The Phoenix Secret

Chapter Three: A Secret Haven

"We have been searching for you, Ms. Hayes."

Standing at the entrance, the guy in the black suit exuded authority despite his composed demeanor. Elena's thoughts were racing as her fingers clenched around the handle. She had found refuge in the little seaside village of Windhaven, but now that the man's sharp eyes were staring at her, she knew that her shaky haven could have been invaded.

"Who are you?" Elena's pulse sounded like a drumming in her ears, but she forced her voice to be calm as she asked.

The guy reached inside his jacket pocket and stated, "My name is Mr. Cartwright." She feared for a moment that he might produce something far worse than the business card he did. "I am an art collector who would like to purchase your piece. One of the city's galleries strongly suggested your name.

Elena's breath caught as she gazed at the card. She had worked with the gallery he mentioned during her first few months in Windhaven, so it wasn't just any gallery. She had insisted on secrecy and only used her first name, limiting her participation.

With a stronger tone now, she said, "How did you find me?"

"The town name was provided to me by the gallery," Mr. Cartwright said in a strong although tolerant tone. From there, finding you wasn't too tough. Windhaven is a little town.

Elena's thoughts whirled. She had taken care to make sure Victor was not the source of any evidence. But the guy in front of her was a stark reminder of the society she had left behind, one in which having privacy was a luxury rather than a fundamental human right.

As she attempted to shut the door, she stated curtly, "I'm sorry, but I'm not taking commissions at the moment."

However, Mr. Cartwright remained still. "Please think again, Ms. Hayes. My company is willing to offer you a lot of money for your skills and efforts. He is the kind of guy who appreciates prudence.

Use of judgment. Like a covert menace, the phrase lingered in the air. Despite her nausea, Elena made herself look into his eyes. She eventually responded, "I'll give it some thought," and then she firmly closed the door.

***

With excitement pumping through her, Elena leaned against the closed door, her chest heaving. She had spent years removing the specters of her past from her present and creating a life of calm simplicity. Now, however, it seemed like the past was becoming closer and closer.

She was grounded by Adrian's quiet, steady breathing coming from the next room, which served as a reminder of the situation. When she entered his bedroom and saw him lying on the bed with his little face sleeping soundly, her heart began to melt.

She brushed a hair off his forehead and said, "I won't let anything happen to you."

However, she had been disturbed by the experience with Mr. Cartwright. She couldn't deny that there could be more to this than first seemed.

Elena awoke the next morning to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the coast and the cries of birds. She let herself think that everything was normal for a time. However, the business card on the counter, an unwanted reminder of the man's visit, teased her as she sat at the little kitchen table with a cup of coffee.

With tremendous enthusiasm, Adrian sprinted into the kitchen and hopped up on a chair. "Mom, is it possible for us to visit the beach today?"

Elena ruffled his black locks and grinned. Maybe later, my love. First, Mommy has some job to do.

It wasn't false. Her thoughts were far from her artwork, but she had a piece to complete for a nearby gallery. Rather, it hung on the questions that Mr. Cartwright had evoked.

Who was this enigmatic boss? How far did he search for her?

Elena tried to immerse herself in the process of painting as she sat at her easel later that day. Normally, the vivid blues and greens of the seaside landscape in front of her would soothe her, but today her brushstrokes seemed rushed and crooked.

Adrian's toys were all over the floor as he played peacefully in the corner. He would sometimes glance up and smile at her, his happiness a salve for her jangled nerves.

A knock on the door sent a shockwave through her, causing her to freeze.

Her heart thumping, she got up slowly and walked to the door. She eased up a little as she peered through the little window. It was Mrs. Thornton, her neighbor, not Mr. Cartwright.

As Elena answered the door, the elderly lady smiled warmly and said, "Elena, dear." All I wanted to do was deliver these muffins. I figured Adrian might like a treat.

Elena let out a breath as she took the basket, her stress subsiding. I'm grateful, Mrs. Thornton. That is very considerate of you.

Elena's eyes strayed to the street as Mrs. Thornton spoke about the town's next festival. At the far end, a black car with tinted window was idling.

Her belly rumbled.

"Is everything okay, sweetheart?" Mrs. Thornton inquired after seeing Elena's abrupt change in attitude.

Elena hurriedly answered, "Yes," trying to grin. "Once more, thank you for the muffins."

After giving her a questioning glance, Mrs. Thornton nodded and walked away.

With her thoughts racing, Elena closed the door and locked it. The vehicle was still there.

"Mom?" She was drawn back to the present by Adrian's little voice.

Although the trembling in her voice betrayed her, she murmured, "It's okay, baby."

However, when she looked back out the window, the car was gone, leaving behind nothing but a disquieting stillness.

Elena sat at the window that evening and saw the garden's shadows becoming longer. The business card was on the table next to her laptop, which was open.

When she finally took it up, she called the number displayed in a sharp black letter, her fingers shaking.

On the first ring, a voice said, "Mr. Cartwright."

With a firm but quiet voice, she introduced herself as Elena Hayes. Inform your boss that I'll take his offer under consideration. However, I have certain conditions.

It was so quiet on the other end that she briefly feared he may say no.

At last, Mr. Cartwright answered, "Very well." "We'll get back to you shortly."

A feeling of dread descended over her as she hung up the phone. She wasn't sure she could control what happened after taking a step back into the world from which she had worked so hard to escape.