Emmalin
Almost twenty minutes exactly and we were heading down the lobby. The first thing I noticed almost immediately was the different vehicle occupied by Alistair, as well as the new guy riding with him up front. After getting in, I turned to Grayson. “What happened to the other car?”
“These offer more protection.”
I glanced at the guy in the passenger seat. “Did it come with the guy too?”
“That’s Hawkins. He’s assigned to you. As well as the car following us. That’s Heather. Alistair is going out of town, so they’ll be temporary.” I turned around to look at the SUV I hadn’t noticed following us. “What’s all this for?”
He looked at me. “You were attacked, Emmalin. You really think I wasn’t going to take any small precautions? All Jack has concluded so far is that they seem to have been targeting you, which doesn’t make any sense to me.” I sank back into my seat. We pulled up to corporate and sat by the curb a minute before getting out. “You sure you wouldn’t rather work from home?”
I shook my head. “No, I need the distraction.” He sighed before grabbing my hand and leading me out.
“Thank you, Alistair. Hawkins, Heather, this is Emmalin.” I shook both hands. “I expect you both know your details.”
“Absolutely, sir.” Heather gave me a polite smile. I noticed the additional security inside the building as well. If Carson planned to get inside, I didn’t see it happening.
Grayson walked me to my office. “If you need to go anywhere— anywhere at all— either Hawkins or Heather will escort you. I mean it, Emmalin.” I nodded. I turned to walk inside, and he stopped me. “Hey. I love you.”
I smiled, leaning into him. “I love you too.”
I was immersed in catching up on work, trying to distract myself, answering emails and arranging meetings, when my phone beeped.
Unknown: Lincoln Park. 1 hour
My heart jumped. I was about to reply when there was a knock on my door, and Tyler walked in.
“Why didn’t you call me?” Crap, I didn’t need this right now. I quickly checked my phone to see if there were any other messages. “Emmalin?”
I sighed. “I’m sorry, it all happened so fast, and I guess Grayson wanted to leave. I was medicated and knocked out.” He pulled me out of my chair to him, hugging me, and started looking me over. I swear, between him and Grayson, I practically had my own doctor.
“Who was the guy? I was questioned for over an hour.”
I backed up. “I don’t know. He didn’t look familiar.” He crossed his arms, gazing at me intently. I hated when he did that. He and Grayson had that down to a science. I quickly darted my eyes. “Anyway, what are you doing here? How’s Molly?” He stared at me for a moment before answering. “Fine. I just wanted to check on you. Want to do lunch?”
“I can’t. Doing lunch with Grayson.”
He nodded. “Fine. Tomorrow?”
“Sure.”
He smiled. “Great. Catch you later.” As he left, my office phone rang.
“Hey beautiful, my noon meeting was canceled. Care to grab lunch?” I looked at my phone.
“As much as I would love to, I just told Tyler I would grab lunch with him.”
He sighed. “Lucky bastard. I suppose I should start reserving you.”
I nervously laughed. I hated lying to the both of them. “Well, I have to go; can I bring you something back?”
“Nah, I’m good. You guys have fun. Be careful, and remember Hawkins or Heather. Love you.” He hung up. Now I needed to figure out how to sneak past Hawkins and Heather. I grabbed my bag and decided taking the stairwell would be best. I made it down eight flights and gripped the railing as a wave of nausea passed over me. It was too hot in the stairwell and the thought of making it twenty-five more flights already had me anxious. I got off on the floor I was on, taking the elevator to the lobby. I barely made it to the front door before my name was called.
“Ms. Ross?” Fucking Heather. I pretended like I didn’t hear her and kept going for the cab sitting idle at the curb. I had just reached the handle of the cab when she grabbed my arm. “Ms. Ross, is everything alright?” I looked at her and the cab.
“Heather, right?” She nodded.
“Is everything okay? If you’re going somewhere, either Hawkins or I should be with you.”
I shook my head. “Right, I completely forgot. I think I was just in a rush to get out of there, and I didn’t think about it.” She looked at me like she didn’t believe a single word I said. I forgot she was trained to sniff out liars. I braced the door as she started to spin, and she reached out to grab me. “I’m calling Mr. Mandrake.”
“No!” She looked at me abruptly. I lowered my voice. “No. I’m fine. Probably just low blood sugar. I’m on my way to Lincoln Park.” I pulled a granola bar out of my purse.
She pulled her phone out of her pocket. “I’ll have the car brought around.” She leaned into the cab. “You can go.” I watched dejectedly as the cab left. “Ms. Ross, you’re sure you’re okay?” I nodded, opening my granola bar and taking a bite. She watched me skeptically. We stood on the curb as the car was brought around, and Hawkins got out, opening the door. "Where to?"
"Lincoln Park," I answered, and he nodded. I rode silently in the back seat. Too much time had passed, too many interruptions, and while my hour wasn't up, I was still cutting it close. I had no instructions; it just said Lincoln Park, which wasn't exactly small. I thought back on the attack and the murderous look in Carson's eyes. It'd been years since I laid eyes on him.
"Any particular destination, Ms. Ross?”
My thoughts were interrupted. "Here's fine. I just want to walk around a bit, thank you.” Hawkins nodded. I got out— a bit unsure of where to go— and just started walking. I didn’t want them prying, so I made my way to a nearby bench and just sat. The good thing was, they made themselves invisible. I looked around, trying to keep an eye out for Carson, but I didn’t see him. I was starting to get nervous, thinking maybe I should walk around more. What if he knew I had people watching me? I got up and started walking over to the fountain, trying not to be obvious I was looking for someone in the crowd. I stood next to the railing, trying not to panic, when all of a sudden someone spoke.
“Beautiful park, isn’t it?”
I froze. That voice. It wasn’t Carson, but I knew that voice. I kept my gaze steady and straightforward, then slowly turned my head. “What are you doing here?”
He chuckled. “It’s a free park. I like to come here on my lunch break a few times a week when I get the chance.”
I swallowed nervously. “Is that why you’re here, Dale?”
He turned leisurely to face me. He held my gaze and smiled the most chilling smile as he leaned on the railing. “Why else would I be here? Other than for the pretzels, of course. I have an extra. Would you like one?” He held out his hand.
I shook my head. “No thank you.”
“Suit yourself. The cinnamon sugar ones are to die for.”
I glanced at my phone again. No other messages.
“Are you here by yourself?”
I decided ignoring him was my best option. Grayson didn’t want me speaking to him, but of course he kept talking, completely disregarding the fact that I was ignoring him.
“I’m surprised he let you out. He keeps such a short leash on you.”
I squared my shoulders. “I’m my own person, Dale. I don’t need anyone’s permission to do anything.”
He smiled. “See, that’s what I Iike about you. You’re smart. You’re not just a beautiful face that shoves her tits out and tells the world she’s a good fuck.” I balked at his words as he took a casual step toward me. “You’re witty. Probably doesn’t hurt to be a good fuck as well, though, am I right?” His smile grew wider, and I felt myself wanting to throw up. Not just because of his words, but because I actually had to throw up. I took a moment to look up and noticed in my periphery Heather seemed to be subtly moving closer this way. She eyed me with a bit of concern. “The offer still stands, you know.”
I focused back on Dale. “The offer? What offer?” I clutched my arms around me, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable, and taking another step back.
“You and me, of course.” He gave me a wink, and I felt my skin crawl. He reached up to lay a hand on my shoulder.
“Ms. Ross. Everything fine here?” I looked at Heather, eyeing Dale, and he stepped back.
“Just discussing some business, isn’t that right, Ms. Ross?” He looked at his watch. “I should be heading back. Pleasure as always to see you. Give Grayson my hello if you will.” He nodded before turning and walking away.
My stomach rolled, and I lurched forward to the nearest bush, throwing up the granola bar I made a big show of eating. After a few moments, hands grabbed my hair, and I looked up into the concerned eyes of Heather. She handed me a bottle of water. I graciously took it from her and washed my mouth out before drinking. “Thank you.”
She kindly smiled. “Are you sure I can’t call Mr. Mandrake, Ms. Ross?”
I shook my head. “No, I’ll be fine.” She pursed her lips in a thin line like she wanted to say more. “I guess we can go back now.” She nodded in agreement.
Back at the office, I couldn’t work. I just stared at my screen, mulling over this afternoon’s activities. Carson didn’t show up but Dale was conveniently there.
“Ms. Ross?” I jumped at the intercom.
“Yes?”
“You have a delivery in reception. Should I bring it in?”
“Yes, please. Thank you.” Glenda came in with an oversized envelope and smiled as she handed it to me. The envelope only had my name on it. I opened it and after taking out the contents, immediately regretted it. It contained explicit pictures of Grayson with other women. It was like looking at a porn show. The lust in his eyes, the satisfaction on his face. There had to be at least thirty pictures here, if not more. I knew he had a past, but I never accounted for how big it might be, or how big my competition was. My eyes pricked with tears. I knew I shouldn’t let any of this bother me. I picked up the envelope again. There was nothing on it, saying who sent it or where it came from. I picked up one of the pictures and noted the woman smiling as she looked over her shoulder at Grayson fucking her hard from behind.
There was a knock on my door, and I quickly shoved the pictures into my drawer as Grayson walked in.
“Hey, am I interrupting?” I shook my head and tried putting on my best smile.
“No, of course not.”
He smiled and walked over to me, pulling me to him. “Good, because I missed you and have been dying to get you alone.” I shook as he breathed me in. He pulled back, looking me over, and furrowed his brow. “What’s wrong?”
I smiled. “Nothing. I missed you too. How’s your day been?” He was quiet for a moment as he studied me. No doubt knowing that I was lying. Before answering, he sat in my chair, pulling me into his lap. “Long. We’re in talks to acquire a new patent, but it’s a long process.” As he talked, I stared at the drawer the pictures were in. Of course, if he knew those pictures were there he would flip his shit. He would also flip his shit if he knew Dale was within breathing distance of me. I could just tell him about the whole thing and be done with it. Or, I could be that person who didn’t run to their boyfriend to handle all their problems every time something came up.
“…And some Muppets decided they wanted to do a hostile takeover, and run the company from now on, so I decided to let them, and so I’m going to step down, and we’re moving to Bora Bora.”
I nodded. “That’ll be nice.”
“Emmalin?”
I turned to him “Yes?”
“I just told you Muppets were taking over the company, and you agreed. What has your attention?” I stared at him for a brief moment before trying to move, and he held me down. “You feeling alright?”
I smiled. “Fine. Just something on my mind.” He gently wrapped a hand around my neck where I had a scarf covering the finger marks and sighed.
“Does it hurt?” I placed my hand over his.
“No. It’s a little sore, but it’s fine.”
“It’s not fine; stop saying that.” He placed his head against mine. “I won’t have anything happen to you. You mean too much to me.”
I caressed his face. “I know, and I love you for it.”
He looked me up and down. “You have a session tonight with Dr. Klein, don’t forget.”
“You never let me.” He smiled as he got up and headed for the door. “I’ll see you in a few hours.” As he shut the door, I slowly opened my drawer, placing the pictures back in the envelope.
“You really do spoil me.” I smiled as Grayson speared the last of his chicken.
He looked at his watch. “We should get going soon.” I sighed. The therapy sessions helped, but I still hated going. My phone buzzed.
Old warehouse 1340 Tannon. One hour
I looked at Grayson. “Um, I want to go by myself tonight.”
He looked at me. “Okay, I can wait in the lobby.” I took a sip of my water, my throat suddenly dry. “No, I mean to go by myself. You stay here.” I continued talking before he had a chance to respond. “Yeah. I think it’ll be good for me. It's time, you know?”
He ran his hand through his hair. “Normally, I would agree, Emmalin, but in light of recent events, I’m not comfortable with you being anywhere without me.” I tried not to visibly panic as I started thinking about what Carson could do.
“I’ll be fine. I’ll go straight there and come back.”
He sighed. “Of all days for you to pick a time to go by yourself…” He looked resolute, but I could see his shell breaking. “Fine, I’ll have Alistair take you. He’s done packing for his trip, so I’m sure he wouldn’t mind making one last run.” He picked up his phone, sending a text.
I jumped up. “I’m ready.” He looked at me, mid-sip of his wine, and narrowed his eyes. “You sure you’re okay?”
I nodded. “I’m great. Just eager to get this over with. So I’ll see you in a few hours, okay?” The elevator dinged, and Hawkins walked in. I looked at Grayson. “I thought only Alistair was taking me?”
“He is, but Hawkins is still your security.” I nodded and rode the elevator down with Hawkins. The time it would take for me to get to the warehouse from Dr. Klein’s office would be short. I just had to sneak out.
Dr. Klein’s office was on the third floor. I waited with Alistair while Hawkins did his security parameter. After ten minutes, he came back down and smiled. “You’re all set. We’ll wait here in the lobby.” I thanked him and rode the elevator to the third floor. I made sure to place my phone in a nearby plant, because if I knew Grayson, he’d be tracking my phone. Instead of taking a left for Dr. Klein’s, I took a right for the stairwell, until I reached the back alley.
Twenty minutes later, I reached the warehouse. It was dark, and I honestly didn’t know what I was doing here. The door had been unlocked, so obviously, I was expected. “Hello!” I shouted. The place was dingy and wet. Broken glass was in several places. I sighed. This was a waste of time. Just as I was turning around to leave, I came face to face with Carson, and I jumped back.
“Hey, you made it.” My heartbeat went into overdrive, and I started shaking. He brushed up against me. “I’m glad you’re here, Emma. We can finally talk.” He trailed a hand down the side of my face and rested it around my neck, tightening his grip. I immediately started to panic, but tried not to show it. I couldn’t stop the tears welling in my eyes.
“Why are you here, Carson? What do you want from me?”
He smiled. “I wanted to see you.” He started to trail his other hand up my body, and I slapped him away, which pissed him off, and he shoved me back. He pulled at his hair. “Why, huh? You let him do it!”
I looked him up and down. “I didn’t let him do it, Carson. Are you crazy? He raped me.” I wrapped my arms around myself, as he started pacing the room.
“No. No, you’re lying. You wanted it. I know you did. I saw you. The way you flaunted yourself.”
Tears fell down my face. “Carson, he brainwashed you, just like he brainwashed me.” All of a sudden, Carson grabbed me, throwing me on an old desk. He placed his hands around my throat, cutting off my air supply, and I started to struggle against him.
“He paid you. I know he did. To keep you quiet.” I clawed at his arms, my vision getting hazy. “Didn’t he? What did you do with all the money, Emma?” Just when I felt like I was about to black out, he suddenly stopped, and I rolled over to my side, coughing.
“As easy as it would be to kill you right now, that wouldn’t solve my problem, now would it?” He sighed as he walked over to a broken window and peered out. “It’s crazy how different our lives turned out, isn’t it? You were always more favored. You and your whore of a mom strolled in and took control, and I wasn’t allowed to be there. She said I was tarnished.” He started to laugh. “Her getting cancer was the best thing that ever happened to her, you know why? Watching you watch her die a slow death was pure amusement for me. I reveled in hearing about it. When I asked how she was doing, it wasn’t out of concern, it was so I could laugh about it when I hung up the phone. So I could imagine you sitting there, like the sissy bitch you were, crying about it.”
He sighed. “Anyway, I have somewhere I have to be.” He walked closer to me, putting his nose up against my face. “I’ll be in touch with you soon.”