episode 3
842 Words
Julian's eyes scanned the information in front of him, his mind racing with plans. "So, she lives in a small house on the outskirts of town," he muttered to himself. "And she's usually home alone in the mornings."
One of his men, a burly guy named Max, nodded. "That's right, boss. We've been watching her for a few days now. She's a creature of habit."
Julian's lips curled into a cold smile. "Good. I like it when they're predictable."
Max shifted uncomfortably. "Uh, boss? I don't know if this is such a good idea. I mean, she's just a journalist..."
Julian's eyes flashed with anger. "Just a journalist?! You think that's all she is?! She's a threat, Max. A threat to my empire. And I won't let anyone threaten me."
Max nodded hastily. "Yes, boss. I understand."
Julian's gaze turned back to the information in front of him. "I want you to take care of her, Max. Make sure she doesn't cause any more trouble."
Max nodded again, this time with a hint of reluctance. "Yes, boss. I'll take care of it."
Julian's eyes narrowed. "See that you do, Max. See that you do."
As Max left, Julian's mind turned back to the girl. Alice Nelson. He would take care of her, all right. He would make sure she never wrote another word about him again.
*********
Alice was rounding up her work for the day when her office crush, Ryan, walked in with some of his famous toast and a mischievous grin. "Hey, Alice! I brought some toast to butter you up," he said, winking at her.
Alice rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Ryan, you're such a dad joke expert."
Ryan chuckled. "Hey, someone's got to keep things light around here. Besides, I've got some comedy scenes to share with you."
Alice raised an eyebrow. "Comedy scenes?"
Ryan nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I've been taking a comedy writing class on the side. Want to hear some of my material?"
Alice couldn't help but laugh at Ryan's silly jokes and antics. "Okay, okay. I'll listen."
Ryan cleared his throat and launched into a stand-up comedy routine, making Alice giggle uncontrollably. "And then I said, 'I'm not a morning person, I'm a coffee person'!"
Alice snorted. "That's so true!"
Ryan grinned. "Thanks, Alice. You're a tough crowd, but I think I won you over."
Ryan, still cracking jokes, followed Alice into the office. "Hey, Alice, I heard your article was so good, it's being used as a sleep aid in hospitals," he said, chuckling.
Alice laughed. "Ryan, you're such a goofball."
Ryan grinned. "Hey, someone's got to keep things light around here. So, Alice, would you like me to work from home... in my pajamas... with a cookie in one hand and a laptop in the other?"
Alice hesitated for a moment before bursting out laughing. "Ryan, you're ridiculous!"
Ryan winked at her. "That's me, always the office clown. But seriously, Alice, would you like me to work from home? I promise I'll be productive... in my pajamas, of course."
Alice smiled. "Actually, yeah. That would be great, Ryan. Thanks for offering."
Ryan grinned triumphantly. "See, I told you I'd be useful. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some cookie-baking to attend to."
As Ryan left the office, Alice couldn't help but feel a little more at ease. She was glad to have Ryan's humor to brighten up her day.
*********
Alice walked down her street, lost in thought. She had just left the office and was looking forward to a relaxing evening at home. But as she walked, she couldn't shake off the feeling that someone was following her. She quickened her pace, her heart racing with every step.
Every time she turned back, she saw no one there. But the feeling persisted. She started to run, her breath coming in short gasps. Finally, she reached her house and locked the door behind her, leaning against it to catch her breath.
As she stood there, she started to feel a sense of relief wash over her. She was safe now. But just as she was about to drop her bag and head to the kitchen, she heard a masculine voice behind her.
"Welcome home, Alice."
Alice spun around, her heart racing. Who was there? How did they get in? And then she saw him. A tall, handsome stranger standing in her living room, a sly smile spreading across his face.
"Who are you?" Alice demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.
The stranger chuckled. "You don't remember me, Alice? I'm hurt."
Alice shook her head, her mind racing. Who was this guy? And what did he want?
"Look, I don't know what you want, but you need to leave. Now." Alice tried to sound firm, but her voice was shaking.
The stranger took a step closer to her. "Oh, I'm not going anywhere, Alice. We have a lot to talk about."
Alice's heart was racing now. She didn't like this one bit. Who was this guy and what did he want from her?
- Writer
