I couldn't sleep that night at all. My encounter with Adam Harrison was very unpleasant. I didn't asked anything to Stella instead I stayed quite. My guts were telling me that I need to be cautious about Adam. The background check which I did last time, it was some limited information about him.
For a guy like me, who has all sorts of sources under his feet, I couldn't let it slip of my mind. That's why I called John in the middle of the night and told told him to find information on Adam Harrison, each and every single detail of his past.
Stella was asleep so I didn't bother to go somewhere else to talk with John. Poor John was definitely cursing me for putting him in a situation like this. But he's my secretary so, his job is to full fill all my needs.
Last time, I didn't bothered to look into Adam's past properly because I hadn't thought that he was this much concerned about Stella. I'm sure that I'll get an useful date if I look into his past.
His behaviour was beyond creepy which I can't explain. If I compare him with Ray, then Ray was far better than him. This guy, Adam, he can swiftly tell a lie without even batting his eyes.
He pretends to be a saint but deep down, he is an evil man. The way he looks at Stella, it was like a manic looking at his addiction, an alcoholic looking at the bottle of beer with such intensity. A lustful, sinful gaze of an evil person.
Next morning I left my house like usual. Stella also went to her office and I only prayed that she will be fine. I stayed in my cabin, waiting for John to bring some news. It was around lunch time when John entered into my room.
" Here's the information you wanted on Mr. Harrison."
" So? Did you find something useful?" I asked him while looking at the file he was holding.
" Apparently yes. It turns out that Adam Harrison went to the same high school where your wife went. They were in the same year." My suspicion was right! He knew Stella from a long time.
" What? Then how come Stella didn't told me? Doesn't she know him?"
" Well, she is not to be blamed. Back in those days Adam Harrison looked really different. Here's the picture." He handed me the file with the old picture of Adam Harrison. I observed both of his photos and even I was amazed how different it was. In his high school years he had long hair which almost covered his eyes. He also had glasses and he looked like a typical geeky guy.
" If you look at these photos, you will see how much he has changed. And I have heard that he was a very quite guy during his high school years."
" What about his relationship status, love life?"
" He's been single forever. No one ever saw him with any girl. He's also good with his employers. No one ever seen him doing anything unusual."
" Anything else?" With a gruff voice I asked John. His expression was changed, he looked kinda worried as if I'll get mad if I hear it.
" What? Just say it." I asked him again.
" It's only a rumour which my informer told me. Adam Harrison was kind of stalker. He used to follow Stella but only few people have heard of it." John said timidly.
" So Stella didn't know about it?"
" No, it never came out in public. Besides Adam Harrison never interacted with her in the past. So, basically he's a stranger to Stella."
" Shit! I knew he was up to something. Anyway thanks for delivering the super fast information. I'll increase you salary double." After throwing my anger on him for no reason, I had to do that. Besides John is a very reliable person. I can always trust him in my troubles.
" Ah! What a good way to show your gratitude." Letting out a sigh of relief, John replied back with a broad smile. He left my cabin and I called on Ray's phone. Ray picked up the phone within my first ring.
" Sup!"
" Can you come at my house today?"
" When?"
"Around evening. It's urgent."
" Yeah I'll be there on time." Rather than talking on phone it's better to explain everything when he's at my home. As I left my office I thought of going to Stella's office without even telling her. I was anxious after hearing everything from John, that's why I wanted to see her as soon as possible.
I parked my car few meters away from the office building. Stella's co-workers thinks that she's not married. So if I suddenly go there to pick her up, it will cause problems for her. I stayed there in my car, eyes fixed on the front glass, waiting for her to get out of the building. Suddenly I heard a knock on my side window.
Seeing the person, who knocked my window made me startled. That person was Adam but the question is why is he here, outside his office?
" Theo?" It was Stella's voice. She showed her face beside that guy.
" Why are you here?" She told me in a quite voice after I got out from my car.
" Uh.... I was just around the corner so, I came here to pick you up." My excuse was lame, I know but I had no other idea.
" Mr. Lester you seem to worry about your wife a lot. It's fine, you can rely on me." Adam jumped into our conversation which made me annoyed. Can't you see we are talking? What is wrong with this dude?
" Yes. I'm grateful for that. I'm at ease knowing that she's under your care." I stayed calm and replied him politely. It's better to stay quite for now. I don't want to make any fuss here.
" Oh! I don't mind taking care of her for the rest of my life." A witty smile appeared on his face, with his eyes gazing at Stella. He had crossed the line. It was too much for even a joke.
On the other hand Stella was laughing without even understanding the depth of his words. " Sir! Don't be silly. I can take care of myself." With her child like innocence she told him, giggling freely.
" You can always count on me if you need anything."
" Sure sir. Then I shall take my leave." We walked away from there after taking our leave. I was certain that Adam is trying to gain Stella's attention. For the gods sake! One after one! All these guys are after my wife! I can't even live a peaceful life and be happy.
Is this karma? Or some sort of payback?
" Why were you with him?" Keeping my eyes on the road, I asked Stella.
" I was buying ice cream. Sir was passing by that time. He insisted to buy it for me and we started to have conversation."
" I see. He's awfully concerned about his workers."
" He's a nice guy." If only you knew about his true nature. Once I get all the information about him, I'll make sure to drive him out from our life. No matter how many guys are after you, I won't let them take you away from me.
~ to be continued