Chapter 16: 16

The following day, I woke up to Aria cuddling me. I did my morning stretches and got ready for work. I showered, washed my hair, brushed my teeth, and dressed without waking her. I quietly went out the door. Posters were hung everywhere outside; what was going on?

Missing Person:

Was last seen yesterday evening. If you know about this, don't hesitate to get in touch with the police right away.

Three, that's three people taken. This is getting out of hand. I wiped my ID when I entered the building and headed up to the top floor. Once those doors opened, chaos brewed.

"Ellie, good morning. Kaylee is waiting for you in the office. She is having a meeting for everyone." The secretary said as she gestured to the tinted glass door. Not knowing what I would walk into, my eyes widened when I saw every staff member on this floor.

"What's going on? Did I miss something?" I asked.

"Staff meeting; you can take a seat at your desk Ells," Kaylee said as she sat at the desk. "As you guys can see that there was a missing person report again, and the police are now in full effect to keep the streets safe. The police advised everyone to be walking in groups or pairs from now on. There will be police patrolling the streets and will assist anyone home if necessary—women who weigh 120 pounds and under will not walk around this area. Today you will work normally, but I will be popping in and out of your offices occasionally checking computers. Just like the town is in full effect, this building is also. If you don't have an ID card or a visitor pass, you are not allowed on any floors. The back area is still on lockdown; the detectives will be coming in for that today. If you see anyone suspicious, notify me immediately. Meeting dismissed."

The workers mumbled words to each other out of worry. Everyone walked out one by one back to their offices. I have never seen Kaylee so frustrated before. Sweat was coming off her hands. I got up and approached her desk.

"Do I need to do anything?" I asked softly.

“I want you by my side at all times; a detective has requested that. He doesn't want you alone in the building anymore. As of right now, you have been promoted to a personal assistant.” She said while reaching for something. “This is your new ID card which allows you to enter certain areas of the building. Especially my secret room. I will show you later.”

I asked about the floor duties. Who is going to maintain the work here? When I said that, a knock came, and Brad popped in. Kaylee pointed at him, gesturing that Brad would be the lead manager. However, he is not allowed to touch Kaylee’s system. Smiling, Brad nodded as she left the room to use the bathroom.

He sat on the couch and eyed me down. “You know this place needs a new CEO, and you may be looking at him.”

"Brad, why do I have to see you when I don't want to." I rolled my eyes and turned to the computer. Suddenly, I felt a warm air crawling up my skin.

"What's that?" Brad asked. I jumped with fright. I almost kicked my desk, which could have knocked my computer down. I glanced at the couch and then back at Brad.

How in the hell did he get here so fast?? He was sitting on the couch. He did not make any noise; too, creepy. Brad laughed. So, I elbowed him away and stared at my desktop. Do you know the feeling when you are being watched?? Well, I am feeling it right now. “Can you not? It’s rude to stare, you know?” I told him.

“Calm down, princess; I wasn't looking at you. I was looking at your design. Everything I do doesn’t involve you.”

Click my tongue and continue to work on my files. I asked him about whether he had picked up another job to quit. His breathing became dense, and his stare settled. I explained that a friend saw him at Josh’s lounge passing out flyers. I was wondering the reason. He was helping out the owner.

He doesn’t get paid for the service, though. He just likes getting free drinks. Out of curiosity, I asked him about the kidnapping of Henry’s wife. Suppose he was there during that time. The look he had was confusion. "I didn't know about that until the day after, but I was around that area. Does that help?" he had this blank expression like always.

This dark pit formed in my stomach, which made me want to puke. Holding it back, Kaylee entered the room, wiping her hands. "Alright! Ellie, let's give you that tour, shall we? Brad, go around and check on everyone. But remember, do not touch my computer; only Ellie can."

Nodding to the boss' orders, we all left the office. Kaylee ensured it was locked and told her secretary not to let anyone in. With the agreement, she sent us off. As we were getting into the elevator, Brad and I made eye contact for some reason. Secretly he blew me a kiss. Creeped out, I hid behind Kaylee. Gross.

Kaylee explained to me how to get to her private room. You tapped the ID on the keypad and pressed “B” for the basement. It wasn’t any ordinary basement because no one else could access it. Without proper authorization, you will be denied entry. My eyes grew big with awe at how the setup was. This place was huge!

"Since my office is so small, I can't handle everything my workers give me. I send files and extra work down there to my main computer. All the paperwork for future and past games is in cabinets or computers. Remember you said something about monitors— well, this area will let me see everything from the main lobby to the upper floor to the roof. I can see every nook and hiding spot with this monitor." She smiled.

I was highly impressed by how high-tech everything was here. "Hey Kaylee," I said, still in amazement with everything.

"Yes?"

"Do you trust Brad?"

"No, not really."