The Devil's Sweetheart

Like predators, the men moved around the rooms, but the machines didnot even made a beep sound at once. ''Positive, Sir. The office is not bugged.''

''Check again.'' Under Devin's command, the men began the search for the second time, but it didnot yield any results. The raged, Devin was, he ordered them to bring a brand new bug detector at midnight and made them hunt again until dawn. ''There is nothing here.'' One of the men replied. They wished at least now their Boss would leave them from processing this repeated work.

Devin dismissed the team and drove back home; fury festered in him.

''If there is no bug planted in the office, how did she know the things happening around Leena up to date?'' Before going to his room, Devin unlocked Nick's room without his permission. Like a pig, he was sleeping, drooling over the pillow. Devin scanned the room, bathroom, Nick's laptop carry bag..only to find nothing.

'Damn it!'' He opened the bedroom door and gently closed not to wake Leena from her sleep. Without making a noise, he joined Leena, slipping into the blanket, his mind didnot once let the thought of Leena's safety.

Morning arrived, Leena woke up with terrible ear pain. ''Argh! Along with the headache, now this started?'' She flared from the bed and found the other side of the bed empty.

''What's happening to me? Are the post-after-effects of food poison that bad?'' Rubbing her forehead, she went to the bathroom. She hasn't appropriately talked with Devin for a week. Day by day, she is losing the will to live, which Leena dared to tell Devin. His heart will break in no time. Leena went to have her breakfast, thinking at least the food can cure her headache. 

''When did you get up?'' Stepping down the stairs, she asked, massaging her temples.

''Is it headache again?'' Devin put down the laptop and went towards her. 

''It's killing me, Devin. Along with headache, ear pain started as well.'' She slid into his warm embrace. ''How long do I have to deal with these stupid food poisoning effects? I am tired.''

''That's the reason I warned you not to eat outside food.'' He scolded and led her to the dining area. Cutie was dutifully having her breakfast, occasionally throwing the bread toast high in the air, which Carrot caught it. Leena and Devin ruffled Cutie's hair to see her annoying scowl face.

''Are you blaming my food?'' She cried, grabbing the banana juice. ''I only had a banana smoothie that Merl brings from outside.''

About to open the lid, suddenly, his hands halted in mid-air upon hearing Leena's words. The shy girl delivered banana smoothies for Leena? ''I will contact a neurologist today. We will go together. Is that fine?'' 

Leena hummed in reply. He caressed her cheek to calm her, but deep inside, anger swell in him like a tide. Leena gives utmost importance to her health. He would have ignored it if she had a headache for a day, but her condition worsened now. 

If the office is not bugged, then that woman did something to Leena in the hospital. Is that why she has been giving banana smoothies every day so that Leena doesn't doubt when she fainted? Everything is making sense to Devin now. It's not a simple headache. It was an attempt to make her sick. Who is she working for? Only two people's names leaped in his mind. Enger, and the one who caused Leena's accident. In no way, will Enger will try to harm Leena. So, is Merl a spy of the other? First, he has to clear Leena's health condition. Rest will come later.

While eating, Devin texted Doctor Walter to check his schedule. ''The doctor is out of station. He will be back by tomorrow." 

''Okay. We will go tomorrow then.'' She smiled. ''Where is Nick, Tootie?''

''He must have gone to visit his shy girlfriend,'' Devin added. ''And now don't ask me why I hate her.'' One day, Leena will agree with his opinion.

....

Tapping her fingers on the table, Merl glanced at the message on her mobile. [Boos: You messed it up, A. Devin is thinking the office is bugged. You are almost caught.]

[A: Everything was going well, Boos, until Devin came into the picture.]

[Boss: I clearly warned you to be careful around him, but you slipped major clues. Not once, thrice. Now the situation is out of control. I will give you one day. Withdraw from the mission before Devin takes Leena to the hospital for check up.]

Merl replied. [A: I can't do it in one day, Boss. The situation is complicated. I need at least a week.]

[Boos: By today, I want the task to be completed, and by tomorrow, you will resign from the job.]

Merl gritted her teeth. ''How do I deal with the situation..''

''Merl. I brought your favorite blueberry muffins.'' Nick passed the paper bag to her.

''Thank you, Nick.'' She smiled. An idea snapped to end the mission. If she can use this dog properly like last time, she can flee without any issues.

....

The pain in the ear and headache didnot let Leena move forward with her work. Just then, she received a message from Devin. [Deep-V-Diver: What is my kitty doing?]

Leena laughed aloud. [Orthodox saint: Kitty is working. So, what's up?]

[Deep-V-Diver: Listen carefully, Sweetheart. Something happened at the hospital when you are unconscious. Someone is closely watching your every move at the office. Be careful, especially around the new employee.]

A mole in Bliss? There is no way her office is bugged. The security system she has developed is top-notch, and nothing will enter without being found at the entrance. For four years, she hadn't encountered any problem, and her employees are like a family to her. Although Devin didnot hint about the new employee's name, she knows it is Merl.. Why is he constantly warning me to be careful around her? If it were some other person, Leena wouldn't have bothered, but now she has to take the matter seriously.