Chapter 7
907 Words
Alexander wondered why people kept sneaking on him.
He turned sharply, heart pounding, fists clenched.
“Hi, detective,” it said.
“Trent!” Alexander growled, loosening his fists but not his glare. “Don't sneak up on me like that.”
Trent smirked, unfazed.
And besides, what are you doing here?” Alexander asked.
Trent shifted his stance, “You tell me.”
Trent stepped closer, locking eyes with Alexander. “How about that document from B & D Company huh?”
Alexander's face turned pale. How did he know?
Trent laughed, reading his mind. “You're wondering how I knew that, right?”
Alexander took a step back, eyes wide. “H-how…?”
“Relax,” Trent said casually. “I overheard you and Alexia a while ago.
“You were following us?” Alexander asked, stunned.
“Not exactly. I was just grabbing food nearby when I saw you both. Couldn't believe my eyes, Alexia walking down the street like a regular person? That's a first.” He narrowed his eyes.
“So yeah, I followed. Something felt off.”
He leaned in, his voice dropping. “And for the record, you'd make a terrible detective. You didn't even notice me trailing you.”
Alexander rolled his eyes, brushing past the jab.
“So, are you going to spill now?” Trent asked.
“I thought you already heard everything,” Alexander said.
Trent blinked, Alexander had caught him off guard.
“Alright, I didn't hear it all.”
Alexander gave a slight smirk. “Then let's start with what you heard. I'll fill you in on the rest.”
He threw an arm over Trent's shoulder and led him into the house. Once inside, he told Trent everything.
When he was done, Trent let out a low whistle. “This goes deeper than I thought. I'll try to dig up something on my end.”
“No! I didn't tell you so you could dig,” Alexander said firmly. “This is a family matter. It's dangerous.”
Trent shrugged. “Too late. I'm already involved more than you think.”
A gentle knock echoed from the door.
Elsewhere in Velvis City…
Elena lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Two months back from Alvero City, and everything still felt…off.
She sighed. “Why did I even quit ZeeZee Art Gallery? Or am I cursed?”
A second knock snapped her back to reality. The door creaked open.
“Hi, Elena,” Sandra's tired voice said as she stepped in.
Elena gave a faint smile. “Hey. Tough day?”
“Tiring as usual. In fact, everyday is a tough day in that office. How about you?”
Elena sighed again. “Same. Home all day. No inspiration. Nothing feels right.”
Sandra lay beside her, the silence between them stretching.
After a moment, Sandra sat up, eyes lighting up. “What if… you come work with me at the Velvis City Art Gallery?”
Elena hesitated. “I don't know..
“It's a start. I'm a team leader there, I'll put in a good word.”
“Okay… I hear you,” Elena replied.
“It probably won't pay like Alvero…” Sandra said.
“Who cares about the money currently? As long as I get to leave the house.” Elena replied, her eyes brimming with smiles.
“Alright.”
Sandra grinned, tossing a pile of Elena's clothes off the bed.
“First, tidy up.”
The Next Day…
Later that evening, Sandra called.
“Elena, check your email!”
Elena did, and there it was. Interview invitation. She called Sandra back, shocked at how fast it happened.
“Perks of being team leader,” Sandra laughed. “Don't be late though, 8:00 a
m. sharp.”
“I'm always punctual,” Elena teased.
“Uh-huh, sure. That guilt speaking?”
They both laughed before hanging up.
The Interview Morning…
Elena's alarm buzzed at 6:00 a.m., but she didn't hear it. She was still curled under her blanket when Nan knocked.
“Elena! You've got an interview, remember?”
Elena jolted up. “What time is it?!”
“Seven!”
“Oh no,” she helped, rushing into the bathroom.
Nan picked up Elena's crumpled outfit. “Better hurry.”
“That's not helping!” Elena shouted over the running water.
Minutes later, she dashed out, no time for full makeup.
“Powder will do,” she mumbled, pulling her hair up.
She ran downstairs… only to rush back.
“Forgot something again?” Nan asked.
“My toothbrush!” Elena groaned, tossing her bag to the stairs.
Back down, she was about zooming off, halfway out the door when Nan held out her bag. “Don't forget this, too.”
Elena thanked her breathlessly and jumped into the waiting Uber.
At the Art Gallery…
Sandra paced nervously outside. “Where is she?”
The Uber arrived. Elena stepped out, breathless.
Sandra ran to her. “It's 8:20! I thought you weren't coming.”
“Not helping,” Elena panted.
“I stalled the time until 8:30. You've got five minutes, max.”
“Thanks,” Elena said, catching her breath.
“You've got this,” Sandra said softly, before walking away.
Elena stood, breathing slowly.
She was just about to head inside when someone grabbed her wrist from behind.
“Aren't you Elena?” a husky voice asked.
- Writer
