"Arrrgh!" I put my head on my desk and stay like that for a while. Why does it hurt so much? I want to wake up from this painful nightmare. Because that is what it is, a nightmare.
~~~~~
Hannah
I feel useless. I have tried everything I can think of to cheer her up — the first night I stayed at her house, took champagne, chocolates and an Indian takeaway. She sobbed, we hugged and then put our favourite music on as loud as we could bear and danced — I’m sure that security thought we had gone mad because they came to check on us which they never do.
She doesn’t think I notice these sorts of things but I know she isn’t eating. I’ve been checking with Julie downstairs in the café and Casey hasn’t been down for her usual fruit salads.
Casey is normally an easy going girl. Everybody praises how friendly she is and what a big heart she has. However, anybody that comes into contact with her lately gets their head bitten off.
I was thinking of phoning her brother Andrew, to ask him and their parents to come and visit. However, I have another idea, a much better idea.
I make sure my office door is shut properly before sitting behind my desk. One thing I love about my office is my desk faces the window wall where the door is so I can see when anybody approaches. Then I know whether I should be busying myself.
I dial the number for Kate at Jackson Industries. I am glad we became friendly when she was here visiting. She’s a cool girl, I’m sure she will be willing to help.
“Kate speaking.”
“Hi Kate, its Hannah... from Phoenix Corps. How are you?”
“Oh hi, Hannah!” I hear the smile in her voice. “I’m great thanks. How can I help you?”
“I’m trying to contact Matthew if possible. I don’t have his number and Casey has been busy in meetings all morning so I don’t like to bother her. Is there any chance you can give it to me?” I tell a little white lie. It’s for a good cause though, so it’s all okay. I’m not a bad person.
“Of course.” She gives me the number and we exchange pleasantries before ending the call.
I start to dial Matthews’s number and stop when I see Casey walk past my door. I wait to see if it’s my office she is aiming for, but she carries on. Ah, she must be going to see Stephen a few offices down. Wooow lucky escape.
I quickly dial the number and it rings a while. I glance at my watch 3pm – I wonder what time it is there. I hope I don’t wake him.
“Matthew Jackson.” He sounds out of breath.
“Hi, Matthew, it’s Hannah speaking. How are you?” Really I wanted to say get back over here you asshole, but I remember this man is now my boss.
“Hi, Hannah, how is she?” Well thanks for asking how I am shit bag.
“Well, that’s what I’m calling you for. She’s like a little lost dog that’s pining for her owner. Nobody dares to speak to her as they’re scared she’s going to bite their head off.”
I hear him exhale. “I’ll call her now.”
“No! Don’t! Then she will know I’ve been in contact and will be pissed that I’m interfering!” I protest.
“I won’t say anything to give you away Hannah. I promise. Will you call me later to update me on her?” He asks.
“Of course I will. Take care.” I smile.
“You too.” He ends the call at that.
I sit back in my chair and hope things work out for my dearest friend.
Chapter Fourteen
Casey
“So, everything is fine. I think sending Michelle to investigate the downfalls of the business was a good idea,” Stephen stops when he hears my phone’s ringtone.
I look down at my phone and see Matt’s name on the caller ID.
“Sorry, I need to take this call Stephen. I’ll be back later.”
“Hi, Matt, how are you?” I answer and make my way out the door and back up to my office.
“Missing you like mad, other than that I’m okay. How are you?” He asks with concern in his voice.
“I’m okay.” I lie.
“So, why don’t we look at booking a ticket for you to come over here next week?” He asks. I miss his voice, I miss his touch.
“Maybe, I’ll have to see how things are running over here first, but I’ll definitely be coming to see you soon. I miss you so much, Jacks.” I balance the phone between my ear and shoulder as I push my door open and see a male figure sitting on the chair facing my desk.
I squint trying to work out who it is at first. Not paying much attention to what Matt is saying on the phone.
The man realizes I have entered and stands and turns; Darren. He couldn’t have picked a worse fucking time.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” I shout.
“Calm down, it’s about time me and you have a little overdue chat, don’t you think?”
“Get the fuck out of here before I call security! You have no business here!” Every part of my body is raging. I don’t think the mood I was in previously is helping.
He laughs. “You don’t scare me Casey.”
He walks towards me and I move backward until I hit the door. Oh fuck.
~~~~~
Hannah
I'm almost falling asleep with the conference call with the managers and managing directors of our hotel chains. Borrrring, Casey should be the one who is listening to them drone on but I figured she wasn't in the mood, so being the good friend that I am I decided to take over. I know for the future though.
I start to doodle on my desk pad to pass the time when my mobile phone starts vibrating on the table, giving me such a fright. The caller ID says Matthew Jackson; he must be phoning me to update me on his chat with Casey.
I can't just stop the call I'm on without looking unprofessional so I tap the side button on my phone to put it on silent and I make a note to call back as soon as this call has finished, if it ever does.
I get back to my doodling when my phone flashes again. It's Matthew calling back. I figure it must be something important
"Sorry ladies, I've got to go. Please forward me the rest in an email." I end the call and pick up my mobile.
"Hi Matthew, how is she?" I ask. I was going to thank him from saving me but I figured saying that to the boss would be even more unprofessional than ending the previous call.
"Get up to Casey's fucking office now and get security! Somebody is there, I don't know who but she was swearing and shouting and-" His voice is panicked.
"I'm on my way. I'll call you back." I rush out the door and end the call immediately. I call out to Stephen and he is close behind me. I tell him to call security and he goes back to his office to make the call.
I don't wait for the elevator and instead I run up the flight of stairs.
Just as I get outside Casey's door, I hear loud voices, hers and a man’s voice... I just can't place the voice…
Chapter Fifteen
Matt
My early morning gym work out is ruined.
I can’t concentrate on anything.
I just worry about Casey, I hope she is okay.
I pace the gym floor.
I feel so fucking helpless.
I should be there protecting her from whoever it is that has upset her.
Rob and James try to calm me down and try to figure out what is wrong. I can't tell them because James doesn't know what is going on between me and Case. Fuck, he would flip his lid if he knew I was fucking our new business partner.
I felt so fucking bad when I spoke to Hannah earlier, when she told me how Casey wasn't doing so well. All I could think about was her big blue eyes with the same sadness the day we said our goodbyes.
The same sadness I heard in her voice when she was trying to act brave on the phone before, whomever the fuck it was upset her.
I hope she's safe.
When I next see her - which is going to be soon because if I don't I feel like I'm going to crack up. I'm never going to let her go.
I won't make that mistake again.
~~~~~
Casey
Tears stream from my eyes as a mixture of emotions flush through me. Terror, rage and heart ache.
"What the fuck do you want from me Darren?" I cry.
"I want what is mine!" His arms fly up in the air. "This money is all mine!"
Hannah barges through the door.
"Darren!" Shock in her voice, "What are you doing here!" she puts her arms around me.
"Mind your own business you blonde slut!" He spits at her.
We huddle together, backs against the door as he picks up a paper weight from my desk and flings it at me, missing my head by an inch.
He picks up a stapler and throws that.
This time it does hit.
My hands fly up to my right eye and I squeeze it shut to stop the pain.
Within moments two of my security team run through the door - each of them would make two Darren's - and run straight at him pushing him to the floor.
I turn to look at Hannah and I cry.
Uncontrollably, I break into pieces.
~~~~~
Hannah
I leave Casey and the security team to speak to the police officers.
I put my phone to my ear as I pace my office.
"Hannah. What happened?" Matthew answers almost instantly.
"When I got to her office her ex boyfriend Darren was there. He said he had come to take what is his - her money. He threw things at us and a stapler hit her on the face. She's okay, just in shock. She is with the police at the moment." I explain
"What a fucking ass." I hear fury in his voice.
"I'm going to stay with her tonight to make sure she’s okay. I'll get her to call you. Don't worry Matt, she's strong." Stronger than anybody I have ever known.
"I know. Thanks. Look after her."
"Always." I affirm.
Chapter Sixteen
Casey
I spend the rest of the week away from the office and Hannah and I travel home for a long weekend.
It's been nice to spend some quality time with my family and I think Andrew feels that way about spending time with Hannah.
I sit with my iPod speakers in as I work at the dining table.
Hannah and Andrew are sat across the room talking.
They think I am busy working but really I am watching them. I see the way they look at each other, the 'accidental' brushing against each other. They would really make a good couple.
Chad Kroeger's voice fills my ears -
'Cause trying not to love you, only goes so far.
And trying not to need you is tearing me apart
Can't see the silver lining from down here on the floor
And I just keep trying but I don't know what for
'Cause trying not to love you,
Only makes me love you more
I wipe the tears away with the back of my hands and I see Hannah watching me from across the room, concern in her eyes.
I smile at her to let her know I was having one of my funny moments and that I'm okay - I've had a few of them recently.
I type a quick text to Matt -
Hope you're not missing me too much Jackson. x
I look over to Hannah and Andrew; he now has his arm around her shoulders.
I search for plane tickets to California; there is a plane due to leave Manchester in two days, without giving me a chance to over think I book a business class ticket.
After eating a lovely home cooked dinner made by my parents we all sit around the table.
"I'm really sorry but I've got to go home a night earlier than expected," I explain, everybody’s attention turning to me. "I've got a plane to catch in Manchester in two days."
"Thank God for that, I need a bloody break from you!" Typically, Hannah makes a joke and everybody laughs out loud, including me. It feels good, as though I haven’t laughed for a long time.
When I arrive home it's after 9.
I have a quick shower and climb into bed.
And like every other night this week, I ring Matt. He is generally having some lunch when I am climbing into bed.
"Hi Case." I can hear his smile.
"Hey Jackson, I'm not interrupting anything am I?"
"No, I was just thinking about how I missed your voice."
"Ugh, cheese ball." I joke and he laughs.
We talk about anything and everything we can. I don't tell him about the flight I have booked. I plan to keep that as a surprise.
I can't wait to see his face, to feel his arms around me and to taste his lips.
~~~~~
With help from Debbie and Hannah I am packed and ready to go.
Ready to travel across oceans to visit the man I miss so much.
Hannah gives me strict instructions – I’m not allowed to do anything work related whilst I am away. I’m not allowed to check emails, take calls, nothing.
We pack my cases into Hannah’s Audi A5 and we set off for Manchester.
The roads are relatively quiet so we make it there in just over two hours.
We say our goodbyes and I make my way into the airport. I check in. Drop my bags off and wait in the business class departure lounge.
Chapter Seventeen
Hannah
When I get back to Newcastle I head straight to the Phoenix Corps Building. I was going to take the rest of the day off but I have so much paperwork to get through and with Casey being away I have double the work load.
I set Casey’s emails to out of office and forward all mail to my inbox.
I start to work through the huge pile of documents, authorizing sick pay and holidays
Stephen calls in for a few signatures to sign some account paper work off – when Casey isn’t here I’m the next in charge.
All of a sudden a number of email notifications pop up at once. All of them addressed to Casey.
I’m coming for you. You’ve been warned.
I told you to watch your back you slut.
Stop fucking ignoring me!
You’ve pissed me off enough. Don’t push me further.
What the fuck? She never told me she had a stalker. I hit the reply button.
I don’t know who this is, but this is Hannah, Casey’s assistant. If you don’t stop with your psychotic emails then I’m going to contact the police.
Ps – you’re not going to ‘get’ her – because she isn’t here and even if she was, you’d need to get through me and about 100 other people.
I pick up the phone and dial Andrews’s number.
~~~~~
Casey
I touch down in California at lunch time, there is a driver waiting to take me to the Jackson Industry buildings.
When I get in the back of the limousine I change from the clothes I have travelled in and pull a peach coloured maxi dress over my head and strap sandals around my ankles.
I run a brush through my hair and quickly put some makeup on.
As the car pulls up outside the huge building I slide my Chanel sunglasses on and step out of the car. The driver lifts my case out and helps me to the entrance before saying something and disappearing back to the car.
I walk through the sliding doors and take a few moments to calm down. My heart feels like it's going to come through my chest at any moment.
I take a deep breath and walk over to the girls on the reception desk; they are dressed smartly in matching white blouses with the Jackson Industry logos.
"Hi, I'm looking for Matthew Jackson?"
The two girls look at each other before one speaks up.
"Sorry, Mr. Jackson is in meetings all morning. Can I make you an appointment?" she smiles.
"Is James available?" I ask next.
She looks at her computer screen and then back at me "No sorry."
"Is Kate available?" She's my last chance.
"Look, honey. I don't know who you are but as you can understand everybody is far too busy for fan girls. You might have a chance to speak to one of them if you go t
o an event where they are. Until then, join the queue waiting to see Matthew Jackson." She nods behind me and I glance over my shoulder and notice a blonde woman sitting alone on the low chairs, she is concentrating on her phone in her hands. I can’t really see her face as she is looking down, however I can already tell she is very beautiful. High cheekbones, perfectly tamed hair, a slim figure and her short skirt shows off her incredibly long, toned legs.
I snort as I turn back to the receptionist, how un-lady like. "You think I'm a fan girl?"
"Aha." Is all she offers as she gives me the once over with her eyes, which infuriates me.
"Look," I glance down at her name badge, "Natalie, I don't know if you've heard, but Jackson Industries have just gone into partnership with a company overseas called Phoenix Corporate---"
"I know. honey, I work for the company." She raises her eye brow at me as she cuts me off mid-sentence.
"Oh, but I don't think you do. Honey, let me introduce myself. I'm Casey Phoenix." Her mouth drops open as she realizes who I am and I am grateful for my inner bitch making yet another appearance, "Now I would appreciate it if you called Kate for me." I flash an arrogant smile at her. One-nil to me.
A very red-faced and speechless Natalie picks up the receiver and dials a number.
Within five minutes Kate is marching towards me with a huge grin spread across her face, her red hair waving down and framing her face.
"Hi Casey! How are you? Nice to see you over here." She greets me with a hug.
"Hi Kate, I'm great thank you. Look, I don't mean to be rude but I really need to see Matthew and the girl on reception wasn't very helpful. Can you get me to him?"
Kate glances to the girls on reception and flashes them a disappointed look. "Follow me Casey." She pulls my case and I follow.
On our way to the elevators, I get an anxious feeling that I am being watched. I quickly scan the reception area and notice the blonde woman is watching me intently, looking over every inch of my body as if trying to size me up. Her eyes meet mine and she stares through me which makes me feel uneasy.
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