Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Kendall couldn’t believe how enormous Grayson’s place was. His residence looked like an entire village itself, with everything accessible in just a few minutes' radius. She knew he was rich; however, she didn’t expect that he was exorbitantly rich.

'Whoa! Is this even a house or a palace? How do they even constantly meet with each other?' she thought in amazement as she glanced around the whole area.

Then, she went to the stairs to knock on the front door. A few minutes after waiting, a maid came to greet Kendall.

“Hi! Sir Grayson will be here in a minute. Would you like some refreshment first?” the middle-aged maid asked.

Kendall sat on the brown leather couch in the waiting area. Smiling, she replied. “Sure! Thanks!”

The maid walked back to the kitchen while Kendall was left alone in the foyer. Later on, she saw Grayson marching out of the elevator near the stairs. Simultaneously, the maid came back with a tray of orange juice for her.

However, before she could give it to Kendall, Grayson said, “There’s no need to give her that.”

“O-okay, sir.” The maid didn’t know what to do with it as she was hesitant to go back to the kitchen.

It was a good thing that Kendall noticed her uncertainty as she decided to grab the juice and drink it.

Grayson’s eyes were raised in incredulity.

“What? She made it for me. It will be a waste if I don't drink it.” she contended while returning the glass back to the tray.

Then, Kendall's lips curled into a soft grin. “Thanks again.”

The maid just nodded at her with a smile and later went back to do her job.

Afterward, Grayson moved towards her, gesturing with his hand with a wave. “Follow me.”

She didn’t ask him a question and just automatically followed Grayson into the room. They went downstairs to the garage area and were greeted by a queue of collection cars. Kendall was astounded by the number of his car collections. It looked like she was at a high-end exclusive car show. Her mouth instantly dropped as she couldn’t help but be amazed.

“Wow! This is all yours? How do you drive all of them?” she queried as she still couldn’t believe it.

Grayson gave her a smug look. “Yes. The Bugatti is the one I frequently use. As for the Porsche and Mazda, I only use them on special occasions. As for the Ferrari GTO, I rarely use it.”

'Damn rich kids flexing their entire posh collection like it’s just nothing.' Kendall pondered.

He then walked into the center while she kept on following him. As they passed multiple cars, Kendall instinctively touched one of them.

“Whoa, this still looks new and unused,” she muttered unconsciously.

Unfortunately, Grayson saw it and reprimanded her. “Hey, don’t touch it! That car cost more than your life.”

She rolled her eyes in annoyance. “Alright, sorry.” 'Looks like this has more health insurance than I do.'

Eventually, Kendall noticed Grayson had stopped at his Bugatti. It was the same car he used when she challenged him in a drag race. Immediately, he turned around and threw the keys to Kendall.

“Pick up my girlfriend,” he ordered.

Confused, her brows dipped in confusion. “Who among them? I see you a lot with girls. I don’t know which one.”

“My real girlfriend.” He crossed his arms, giving her nothing but a blank face.

She hadn’t met his real girlfriend, Abigail. Kendall only knew her through the case profile that was given to her by the chief, but that was only that.

Kendall replied with a nod. “Okay, what car am I using? Can I use the Ferrari? Because that would be dope!” A glee of excitement was clearly perceived in her voice.

He took a short pause before exhaling. “No, Ferrari is off-limits, Hailey. You’ll be using the Bugatti.”

'Okay, not bad. I’ve never driven a Bugatti before, so this is the first. I mean, geez, I’m just going to drive a car that costs about twenty million,' she said to herself.

She shrugged while keeping her cool in place.

“Sure! Right away, sir.” Kendall was about to enter the car when another question popped into her mind. “Anyway, where will I pick her up?”

“I’ve messaged you the address,” he said.

Kendall didn’t respond as she went inside the car and drove off to Abigail’s place.

...

When she reached the location, Kendall saw Grayson's girlfriend, Abigail, walking to the car. As she had expected, she looked nothing like the photo that was in the folder. She was taller, slimmer, and prettier in real life. She thought that anyone who accidentally passed by Abigail would surely be starstruck by her beauty.

After a couple of seconds, Abigail entered the car with bewilderment. She scooted over to the center of the passage seat with her eyes leafing through Kendall.

“Uhm, hi? Where’s Blake?”

Kendall averted her gaze from the windshield to Abigail. “He told me to pick you up.” Offering her hand to her, she added. “Anyway, I’m Hailey. New member of their squad.”

She then nodded back and forth. “Oh, alright. I’m Abigail. Why didn’t he come?” She grabbed her hand and lightly swung it.

Shaking her hand, Kendall felt that Abigail was genuinely pleasant compared to the usual women she saw Grayson dallying with.

“He didn’t tell me the reason and just told me to get you.” Kendall felt unsure of her answer.

Abigail’s face turned sour. “Oh, okay.”

Upon seeing her reaction, Kendall couldn’t help but comment a reaffirmation. “He was a bit preoccupied when I went to his house, you know. That git is quite busy.”

She instantly chuckled as soon as she heard Kendall’s response. “Yeah! He always is.”

Kendall noticed Abigail’s openness to her. She was very amiable and affable to talk with, unlike Grayson. For Kendall, it was like she was just talking with her friend Charlotte, where she could be at ease with herself. With this, she couldn’t comprehend how on earth Grayson got a well-mannered and genteel girlfriend.

Thereafter, Abigail perched her hands on the back seat where Kendall was sitting. “Um, Hailey, can I have a favor?”

“Yeah sure. What is it?” Kendall asked right away.

Biting her lower lips, she answered, “Is it okay if I can have your number?”

Kendall’s brows creased with confusion. “I mean, yeah sure. But, why?”

She let out a huge sigh. “I couldn’t contact Blake sometimes. I was just wondering if you could help me watch over him? You know how girls easily get close to him. I just wanted to make sure that he won’t be entertaining them.”

“Umh, y-yeah, sure.” Kendall could almost feel the tightness in her airway as though she wasn’t sure how to answer Abigail’s favor.

The corners of Abigail’s lips curled upward. “Super thanks, Hailey.”

She gently coughed. “Of-Of course!’ Clearing her throat, she added, “So, do you need to go somewhere first before we head to Grayson’s place?”

She shook her head. “No, we can go directly there.”

Releasing a smile, she turned away from her and focused on the forefront. “Great. Let’s go.”

...

After a while, they went back to Grayson’s residence without a glitch. Kendall parked the car on the side of the concrete pavement. She then followed Abigail inside the mansion.

Abigail greeted Grayson happily as soon as they met. She quickly hugged Grayson and gave him a peck on his cheeks.

“Hey, babe!”

Grayson responded with eagerness when he slipped his arms around her waist. Kissing her on the lips, he replied. “It’s good to see you too babe.”

Kendall was shocked to see him very casual and open to Abigail. His always aloof personality with her was completely different from when he was with her. It was then she thought how good the git was at playing a doted and affectionate boyfriend. God, if only Abigail knew about his womanizing escapades.

“So...” Kendall mumbled as she watched them being mushy and loving at each other.

While gazing at them, Kendall thought her duty was done as she already planned on ditching off. However, as soon as Grayson saw her giving his keys back, he refrained her from leaving.

“You’re not going yet,” he commanded.

Getting irritated, Kendall stared daggers at him. “What? You only said to pick her up, so I’m leaving. I’ve done my job, sir. So, may I go now?” she sarcastically replied.

Chuckling with hilarity, Grayson replied, “Hailey, you’re not going anywhere. Your job is not yet done.”

“What do you mean? You only said to pick up Abigail!” Kendall contested.

On the other hand, Abigail only watched them banter with each other.

“You’re not yet done.” He gave the car keys back.

She miffed. “This is a bit too much, Grayson.”

He then crossed his arms. “You’re complaining, eh? Didn’t you agree with my terms?”

Kendall was left speechless. She didn’t answer him and just seized the keys back.

“You’ll be coming to drive us there.” He added while moving back to Hailey. Grayson then propped his arms on her shoulder to pull her closer.

Kendall wanted to protest again, but she was left tongue-tied as she suddenly remembered her mission. Kendall knew she should not screw this up, as this might make or break her career. Without saying anything to him, she walked back to where the car was.

Meanwhile, Grayson was slightly confused by her reaction, as he expected her remonstrations. However, he hadn’t expected her to just give up and comply with his whims. Having this thought, he didn’t know what to do again to make her leave the group.

...

As soon as they went back to the car, she immediately asked Grayson where they would be going. With Abigail beside him, the thrilled expression on her face couldn’t be hidden.

“Where are we going?” She shifted gears.

“South Hills Plaza.”

Then, Abigail interfered. “Glad you can join us, Hailey!”

She only gave her a smile through the reflection of the rear mirror.

However, despite Abigail’s warm and inviting statement, Kendall couldn’t help but get back at Grayson. With this in mind, she moved her gaze to Abigail to say something that would make the git aggravated.

“You know Abigail, you should pick a guy that is as kind as you. You deserve someone who’s really real and authentic.” A sardonic, yet suggestive voice stated.

Abigail was about to reply when Grayson shot back. “And you mean that I’m not?”

Kendall shrugged. “Are you? I mean, shouldn’t you know that, Grayson?”

His girlfriend then intervened happily. “Grayson may be an ass, but I know he cares for me.”

As soon as she said that, he reached for her hand and grabbed it.

Kendall flicked her eyes as she witnessed his feign devotion to her. “It was just an advice, Abigail. You know—I think you should pick a guy who will equally reciprocate your love for him.”

Infuriated by her, Grayson couldn’t help but kicked her under the seat as he glared at her through the mirror. He then simpered a smile to Abigail while holding her arms. “Don’t mind her babe, she’s just a little jelly.”

Kendall ignored him by adding another comment. “Also, not someone who thinks they’re tough but in reality, are too, touchy, and oversensitive.”

Abigail opened her mouth when Grayson retorted again. “Uh-uh, yeah, and you should also mind your own business, right, Hailey?”

The corner of his lips plastered a condescending grin.

“Are you guys okay?” Abigail finally was able to get in between them, seemingly concerned about their banter.

But Kendall didn’t stop as she stated again, “Also, Abigail, get someone who’s a bit more mature in the future—”

“Red light! There’s a red light!” Grayson hurriedly said.

Distracted, Kendall went back in front and noticed the red light. However, she realized that she couldn’t stop as she was already in the middle of the intersection. The cars she crossed with beeped as she tried to enter the pathway. She then quickly shifted to the left side and stopped at the corner when she saw the signal of the traffic enforcer.

“Ha! Karma got back on you, Hailey. You deserved it! Deal with it yourself!” He mocked while laughing so hard.

Meanwhile, Kendall stormed out of the car and talked to the officer. “Apologies, officer. I was in a hurry.”

Thankfully, the guy knew her back then when she helped him with a speeding violation. “Oh, it’s you, Officer Whitlock!” He was about to salute when Kendall made him stop.

“I’m on duty,” she muttered.

The guy understood it quickly and let her go. “Got it, officer. Have a nice day!”

She replied swiftly, “Thanks again, bro!”

Kendall then went back to the car, and she noticed Grayson’s smirk fading. He then looked at the enforcer and then back to her with sudden curiosity.

“That’s it? Not even a ticket violation or confiscation of license?” he asked.

“Yup,” she replied, giving more emphasis to the last letter.

“God, these cops are so incompetent that they don’t do their job right. Their work should be abolished, as they don’t take their job seriously,” he remarked with disdain.

Of course, Kendall, being a cop, rebuffed back to Grayson, “Wait. What did you say?”

"They’re a bunch of idiots who can’t do their work right. They’re practically useless,” he snided.

She then glared at him. “Those people worked to their bones more than you can ever imagine, Hoffman! If you think their work is easy, then reevaluate that!”

“Why are you so prickly? I’m just saying the truth. Besides, most of them really have it easy! Are your parents’ cops or something?!" he retorted.

Then, Kendall paused as his response blasted her. She then realized that what she had just done might backfire on her mission. It almost blew her cover off if she stooped down to his caprices. Grasping the situation, she held back and took a deep breath.

Grayson waited for her answer, but she stopped talking and just followed them silently throughout their date.

...

When the night came, Kendall and Grayson dropped Abigail off first at her house. Before she went inside, Abigail looked back at Kendall with worry.

“Are you okay, Hailey? You were silent the whole day,” she asked.

Giving her the best smile she could possibly give, she said, “Yeah, no worries, Abigail. I’m fine.”

“Don’t mind it, babe. It’s her job as a new member of the group,” Grayson explained while his hands were hidden in his pockets.

Abigail looked like she was about to object when she suddenly deviated from her original response. “Oh, okay, but don’t be too harsh on her, Grayson. I like Hailey and I think she’s great.”

Kendall felt her heart wrench from Abigail’s thoughts about her.

Nonetheless, Grayson brushed it off. “She has to go through the rite of our group’s initiation or else she won’t be an official member. It’s to test her loyalty to the group, babe.”

Sighing with dejection, she riposted, “But don’t you think it’s too much for her? I mean, she went with us even if she wasn’t supposed to.”

“Don’t worry about it, babe. Hailey can handle it more than you think. That woman is worse than Godzilla!”

“Fine... just please be careful on your way back,” she requested with concern. Averting back to Kendall, she uttered, “Oh, and it’s nice to meet you again, Hailey!”

Kendall only gave her a nod and a smile.

Grayson added, “We will, babe. Have a good night.”

Abigail gave him a peck on his cheeks and later nodded at him. Afterward, she went back inside as both Kendall and Grayson stood on the porch of her house.

With silence once again surrounding them, Kendall drove to Grayson’s place. Glancing at him, she recognized that the git even looked amused and delighted.

'Fucking asshole.' Kendall couldn’t help but be infuriated at him.

Eventually, they got back to his place in no time. Before Grayson could say anything else, she gave him back his keys.

“Here. I’m going home,” she replied in resentment.

“Wait, you still have another thing to do."

Clinking her tongue, her eyes titled up with vexation. “It’s late, Grayson. I’ve done my job. What else could you have wanted me to do?”

“Don’t move. I’ll just grab it in my room.” He friskily ran upstairs and came back after a couple of minutes with a thick blue binder.

'Oh, fuck me!' Kendall’s jaw fell in an instant.

Grayson then gave it to her. “Here.”

She hesitatingly took it from him. “What the hell is this, Grayson?”

Shoving his hands back into his jeans, he explained. “Summarize all the chapters I have highlighted and bookmarked. I will be reporting that tomorrow, so you should have it finished by then.”

Kendall was about to contest when Grayson added, “If you don’t want to do it, then you can say goodbye to the group. Easy as that.”

She just heaved a deep breath while putting on a disapproving smile. Kendall didn’t say anything to him as she just walked away with the binder in her hand.

'I’m really going to skin this git alive after the mission!' She thought while letting her temper cool down.

At this point, she couldn’t help but think about her situation. It had become a joke! She didn’t expect this—being a servant to an eighteen-year-old brat! Where was the action? The raids, the chase, and the covert operations that she had waited for so long? She didn’t train so damn hard in an academy to be dealing with a spoiled git like Grayson Hoffman.

Damn, that brat was really getting on her nerves!