Keep A Secret

“What do you mean, Richard? For how long has this been going on?” Ashley asked Richard, his eyes scrutinizing the report on his desk. He was in his office, and the plan was to relax, then invite a few officials to discuss business, but Richard had come into his office to inform him of the assignment Lanky ordered him to carry.

“Mr. Lanky instructed me to visit Birdie's college a few days ago. Apparently, he's suspecting that Birdie has an ulterior motive, so he has instructed a few guards to keep an eye on him,” Richard replied.

“An ulterior motive,” Ashley murmured thoughtfully. “So what is the ulterior motive? Have you seen or noticed anything suspicious?” He asked with raised eyebrows.

“As of now sir, we haven't. His record is clear just as he had said. Although we have some differences, it isn't something huge,” Richard answered.

“What type of difference is that?” Ashley looked interested in the topic.

Richard sighed, wondering how this would sound in the listeners ears. “Well, the college vice chancellor is the only one who has heard of Birdie. But when I went back there a few hours ago, the lecturers who claimed they were oblivious suddenly knew who Birdie was, they even provided his origin sheet.”

“So you think Birdie is playing with us?” Ashley asked, to be sure of where the conversation was heading.

“It doesn't necessarily have to be Birdie, but I think someone is pulling the strings here. They are trying to hide vital information. But it might also be my illusions. Maybe I am just overthinking and imagining things,” Richard replied.

Ashley didn't know what to think or believe and he stood off from his seat, placing around the room restlessly. He had feelings for Birdie, and of course he didn't want Lanky to hurt him, but he also knew they couldn't have someone who was snooping around their private information in their house.

“Have you told Lanky the newest information? The one who just informed me, about the lecturers?” Ashley asked after a momentary silence.

“No sir, I haven't. I was on my way to inform him when I received your message that you wanted to see me,” Richard replied respectfully.

“Thank you so much for honoring my call. And for now, I will like you to keep it a secret. I will inform Lanky myself. If he asks about the report, tell him you haven't noticed anything suspicious,” Ashley said to Richard.

“Huh? I should lie?” Richard wants to ask himself that question but ends up saying it out loud.

“Yes, please, I need you to lie to him. It's actually urgent, and I will appreciate your assistance,” Ashley said with a gentle smile and Richard nodded in response.

“Okay Boss. Consider it done,” Richard saluted.

Richard turned to leave, but Ashley's voice stopped him. "Richard, one more thing."

"Yes, sir?" Richard replied, turning back.

"Keep a close eye on Birdie, but discreetly. I want to know what he's up to, but I don't want Lanky to suspect anything," Ashley said, his eyes locked on Richard's.

Richard nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll take care of it, sir."

As Richard left the office, Ashley's mind was racing. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off, that Birdie was hiding something. But he also couldn't deny the connection he felt with him.

Ashley's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Enter," he called out.

One of his assistants walked in, followed by a group of officials. "Time for our meeting," the assistant reminded him.

Ashley took a deep breath, putting on his business face. "Let's get started," he said, gesturing to the conference table.

The official, five men and two women bowed, and sat on the empty chairs.

As the meeting began, Ashley's mind wandered back to Birdie. He couldn't help but wonder what secrets he was keeping, and whether he would ever be able to trust him.

Meanwhile, Maverick was still in front of the club, surrounded by the pulsating music and the enticing atmosphere.

“The kiss, huh?” Maverick murmured, wondering the lie he could tell to escape from Victor.

“Yes, the kiss. Do you want to take a step forward?” Victor asked with a cunning smirk on his lips.

“A step forward?” Maverick began to shiver at the thought. “I don't think I am ready for anything serious, I don't want to be fully committed for now,” he stuttered, and Victor burst into laughter.

“I never said I wanted to enter a relationship with you. Whoa, bro you are a fast thinker. Can't you see that I am a player? Playboy don't commit to anyone,” Victor replied, amid laughter.

“Oh, I guess I misinterpret what you said. Pardon me,” Maverick laughed at his own mistake.

“It's fine. I hear that a lot. How about we stop talking and move straight to the next phase?” Victor asked eagerly.

Maverick thought fast. ‘Of course he didn't want to have sex with Victor. It would be a shame to have his first time with someone he didn't like. Worst still, a playboy!’

“Humm, what about the package. I don't think Mr. Mark would like it if I return back late,” Maverick said, trying to come up with a reasonable excuse.

“Just tell him I am the one who kept you waiting, then,” Victor suggested with a mischievous smile.

“But, I don't think he would believe that, he might even scold me,” Maverick stuttered.

“Scold you? Come on, Mark is just a spoilt and entitled child. Above all, he respects me, so don't worry about getting scold,” Victor replied, and took Maverick's hand. They took another turn, leading to the club's hotel, Maverick was unwilling but he played along.

Suddenly, Victor stopped in front of a private room. "Welcome to the VIP motel," he said, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Maverick's heart skipped a beat as he realized where he was. But before he could react, Victor pulled him inside, and the door closed behind them, enveloping them in darkness.