Hidden Sanity

The Unfolding

When Alice got home, she fell asleep right away. Might be because of the beer. She knew she had a weak tolerance over alcohol.

Right when she was deeply asleep, Jack went back to his apartment. He said “Damn. Why does the FBI keep on messing with my business?! I’m doing my plans then there they came, f*****g everything up! They told Alice about it!” He walked to his bedroom. “But I am not a feeble minded person like anybody else. I have my ways. In fact, they made it all easier for me to get closer to the target… Sweet!”

He smiled and laid on his bed with arms under his head. He stared at the ceiling. “Let’s see what tomorrow brings… Smells like I’m about to have fun.”

Then he shut the lights off and slept.

Monday morning came. It’s the morning that made them realize what happened last night. One actually regretted it. Alice did. She thought as she woke up, “s**t! What the hell did I do?! What is wrong with me?! I just kissed my boss! Oh no, I’m in trouble!!”

She got up from her bed, went to the bathroom and brushed her teeth. She can’t believe what she just did to him through her mouth. She was disgusted with herself. She closed her eyes.

“It didn’t happen. Right! Pretend that it didn’t happen!” She recited in front of the mirror.

But as she spat out the water from her mouth, she felt guilty again. She can’t help it. She freaked out. No idea what to do in the office now that she just kissed him and will see him often. She can’t fight the embarrassment she had within. But she had to fight the urge of not going to work today because tomorrow is her day off. She had to act deserving for it this day.

Therefore, she went to the office. She kept on wishing that she won’t see her boss on the way to her station because she had not prepared for that scene. She didn’t want to see him again. Suddenly, she just became acting odd because of last night. But what really surprised her this morning was the order of the boss just now. He wanted her in his office immediately. She gulped deep down her throat. She didn’t really want to go there nor ever want to see him again.

But she had to follow orders so she swallowed her pride and entered.

When she was already inside, she was looking down, and couldn't even look at him straight in the eyes. She looked frozen in her position. She can’t just act normally in front of him again.

Jack spoke, “Coffee please, Alice.” He sounded serious.

Alice said “OK” then she hurriedly went away to make him a coffee. She almost didn’t want to go back in but having a coffee with her will make her look so slack inside their office. She entered again.

She put the coffee at the table.

Jack said “Thank you for this again.”

“Sure.” She couldn’t even look at him.

“What’s wrong?” He stared  at her.

“Nothing.”

“You tell me nothing’s wrong but you can’t even look at me. Is this about—”

“I’m not myself last night, OK? Get it straight. I’m drunk. It was not my intention.” She strongly spoke.

“People tend to do what they really want when they’re drunk. That’s a fact so I believe that.” He smiled. He really was a man of facts.

“Let’s just forget about it. I’m not that kind of person, just to clear it out.”

“Oh…… You don’t clearly know what kind of person you are, because you kissed so good last night. You had something special in you, Alice.” He teased.

“Anything else?” She turned around. She knew her face had turned peach this time. She heard Jack chuckle.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself Alice. It was only a kiss. It’s not like we made out……….right?” He looked at her intently and slowly drew a smile on his face.

Alice said “Just forget about it!” She exited his door. Then she was finally able to breathe well. She was a little bit glad that he didn’t put too much of a big deal about it. They weren’t supposed to, anyway, she thought.

After she met his boss in his office, everything had gone to chaos. They were all busy now because the investors were about to come in a few minutes. Such civilized people were about to arrive. Some came from another country. But she knew very well that this time, she had to stick with her boss in case he asked her to do something, get something or anything. She did for the sake of her job. It was tiring but she could manage it anyway. She had grown in this company and she’s just too used to it.

She was beside him the whole time, following his commands and favors.

Jack treated her differently, like she was another person in the company. She was just his secretary, nothing else. Alice didn’t feel bad about it. She knew that Jack had always been like that when he’s extremely busy in their business. It was a panic syndrome for some guy like him with a very hectic schedule and task.

In the middle of the presentation, while Jack was standing in front of the respected people, talking and marketing the business of their company, Alice was staring at him. He looked confident from the way he stood and just the way he looked as a whole. Jack had high self-esteem. Alice can’t deny that it was one of the reasons why he possesses his position until now. It was something incredible.

She found him very attractive by the way he talks. She was so impressed on how he does it. He’s exceptionally talented and smart. Exactly the man that would make it to Alice’s ideal.

The presentation was done after an hour. It ended with applause from the visitors. They all knew it was a positive response. They passed. The visitors liked their market. Before the visitors left the room, the president of another company talked to Jack. He said something flattering, perhaps. Jack smiled and shook his hand for appreciation.

When the visitors left their building, Jack went out of the conference room together with Alice by his side. They walked fast at the same time.

He spoke, “Told you, we won’t fail.”

“I saw that one coming. You did great. Congratulations, boss.” She replied, still fresh with admiration.

“You did great too. Good job.”

“Thank you.”

“The company will have a toast later. Are you coming?”

“No. I had to sleep early to go back to my town early in the morning. It’s going to be a long drive, you know.”

“I see. Anyway, take care.” He looked in a hurry.

“Thanks.”

“And don’t worry, I’ll work on your mission soon.”

“You don’t have to remind me. I know you will.”

“Yeah. Good luck on your way home, Alice. Be safe.” He headed to his office.

“OK.”

That short conversation straightened what had been ruined between them. Just like that, they came back to normal. She liked how Jack kept it casual between them in the office and became different when it’s only the two of them.

And then Joe talked to Alice right before she left the office.

“Hey, Alice.”

Alice looked back. “Oh, Joe. Why?”

“You going home too soon?”

“I need to. I’m on day off tomorrow. Going back to my town.”

“I thought we had a deal?”

“Deal?” She looked clueless.

“Right after the presentation… You told me you’ll come with me for another dinner.”

“Oh…… that one! I’m sorry. I had been out of my mind these days that I forgot! Can we do it on Thursday night instead?”

“How about Wednesday?”

“I’ll be busy on Wednesday. I’m working on my killer’s case.”

“Ah yes. Sir Jorge mentioned that one to me. Is that true?”

“Yes. It is surreal but it happened… It’s true.”

“Oh God, Alice, stay home always, OK?”

“I will. The FBI told me so too.”

He looked confused. “FBI? Wait. They talked to you?”

“Yeah, they called me. They told me that Jack Kinley was after me.”

Joe gave a little laugh. “Jack Kinley? Why? Do you know him?”

“No. That’s why I’m going to work on it on Wednesday for me to find out.”

“The FBI might be mistaken. There are more possible victims. Why does it have to be you? And seriously, the FBI called you? What are you up to, Alice?” He sounded joking.

Alice said “I’m not on crack, Joe. I am serious.”

“Oh yeah you’re serious—You seriously have to stop being so paranoid.”

“The man who chased me is Jack Kinley. I can’t be wrong.”

“But,” Joe continued. “That’s circumstantial. The man only was out a few days ago, let’s say last week, to begin finding another target. No court is going to think that Kinley is a prime suspect for what happened to you days ago. Sorry to say. Hell, you were off the streets when Christine was taken too. There is no connection that he would just randomly set you as his target. Do you get what I mean?”

Alice nodded while scowling. She looked irritated and offended.

“OK, so let’s say for a moment that there is a connection between him and Christine. If it’s not Kinley and possibly a partner, it’s someone who knew me, or at least knew the people around me, right? I don’t mean to overreact to the whole Kinley case just for my safety, but the court stuff, too. And didn’t you say that Kinley could kill anyone? And that could be me so you’re avoiding me to go along the streets at night and be more careful because I’m a girl? I need you to get a hold of that. I am Kinley’s possible victim.”

“You’re way too far from the issue, Alice. You don’t have to threaten yourself that it was really Jack unless you’re sure about it. There are a million other killers who do it just like him. Stalking and calling under disguise. You’re being too crazy and you’re making it spooky yourself.”

“Oh yeah? And you think that is why the FBI called me and warned me about it?” She raised an eyebrow.

He lowered his head, staring at the floor, and then looked up. “I just want you to get off any problems. I don’t even want you having one. I want you to be happy, that’s all.”

She met his gaze, her eyes warm. “No, I’m fine.”

Joe looked down again. “Sorry for my rubbish words.”

“Joe, you don’t have to treat me with kid gloves in this case. I understand that you care for me and you’re saying that I must not worry about such things but maybe I’ll appreciate it more if you just help me feel safer rather than getting against my opinions.”

They were silent for a moment, and as that comfortable silence stretched between them, Alice realized that she liked Joe. She liked him as much as she had ever liked any man in her life. But she wondered why he didn’t ever cross her mind when she was looking for help.

“Since you’ve got no proof, I will do anything I can do to find the connections……. Just to help you.”

She appreciated Joe’s sincere concern toward her. “So it will take some time.” She walked backward with a shrug. “I’d better get going. See you on Wednesday?”

He shook his head. “Thursday night! ‘Kay? Close call.”

She hesitated for a moment. “Well, if I’m free that night, I would.”

“Call me.”

“Will do.” She tipped an imaginary hat. She waved over her head and walked off their office.

Right after that, Alice went home and Jack stayed in their office.

Alice took a shower in her apartment and put on her night dress. Her hair was slightly wet when she felt a sense of longing. Could she be actually missing Jack?

A moment later, the party in their building started. Morrie wasn’t there either. He gave a speech, drank a little bit and talked to a few people. The party went on and people were having fun, having their own conversations in each corner and not minding anyone. Very businessmen-like, minding their own business.

When almost everyone’s drunk, Jack secretly went home. He had nothing to do there anyway. He stayed for a couple of hours and that’s that. He went home, bugged by thoughts on how to pull out the situation with Alice. It gave him a hard time thinking on how he should play his role well to make Alice believe in him and how he would consider the rest of the character’s pretense.

He stuffed a pair of khaki pants in his cabinet and yanked on the tie to close it up. OK, so that was the plan. He’d meet with Alice, do the interview in case he could help her. In case he could help himself as well. But he’d definitely stay away from Alice on a personal level. He’d keep it strictly business.

It took him an hour, preparing for the interview he’s going to do on Wednesday. He was never nervous like this before. He was anxious.

Until, someone tapped on his apartment’s door. He didn’t get many uninvited visitors. He walked to the door and peered through the viewer.

It was Morrie.

He opened the door. “Hey.”

“Hey, yourself.” She smiled.

He could tell that she’d just gotten out of the shower. Her short black hair was pulled back in a damp ponytail, and she wasn’t wearing any makeup. She looked wholesome enough to be in one of those soap commercials.

“My parents are not around. Went back to their house for their anniversary. I’m going out for dinner,” she said, looking up at him with those big dark brown eyes of hers. “Want to join me?”

What she meant, of course, was did he want to have dinner and then s*x, or s*x and then breakfast. Since she was here at the door, he guessed she was thinking s*x first, then dinner.

Usually he’d be up for the diversion. He really did like Morrie and she was good in bed. But for some reason, it just didn’t feel right this evening. He told himself it was because his head was full of thoughts of the questions he would ask Kinley's friend.

“Ah, Morrie, I can’t.” He ran his hand over his forehead, pushing his hair back. He’d need a cut before he headed south on Wednesday. “I’m just getting myself together to make a research trip. I’ve got a lot to do.”

“Oh, OK.” She blinked. “No problem.”

He could tell she was disappointed. A part of him wanted to take her in his arms and make love to her because she wanted him. Needed him. She’d certainly been there often enough for him when he needed her.

But having s*x with Morrie was the last thing on his mind right now. The idea nearly repulsed him.

“So I’ll talk to you when I get back,” he said, wanting to close the door as quickly as possible. “Tell your parents, Happy Anniversary, tell her it came from me.”

“Sure. Call.” Morrie waved, still smiling bravely, and then disappeared down the hall.

Jack shut the door, feeling very small.

Hours have passed and it’s a dark morning already. Alice walked to the living room. She stared at the phone on the rail for a minute. She wanted to make another call. Did she dare?

She dialed.

“Hello.”

“Jorge, it’s Alice. Are you busy?”

“Pretty busy drinking coffee.”

She smiled to herself. Just hearing his voice made her feel better. What did she care if Joe believed her or not? Jorge did. “I know you said you’d call me. I know you couldn’t have found anything out yet.”

“You can call me any time,” he said. “I told you that. What’s up?”

“I just talked to Joe.”

“And?”

“He’s not going to listen to me. He doesn’t even believe the FBI called me. I think he thinks I’m having some kind of breakdown. Something about anxiety over separation from my family and anxiety over someone who just chased me.”

“So he’s not going to be much help?”

She leaned against the salt-treated railing, and it pressed into the small of her back. She wondered just why she was calling Jorge. What did she want from him? Did she just want help trying to figure out if Kinley really was a threat to her? Or did she want something else from him? Something more personal?

The thought scared and titillated her at the same time.

“He’s definitely not going to be any help. He doesn’t believe Kinley has anything to do with the chasing.”

“Even if Kinley doesn’t,” Jack reasoned. “That doesn’t mean someone isn’t after you or anybody else. It doesn’t mean that you couldn’t become an intended victim.”

Alice pressed her lips together. “I wish you couldn’t say that out loud.”

“I’m sorry.” He was immediately contrite. “I’m not saying we have to panic. But I think it’s safer if we consider the possibility, don’t you?”

She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the cold of the night struck down on her. “Joe’s at least partially right, you know. I have been an overacting person since that incident happened. I might just be the only one thinking about everything differently.”

“You don’t have to give me an explanation,” he said. “Remember, I know what you went through.”

“Thanks,” she said softly.

“You bet. Now listen, I was just about to call you. I already found him.”

“Kinley?”

“His friend who’s in prison. I found the prison in Harrison.”

“Which one?”

“I’m not telling you,” he said.

“Why not?” She pretended to be offended, but she wasn’t really. She knew why he didn’t want to tell her.

“Because I tell you where he is and you might try something crazy like going to see him on your own.”

“I don’t have to. You’re going to take me.” Alice couldn’t tell if he was smiling or scowling.

“Anyway, he’s off today and tomorrow. What’s Wednesday look like on your calendar?”

Alice licked her lips. She couldn’t believe she was going to do this. “Well I have to work tomorrow but I’m always free every night. But if you want it daytime, then you could excuse me for the day. And they wouldn’t have to know where I went.”

“Wouldn’t have to know you met me?” he teased.

She felt her cheeks grow warm and was a little startled by her reaction. Was Jack flirting with her?

“That too,” she said truthfully.

He chuckled. “Fair enough. Now how about if we meet somewhere and go to this rest stop together? I don’t want you even driving into that parking lot of the prison.”

“OK,” she agreed, knowing he was probably right. They made arrangements to meet at the gasoline station Wednesday at noon. Jack was going to take his chances that the friend of his would actually be there and that he would talk to him.

In the meantime, he was going to begin phone interviews with as many of the families of Kinley’s past victims as possible.

“So I’ll see you Wednesday,” Jack said. “After I talk with him, I’ll take you out for something to eat.” He hesitated. “I’ve been wanting to see you again, anyway.”

“Ah, so this is just a ploy,” she heard herself say. She was definitely flirting now. “You’re just hooking me up with a serial killer’s friend so you can buy me dinner and beer, get me liquored up, and get me do things I’ve never done otherwise?”

She brushed her hair off the crown of her head. Talking to him like this made her feel strange… kind of sexy. It had been a long time since anyone had made her feel this way. Only Jack can.

“You found me out. See that, you’re already a good investigator. Have you ever thought about doing this alone by yourself?”

She chuckled. “Ah yes, of course. But I need your assistance. You’re good at guessing. I’m good at investigating. We’d make a good partnership.”

He laughed with her, his voice rich and husky. “See you Wednesday.”

Jack hung up the phone and dropped it on his desk as if it had suddenly become too hot to handle. What was he doing talking to Alice that way? Flirting with her like that? Where had that come from? He knew he was sexually attracted to her. More attracted to her than he had been to a woman in a long time. Longer than he could remember.

Jack knew Alice Simone wasn’t going to be interested in any quickies. She was a level-headed, well-grounded woman who would know better than to get tangled up with a man like him. A man with serious relationship problems.

He wondered if he ought to call back and cancel. This was crazy. He was going to interview Kinley’s friend while she watched from behind dark glasses in the next booth. It was so unlike him.

But how could he abandon her? He knew she was alone in this and he knew in his gut, that someone was terrorizing the people as possible Jack’s next victims. Thanks to the media, he said in his mind. He was ironic, always ironic. He didn’t care what the FBI said to Alice. He was going with Alice’s instincts and his own. So he’d go to Harrison and he’d meet Alice and he’d try to talk to Kinley’s friend. He’s having fun that way. He liked whatever was going on.

Early in the morning, Alice got back to her town. She just got out of her car on their driveway when her sister came out and welcomed her with a big hug even with her short arms. She felt home by that. She smiled widely and said, “Mary! I missed you!”

Mary held her by the arm and dragged her into their house to show her to their parents. It was like a small reunion. Very warm and pleasant. She enjoyed their company. It was a family thing.

She only got one day to spend with them so she lived the most out of it.

She cooked foods for them and even roasted a barbecue for Mary from outside of their house. It was a great bonding. She missed her younger sister’s little laugh, her mother’s hug and her father’s advice. She was very close to her family. But she never told them about the recent thing that happened to her. She can’t let them worry about her when she’s away. For some reason, she didn’t want them inside the issue. She didn’t want them to get involved. It’s her way of protecting them.

Hence, she acted natural around them like nothing actually happened and just delivered the good news about their company’s standing instead. No doubt, it made her parents more proud of her and her hard work.

The day was short but went intimately wonderful, especially for Alice who had been away for months.

She almost never wanted to leave the place but she had to, for her work tomorrow. She packed her things late at night in her bedroom. She’s ready to go at dawn.

Then her mother entered her room and said “Dear?”

“Yes, mom?” She smiled at her.

“Alice, me and your dad will be out tomorrow night. Can you possibly drop by here again and look out for Mary?”

“Why? Where are you going?”

“It’s a business trip. It’s supposed to be 3 days, but your dad and I decided to just stay in there for 1 night for a little bit of cooperation and attendance then after that, we’ll leave. We won’t stay any longer there for another 2 days. We can’t leave Mary, we know. That’s why I’m asking you a favor if you could at least stay with Mary tomorrow night as a substitute for us?”

“Mom, it’s not like I’m a babysitter that you’re hiring for Mary tomorrow night. Of course, I’ll take that favor. Mary is my younger sister. You’re my parents. Come on!”

She saw her mother’s smile. She hugged her and said “Don’t worry mom, Mary will be fine. I’ll be here tomorrow night.”

“Thank you! I knew I could count on you.” She looked proud of her.

“You can always. So mom, I’m already packing…” She said for her mom to be aware that she’s doing something and she had to finish it as soon as possible.

Her mother said “Oh yes. I see that. Want me to help?”

“I can handle this. You and dad must go to sleep now. It’s 12:50 AM!” She brushed her hand on her mother’s back. She was a very soft and gentle daughter.

“OK, I’m going back. Alice, take care, okay?”

“OK! Good night.”

Her mom left her room. Now she got another agenda programmed to her head, she had to go to the office later, and after work, meet Jack and go to the penitentiary and meet Rodrigo then go back home to guard for her little sister. But this was nothing to her. She is a secretary, for God’s sake, so she’s damn used to dealing with hectic stuff.

When done packing her things, she drove her car and went back to New York for work. She barely had enough sleep. A coffee with strong caffeine woke her up. But because she took too much of it each month, it gave her anxiety disorder. It’s the negative effect. She knew it was bad for her, especially with her situation. She was being hunted by a killer. She couldn’t get more anxious with her life.

But she had to do it for work. Today’s the last day she will take another one, she said to herself.