Chapter 40: Trouble Brewing
Zander
Martha is smiling at me, but it looks forced. “We don’t have an appointment, Martha I have a
busy day, and I don’t have time to see you.” I said. “Morning Zander, can we talk while you
walk? I wanted to apologize, she says, and I nodded.
Toby shoots me a look and I know he isn’t happy with me listening to her. He knows
everything, and he never liked her. I might as well listen while I get what I need. I don’t want.
I
her coming back again. She walks with me to my office and starts talking. “Zander, I wanted
to apologize for Keira’s behavior. I didn’t know that she tried to drug you. I really value your
friendship and your abilities. I don’t want to lose you.” She says and I look at her
I don’t think I can trust this woman anymore. Something also feels off about her demeanor. “I
don’t know if I can trust you again Martha. You know I am a private person and I don’t allow
anyone at my home. And you are the one person that also knows why I am cautious, because
you knew my parents. You only know where I stay because of your driver.
You used that information against me and gave it to Keira. I know she is your daughter, but
she really needs help. She only wants me for my money, nothing else. Her obsession with me
really needs to stop. I am sorry, but I really need to leave. I can’t miss this meeting.” I said and
grabbed the file I needed and showed her to the door.
“I am sorry you feel that way, Zander. Whatever happens next, just remember that I did try to make amends.” She says in a tone that gets my attention. “Are you threatening me, Martha?” | ask, and she just looks at me and smiles sweetly. I know that smile, it’s the same one she
gets when she wins at something.
“What are you up to? You better think twice before you f**k with me Martha.” I say. “See you around, Zander” She says as she walks off. “Find out what she has been up to. She just
threatened me and I have a feeling she has something up her sleeve.” I say and Toby nods. Both her and Keira have been sniffing around here for a few days now.” Toby says.
I
“Get Chris on it too and keep me posted. I have to go.” I say, and he nods. I really don’t have time for this. I quickly left the building and headed to my appointment. I sent a quick text to Liz to tell her that she must let me know when she is awake, so I can call her.
Two hours later, I was finally done and happy with the outcome. I went to meet my
my second client, and he had to cut the meeting short, so I had a bit of time. I checked my phone and saw that Liz had messaged me. I was about to call her, when I saw Mike, the day guard at my
Chapter 40. Trouble Brewing
house, also called me 6 times. Something is definitely wrong.
I dialed his number first, and he answered immediately. “Sir, thank you for calling back. I think you need to come home. There was a gift box delivered to Ms. Liz. It’s very suspicious. There is nothing on the box other than her name. I have a bad feeling about it, and I always trust my instincts. I remember you said that no one knows she lives here.” he says.
He is right, I filled him in and made sure he never allowed anyone in that I didn’t agree to. “Do you know what courier service dropped it off?” I asked. “Yes sir, I already called, and they said. it was a man, and he paid in cash. They have no details, other than the name John Smith. That already sounds suspicious, it’s such a generic name. Does Ms. Liz know a John?” Mike
asks.
“Not that I am aware of. But only four people knew that she lived there. Thank you for your vigilance, Mike. I am on my way. Try not to touch the box. I will call the police.” I said. “I already called the police when I couldn’t get hold of you sir. And don’t worry, I was wearing my gloves. It’s cold out today.” He says and I smile.
“Thank you, Mike, you are the best. I will see you soon.” I said and hung up. I know he is fond of Liz and I love that he is so good at his job. I called Felicia, the manager at the lottery office, to ask if she sent anything over and she said no. It won’t be Robyn, because she knows where
staying now and that we were away. That only leaves Kyle and Tiffany.
we are
I doubt it’s Tiffany, she is still in jail, and you need money to have jobs done for your
you while you
are in prison. That only leaves Kyle, and he has been missing for days. I need to warn Liz, I never got a chance to tell her and I won’t keep anything from her that concerns her safety.
But first, I needed to get Ricardo to my parents‘ house. He agreed to go there immediately, and as soon as I hung up, I called Liz. Why can’t we just be left in peace? We should’ve never left.
Greece.
Liz
Zander had an early meeting, and he didn’t wake me, so I haven’t seen him today. I am still floating on a blissful cloud and I hope it never ends. I decided to hit the books again. I am running out of time. The next bar exam is in a month and I want to be ready.
My phone rings and I smile when I see its Zander. He did say he would call when he had time. I don’t mind because I know he has a busy day today. “Hello my fiancé, do you miss me?” I ask. “Always, my Liz. But I need to speak to you about something important.” He said and the tone of his voice immediately had me on edge.
“Please stay inside and don’t leave the house. I am sending two men over to stay with you and
24
Chapter 40: Trouble Brewing
Rosa. I will be home as soon as I can.” He says sounding rather panicked. “What’s wrong. Zander?” I ask. “There was a strange looking package delivered to my house, and it was
addressed to you.
It’s wrapped up like a gift, and your name is scribbled on it. Only Robyn, Kyle, Tiffany and
Felicia from the lottery office, know you stayed there with me. I already called Felicia, and they didn’t send anything over. And Robyn knows where we are staying now. I asked Mike not to
touch it and he already called the police. I am on my way there now. Please promise me your
will stay inside,” he said.
“I will, please let me know what happens. And please be careful.” I say. “I will, I love you.” He
says. “I love you, Zander.” I say and he hangs up. What the hell? Let’s hope this is all a big
misunderstanding. What else could it possibly be? Tiffany is still in prison awaiting her trial,
so that just leaves Kyle.
I wonder what is going through his mind. For his sake, I hope it isn’t him. I got up and go find
Rosa. I find her outside in the garden and filled her in. “Then we had best listen to him. Follow
me,” she says. I followed her, and she led me to a closet on the ground floor, under the
staircase.
She opens the door and I look in. It looks like a regular coat closet. In fact, there are a few
raincoats and umbrellas in there. She looks at me and gives me a conspiratorial wink, before
she moves the hangers of coats to one side. She presses a button on the side and the back
wall moves away. It reveals an iron door with no glass or handle.
It looked like it had a biometric scanner. “What is this?” I asked her. “It’s a panic room. Zander needs to add you onto the biometrics.” She says and puts her hand on the panel and I hear the door click open, before it slides to the side automatically. “Welcome Rosa, are you in danger?
Please hurry inside and I will keep you safe.” A robotic voice says.
“That was so cool,” I squeal and she chuckles. We go inside, and the door closes. automatically. “Are we stuck in here now?” I ask Rosa and she chuckles. “No, I just wanted to show you around,” she says. “Thank you, Jojo, I have Liz with me. Zander will add her to your
system soon. Please tell her about yourself,” She says.
“Welcome Liz, my name is Jojo and I will keep you safe while you are in here. I can monitor
your heart rate and oxygen levels to ensure you are okay at all times. I have an inventory of all
the food supplements in here and I will alert you when they need to be replenished.
You can ask me anything you like and I will answer. If someone tries to enter that is not listed
on the biometrics, I will send an alert to Zander. It will also trigger the automatic lockdown
3/4
Chapter 40: Trouble Brewing
procedure from my side. Only someone listed on the biometrics will be able to override me.
I cannot be hacked from outside, because my program is localized to this house. My program is safely hidden, where only Zander can find it. Is there anything else I can help you with?” Jojo asks. “No, thank you, Jojo, you are very thorough and so cool.” I say, smiling.
“Thank you, Liz, I take my job very seriously,” Jojo says, and Rosa and I chuckle. “I love Jojo. A client of Zander created the software for him. It’s so cool. If anything ever happens, this is where you come. You will be safe here. The pantry is always stocked and the room and bathroom are in here.” She says, showing me where everything is.
“This phone line isn’t connected to the house. Even if they cut the power or the main telephone line, you can still call out for help.” She says, showing me the phone. There is also a monitor on the wall next to the door that shows what is happening outside the door. And another one. with a split screen of the foyer and outside.
“Wow, this place is really awesome. I will remind Zander to add me when he gets home.” I say and she nods. “Let’s get back in case the men he sent are looking for us.” She says and puts her hand on the biometrics scanner. “Are you sure you are ready to leave?” Jojo asks. “Yes, Jojo, we are safe.” She says and then doors open.
“He will always ask you that, when you try to open the door to leave. All you say is yes, Jojo, I am safe. Then he will open the door.” She says and I nod. I need to remember all this in case anything happens. At least I know we will be safe in here.
