the hours would fly by. She threw herself into decorating the large pile of baked goods.

After completing most of her work she looked up at the clock to see it was almost time for her lunch break. Praise God, she thought to herself. She needed water, food, and a seat. She was on her feet for five hours running around and decorating products. Lunch time came and went too fast, like it always did.

She got back to work immediately after consuming her ham and cheese sandwich and a large bottle of water. She started to daydream while decorating a cake for a five-year-old. The young girl wanted a cupcakes in the formation of a unicorn. Genevieve thought back to her childhood. She wanted a teddy bear cake sitting upright for her fifth birthday party. Her parents hired a teddy bear to give out hugs. Gen started to reminisce to the times her family was actually put together. She pushed the memories away to continue working.

After Kyle passed away her mom required her to see a therapist. The therapist always told Gen to talk things out instead of burying them, but it seemed harder to express and deal with her feelings than it was to push them down. She was in therapy for several years, but she never talked about her father and his attention to her brother. It was a subject that required long hours of unpacking. Her single mother couldn’t afford extensive therapy costs, so Gen eventually just gave up on talking things out.

Gen looked up at the clock again after completing several different products. Finally, it’s quitting time! She quickly cleaned up her station and washed her dishes. She ran to clock out and leave after she said goodbye to her boss and her other coworkers. Gen was delighted to see a coworker she actually enjoyed working with.

Gen pulled her phone out of her purse pocket as she walked out the door. She noticed a missed call from her mom and a new text message from Leona. Gen was thankful for Leona because she was her saving grace in middle school. Gen didn’t have any other friends that could relate to what she was facing in her life.

Leona hadn’t faced losing a sibling nor verbal, mental, and emotional abuse from a parent but she did experience the divorce of her parents at a younger age. Leona’s parents stayed friendly though and coparented the best they could. Although Leona’s father was a financial business mogul that moved away when Leona was young. Gen and Leona both experienced absent father’s but Leona’s father was still very active and involved in her life.

Leona had compassion for Gen and helped her to remain positive throughout school when other kids picked on her. Unlike Leona, Gen didn’t have the best clothes growing up. Gen’s hardworking single mom gained the house and both kids through the divorce, so she had a hard time covering the bills and buying luxury items. Her mom never complained though. She did what was needed and didn’t share anything negative with Gen. Over time Gen and Leona’s relationship grew closer. In fact, they moved together to Burrow and became neighbors.

Gen looked at Leona’s text message.

––––––––

1:00 PM

3:12 PM 

––––––––

3:15 PM

Gen was excited to have something to do because Thursdays seemed to drag by. Time seemed to go slow when there wasn’t something going on. Gen lived a quiet and easy life without much excitement. It was nice to get out and do things with Leona but staying home was more her thing.

Gen looked up from her phone and decided to call her mom back when she got home. As she walked past the local grocery store and clothing boutique toward her apartment building. She noticed a fluffy white tail thumping near the corner of the nail salon building. Gen decided to get a closer look.

As she approached the corner of the salon, she saw a white fluffy cat playing with a mouse behind a dumpster for the restaurant next door. The alley is no place for a white cat to roam about. Gen knelt down to call for the cat to come near her. As soon as she knelt down the cat noticed her and came over purring. The cat rubbed against her leg and let her scratch it’s neck.

No Collar. Hmm... Who’s cat are you? Gen asked, looking around.

She picked up the fluffy fur ball with ease. He was well maintained and not skittish, so she knew he couldn’t be a stray. She carried him as she walked home. She asked everyone on her way if they knew the cat in her arms. She was ready to take the friendly feline home since no one knew who the owner was. Gen came to the end of the block with the fur ball nestled in her arms, purring up a storm.

Suddenly an old woman called out from her front porch on the corner, Hey there Snowball.

Genevieve knew she was round and white, but she didn’t think this woman was talking about her. She never was called a snowball although other names did come to mind. Gen pushed her feelings away to focus on the task at hand. She figured the woman was talking about the cat in her arms instead of her curvy stature.

Do you know who owns this cat? Gen questioned.

Yes. Snowball is always getting out to roam the town. His owner lives in that giant house three blocks down on Peach Avenue. The old woman responded.

Okay. Thank you! I bet the owner will want their cat back right away. They are probably worried about him. Gen answered, snuggling the cat closer.

I doubt it. The old lady replied before entering her house.

That was odd... Gen thought to herself. Even more odd is the house she claimed this sweet kitty lives in. That house is mysterious because it’s so big but never has anyone outside it. It seems like a lonely home for a fluffy kitty cat to dwell in.

Gen had walked past the house several times and always wondered who lived inside. The giant house was gorgeous with tan stonework and huge windows. The mansion was two stories tall and took up two quarters of a block. Nobody could see into the backyard since the tall metal fence surrounded the houses perimeter.

Gen thought a rich family lived in the home since it was so massive. As she approached the gated entrance, she noticed the front gate was open. Interesting, she thought to herself as she carried the white fluff ball in her arms. He was fast asleep and purring as she neared the front door. It was along the side of the house instead of one end of the house. The house was laid out in an L shape with a garage to complete the L.

What an odd set up... Gen thought to herself. She adjusted Snowball in her arms as she reached for the doorbell. She gently pushed the doorbell then looked around the yard. She noticed two spiral evergreen bushes on either side of the front door. The vegetation in the raised flower beds bloomed with the Arizona air. Gen was enjoying the tidy landscaping, but she wanted to get home to sleep before her time with Leona.

I wonder why they are taking so long... Maybe they aren’t home? Gen pushed the doorbell again. Suddenly the front door opened to reveal a broody and gloomy young man. Gen was shocked by the youth of the man answering the door. She expected someone a little older with a child running in the background. The man was clearly busy, considering he had an earpiece in and a phone in the other hand.

"What do you want?" The man snarked. His voice was laced with extreme disdain. She became infuriated but held herself together. The man seemed to examine her while she spoke.

I was walking home from work and noticed this cat in the alley. An older woman said he belongs to you. Gen answered, trying to keep her composure. The man was acting rudely and seemed inconsiderate of anyone but himself.

Yes, that’s Snowball. The man said, waving her inside with a look of annoyance.

The man gave her the longest look over and clearly judged her before knowing her. Who does he think he is? King of the world? I don’t do well with men who yell and act like jerks... Gen thought to herself. She entered the house with hesitation. She waited patiently for the man to speak but the man started talking about paper and faxing. She assumed he was talking with someone through his earpiece.

I don’t care what they said. Get me the best paper for this project, Jerry. I need those documents mailed over to the England office ASAP. The man shouted loudly.

The cat in Gen’s arms didn’t move a muscle at the outburst. Gen watched as the man started pacing in the foyer frantically while rattling off information in a rude manner. Clearly, he is upset about something... Gen though as she took in the sights of the man in front of her. He was tall, dark, and handsome with a dangerous look in his sparkling blue eyes. She knew based on his actions and the way he talked that he was not someone to mess with. She quickly looked away from him as he started to smirk after catching her looking at him.

Does he expect me to stand here all day? I don’t have a lot of time on my hands, and he doesn’t seem to have time for me either. Ugh. I hate inconsiderate people... I’m going to give him five more minutes before I bolt out that door. Gen thought to herself. She started to pet Snowball again as she started to look around the foyer and the openness of the house beyond to distract herself from the handsome man making a ruckus before her.

The foyer walls were lined with royal blue felt wallpaper leading up to high ceilings with gold trim and a giant sparkling crystal chandelier. The architecture and decorations of the foyer reminded Gen of the Victorian age. The floor was lined with tan marble stone tiles with flecks of black and swirls of gold. She could see interesting and expensive art pieces adorning the walls of the foyer.

Beyond the foyer was an open concept living room with modern pieces. Interesting, she thought to herself. The house looks like a jumbled mess of clashing styles and pieces. If he trying to go modern or return to classic? Most people want to go modern... Although I really enjoy the historical Victorian feel in here. I would keep it historical. I would love to have this beautiful blue wallpaper in my apartment. Sadly, that’s not allowed right now. Maybe in the future...

Gen didn’t want to stand awkwardly in the foyer listening to the mysterious and brooding man any longer. She gently put Snowball down and gave him one last scratch. The cat lay in peace as she turned to leave. She heard the man continue to talk behind her. She wanted to get home, call her mom, and take a nap before she needed to meet Leona at 7.

Wait. She suddenly heard behind her. She didn’t know if the man was talking to her or the person on the phone. She hesitated with her hand on the door. She dramatically turned around because she was kind and didn’t lack respect. She noticed the man looking at her bewildered. He must not be used to anyone wanting to leave his presence so quickly. Gen laughed to herself.

The man abruptly said, Jerry, get on this! I’ll call you back. He hit the earpiece to end the call before addressing her again. Can I give you some money or something for bringing my cat back?

She watched as the man started looking her up and down again. She gazed into the man’s baby blue eyes to read his reaction correctly. She liked to watch people’s reactions to see if she could figure out their emotions and thoughts. Gen saw the man was more intrigued than before, but he was still guarded.

"No. I don’t need your money."

She answered with a bad attitude. She didn’t want the man’s pity money because he wasn’t someone’s hand out. She just returned the man’s cat. It didn’t require monetary support. She had student loans that needed to be paid but she decided it was better to leave without any strings attached. She turned to the front door again.

Are you sure? It seems you could use some.

That’s it! He has done it to himself now! Gen thought to herself. A match caught fire within her, and she exploded. "I’ll have you know that I don’t need your money nor your judgmental attitude. Why don’t you take your money and buy your cat a collar? Since he is always getting out!"

The man looked at her with shock. He probably has everyone falling at his feet, but not me. I have more dignity in my finger, than he does in his well-toned body... Seriously Gen, his well-toned body?! Stop thinking like that! Gen ridiculed herself. He looks calm and relaxed... I guess he isn’t going to say anything back... What a jerk!

Gen turned on her heel again and walked out the door. She didn’t give the man time to retort with a comeback. She walked down the driveway faster than when she arrived. She was not about to be mocked and disrespected. All because of a cat. At least when I left just in time for the cat to get his tongue. Gen thought to herself. She was picturing the man’s face after she left. He looked shocked that she even spoke to him in that regard.

With each step, the rage within her seemed to dissipate. She thought about what he had said then started thinking about things she could have said to put him in his place more. Who did he think he is? Some people do not have respect or courtesy for others. He made a judgment about me based on my work attire. He doesn’t even know me! I have a lot more to offer someone than just how she looked. He must be so shallow. If he wants to be that shallow, he should stick to his supermodels. I’m not interested in someone who talks to others like yesterday’s garbage. As if he is worthy of more because he is rich? What good is being rich if there is no one to share it with?

She had been demeaned and treated horribly her whole life. Her father and first boyfriend did a great job of beating her down. She didn’t need another inconsiderate jerk to build on her already piled high brokenness and trauma.

She continued down the block toward home so she could take a nap after a long day. She was too riled up to call her mom. She didn’t want to vent to her mom about a man because it would give her false hope. It isn’t happening, especially with that jerk.

Gen kept her fast pace until she arrived home. She quickly threw off her work clothes and got into something comfortable to sleep in. She had two hours to take a nap before she had to get ready for the movie with Leona.

As she fell asleep, she thought of the man’s face when she told him off. She saw something different in his eyes as she walked away. It was respect... He has probably never had anyone tell him off. It felt good. I hope I never see him again... Gen thought as she dozed off to sleep.

Chapter 2

Ian

Jerry, I need these paper samples sent to England pronto! Ian yelled into his earpiece.

Yes, Mr. Gideon. We are having a slight issue with the postal service right now. Jerry, Ian’s assistant, responded while typing on his computer.

I don’t care! Ian paced through his office.

Jerry started rambling excuses and information again. Ian tried to listen politely, but he was very enraged. One of his employees completely dropped the ball on the new England branch which left Jerry and Ian to clean up the mess. Ian hated needing to clean up after people’s messes. He had enough issues to deal with as a young billionaire. He didn’t need more drama on his plate.

Suddenly the doorbell rang. Ian rolled his eyes and released a sigh. What now? Ian thought to himself as he started to walk to the foyer. He continued to listen to Jerry while massaging his brow. Thank goodness my main office is near the foyer. If I was in my bedroom office I would have had to run down the stairs. That could result in injury so it's good to be on the first floor of this house. I can’t believe I gave Charles the day off today. Today of all days. UGHH. More for me to do. Ian thought to himself as he stomped down the hallway past his large kitchen. He was behaving like a child in a fit because he just wanted peace and quiet. Instead, he had complications to deal with.

Wait Jerry, someone is at the door. Ian said abruptly before reaching for the door.

Ian grew more annoyed as the doorbell rang again. WHO RINGS TWICE!? They can clearly see this is a big house. I have a life so they can wait a little longer for me to answer the door! Ugh, people these days have no patience. That was a touch hypocritical... Whatever, I can be impatient if I want to. This is not the time to evaluate myself. Just get the door, Ian. Try to be nice, Ian. Even though you don’t want to be! Ian told himself.

Fully annoyed, he ripped open the front door to see a thick woman with black and blonde streaked hair messily pulled back into a ponytail with stray hairs popping out everywhere. Ian noticed her bright red shirt with a bakery logo. The shirt clashed against her soft white skin. Her jeans held every curve so well they could make a man drool.

Sadly, I am not willing to drool over a woman anytime soon. They drool over me and flock to me for my money. I don’t need some chubby busy body do gooder in my bedroom. Models suit me just fine. I know what I am getting with them. Just sex and fun. That’s all I need right now since Regina left me. Ian pushed down the rising anger inside him and focused on the task at hand.

"What do you want?" Ian asked. He allowed all the sarcasm and annoyance to flow through his voice. He didn’t want to be disturbed.

Ian was so distracted with the woman’s curvaceous features that he nearly missed the white fluff ball resting in the woman’s arms. Snowball never looked so content. Traitor. Ian eyed the cat with dislike then he turned his face up to examine the woman as she began to speak. He half listened as she started to explain herself.

Immediately Ian felt a hit in the gut because the woman spoke with a calm and soothing voice like an angel. He was not expecting the woman to carry such weight in her voice. He was expecting a gruff and sarcastic woman, instead she seemed nice and respectable. Ian was slowly warming up to the woman’s presence on his doorstep.

You know... She doesn’t look too bad. I actually kind of like her luscious curves. This is the first time a beautiful woman has found and returned Snowball. Most of the time he just comes back home on his own. Maybe he found a woman to win my heart. I doubt it. Nobody can get close enough to me to win my heart after all Regina has done to me. I don’t do relationships anymore. This woman clearly is the relationship type so I can’t have her. Although it would be nice to see what’s under her little get up. Stop it, Ian! Don’t get too attached or curious.

He chastised himself then tried to get his head out of the gutter. For some reason he really wanted to get to know the woman. An urge grew within him that increased his senses. He wanted to invite the woman in to know her more, but he didn’t want to get too attached. He wasn’t used to being around bigger women although he was ready to trade in his model card for a full-figured woman with a bigger bust.

Ian felt his body reacting to his thoughts, so he forced himself to stop. He wanted to be extra rude so the woman would walk away. He was tortured inside and couldn’t handle more feminine affliction. He had casual flings to ensure he didn’t get hurt or attached. He couldn’t deal with another woman hurting him, especially a woman that didn’t look like she could offer him more than a good night in the sheets.

Yes, that is Snowball. He gestured for the woman to enter the house, against his better judgement. Ian was about to speak with the woman when Jerry decided to open his mouth again.

Sir, we aren’t able to ship these documents to England in time. The postal service said they can’t do anything more to help us. Jerry said quickly.

I don’t care what they said. Get me the best paper for this project, Jerry. I need those documents mailed over to the England office ASAP. He shouted.

Sir, the postal service isn’t allowing us to do anything different. We could fax the documents for now until the originals arrive because then they would at least have them. Jerry replied calmly.

Fine! I guess that will have to do... If Bill would have been on this weeks ago, we wouldn’t have this issue. Ian responded, he put his hand to his face and closed his eyes. He was trying to stay calm and not lose it. He looked up to see the woman examining him.