THE ENEMY IN MY INBOX

Episode7:TheSecretMorning

The alarm clock went off at 6:00 AM, loud and annoying. I groaned, rolling over and hitting the snooze button before my hand even really woke up. My head felt heavy, but for the first time in weeks, I didn’t feel that knot of pure dread in my stomach.

I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling. Dark_Horse. That was his name on the app. It was such a silly thing to be thinking about, but it felt good. Someone out there someone who actually got the stress of this job was in my corner.

I sat up, showered, and threw on my best suit. I needed to look like I owned the place, even if I felt like a mess inside.

When I walked into the office at Sterling & Associates, the place was already buzzing. The air smelled like burnt coffee and expensive cologne. I walked past the reception desk and saw him. Julian. He was standing by the copier, looking sharp as always in a charcoal suit. He wasn't talking to anyone, just staring at a document like he was trying to burn a hole through the paper.

As I walked by, our eyes met.

Usually, he’d give me that cold, tight-lipped look that made me want to trip him. But today? He just looked at me, his face blank. Then, he did something weird. He shifted his weight, his shoulder brushing mine as he stepped aside. It wasn't an accident. It was like he was making space for me.

I froze for a split second, confused. Excuse you, I muttered, not looking back.

Watch where you're going, Elena, he said, his voice low and smooth.

I kept walking, my heart doing a weird little jump. He’s such a jerk, I told myself. But as I sat down at my desk, I kept thinking about his voice. It sounded different than it did when he was yelling at me in a meeting.

I pulled out my phone and checked the app under my desk. One new message.

@Dark_Horse: Morning. Hope you survived the commute. Just remember, you’re smarter than anyone else in that room today.

I felt a smile creep across my face. I looked up and glanced over the top of my monitor. Julian was back at his desk, his eyes glued to his own screen. He looked so serious, so focused, so… cold.

I typed a quick reply.

@Midnight_Muse: Already at the desk. The Suit is acting like he owns the place. Wish me luck.

I saw Julian’s hand move under his desk. A second later, my phone buzzed.

@Dark_Horse: Luck is for people who aren't good at their jobs. You don’t need luck.

I leaned back in my chair, feeling a weird sense of peace. I was still fighting him, and I still hated him, but I wasn't doing it alone anymore. And for the first time, I felt like I might actually win.