Paying Karma Love

39 Who Did It

Audrey's headed to Karin's desk. He tried asking about the missing data and flash disk to the girl.

"Today, did you know about the meeting report data file on my laptop? And also a white flash disk for Mr Rizal? My flash disk and data were lost together. Did you see him yesterday?"

"When you get home, I turn off the laptop. I dare not look at the other files, Ma'am. When it comes to flash disks I see they are still in the drawer. Why did it suddenly disappear?"

"That's exactly it, Karin. I'm confused too. Though Mr. Rizal soon have to be in a meeting and need that data."

"I'm sorry, ma'am, I can't help anything" Karin replied innocently.

"Yes Karin, I'll try to find her again. Or maybe I'll rewrite the slides."

With a panicked face, Audrey stepped away from Karin's desk. His chaotic mind, made him almost hit Tristan who had just arrived.

"What's Audrey's mother? Sorry, I'm late today."

"Tristan, I'm looking for a flash disk for Mr. Rizal. Last Friday, you and Karin were home last night at the office. I asked Karin, but she didn't know. That flash disk is very important for meeting presentations today. Did you see him?"

"Calm down, Mother. Take breath...I know where the flash disk you're looking for."

"Tristan, do you really know?" audrey was surprised.

Tristan put down his bag and took something from inside his bag.

"Mother, here's the flash disk. Just take it easy all the data for today's meeting is safe" Tristan said, calming Audrey.

"Tristan, why is this flash disk on you?"

"Later I'll tell you about Mom. Now you leave it to Mr. Rizal."

"Thank you, Tristan. You've helped me."

Audrey rushed to Mr. Rizal's room to hand over the flash disk.

"Sir, this is the flash disk" said Audrey handing it to Mr. Rizal.

"Where did you find him, Audrey? Fortunately, the flash disk was found. Otherwise we'll all be in big trouble."

"I'm sorry, sir. Tristan found the flash disk. Once again I apologize for my carelessness," Audrey replied regretfully.

"Okay, Audrey. Next time you have to be more careful and carefully maintain important data belonging to the finance division. I'll get ready for the meeting."

Audrey's legs still felt limp as she walked back to her desk. The incident he had just experienced was truly unthinkable. All this time he always worked carefully and never made a fatal mistake. But for some reason, this time he was so careless that it almost eliminated the all-important financial data. He should not rush home on Friday and make sure all data is stored safely.

Audrey threw herself on the chair and let out a long sigh.

"Mom, are you okay?" tanya Tristan approached Audrey.

"Yes, Tristan. Thank you for helping me out of trouble."

"Not to think about it, Mother. Look, Mr. Rizal has gone to the meeting room quietly."

"Tristan, I really can't figure out why the flash disk and meeting data on my laptop can be lost. Before I go home, everything is still there."

"Actually the flash disk was in the trash can in the lobby. I happened to pass by and saw him after work last Friday. Then I took it."

"What, the trash can?" audrey was surprised.

"Yes, I think someone deliberately threw it away. If it's about your data on the laptop, maybe the same person deleted it."

"But who is it? And why do you know that the flash disk belongs to finance?"

"The culprit I don't know yet, Mother. For the flash disk, I happened to see it when Mom showed it to Karin yesterday" Tristan replied reassuring Audrey.

"I think you should be more careful from now on. Don't let anyone borrow or touch things on your desk, except you," Tristan said.

"Yes, Tristan, thank you for reminding me."

What does Tristan really mean? Is he accusing Karin? But there was no way Karin who was innocent and quiet to the point of doing such a thing.

...****************...

"Audrey, today's meeting went well. Our CEO, Mr. Mario, and the shareholders are very satisfied with the performance of the finance division."

"I'm very happy, sir. I'm sorry, I had you worried" Audrey said, still feeling guilty about the incident this morning.

"Already, Audrey. I don't dispute that anymore. I hope you can be more careful for the audit process tomorrow."

"Yes, sir."

"But sir, doesn't Mr Kevin, Mr Mario's son, already have his own company?"

"Yes, I heard his second son will be appointed CEO. His son had just returned from abroad. Oh, yes Audrey, are the preparations for tomorrow's audit in order?"

"Yes, sir, I have checked all the reports, invoices and supporting documents for the audit tomorrow. I'll be home later today to make sure everything's ready."

"Okay, Audrey. I trust this task to you. Hopefully the audit goes well tomorrow."

The finance division room began to be quiet because the office hours were over.

"Audrey, I'm going home first. You don't come home too late. It's been seven hours past fifteen minutes" Rizal said, reminding Audrey, who is still engrossed in her work.

"Yes, sir, I'll be home soon. Thank you, sir."

"See you tomorrow, Audrey," said Mr. Rizal, saying goodbye.

Audrey picks up her phone and tries to book a taxi online. Since then, three drivers have refused orders citing heavy rain outside. Audrey sees only herself and Tristan staying in the finance room. Tristan looked ready to go home and turned off his laptop.

"Mother, have you booked a taxi? I'll be home soon. Otherwise, you'll be alone here."

"Yes, I ordered a taxi from earlier. But the driver refused. It might be raining outside" Audrey replied anxiously.

"Then I'll take Mom home. It just so happened that today I had a car with me, so I wouldn't get rained on" Tristan said.

"No, Tristan. I'll just wait for a cab."

"Mother, this kind of heavy rain will probably last a long time. Do you want to stay here alone until nightfall?"

Audrey thought for a moment to consider the offer from Tristan. Tristan's words have a point. As a woman it would be dangerous for her to stay alone in the office until night.

"Well, Tristan, I'll come with you."

"Good, Mother. Let's go home now."

Audrey walks behind Tristan to the lobby.

"Mother, you just wait in the lobby so as not to rain. I'll take my car in the parking lot."

"Yes, Tristan, thank you."

After waiting for a few minutes, a red sports sedan approached Audrey, who was still waiting in the lobby.

"Mother, come on in! Why are you there?" tristan opened the window of his car.

"Tristan, is this your car?" ask Audrey astonishment.

"Yes, Mommy. Quickly enter, the rain is getting heavier."

Audrey complies with Tristan's call and gets into the luxury car.

Tristan got a car like this?

audrey's mind is full of question marks.

"Mother where is your home?"

"In Amarila's apartment, Tristan."

"So she lived in that fancy apartment. Is Mother Tinngal alone there or with family? Khan's mother is not married yet" asked Tristan curiously.

Audrey is confused as to what to answer. He remembered Nicko's words not to divulge his marriage to Reiner. Although Reiner had been friendly to her, but not necessarily he would cancel the contents of their marriage contract.

"I live alone" Audrey answered lying.

"Good, Mother, then I'll have dinner before I go home."

"Tristan, I need to get home as soon as possible. I used to make my own dinner in the apartment."

"Mother, remember Mom's promise to grant my three wishes. This is my first request to accompany me to dinner."

Audrey remembered the promise she had made to Tristan. Now, he had to fulfill his promise.

Why did I promise Tristan?

What if Reiner finds out and gets angry?

I thought Audrey was worried.