Chapter 2 II

He responded, "Great men seize the moment. Ella, this may result in an enormous amount of work for Murphy." He paused before stating, "Rosanna is pregnant. It could be the making of Macbeth."

Ella glared at her boss. Since Rosanna was John's wife and this would be their first child, the future of the interpreting service was especially important at this time. "Why didn't you say so right away?" She demanded, then softened her gaze and smiled at him. "That's wonderful news, John."

However, as she got into the car, some of the challenges of this mission came back to haunt her. "How am I going to explain my attire?" She asked.

John gave her a glance. "Be truthful with them. You have just returned from a skiing vacation. By the way, we'll be dealing with Amanda Lee. She is Henry Murphy's primary personal assistant."

"Who is Henry Murphy?" Ella asked.

"He is the driving force behind Murphy Minerals. Don't you think you've heard of him?" John asked incredulously.

"I haven't, actually. John, do you have to drive so fast?" Ella asked, clutching the armrest as he weaved through city traffic.

"I don't want to miss anything. Henry Murphy is a very powerful individual, and..."

Despite Ella's urgent interruption, it was too late. Despite applying ample brake pressure, they collided with the back of a delivery truck that suddenly came out in front of them. John Macbeth stared at the shattered tip of his bonnet while heavily gripping the steering wheel and grunting.

Ella's heart raced as she unbuckled her seatbelt and reached over to check on John. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice shaking with concern.

John took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "I'm okay, but what about you?" he asked, turning to look at her.

Ella checked herself over quickly, feeling a sharp pain in her right shoulder.

"I'm fine, just a little shaken, that's all. What now?" Ella asked, as they both turned their attention back to the damaged car. The front looked crumpled, and steam was beginning to rise from under the hood. He knew that the car was going to be out of commission for a while, and he couldn't help but curse under his breath.

"As one," he replied, flinching as the truck driver, a man with a big, irritated face, sped into view. However, this practically ends everything.

"How far are we from here?" Ella inquired.

"Just a block, but-"

"Why can't I go by myself?"