Few hours later, the jet touched down Los Angeles. Rita heaved a huge sigh of relief when they finally left the plane. Ever since she was a young girl, she's been so terrified of planes, always wanting to take the bus or a private car if she could help it. Now, her phobia for the big bird was reduced.
As they walked towards a private car that was already parked, waiting beside the airport, Rita breathed in the cool air of Los Angeles. This would be one of the numerous times she had visited the city. A distant family, now dead used to live here and every time she went on a holiday, she always made sure she visited.
"This is my first time visiting the state", Rodrigo chuckled.
He manned the wheels as they drove towards the city center. From his words, Rita had a feeling that he didn't go out that much. She felt sad about this, knowing that he had the dream of traveling round the world but the resources to make it work was limited.
"Have you visited any other country before?", She asked out of curiosity.
"I'm afraid not. All my whole life has been centered in Spain but I hope to travel the world one day just like you", he smiled.
Rita gave his hands a gentle squeeze, kissing their joined hands. She found it cute that he thought highly of her which made her love him all the more.
"I really haven't travelled round the world like you imagined. It's just to a few countries", she laughed.
"How many countries are we talking about?",he said.
"Say about thirty or so and they were strictly on business. I didn't really get the chance to explore those countries".
"You see. As far as your foot has stepped on the soil, it's as good as visiting those countries".
They soon got to the hotel where they'll be staying for the duration of the event. The hotel as usual was owned by the Anderson group. It was a five star hotel boasting of all the basic amenities needed for comfort. The hotel was a huge tower with the peak of it reaching the sky.
"Remind me, how rich are you again?", Rodrigo asked, looking in awe of his surroundings.
"These are all superficial things. Don't let them fool you", Rita smiled as they walked into the reception.
The reception was manned by a man and a woman who seemed to fall at their feet at the sight of Rita.
They didn't expect her this soon and seeing her now put them on the edge. Rita smiled, walking towards them.
"Gerald, Amanda. Good evening", she said politely.
"Good evening ma'am", Gerald said, bowing a bit. "This is a surprise, we didn't expect you this early but not to worry, the Presidential suite is ready for your use", he said.
"Thank you. This is my personal guard, Rodrigo. You'll be seeing him with me often, please prepare the executive room for him", she said.
"We've already done that ma'am", Amanda said.
She was a beautiful Latino with slanted eyes and long lashes that at times, Rita wondered if they were fake. Gerald on the other hand was an African American with a huge build and a full mass of hair.
"Thank you. I hope our bags are already in there?", Rita said.
"Everything's there ma'am", Gerald said.
"Good. Thank you", Rita said, collecting the key cards from them.
As they moved to their various suites, Rita handed the executive key card to him much to his surprise.
"Rita, you really shouldn't be doing this. This is too much, you could have found me a much lesser room", Rodrigo said once they were in the elevator.
"You know that's not possible", she said, halting the elevator.
Rodrigo moved towards her. In a flash, her back hit the wall as his lips took hers. He kissed her passionately, silently thanking her for all her help and love.
"Oh shit!. Are there no cameras in here?",he asked.
"None that I know of. Don't worry, we're perfectly safe", she said, kissing his lips again.
They soon left the elevator, going through the different suites at the topmost floor of the Anderson tower. The Presidential suite was at the left of the building while the executive was at the right.
"I'll see you in the night", Rita said, wrapping her hands around his neck.
"Okay, rest while I think of a way we can nab this thief", Rodrigo said, pecking her head.
"Okay, I'll try", she smiled, walking towards her room.
"Laters baby", Rodrigo said.
**************************
"Yes mum, I arrived safely. I'm in my room now. The opening has been shifted till tomorrow afternoon so I have this night and tomorrow morning to rest", Rita said, munching on her dinner.
A few minutes after she had settled in, her mum called, firing her with different questions which made her head ache. The problem with her mother was that she worried too much over unnecessary things. She couldn't blame her though, Rita was an only child and her parents were constantly worried over her whereabouts.
"Okay darling. Don't forget to call me when you're about to sleep. See you later darling, love you", she said before cutting the call.
Rita smiled, eating her meal which consisted of garnished chicken, mashed potatoes and lettuce. She always liked to keep a balanced diet and this was just one of the many ways she did.
When she was done, see decided to look through some of the most important files she brought along. Asides her father's suspicions, Rita had already noticed some downfalls in the organization. Sales weren't going well as before and Rita had a feeling that the thief was in connection with this.
She called Rodrigo, needing his help on this. He answered on the first ring, Rita explained the situation and before she could tell him she needed his help, she heard a knock on her door.
Scrambling to her feet, Rita opened the door to reveal Rodrigo's face. She dragged him in, peppering his face with kisses.
"Okay, okay, I'm here now", he laughed, grabbing her waist.
"Thanks for coming", she said, leading him to sit on a couch.
"So, I've been thinking a lot about what you told me and I think I see how we can solve this issue", he said.
"Okay, let's hear it", she said, handing him a drink.
"First, who manages the account of the organization and I mean the Head", he said.
"That would be Gabriel. Gabriel Roland, he's the head of the finance department", Rita said
"Good, we have to put a trail on him", Rodrigo said.
"What what?", Rita said not quite believing her ears
"You want to get the person behind all of this right?", Rodrigo said with a determined look in his eyes.
"Yes, more than anything else".
"Then that's the only way".