CHAPTER 7
762 Words
I sat by the window in the small office adjacent to Dominic's study. I've been studying the same set of numbers for what felt like a hundred times.
My pen tapped slightly against the documents spread in front of me.
I studied what was written. Transaction summaries, account movements and cross-referenced logs.
I've been noticing patterns. It was not obvious, not careless, but it is consistent enough to exist.
And that was the problem because whoever was behind this wasn't reckless.
It's like they've been trained well and were disciplined.
I kept flipping the pages, my brows furrowed slightly as I noticed the pattern again.
It was the same structure, same spacing, timing, but with different accounts.
I exhaled slowly. This is so much work.
"Don't you think you're looking at the wrong place?"
I looked up and met his gaze, "I didn't hear you enter."
"Then try to sharpen your hearing," he said as he walked closer to me.
"I repeat. Don't you think you're looking at the wrong place, Mrs. Hemenez?"
I raised my eyebrow, "Enlighten me."
"Patterns aren't always in the numbers. Sometimes they're in what's missing."
"And I assume you already know what's missing?" I asked.
His hand moved past me and reached the documents in front of me without breaking eye contact.
"Of course," he said before opening the folder.
He laid the folder in front of me and pointed a specific document.
"Timing gaps."
I followed where he pointed.
"Authorization delays." I said and he nodded slightly.
"Minor inconsistencies that shouldn't exist in a system this structured, Mrs. Hemenez. You should know that by now."
My eyes sharpened, "And it's staggered."
"Bingo."
He grabbed my chin and caressed it slightly, making me look at him in the eyes.
"You're catching up. Good."
My heartbeat quickened. He's too close.
"I was never behind," I managed to say despite the growing intimidation between us.
Silence stretched between us.
We just stared at each other's eyes.
I looked away first and grabbed the file but his hand quickly hovered over mine.
I looked at him, "What are you doing?" I asked as he took the file.
He closed the folder with a final sound and placed it on the desk, far from my reach.
"You've seen enough for today."
"I wasn't even halfway. Give it back."
"You're moving too fast, Mrs. Hemenez," he reasoned.
"And you're slowing me down, Mr. Hemenez" I argued.
"Because you push too much."
"Because you're holding me back."
We stood there. None of us refused to back down.
"I decide the pace."
"You want results and yet you just handed me an incomplete access," I said.
"Because it's dangerous." he said, almost a whisper.
"Careful, Mrs. Hemenez... you're starting to forget your position."
I tilted my head slightly, "Am I?"
"Because from what I had remembered, you're the one who asked for my help," I continued.
His gaze darkened, "You're the one who proposed to find the 'rat' in my business in exchange of my name."
"Don't mistake necessity for equality."
I smiled slightly, "I don't. "
He leaned in closer.
I held my breath. Afraid that even a small gasp can ruin the intense moment.
Suddenly, a knock interrupted us.
None of us moved for awhile before Dominic spoke.
"Speak."
"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Hemenez," he greeted and I can hear him cleared his throat before speaking again.
"The board is requesting your presence for the 11 A.M. meeting, sir."
Dominic glanced at the door then fixed his gaze on me again.
His gaze looked down on my lips before pulling away.
"I'll be there."
He grabbed the files from the desk before he started walking towards the door.
"You didn't mention I will have limited access everyday."
He stopped on his tracks but didn't turned to face me.
"I don't need to," he then glanced at me.
"Because they have already noticed you."
My fingers curled slightly.
"That fast?"
"That fast," he confirmed.
I watched him leave as he closed the door behind him with a quiet click.
Silence filled the room again.
I didn't move for a moment as I processed what he said.
Something felt different and I know why.
I brushed my hand on the table where the files seated earlier.
Because I know tha for the first time, I wasn't the only one looking for the truth.
I turned and looked oustide the window, witnessing the breathtaking scenery in front of me.
"Someone else was already making sure I wouldn't find it," I murmured.
"Impressive... but reckless."
- Writer
