“How long do I have, Sir?" I asked, looking at Eliza, who I could tell was bursting to say something and it wasn't going to be good. She looked seething. I sighed. This was going to be a hard one to crack. I really liked her, despite her irritating temper and occasional childishness. I wanted her to like me, but she was going to hate me for the next few days. I hoped we could get past it afterwards like I had managed with Sam.
“I'm not sure Zack. We can stretch to five, maybe six days maximum, but the sooner the better. I hope it is enough." Markus said with a sigh. He turned towards Eliza.
“I hope you understand what we're talking about, because we all believe you have massive potential. You're well liked by everyone and your gift promises to be exceptional. But, and there is a big but. If you can't work in a team, show respect and follow orders, it'll be wasted. You will either return to your previous life, feeling frustrated and never really free from us, or you will end up doing an office based job with us, wasting your potential. It's a choice only you can make. Submit to our rules, wholeheartedly or we muddle through this mission and it will be your last one ever.”
He grabbed both Eliza's hands and looked her straight in the eyes.
“I hope you make the right choice Eliza.”
CHAPTER 27
Markus’ words had struck a chord with me. Just before he had spoken to me I was annoyed and cross that they were talking about me like I wasn't there. I nearly had burst out telling them so, but I was glad I hadn't. I hadn't understood what the big deal was, I had apologised, hadn't I? What more did they want! I couldn't believe what Zack had made me do and say. I was so proud of myself for getting through the four hours of isolation; I didn't understand what the importance of the apology was.
After Markus' little speech and Zack's disappointed look, I started to get what they were trying to do, but it was a bit late by then. Zack was going to treat me harshly now, because I let him down and I wasn't sure I could convince him that I resolved to work hard on my temper and try my hardest to show him the respect he expected. I hoped he could feel my mood now, there was no defiance left. How could it all go so horribly wrong in such a short amount of time?
On our way back to our room I glanced sideways to catch Zack's eye, but his face was grim and determined, looking stoically ahead. I had to just put my head down and work hard. Follow every order, however ridiculous it would be, as I was sure he was going to test me severely. I desperately wanted to prove I was up for this mission. I didn't want to be a liability.
I wanted to tell Zack all my resolutions, but I would wait until Zack decided to talk to me about it. He didn't look in a talking sort of mood. I also wanted to know more about the mission as I had so many questions. I was scared there was a chance my father was embroiled in this criminal organisation by choice, with all the consequences that would bring. It all had to wait. I was frustrated with myself. Why did I have to be so stubborn and impulsive! I was dying for a wee by now as well, as we still hadn't had a toilet break. When we got to our room, I dashed towards the bathroom only to be stopped with a heavy hand on my shoulder.
“Where do you think you are going, Miss?" Zack barked at me.
I was afraid this would happen. I turned around and told him I needed the bathroom.
“Fuck it." he started, taking a long hard look at me.
“This is how it's going to be for the next three days. You will have to abide by a very strict disciplinary regime to teach you to follow orders and show respect at all times. You will need to ask permission for anything you want or need to do, including talking. You don't move unless you've asked me, you don't sit unless you've asked me, you don't eat, drink, wash, brush your teeth, or anything without asking permission. When I ask you a question you answer straight away, and you will address me as Sir, until I decide you can use my name again. Do you understand?”
His eyes were cold. He had put his mask on; there was no emotion showing, just expectation of total compliance on my part. Shit, this was going to be tough. Just grin and bear it. I can do this.
“Yes Sir. Permission to speak, Sir?”
I tried to look as serious as I could, even though it just felt so stupid calling him Sir. I hoped he could see I was really trying, but I could feel he wasn't satisfied. It was so hard to hide anything from him. I had to take this seriously now.
“I'll give you one more chance to say that, without a smirk on your face this time Eliza." he responded.
I was really dying to go to the loo now and I was going to wet myself, if not careful.
“Sorry, Sir. I understand. Please, may I have permission to speak Sir?" I pleaded now.
No smirk in sight.
“Yes Miss Mankuzay, you may speak." he said more amenable now.
“Can I please go to the bathroom Sir?”
Please just let me now Zack, I am bursting. I was desperate.
“Be more specific. What are you going to do in the bathroom? Have a shower? Do your make-up?”
I had been right; he was going to be an insufferable pig. I sighed before answering, but bloody
