A Night To the Future

CHAPTER 4: Hidden Secrets

One morning Emily was woken up by a buzz from her phone, it was a text message from an unknown number that read:

I know who you are and if you know you’re not willing to go down the wrong road you’d better agree to meet me. I’ll be behind the Flower Shop down the road to your house. Meet me by 3 pm today and come alone. DON’T BE LATE!

Emily was frightened. She paced about her tiny room, thinking of what to do. She needed to think fast, there was no time.

“Maybe I should call Cole.” She thought out loud.

She picked up her phone, still walking about and muttering words under her voice. Then she thought to herself. I think I can handle this, I don’t need anyone thinking I’m weak.

So she got about her business for the day. When it was about 2:30 pm, she headed out. She wore a black dress with a scarf and dark shades to avoid being recognized by anyone. She arrived at the Flower Shop and she walked straight to the back.

When she got there, she saw a lady standing in a brown coloured bodycon dress that accentuated her curves so beautifully, she was about 5’10 tall, slim and would pass for a model. Emily noticed that she looked a bit familiar but couldn’t place where she would have seen her. Emily approached her.

“Emily Hart. We meet finally.” She cheered, like she had just seen a long-time friend. Before Emily could utter a word, she spoke again. “I’m Vanessa Douglas.”

Emily was scared, but she masked it with a smile and immediately spoke up. “Vanessa, who are you and why did you ask me to meet you here?” Emily asked, still trying to remember where she knew Vanessa from.

“Well, I’m just here to warn you about what you’re getting yourself into. It’s a danger zone. Leave while it’s early.” Vanessa warned. Turning to leave immediately.

“Wait!” Emily shouted, but Vanessa didn’t turn to take another look.

At this moment, Emily recognized Vanessa and remembered where she had seen her.

It was at the bar that night. But why was Vanessa following her? And what business did she have taking pictures of her?

Emily also remembered Vanessa was with a guy that night, they seemed to be working together.

“Wait.” She thought out loud. “Henry Adams? Yes! He looked like him.”

But Henry had called Cole for an emergency that night. Was it only a plot to get him distracted and make him leave before he noticed anything?

All these questions rang in her head when a janitor passing tapped her on the shoulder. Emily jerked and turned to look at him.

“Ma’am, you shouldn’t be back here. It’s for staff only.” He said.

She managed to utter a few words. “Oh um, okay.” And walked out, still confused and in shock.

Emily headed straight to Cole’s office to find out what was going on. When she got there, she barged into his office.

“What’s going on Cole? Who’s Vanessa Douglas and why has she been following me?” She shouted without catching a breath.

The silence in the room could compete with that of a graveyard. Cole stared at Emily for a while before he was able to utter a few words.

“Who told you about Vanessa?” He asked, obviously avoiding eye contact with Emily.

“I need you to answer me Cole. And I hope I’m not in any form of danger?” She asked, this time trying to conceal the fear in her voice.

“You’re safe Emily, I promised I’ll see this through and I will. Calm your nerves.”

Cole didn’t seem too bothered, he must have been familiar with Vanessa and her games.

Emily was calmer now, she seemed to be reassured.

“So now tell me, who’s Vanessa?” She asked calmly this time.

Cole scoffed. “She shouldn’t even bother you.”

“Are you going to keep playing this game? Or you’d actually tell me?” Emily was getting impatient now.

“Relax. Vanessa is my ex-fiancée”

“What? How and why did you two break up?”

“She cheated.” He replied silently. “Vanessa has her issues but she’s not capable of doing anything to harm you.” He added.

“I hope so.” Emily sighed and walked out.

Cole picked up his phone immediately, scrolled through his phone numbers list. He still had Vanessa’s number. He dialled it and waited for her response.

“Vanessa. What’s going on?”

“Cole, is that how you greet your girl?” She sounded excited. She finally got Cole’s attention after all this while.

“I warned you to stay away from me and anything that concerns me. We made a deal Vanessa, leave everything that concerns my family alone!” Cole yelled.

“Don’t you dare raise your voice at me. You know what I want, and when you’re ready let me know.” She hung up the call.

He slammed his fist on the wall with a loud groan and walked out of the office.

A few days later, Emily was home doing chores on a Saturday when she heard the doorbell.

“Who could that be?” She asked herself. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Who could possibly be visiting her on a Saturday morning? She made her way to the door and opened it, it was Gabriel.

Emily was not happy to see him. She knew that she wouldn’t like the reason why he came, but she didn’t have a choice. She ushered him in.

“Hi Gabriel, how’ve you been?

“I’m very well Emily. I trust you’re well.” He replied, staring at Emily with troubled eyes.

“Um yes, I am.” She said, moving towards him. “What’s the matter, Gabe?” She asked calmly, her voice filled with distress.

He looked her in the eyes, his voice almost faint. “You’re moving with the wrong people Emily, The Adams family are very dangerous and powerful people.” He took a sit and muttered a few words that were almost inaudible. “They were involved in dad’s death.”

Gabriel knew this because after the death of their father, he began his research on the incident. Unfortunately, the family was able to cover up the information with their influence.

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she stood watching Gabriel in pain. She struggled to speak but words failed her. She was quiet for a few minutes till she was finally able to speak.

“They did what?” Her voice quivered as she burst into uncontrollable tears.

“The Mob attack that claimed the lives of many including dad’s, they were involved in it. These people don’t move easily with common people like us. Don’t be deceived Emily, please. Think about this.” He pleaded with her, and stood up to pacify her. He gave her a hug and begged her to think hard about it. “I can’t bear to lose you too, Em.” He said softly, and walked away.