“Well,” Kyle pushed the box of chips towards Amy and stood, “after this is over maybe you would like to join us at the party I plan on throwing to celebrate.”
“I wouldn’t dream of missing it.” Randy smiled and then glanced down at the tablet. “Since you’re here, maybe you could write down the names of the men that play basketball with you and Nate.”
“I only know the first names,” Kyle responded, pulling the tablet closer to him and glancing at the few names that were already there. He noticed that Eccard was on the top of the list, stared at Amy and frowned. “Do you suspect him?”
“Not really. Randy was here when Kenny was discussing the account.”
“Pop dropped that account yesterday. Personally.” Kyle focused on the paper. “Kenny had been informed.”
“Write down Kenny’s name.” Randy studied Amy while she shook her head. “Everybody is suspect, Amy.”
“Except him. Kenny only knows the basics of using the computer. Any of the art that has to be done is on my plate. Sonny wants to send him back to school.”
“He could be showing his butt because you were promoted.” Randy stated.
“That I seriously doubt. Kenny just happens to be the one that suggested that I get this promotion and. . .”
“He’s right below Pop on the ladder.” Kyle added, scratching out Kenny’s name. “Unless. . .”
“Unless what?”
“Obviously you’re good enough to handle Kenny’s position.”
“I’m not shooting for his position,” Amy fumed. “Kenny knows that. I just want to give our clients my best work.”
Kyle listened to her while jotting down the names of the people that were constants on the basketball court. Pushing the tablet back to Randy, he stood. “Nate might know the last names. I should get back to my restaurant.”
Amy waited until after Kyle left before glancing at Randy. “He really listens.”
“I thought he did.”
“No, Randy, I told him last night that I didn’t want to see him again. What did he get out of that? He brought us lunch.”
“Hmm, I didn’t exactly hear you tell him to leave.”
Amy chuckled. “Only because you have an addiction to great food. I’ve been in his restaurant a few times. The salmon just happens to be a favorite.”
Randy couldn’t help smiling. “I’m still not seeing why you’re giving that man such a hard time, Amy, but I have a feeling that you’ve finally met your match.”
Amy sighed and stared at her boards again. “The meeting is set up for tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll be here.”
“Randy, this isn’t one of your stories.” Amy found herself smiling at the meadow that she had drawn for the dating agency.
“You’re right. I don’t aim on publishing our part in this, but there is something deeper happening with the client’s database. That’s a story that can impact thousands of people.”
“And if isn’t about them?”
“You want to know if this more about you.”
“Yes, I do. What if some sicko has a demented fantasy and is using me as their leading lady? I’ve thought about that, and I guess that’s what is really worrying me.”
Randy stood. “We’ll just have to make sure that the leading lady survives so she can realize that her knight cares enough about her to bring her ex-boyfriend the best salmon ever.” Pausing, he stepped over to Amy. “Kyle is your knight, Amy. The two of you belong together. You don’t need a dating agency to see that.”
“Randy, you have lost your mind.”
“I should get that examined.” He watched her grab a pencil from the middle of table. “I’ll let you get to work now. I’m happy for you, or I will be when you finally let that poor soul into your life.”
≠
Amy rolled her eyes after standing at the picnic table with Elaine. “He proposed?”
“Had the ring out and everything,” Elaine answered. “I was this close,” she placed her fingers together, “to refusing the trip to Paris when he changed his mind. Maybe I'll stay there this time.”
“When are you supposed to leave?”
“Next month sometime,” Elaine answered before noticing that Nate had stopped playing and was staring in their direction. “Are you ready to head back?”
Amy watched Kyle step up behind her brother and slap his back. “I think I am.”
Elaine smirked, watching her reaction. “So what happened at work today?”
Amy shook her head. “Randy and I had a meeting. A very long meeting.”
“About the letters?”
“Like you don't already know,” Amy scowled. “Kyle talked to you.”
“I'm thrilled that you finally turned to the page I'm on. So?”
“He brought me chips and ice cream. How can I possibly ignore that?”
“Did he ask you out again?”
“No, do you think that if you tell Nate that you're willing to quit your job that he might propose again?”
“I don't want him to ask anymore, Amy, now how about answering my question.”
“I think I did.” Amy inserted her ear buds and jogged away from her friend. She stepped up to her mail box and saw something sticking out from the bottom. Taking the ear buds from her ears, she waited for Elaine before yanking at the paper.
She handed it to Elaine and walked towards the apartment not wanting to know what it was. Amy had purposely not checked the mail after she had arrived at her apartment. She hadn't wanted to hold another envelope in her hand.
Elaine looked at the paper, puzzled as to why Amy hadn't even glanced at it. “Did you check the mail?”
“Nope. I don't want a whole group of people telling me about. . .”
Elaine grabbed the mailbox key and stepped to the door. “That paper was just a sale's flyer.”
Amy watched the door shut behind Elaine and jumped when the phone rang. She closed her eyes while thinking that she had become paranoid. “I'm being stupid. That's all.” She spoke out loud while stepping over to the phone. Letting it go to voicemail after not recognizing the number, she sat on the couch and waited for Elaine.
“Amy, I'm watching you. Nobody can protect you, not even the friend that is checking your mail.”
Amy jumped up from the couch and stared at the phone. Grabbing her cell phone, she called her brother, choking on her words while continuing to listen to the voice that was talking on her machine. “Nate, he's watching Elaine. This creep is in our complex.”
≠
Nate motioned for Kyle before running towards where Elaine was standing at the mail boxes. “Go back to the apartment, Elaine. Lock the door.”
“Why should I do what you say?”
“Because you're being watched. Because Amy is listening to this creep talking on the machine. Because I don't want anything to happen to you.”
“I'll go back for Amy.”
“Kyle, go with her. I'm going to have a look around.”
“By yourself?”
Nate stared at Elaine and frowned. “You need to be with Amy. Now!”
Kyle nodded and grabbed Elaine's hand, pulling her behind him until they reached the apartment and stepped inside, quickly locking the door behind them.
Amy stared at them with wide eyes, her face had grown pale and she was still holding the phone up to her ear while talking to her brother. “They just came in.” She ended the call and sank down on the couch.
“What did he say?” Kyle stepped over to her and knelt. “Amy. . .”
“It’s recorded. He was watching me and Elaine. Kyle, he was watching Elaine check the mail while he talked to me.” Amy looked at Elaine still in shock. “I’ve dragged you into this.”
“I think that I volunteered.” Elaine corrected while stepping over to the front window. Looking down at the mail she had retrieved from the box, she recognized the envelope. Tossing it all down on a table before parting the curtains, she looked out to see if she could spot Nat
e.
Kyle reached for Amy’s hand to get her attention. “Maybe he’s ready to come out of hiding, Amy. It’ll be the only way that we can tell what the real threat is.”
“I don’t want to see him.” Amy whispered. “I just want it to be over. I never asked for this.”
“Nobody in their right mind ever does. But, Amy, you’re a gorgeous woman.”
“That’s funny. I’ve never considered myself anything other than plain. Why couldn’t he have picked somebody else to obsess over? He didn’t have to pick me.”
“I picked you.”
Amy leaned towards him. “I’m going have both you and Randy examined. Both of you are beyond crazy.”
“Why would I have to be crazy to prefer you?” Kyle placed his hands on her face. “Amy, all I have to do is think about you and I go stir-crazy. The only cure is to come here.”
“I think,” Elaine glanced over at them after picking out the envelope, “that Kyle needs to teach Nate how to talk.”
“I did talk to Nate today.”
“What exactly did you tell him?”
“That he had jumped the ship again and should’ve given you a chance to talk before deciding not to give you the ring. He doesn’t know what to think.”
“You’re the one that planted the idea in his head.” Elaine reminded him. “That wasn’t me.”
Amy tried to stand while they talked, but Kyle stopped her. “Let me up, Kyle.”
“Just wait a minute,” Kyle placed his hands in her lap. “Elaine, you might want to take a seat, too. We don’t know where that guy is or how close he was, or is, to this apartment.” He waited until Elaine sat beside Amy. “One day Nate will realize what he’s doing. Can you be that patient?”
“Are you being serious? Nate hasn’t told you how long we’ve been on and off in our relationship.”
“High School- right? He tried to explain it to me.” Kyle glanced at Amy after she had placed her hands on top of his. “I’d understand if you were done with his act,” he turned his head so that he could watch Elaine. “The way he took off from the court when Amy told him that you were being watched, there was nothing going to slow him down to get to you. Nothing. That man was scared for you. For both of you.” He felt Amy start to move her hand and studied her eyes. “We’re going to want to listen to the recorder.”
“I can’t, Kyle. Once was enough. Please, don’t make me hear that voice again.” Amy bit her lip, completely moved her hands away from him and started to clench them. Open and close. Over and over again in a state of agitation. She could feel her heart quicken but this time it wasn’t because Kyle was close to her. It was because she was scared.
It wasn’t like the panic she had felt when Andie hadn’t talked to her that last night or the panic that she had been under when she hadn’t been able to get her grandmother to respond to the CPR she had learned. It was the panic she had felt before Nash had fought her into submission.
Elaine placed an arm around Amy’s shoulder; trying to comfort her while Kyle spoke soothingly from in front of her.
Kyle grabbed his phone from his pocket after it started ringing and straightened. Walking over to the door, he waited until he heard a soft knock before unlocking it to allow Nate entrance.
Nate saw his sister and hastily walked to where she was sitting, pulling her into a tight hug. “You did the right thing, sis. Calling me like that.”
“This isn’t happening.”
Nate kissed her on the forehead and glanced at Elaine. “We all wish that it wasn’t happening, Amy. Whoever called doesn’t want to be seen yet. I guess he just wanted to spook you. He succeeded.” He frowned, feeling his sister shiver in his arms. “I’ll tell you what. If you don’t want to hear this recording again, you could take a shower. It’ll help relax you.”
“I think that sounds like a great idea.”
Kyle nodded and walked into the kitchen. “Did she get another letter, Elaine?”
“Yes, she did.” Elaine handed the letter to Nate since he was closer to her. “Not that I’m talking to you, but thank you.”
“I blew it- didn’t I?”
Elaine shrugged and stood. “I need to check in with my parents.”
“Your parents? Really? Why is it that every time we have a problem your mother is the first one you call? God, I’m probably some jerk that. . .”
“She loves you, Nate. It’s my father that you’re going to have a problem with. If I were you, I’d watch my back.” Elaine snapped before walking around the couch and glaring at him.
“Speaking of fathers, Nate, are you going to tell yours what is going on around here?” Kyle yawned unintentionally while staring at the envelope in his hands. He took Randy’s business card out of his pocket and called him.
“I’m not going to even hint at the trouble Amy has found herself in, Kyle. He just had a mild heart attack. There’s no telling what this would do to him.”
“All I’m saying is that it might be better for Nathan if he knew what was happening instead of being surprised when it’s over. We don’t know how this is going to turn out.”
“I agree with Kyle.” Elaine grabbed the envelope and slit it open. “Oh, did we really want to wait for Randy? How’s it feel having somebody that had a relationship with Amy talking about things they did together? Of course, you were the one that wanted to know about their physical love life. Experiences aren’t the same when you’re with a different partner.”
“Okay, wait a minute.” Kyle stepped in Elaine’s view of Nate. “Knock it off, Elaine. You already told me that Nate was the only man that you’ve ever. . .”
“But I’m not the only woman he’s ever slept with, Kyle. What did I expect?” Elaine whispered. “I don’t care what Randy told you about Amy. You have to be your own judge.”
Nate narrowed his eyes while watching them. “The letter?”
Elaine frowned while she read the letter and propped on the counter before Kyle grabbed it from her.
“It sounds more desperate than the last one we read.” Kyle mumbled. “Let’s go ahead and listen to the recording before Amy comes back.”
Elaine glanced at Nate before stepping over to where the answering machine was and held her finger right above the play button. “She was so pale,” she mumbled, taking her finger away, glancing down the hall.
Nate sighed and pushed the button, watching Elaine cover her mouth while listening to what had scared his sister. The small group stared at each other without realizing that Amy had walked into the room.
Kyle felt his nerves tingle and turned towards her, watching her eyes before walking over to her quickly and wrapping his arms around her. He could see the anger that had replaced the panic and glanced down to see her balling her hands into fists against his chest. “Hit me, Amy.”
Amy shook her head, wanting to release the stress she was under but not wanting to take it out on Kyle. Her life was becoming a nightmare and there was no breathing room.
Kyle pulled her closer to him and rubbed her back. “Help me help you,” he whispered. “Tell me what you want to do.”
“Crawl under a rock?” Amy mumbled.
“Look up at me, Amy.” Kyle lifted her chin and stared in her eyes. “I think that it’s time we called the police.”
Randy walked into the apartment after Nate had opened the door for him and nodded. “I agree.”
Amy angled so that she could see him. “Why? What happened to the list you were making?”
“Just so happens that I’ve found out something else.” Randy sat on the couch and nodded at Nate after he asked if he wanted to hear the message.
Amy squirmed in Kyle’s hold, fighting the anger she felt as again she heard the voice that she was sure she’d never forget anytime soon. Glancing up at Kyle, she touched his mouth with her finger. “Where did you hide the ice cream?”
“The ice cream? It was in Sonny’s freezer.” Kyle answered placing a hand over her finger. “That was out of the blue, Amy.”
/>
“I’m trying to block out the message.” Amy tried to smile when he kissed her finger before lowering it. “Maybe if we practiced some more. . .”
“Your wish is my command,” Kyle cupped her face in his hands and lowered his mouth to claim hers. He could feel her anger and stress fade after she responded and deepened the kiss until their tongues started to dance.
Nate was listening to Randy describe what he had read in the letters that he had managed to put together like a puzzle and spoke to Kyle, glancing over towards where Kyle had been standing. The room grew quiet until Elaine stated that Kyle needed to take Amy somewhere with a little privacy.
Kyle turned after the kiss broke up and stared at them. “What?”
“I’m just saying that if you’re kissing Amy then you can’t hear what we’re saying.”
“That was the point,” Amy informed them. “I’ve heard enough.” She pulled Kyle’s hand before noticing that Randy was laughing at her. “And?”
“Nothing, Amy. You and Kyle go on. I’ll tell Nate what I’ve figured out and wait for the police.” Randy lowered himself into one of the chairs.
Amy released Kyle’s hand, closed her eyes, and moved away from him. “What if calling the police makes this guy handle the situation in different way?”
“What do you mean, Amy?”
“I mean that I’m stressed enough without adding more fuel to his fire. He clearly stated not to call the police in the phone message. That wasn’t my imagination.”
“You need all the help that you can get.” Randy stood and stared at her. “Come on, Kyle, you need to back me up on this.”
“Butt out, Kyle,” Amy stated in an even tone. “Don’t you do this, Randy. You started this whole mess with. . .”
“I didn’t start it, Amy.” Randy sighed. “You were the one getting letters and not telling anybody. I’m going to call the police and get someone out here.”
“Like hell you are!” Amy snapped. “That creep is watching this apartment. Everybody that walks in and out is being watched. You want to bring the police here?”
Amy Page 13