Business: Phoenix #1

by Danielle, Zoe

I roll my eyes; I am definitely not a beauty today. “Ah nothing much Han, you?”

  “Well Andrew has booked for a weekend away for us both so I am looking forward to that.” Her smiles widen and I can see a sparkle in her eye, she is truly happy and I am glad. “Now, are you going to tell me what’s wrong Case?”

  “Nothing is wrong, why would anything be wrong?” I argue and she raises an eyebrow.

  “You look like shit and sound annoyed. I don’t know why you try to lie to me, Case; I can read you like a book.” She shrugs her shoulders and I let out the huge breath that I didn’t realize I was holding.

  “Do not tell anyone what I am about to tell you.” I watch her intently for a few moments and she sticks her pinky in the air. I smile at her before looking down at my keyboard, sighing and looking back up. “I hired a private investigator.”

  “What? What for?” I hold my hand to stop her from speaking.

  “He traced where the calls and emails were coming from and he got information on the person behind it all.” I explain and watch her eyes widen, her lips forming a small O. “He’s called Jason and I haven’t got a clue who he is, but the investigator told me he is a very dangerous man.”

  “Dangerous in what sense?” Hannah’s voice is almost a whisper and I know she is as scared as me.

  “Dangerous in the sense that he is a schizophrenic and he brutally murdered his mum and dad, sexually abused his mum and then relaxed a little.” My voice breaks a few times, but I am proud I have managed to say it out loud.

  “Oh my God!” Hannah cries.

  “I haven’t been able to sleep from thinking about it. The investigator suggested I block the emails and number, which I have tried but they keep coming. It’s like he has enabled my blocks.” I shrug my shoulders, I don’t even know if that can be done or how it is done but that’s the only explanation I can give.

  “So what do we do?” She asks.

  “Nothing – the investigator told me to stay well away. He’s sending his findings on to a detective friend at the police. I’m changing my number and email address. I plan on lying low the next few weeks, hopefully he will get bored.” Hopefully.

  Hannah nods in agreement. “Good idea. Why don’t you go away somewhere?”

  “I can’t-.” I bite my lip; Matt appears at the doorway smiling with a big bunch of flowers. I look at Hannah in a way she knows that we won’t be discussing this anymore today before looking at Matt. “Hi Matt.” I smile.

  Matt walks over to me and bends to kiss me on the cheek before handing me the flowers – a mixture of pinks and whites – roses, my favorite.

  “Hey Case.” He whispers.

  Hannah clears her throat and pushes herself up from the black leather chair. “I’ll have to run guys; I have a meeting with the admin staff shortly, catch you both later.” She smiles before rushing out of the door.

  I place the flowers on my desk and look up to Matt. “Are Grace and James still about?”

  He nods “They’re downstairs speaking to finance, Stephen is with them.”

  “Casey, I don’t know what was going on with you last night, but you have to reply to my texts. Even if you just say, I’m ok. I have to know your safe,” he says with all seriousness.

  “I’m sorry, I’ll try not to do it again,” is all I can manage.

  “There’s no ‘try’ to it Casey. You won’t, because if you do.... I might have to punish you,” he says playfully in my ear then kisses my neck.

  “Oh Mr. Jackson, whatever would you do with me?” I play back in return.

  “I’ll find something,” he says with a grin, “but seriously, if you don’t, I’ll come find you. Nothing will stop me from keeping you safe.”

  I smile, stand and wrap my arms around him. “I love you.” Is all I say and he kisses me, I can feel his smile against my lips.

  ~~~~~

  The next day I can feel myself getting more and more frustrated. I changed my private mobile number. But the texts come one by one and I have turned my phone on silent so they stop interrupting me.

  I’m watching you.

  I like your skirt today.

  I want your legs wrapped round me.

  Why is your hair up today? You look sexier when it’s down.

  Do you want to play a little game? Look at your emails. I have sent a few pictures; you have to guess what happens to the people.

  Quickly, Casey, time isn’t on your side.

  I open my email browser and sure enough an email is there waiting for me. Waiting to terrorize me.

  The sane side of me wants to delete without opening it. But curiosity gets the better of me and I open it.

  There is a picture of Hannah running. Underneath there is a caption.

  ‘Will Hannah be the person who I get first??’

  I shudder when another email pops up. I open it.

  This time there is a picture of Matt in the suit he was wearing yesterday. Then another in him and James in the pub last night.

  ‘No, I think I should get him and his family out of the picture first. Watch out Casey, your pretty man is going to get it. Soon.’

  Another email comes shortly, a picture of Julie, thin, battered and bruised, her face black and blue.

  What can I do to stop this maniac before he hurts anyone else?

  ~~~~~

  I glance at the bottom corner of my screen and realize that the time is 9.41am. I’m late for the managers meeting. I close my emails down, grab my files and head towards the elevator.

  I approach the conference room door and can hear numerous voices; I knock lightly before entering all but one chair is taken beside Matt, which I assume that he kept it for me. I nod, smooth my skirt before sitting.

  I note that the majority of my managers are present – finance, HR, administration, reception, IT, payroll, legal team, and two publicists, Grace, James and Hannah is present to take the minutes. Everybody is watching Stephen intently as he stands at the front of the room updating everybody on our figures and setting targets.

  Its James’s turn to speak next he stands confidently and holds himself well with such power; he introduces himself to everybody again. Telling them how hard they have worked and how he is planning a new scheme called ‘Giving Something Back’ which means every month, when we have an employee who excels targets set, they will be rewarded.

  The idea sounds really good and I know this is what Matt, James and Grace have been discussing. Matt speaks and explains that there will be a number of rewards – from spa days, golfing days and overnight stays in luxury hotels. Everybody nods in agreement that it is a good idea.

  The HR manager speaks up next – informing us of all new staff within the company and changes at a few businesses. It is discussed that Matt and I should tour around the smaller businesses just to see how things are progressing.

  I haven’t had chance to tour any of the businesses in the past few years so it should be a good opportunity to properly meet my employees.

  I don’t really hear much else which is said, my mind keeps flicking back to the email I received earlier, what if Jason really does intend to hurt Matt and Hannah? What is he planning on doing with Julie? She looked in a bad way. I start to fumble with my hands in my lap. What is he going to do to the people I love?

  Somebody clears their throat and when I look up and realize everybody’s eyes are on me.

  “Casey?” I hear Stephen’s voice.

  “Sorry, I was thinking about-“I ponder what to say for a few moments. “A new charity.” I smile.

  I can feel Matt's concerned eyes on me, but I don't turn to look at him, instead I place a hand on his knee and squeeze it gently. I feel him relax slightly.

  The rest of the meeting goes by quickly and I am glad to get back into my office.

  I open the first of five emails Jason has sent this morning.

  An image of Matt on his morning run.

  The next email is the same.

  The next few say –

&nb
sp; Time to tell your boyfriend goodbye.

  I will send you a picture of him when I am finished.

  You will be mine.

  These emails are enough for me to erupt - the straw that broke the camel’s back. I throw my bottle of water across the room as it opens and Michelle enters. She dodges the bottle and looks at me questioningly.

  "You okay Case?" She asks.

  "Yeah I'm fine. I'm glad that you walked in, perfect timing and all that. Please sit Michelle." I nod towards the leather chair opposite me. She sits straight away, crosses her legs and puts her palms in her lap.

  "What's up?" Is all she says, eyes looking guilty.

  "We're going on a little mission this afternoon."

  I explain about the stalking messages I have been receiving and she tells me that she already knows - Hannah had told her when she had been receiving them herself when I was in America visiting Matt.

  I tell her about the private investigator I hired and all the information he found, the picture of Julie I had been sent.

  Michelle looks at me like I am crazy but she nods.

  "We're going to track him down tonight," I watch as she raises her eyebrows at me.

  "We're going after a crazy psychopath?" She asks stunned.

  "Yeah, we are." Is all I say. I know it is probably a stupid idea, but it is the last resort.

  "And what are we going to do when we find him?"

  "I don't know. I just want to see if he really has Julie. The police won’t act without proof. I just need to see if we can find anything. If we find anything, we’ll go straight to the police" I tried to think through this. I can’t put Michelle in a careless situation and risk her life...

  "What if he captures us?" She sounds frightened.

  "He won’t, but I thought about it. Our phones have GPS and we will go in my car - it is tracked so if we aren't at work tomorrow the security team will come to find us." I explain, that's my back up plan. I know if nobody hears from me within twelve hours they will send out a search party especially Matt, if he doesn’t hear from me by tonight he will find me.

  "Ok." is all she offers. "What time?"

  "Well. I'm going to tell Matt I am staying at Hannah's so I will pick you up at around 4pm?" Matt is another obstacle I am going to have to avoid. I don't know how I'm going to do that.

  "That's fine." She offers a small smile. Her eyes are someplace else.

  "Wear sensible shoes." I tell her. If we need to run, our heels aren't the best option.

  Chapter Forty-five

  At home, Matt is waiting for me with a huge sexy grin across his face. "I have a surprise for you."

  I walk over and kiss him on the cheek. "And what might that be?"

  He pulls me over to the couch and pushes me down to sit before entering the kitchen. "Close your eyes!" He calls and I do. What is he up to? He isn't making this easier for me.

  "Hold out your hands." His voice is close and I assume he is a few feet away from me.

  I feel warmth and fluff wriggling in my arms so instantly open my eyes. A beautiful puppy is staring at me, big brown eyes and a little black nose which is wet. I can't tell what breed it is but it is so cute. The dog instantly jumps up and licks my face.

  "You bought me a dog?" I grin, stroking and making a fuss over my new baby.

  "He's called Benji. I rescued him from a local shelter; he's only four months old and was found dumped by a local supermarket. He's a crossbreed." He smiles before sitting down beside me and making a fuss over Benji who is still in my lap.

  "I love him, thank you!" I reach over and kiss Matt on the cheek.

  We play with Benji for a little while before I turn to speak to Matt. "I'm going to spend the night with Han tonight; she had an argument with Andrew and has been feeling down. I hope you don't mind."

  His face tightens. "Why don't you get her to come and stay here? We have plenty spare rooms."

  "Because we want a girl’s night."

  "I thought we would spend the night together with Benji." He explains, his face still tight, jaw clenched.

  "We can do that tomorrow." This isn't going to be as easy as I thought. I look at my watch; I am supposed to pick Michelle up in half an hour. I'm going to have to think quickly for this to work.

  "I'm sure Hannah will be fine on her own for the night." He argues.

  "Hannah has been there for me since we were twelve years old. I won’t abandon her when she needs me. Surely you don’t think I would. She’s family to me. "I try to reason with him. I wish I could just snuggle with him and Benji but I need to stop Jason before it goes too far. Before he does get to Matt or Hannah.

  "What's going through your mind, Case? I know there’s something more to this. Speak to me-“

  “I’m overwhelmed. I feel like I’m on an amusement park ride that won’t stop. Everything has happened so fast and it’s just too much. I just need to relax with Han and watch The Notebook. And Hannah is distraught, so it’s not fair to her to make her come here.”

  I instantly regret it when I see the hurt in his eyes. He runs a hand through his hair before letting out a frustrated sigh. He begins pacing. It reminds me of a trapped animal.

  "Everything is just moving too fast for me, Matt. Please try to understand" I plead. I need to leave for him, to protect him, Hannah and his family, too. Any harm that comes to them is because of me.

  "I thought you loved me?" He asks his voice low.

  “I do, I really do, Matt. I just need to sort my head out. I...I won’t stay over at Hannah’s. I’ll just go and come back late. What about that?” I say pleased with my bargaining. I don’t know if it will give Michelle and me enough time, but at least it will be a start.

  Matt just continues to pace. He doesn’t say a word.

  I put Benji in his bed Matt must have bought him; he is surrounded by toys and chews. He attacks a small teddy bear which is on the inside of the bed and starts throwing it with his mouth before chasing it with a little bark. Adorable.

  I run upstairs and instantly notice Matt has spread red and white rose petals along the bedroom floor and on top of our bed. There is a bottle of champagne with two flutes on my bedside table; they can't have been there that long as the ice in the cooler hasn't melted yet. I close my eyes. To make myself believe that I am not being a bitch just for the sake of it. There is a reason behind it - to potentially save the people I love. I just wish I could tell him, but I know he would try to stop me.

  I can't believe the man who isn't particularly big on romance has planned a romantic evening for the two of us and got me-us a puppy. From a rescue shelter, he knows how much that means to me.

  I take a few moments to take everything in before changing in to some sweat pants, a vest top and trainers. I throw a black hoodie on and tie my hair up in a ponytail.

  Downstairs Matt is sat back on the couch, his t-shirt removed and his torso now on show. I notice his chest is rising and falling slowly.

  He stands and walks to me.

  “No.” He says simply.

  “No what?” I ask confused.

  “No, I don’t want you to go to Hannah’s at all. Graham or one of the other security guys can bring her here. Something’s not right, I feel it in my gut, Case,” he says in a determined tone.

  It’s now or never. I don’t like what’s about to happen. We’ve come to an impasse.

  “Matt, I love you, but you are not going to tell me what to do! I’m fucking Casey Phoenix, I make my own decisions!” I declare close to tears.

  I walk around him, out the door and into my car.

  ~~~~~

  I pick Michelle up in my Audi; she has also opted to wear sweat pants and trainers.

  We follow the navigation system on my car and we when finally arrive at the address Noel had given me it is dark outside.

  The street is small, with a maximum of six houses. All detached but old fashioned and all in need of renovating. Jason's house is at the far end of the street and is mostly in darkness;
apart from one upstairs room has a light on. There are a number of trees surrounding the house and a rotting wooden gate which is left wide open. I park my car down the street. Turn to face Michelle "Ready?" I ask, she replies with a nod and we exit the car before heading towards the house.

  We head inside of the gate and the garden is unruly, weeds almost tall enough to reach my waist.

  "Try to be as quiet as you can." I turn and whisper to Michelle and we hold hands, both of us scared and unsure of what is going to happen next.

  "Are we going to knock or just walk in?" Her voice is also quiet, a whisper.

  "I don't know...maybe it’s not locked." I look down at the ground and back up to her.

  "Shall we sneak in and hide? Try to get to grips with what we’re dealing with." It’s a good idea and I nod before pulling us both forward towards the door, which I open. We step in before Michelle quietly closes the door behind us.

  It takes a while for my eyes to adjust as it is dark and there is no light on, we are in the kitchen which is filthy and littered. Every work top is covered in dirty plates, food wrappers and the stench hits us immediately. We both throw our hands to our face, covering our noses and mouths. I look to the floor which is also full of rubbish and navigate us to the next door which takes us to a living room - equally as messy. The next door takes us to a steep, straight up staircase. We know a light is on upstairs so we are aware that he is there. I turn to look at Michelle and start up the stairs, my steps light and careful so I don't make a noise, Michelle close behind me.

  I have an eerie feeling, like all the happiness, love and warmth has been snapped out of me. This place is the worst place I have ever been. It is cold - like there has never been any heating system turned on for years. Like there has never been any happiness or color. I bet rats and spiders decide against staying here.

  Once at the top of the staircase we notice the light is on in a room at the far end of the corridor. I can hear voices and laughing, but my heart beat pounding in my ears blocks me from hearing what they are saying. We find an open door and I peer inside, realizing it is a large storage cupboard we step inside, closing the door so we are hidden. Michelle stays behind me whilst I watch through the small crook of the door.