445 A Determined Elevator Ride
(Cass)NôvelDrama.Org content.
The lobby of Nexus Global is even more intimidating than I expected. It's all glass, steel, and people who look like they belong on the cover of a magazine-or maybe the board of a billion-dollar corporation. My black boots click against the polished marble floors as I stride to the front desk, my confidence an armor against the stares I've already started to attract. Like no one's seen tatts and piercings in Brussels before. The receptionist barely glances at me. She's a perfect match for the surroundings-sleek hair, immaculate makeup, and a suit that probably costs more than my rent back home.
"May I help you?" she asks, her tone sharp and dismissive.
"I'm here to see Jayden Brennan," I say, keeping my voice steady.
"Do you have an appointment?" Her fingers hover over the keyboard, but she doesn't make a move to type anything.
"No, but I'm family," I reply.
She gives me a once-over, taking in my tattoos, piercings, and black-on-black outfit. Her lips tighten. "I'm sorry, but Mr. Brennan's schedule is full today. Without an appointment, I can't help you." What she's really saying is how can someone like you be family of the Nexus Global God.
I cross my arms, leaning slightly over the desk. "He will want to see me. Go let him know Cass is here."
Her expression hardens. "You need an appointment. If you are his family, why didn't he know you were coming?"
"I'm surprising him."
She gives me a 'yeah right' look. "Perhaps you could text him then. Surely you have his number."
"I don't have a phone. It is possible to survive without one you know."
"Security will escort you out if you don't leave."
"Security? Are you kidding me? Look, lady, just buzz up to him, ask him yourself. Or is that above your pay grade, to summon God without an appointment?"
She picks up the phone, her manicured fingers pressing buttons with a little too much force. "We have a situation in the lobby," she says, her tone icy.
I don't wait to find out what her definition of "situation" entails. I glance around, noting the nearby elevator bank. If she won't help me, I'll help myself.
Before I can make a move, two burly security guards approach. They don't waste time, positioning themselves on either side of me. Their hands gripping my upper arms.
"Miss, we need you to leave the premises," one of them says firmly.
"Okay fine."
They start to steer me toward the exit. I go along with them keeping one eye on the elevator emptying of people across the lobby. Just another second. The last person steps out and I break free and race towards it. Thankfully the pounds I've lost lately makes me way faster and I press the top floor button repeatedly and the doors close before security is halfway to me.
"Less pastries for you lads." I say to myself with a grin
As the elevator begins its ascent, I take a deep breath, leaning against the wall. Winona had told me about the view from Jayden's office, how it stretched out over the entire city, so I know his office is on the top floor. If I'm going to find him, that's where he'll be or at least where I can start.
I didn't come all this way to be tossed out by a receptionist and a couple of overzealous guards. I'll get to Jayden, one way or another.
The elevator slows, and my pulse quickens. The doors slide open, revealing a sleek hallway lined with frosted glass and polished wood. This is it-the top floor. I step out cautiously, half expecting more security to appear out of nowhere.
They will call up as soon as they see
where the elevator stops. But it's clear for now. I head along the hallway and enter a smaller room. No less luxurious though.
The receptionist behind the counter looks up. I stare at the big gold name on the door behind her.
Jayden Brennan, CEO.
Bingo.
"Hi. I'm here to see Jayden Brennan."
"Name please?"
"Cass. Cass Nolan."
""You aren't on my list."
Her phone is ringing, I bet it's about me. Then a new security guy appears and he is fit as fuck. I won't be outrunning him anytime soon. "Come with me, Miss."
"No, you don't understand. I just need to see Jayden. He's my brother-in-law." I start yelling. "Jayden! Jayden! It's Cass!"
Security grabs me firmly. "Just come with me, Miss."
"Get your hands off me. I need to see Jayden!"
A tall man with graying hair steps from Jayden's office.
"Let her go. I will handle it."
His French accent is strong but his English is impeccable.
"I'm looking for Jayden," I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel.
"He's not here," he replies, stepping into the room. "He's in London."
My shoulders drop. "Look, I don't want any trouble."
"A little late, no?" His lips twitch,
ད།
almost like he wants to smile, but he doesn't "You're Cass," he says "Winona has told me a lot about you. I'm Hugo."
"Oh, thank fuck... I mean thank goodness. Winona has mentioned you too."
He studies me for a moment longer before nodding. "I'll arrange for transportation to the estate." "Thank you. Thank you so much."
"You are welcome. I am sorry for the confusion."
I eye the young security guy up and down and give him a wink. "Feel free to accost me again."
He gives a small smile before Hugo
snaps, "that will be all. You may
leave." To him and he does. "Now,
Cass, let's get you sorted. Doyou
need anything?"
I feel a strange mix of relief and gratitude. "Thanks, Hugo. I'm good. I just need to go see my sister. And probably shower..."
He picks up the phone. When he hangs up, he gestures for me to follow him. "A car is waiting downstairs. Let's get you on your way."
Now it's time to get real and tell Winona the truth. I'm not sure where I stand back at home but she needs to know everything. The using, the selling, the dead body. Everything.