CHAPTER 17
1229 Words
Patrick Johnson sipped some tea.
With creased forehead and furrowed brows, he took another look into his laptop.
Patrick had installed the latest software to track signals. He was determined as hell to find out what the stalker was up to.
At first, he had considered the idea of consulting Ronny. Later the thought was replaced by another beaming idea. What if he could trace the stalker all by himself and then surprise Ronny with it?
The idea impressed Patrick. He revelled at the thought of being commended and appreciated.
Sweat dribbled down his forehead, passing onto his nose, chin and finally resting on his t shirt. His request was being processed. If the stalker was using Angela's phone right now, he would find out where he is.
Even if he/ she were hidden in a den.
The laptop beeped.
Patrick's pulse rate soared up.
His eyes widened.
He was about to make an incredible discovery.
A promising lead to the Richard Anderson homicide.
The result finally appeared on the screen.
No match found.
The study shook as Patrick banged his fist on it.
Darn! The stalker wasn't using the phone.
Patrick got up and paced. He wasn't going to give up. And one day, that stalker would definitely fall prey.
He put his laptop aside and tried to relax. He picked up the cup and saucer and sipped in some more of tea.
Lately, he had been under a lot of pressure. Or at least that's what he was putting himself into.
Firstly, it was the stalker. There was someone on prowl with Angela's phone. Not only were they up to something dangerous but they were also going to get Angela into trouble.
Secondly, it was Angela herself.
It's true that Angela had brought in so much of beauty to his otherwise emotionless cop life. But, a cop falling in love with a suspect was against the protocol.
Maybe it would be fine after the case was closed. But as long as the case was going on, his higher authorities, especially Ronny wouldn't be happy with his newly blossomed relationship.
At first, Patrick had never intended to fall for her. It's true that his stomach had flip flopped the first time they had an eye contact. But Patrick had assumed it would just be a passing attraction, a feeling that he could conquer.
But, the things that ensued were quite the opposite.
There was something about her eyes that lured him. Something, that scared, amused, pleased and strengthened him all at the same time.
Angela was an amazing woman, he was sure about that.
It's hard to decipher her feelings unless you are strong enough to penetrate into her eyes. And every time Patrick had done it, he'd found so much grief, pain and hurt cloaked by a beautiful smile.
Though Patrick was curious to know every bit of it he thought it wasn't gentlemanly to prod her. She would open up to him when she was ready.
By now, Patrick had gone too deep to come back to the surface.
He loved Angela and in turn he knew she trusted him. It was his responsibility to not let her down.
Besides, he felt so warm whenever he spent time with her. She'd brought so much colour and beauty to his life.
After all, he deserved some happiness.
He took a deep breath as he sipped in the last drop of tea.
The Richard Anderson homicide had made a mark in his life. The sooner the case was solved the lesser he had to worry about his relationship.
But when would that happen?
The murder wasn't something out of the ordinary. They'd solved so many gruesome murders in the past. But this case was just so entangled. Every suspect seemed to be equally involved.
Could Angela be the one?
He could neither say yes nor no. She seemed kind enough not to have done it. And yet secretive enough to have done it.
Patrick's head reeled.
Nevertheless, he was head over heels in love with her. And he would do whatever it takes to help her get out of the tangles.
Anything.
He was too engulfed by his own sea of thoughts that he couldn't quite clearly hear the knock on the door.
The second time it was loud enough to catch Patrick off guard.
There was something different about the knock. Like the person was too impatient.
He gingerly walked towards the door and opened it.
It was Sarah Jones.
"Hey Sarah! Come in"
He didn't forget to smile despite the extent to which he was surprised.
She had come alone.
Sarah got in, face glum and hands pressed tightly together.
"Patrick. I'm going to ask you for a favour" she said, clasping her hands still more tightly. Her eyes were blinking a little too often, exposing her trepidation.
"Of course. I'd be glad to help you"
Sarah nodded and feigned a smile before bombarding him with the unexpected.
"And I don't want Ronny to know about this"
Meanwhile........
Veronica Marie Bolton relaxed as she let the strawberry face mask have its effects on her.
Her beautician had massaged it so skilfully that she'd felt like she were being cradled. The cucumber shots at her eyes were only adding to the tranquillity.
She leaned back and rested as she let the peace and silence get into her.
Her sensual pink lips curved for a sheepish grin.
David had finally decided for a family dinner. They were going to meet up tomorrow at the hotel Palm tree.
Of course the excitement wasn't because she was going to see those two miserable girls. David had told her so much about them in the past. And each time he did, she only felt insecurity gripping her heart.
The excitement was because she felt acknowledged. David was considering their relationship seriously.
She wasn't marrying David for money and yet it was too hard not to think of the wealth that was awaiting her.
She would be the queen of the Louis' empire.
As Veronica was sat dreaming about her hopeful future a man approached her house.
"I need to see Ms. Bolton" the man told the security.
The security scanned him from head to toe.
"Who are you?" asked the guard with nude suspicion in his voice.
All that the man did in return was laugh.
Perplexed and apprehended the guard video called Veronica with the service provided to him.
Startled by the sudden ringing sound, Veronica sprang on her seat.
Her cucumber shots fell in the process.
Straightening herself quite unhappily, she answered the call.
The guard pointed to a man next to him and said he wanted to meet her.
Veronica scrutinised the man for a few seconds.
And then she recoiled like she'd made a terrible mistake.
"Oh please let him in" she told the guard. "I forgot to tell you that I'd made an appointment with him"
She quickly ran to her rest room and washed away her face pack. And then gently wiped her face with a clean towel.
She swiftly strode to the drawing room where her servants had made him sit and offered him some snacks.
"Sorry to keep you waiting" said she grinning. "So, how are things going?"
"Exactly as we planned" he said with a smirk.
And the man was Derek Armstrong.
- Writer
