20 Meeting Catherine

Post office hours Mike booked a cab to Catherine's home. While sitting in the cab he rings her but again her number was switched off.

After 30 minutes he was in front of Catherine's penthouse. He went towards the main door and rang the bell.

The door opened. He saw her in front of him. Messy hair, tense face, dressed in her PJs. She looked really vulnerable.

She was shocked to see him.

" Mike? W-What are you doing here? You cannot see me like this. Please go."

"Hey, Catherine. Relax and don't worry. I am there for you."

Catherine suddenly hugged him hiding her face in his chest and crying. He hugged her back. He knew all she needs now is a comforting hug. They stayed like this for a while.

When they split he spoke

"Can I come in?"

"Yeah sure."

He made himself comfortable on the couch and she sat opposite him on the bean bag.

"what has happened, Catherine?"

"You saw the news. Didn't you?"

"I did but why is your name been dragged in this?"

Catherine burst into tears again.

"It was Lucas's plan, Mike. I swear I didn't know anything till I landed in LA. Lucas was the one who told me to do this."

"Why didn't you tell this in front of the press?"

"He threatened me, Mike. He threatened me to take away my job, my career everything. He has put my salary on hold for this month stating that If I open my mouth I can forget all about my dreams. My home papers are seized in the bank. How will I pay EMI for this penthouse?"

She again burst into tears.

"Hey, Catherine. Please don't cry. Here wipe your tears. Mike gave her a handkerchief."

"Thank You. But still, my problem is not solved yet."

" I know but I guess I might help you here a little bit."

"That's really sweet of you Michael but I cannot drag you in my mess."

"Catherine you are my friend and as a friend, It's my duty to help you. I might not be able to help with all money but I have a few savings which can help you with this month's EMI. We can also look for another job for you meanwhile in case things really turn bad. One of my college friends has a startup company and he was looking for an HR Manager. I guess I can talk to him and recommend you."

Catherine's eyes shine hearing all this.

" Thank You mike. That will be really great."

"Also Catherine I saw your interview... Why didn't you mention that you went to LA representing XYZ company."

"Mike the interview was arranged by Lucas to clear the fact that XYZ is not involved in this. Also, I thought it might help me in clearing my name as well. So I played along."

"Oh ok."

So David was right when he said it's a publicity stunt to clear the name.

Mike drifted the topic.

"Can you show me your bank statement so that we can figure the EMI part and analyze the savings and see how many months EMI can be paid?"

"Yeah sure."

Catherine went to other room and bought her laptop. She sat next to him and logged in to her bank account and showed him the statement.

Mike opened the excel sheet and started checking all expenses and categorized them into necessary and miscellaneous. The biggest advantage he gained staying alone was his expense management which had improved a lot.

Catherine looked at him and was amazed to see him handling all the expenses so neatly.

Catherine asked " Coffee?"

"Sure"

Catherine went into the kitchen to prepare the coffee. Mike was busy analyzing and making the expense management sheet. There were also some transactions whose description wasn't clear. A lot of money was credited and debited...

Catherine came back with 2 cups of coffee. She handed him a cup. He kept the laptop on another side. He asked Catherine

"Catherine why there is so much credit and debit which are without any detailed description?"

Catherine cough at this. Mike kept his coffee on the table and sat next to her with his hands on her back

"Catherine are you alright?"

"Ya Mike I am fine. Actually, my account was operated by Lucas most of the time so I am not aware of these transactions."

"Oh ok. Anyway, I have analyzed the expenses and savings so I guess you can pay for 3months of EMI."

"But Mike 3 months are too little as the drug case might take longer and then I am not sure if I will get another job later."

"Don't worry we will figure out something."

Mike looked at his watch and then spoke

"It's late. I will get going. And ya how can I contact you? Your number was switched off."

" Ya. I am getting so many anonymous calls calling me drug peddlers that I am pissed off. don't worry I will call you."

"Ok, Cya."

"Cya"