Eclipsed by Destiny

Chapter 5: Telephone Secrets

Kate Harper was never one to pry. She cherished privacy, both hers and others'. But when she glanced at her phone that evening, something about the stream of text messages from an unknown number bothered her.

She had not intended to open the first message; it was an accident, or so she told herself. The phone buzzed while she was reorganising her files for Ted's upcoming event, and she swiped it open without thinking.

The message reads:

Unknown Number: "You won't believe what I found out today. Call me as soon as possible."

It was short, ambiguous, and out of context. Kate figured it was the wrong number, but the texts kept arriving.

Unknown Number: "If this gets out, it will destroy everything. "We need to be cautious."

Unknown Number: "Come see me at ten tomorrow." typical location.

Her curiosity piqued in the back of her mind, but she had a mountain of work to complete and no time to worry about someone else's drama. Still, the messages persisted in her mind as she worked late into the night.

She had persuaded herself that the texts didn't concern her by the following morning. That determination persisted until midday, when her phone began to buzz once more.

Unknown Number: "Don't tell anyone about this. Kate, I'm not kidding.

Kate stopped. Her name. They knew her name, whoever this was.

Panic was her initial reaction. She didn't know how they got her number or who this person was. She searched her mind for hints. Had she lately given someone her number? A seller? A customer?

Her phone buzzed once more before she could go too far down the spiral.

Unknown Number: "You must put your trust in me. Give me a call back.

Kate's thoughts were racing as she gazed at the letter. She felt uneasy about this for some reason. She was no longer able to ignore it. She inhaled deeply before typing a reply.

Kate: "Who is this? I believe your number is incorrect.

The response arrived very instantly.

Unknown Number: "Jake is here." What does "wrong number" signify to you? Don't try to trick me.

In utter shock, Kate blinked at the screen. Jake? This isn't possible. Why would Jake communicate in such a mysterious way? And if it was that urgent, why hadn't he just given her a direct call?

She paused for a long time before answering.

Kate: "Jake? What's happening? These messages are nonsensical.

Before the following message arrived, there was a lengthy silence.

Jake: "I didn't intend for you to see those, Kate. Can we have a face-to-face conversation?"

Her stomach grew constricted. There was obviously a problem. Although Jake had always been straightforward and laid back with her, these messages hinted at something far more nuanced.

Kate was sitting in a quiet corner of her favourite coffee shop later that afternoon, nervously stirring her latte. Her mind was already racing with the worst-case scenarios, and she had no idea what to anticipate from this conversation.

A few minutes later, Jake showed up with an unusually solemn expression. His typically easygoing manner gave way to something far more serious as he slid into the seat across from her.

"Kate," he whispered softly, "I have to give you an explanation."

Kate leaned back in her chair and folded her arms. That's an understatement, in my opinion. Jake, what's going on? What's the purpose of all these messages?"

Jake ran a hand through his hair and sighed deeply. Alright, let's face it. You weren't intended to get those communications. They were intended for a different person.

Kate scowled. That much is clear. But why are you spoiling everything by messaging someone else about secrets? Are you having any problems?"

As if to make sure no one was listening, Jake paused and looked around the café. Then he lowered his voice even further and leaned forward.

He explained, "I've been assisting a friend with a personal matter." "I can't go into too much detail, but it's complicated, and if the wrong people find out, it could get messy."

Kate's eyebrows went up. "How, Messy?"

Jake sighed once again, his expression truly conflicted. It's not against the law or anything. Simply put, it's sensitive. I can't betray my friend's trust that I will keep it confidential.

For a time, Kate looked at him, trying to figure out what was going on. Although Jake was not the kind to engage in dubious activities, his evasiveness was hurting his reputation.

She added softly, "Jake, you can tell me if you're in over your head." "I need to know what's going on, but I won't pass judgement."

He gave a headshake. "Thank you, Kate, but I can't tell you my secret. There is nothing harmful or unlawful about it, I assure you. Simply put, it's complicated.

Frustrated but unable to press him any farther, Kate sighed. "All right, all right. But don't claim I didn't warn you if this blows up in your face.

Jake's typical charm returned with a small smile. "All OK. To be clear, I didn't intend to involve you in this. I must have sent those texts to your number by mistake rather than theirs.

Kate couldn't contain her laughter. "Well, maybe check again before sending cryptic texts about ruining everything the next time. You know, it's a little unnerving."

Some of the tension between them subsided as Jake laughed. "Noted. To relieve your worry, I owe you a coffee.

Kate remarked, in a light-hearted tone, "You owe me more than that."

The atmosphere between them had much improved by the time Jake escorted her back to her vehicle. However, Kate couldn't get rid of the notion that there was more to the story than Jake had disclosed while she was driving home.

Even though she told herself it was none of her business, she couldn't help but be curious. Why would Jake, of all people, be so cautious about it? What could be so secretive?

Her phone buzzed once more later that evening when she was sitting at her desk going over her notes for Ted's event. It was another message from the unidentified number this time.

Unknown Number: "We must get together sooner. Tomorrow at 8:00 AM. typical location.

Kate's stomach turned to knots as she gazed at the letter. This felt more significant than Jake had admitted. She also questioned whether she could really trust him for the first time.

The suspicion lingered in the back of Kate's mind when she woke up the following morning. She made an effort to concentrate on her work, but the intrigue of Jake's texts kept drawing her in. She finally decided on something.

She would discover the truth on her own if Jake refused to tell it to her.

An hour before their scheduled meeting time, Kate showed up to the café, her heart racing with a mixture of resolve and remorse. Although she was not proud of what she was going to do, she couldn't get rid of the uneasy sense that something was really wrong.

Sitting at a corner booth, she watched the entry while seeming to browse through her phone. She was spared a long wait.

A few minutes later, Jake entered and surveyed the café before making his way to a table near the rear. He wasn't by himself.

He was accompanied by a woman wearing sunglasses and a big scarf that partially covered her face. As she sat down opposite Jake, she glanced over her shoulder with a frightened expression.

Although Kate was unable to hear what they were saying, their body language was quite clear. As she spoke, the woman moved closer and made nervous hand gestures. Jake listened and nodded, his face solemn.

Even though Kate felt bad about spying on them, she was unable to turn away. This woman was who? And why would Jake take such care to keep it a secret, and what could possibly be so important?

The woman talked for almost twenty minutes before getting up and rushing out of the café with her head down. Jake lingered, gazing at the table for a considerable amount of time before eventually rising to depart.

Kate glanced down at her phone as he walked past her table, feigning to be deep in an email. But as soon as he was out of sight, she couldn't stop asking questions.

That woman was who? What precisely was Jake concealing?