Stolen Identity: Mute Heiress

Chapter 198: Ten Minutes

After talking with his siblings, Jamal was on the phone with Ryan as he reported to Ryan about Abigail talking to Genevieve.

”I see. I want you to find out why she spoke to Genevieve. Find out if Genevieve said something to her to win her trust,” Ryan said when Jamal was done.

”I will, sir.”

”Have you seen Abigail’s new car?” Ryan asked, and Jamal nodded.

”Yes, sir. I noticed the new car when we drove in earlier,” Jamal said, wondering why he was asking.

”Beginning from tomorrow that’s the car I want you to drive. Take my daughters to work in that car. I’m not at home so make sure you drop off Josh in school before taking them to the office. Genevieve just informed me she’s traveling to see Jamal in Ludus by weekend. That should give you more time with Abigail,” he said, and Jamal smirked.

It made so much sense why he had gotten the car just when he did. This meant he couldn’t speak to Abigail about anything private whenever they were in the car, and even his phone calls, he had to be more careful.

”I will, sir. Perhaps I can ask Miss Abigail to bring the car key so I check out the car and I can use this opportunity to spend a little time with her and maybe flirt with her,” Jamal suggested.

”Sure, you can do that,” Ryan said, since he would like to hear how Pete communicates with Abigail and before Jamal could say anything else he hung up the call.

Immediately Jamal composed a text. [Hello, Miss Abigail. I’ve been instructed by your father to take a look at your car. Could you please bring me the key? Or should I come to get it?]

Jamal read through the text wondering if it sounded formal enough. Was that the kind of text he’d send to his boss’s daughter if he really had nothing with her.

Not wanting to overthink it he sent the text.

He waited for a while and when she didn’t respond, he guessed she left her phone in her bedroom and was busy with other things.

He went to the kitchen and asked one of the housekeepers to go into the main house to let Abigail know that he wanted her to bring her car key.

The housekeeper returned to inform him that Abigail was busy tucking Josh in bed and would call him when she comes down.

Thirty minutes later Abigail had a wide smile on her face as she joined Jamal by the car.

[I was busy with Josh. I was singing him a lullaby and reading him a bedtime story.] Abigail signed as she approached and Jamal raised a brow, wondering if she meant what he thought that she had spoken to Josh.

Abigail nodded.

”I’m sorry I kept you waiting, Pete. What do you need to check?” Abigail asked politely as she handed the car key to Jamal.

”I don’t mind waiting. Besides I didn’t wait for long. Mr Harris said he wants me to drive you and Miss Genevieve around in your car going forward, so I wanted to get a feel of the car tonight before morning,” Jamal explained and Abigail scowled.

So, that was Ryan’s plan. Of course she should have known he’d want them to take the car all the time now.

[He is a real bastard.] she signed.

”You can have a feel of it all you want. Good night...”

”I was hoping you we could test drive it together. Maybe go for a ride,” Jamal said quickly before she could finish.

Abigail grinned and then pressed her lips together, ”Why would I want to do that, Pete? Why would I want to go for a ride with you?” She asked in a stern voice that belied her grin.

”Because it’s your car? It’s new. So, I figured we drive around so we can both get a feel of it,” Jamal said, trying not to grin himself.

He was enjoying this game they were playing with Ryan, and he was glad that Abigail was such a good actress.

Abigail looked at Jamal with her eyebrows raised. She crossed her arms over her chest and tilted her head a little to the side.

”So we can both get a feel of the car?” she repeated in a flat voice.

[No. I’d rather we get a feel of each other.] he signed with a wink and Abigail pressed her lips together to keep from laughing.

Jamal leaned one arm against the car roof. His other hand held the car key, turning it between his fingers and hoping Ryan could hear every word.

”Yes,” he said softly. ”Just a short ride. Ten minutes. I promise.”

”I don’t think it’s necessary. I already drove the car earlier. You know how to drive so there is no reason for me to be here with you.”

Jamal gave her a crooked smile. ”That’s what you think. What if I just want to spend ten minutes in your company?” he asked, his voice light, and his eyes were warm as he watched her face.

Abigail could feel her heart beating faster. She sighed and shook her head slowly. ”Pete... don’t say things like that.”

”Like what?” he asked, his smile getting a little wider. He pushed away from the car and took one small step closer. He was standing so close enough she wanted to lean in and kiss him.

”Like... that,” she said as she signed. [Step back else I’m going to kiss you.] she threatened.

Jamal grinned and tilted his head, watching her with playful eyes. ”I only said the truth. I enjoy your company a lot, Abigail.”

”Ms Abigail,” Abigail corrected.

”We are closer than that, are we not? Aren’t we friends?” Jamal asked softly.

”No. You are my sister’s driver and...”

”But I’m keeping your secrets. I’m the only one you talk to. Well, apart from now that you’ve talked with Miss Genevieve. Why did you do that anyway? Are you sure you should have talked to her? What if she tells your father the truth?” Jamal asked for Ryan’s benefit.

”Why? Are you jealous you’re not the only one that knows my secret now?” Abigail asked, and Jamal sighed.

”I’m just looking out for you. Are you sure you can trust her like you trust me? What did she say to make you open up to her?” Jamal asked, and Abigail looked at him, guessing he was asking because Ryan wanted him to.

”She didn’t say anything. She has just been really kind to me lately. I don’t think she will tell our Dad that I spoke to her,” Abigail said, and Jamal gave her a thumbs up.

”If you say so,” Jamal said softly. His voice dropped lower. ”So, how about our little ride? You know I’m heartbroken because of the break up with my girlfriend. I need someone to talk to and you’re the only one I want to talk to.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke as they smiled at each other. The night was quiet. A cool breeze blew a few strands of Abigail’s hair across her cheek.

Jamal reached up slowly and tucked the hair behind her ear without thinking.

Abigail’s heart skipped a beat and she sucked in a small breath. ”Just ten minutes,” she said, her voice very soft.