Alec sat down at a chair next to the receptionist while Laura was talking to someone in the Administration office. It appeared they saw Alec drop the plane at their building through their security camera, so they were called and asked what the unexpected visit was. Laura went ahead to explain her situation to them.
The receptionist glanced at Alec twice, before lowering her face to the computer she was typing on. This action, however, didn't escape Alec's notice. Alec stared at the lady and waited for her to glance at him again. She reminded me of a girl in his school.
Her name was Sophie. According to beauty standards, Sophie was considered beautiful, but unlike the rest of the self-gratifying moguls at his school, she was friendly and approachable.
One time, Alec mistakenly doused water on her dress. Instead of flaring up and cursing him, the girl smiled wryly and made a joke about how she was prone to accidents. Alec had never felt refreshed with that attitude. Ever since he had always liked talking to the girl and handing out some of his books if necessary.
The lady receptionist took another glance at Alec, but seeing that Alec was already looking at her, she immediately removed her eyes from him. Alec didn't know why she was looking at him like that. Just then, Laura came out of the office with a solemn face.
"Come on, let's go", Laura said to Alec. Alec stood up and headed for the exit. "Wait, you have to sign out", the receptionist said, stopping them. Laura looked back with questionable eyes. "Why are we supposed to sign out?" The receptionist shrugged slightly.
"It's the company's policy", the receptionist said, looking at Alec. Laura wanted to protest further, but Alec stopped her. "Never mind, it's just writing our names, right?" Alec said and collected the pen from the receptionist and wrote on the register. Laura followed suit and wrote something.
Alec handed the paper and took a last glance at the receptionist, before entering the elevator. The receptionist brought back the book register and looked at the part Alec signed. Then her face appeared conflicted.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
The process of renting a car went smoothly, and Laura drove towards the destination. Alec was finally able to ask the questions on his mind. "What happened at that office?"
Laura's eyes showed traces of conflicted thoughts before she blinked. "Nothing, he just warned me not to drop planes to his building, that's all", Laura immediately said before becoming silent. Alec realized she didn't want to talk, so he didn't probe further.
"I just want to remind you that no matter what happens, I am always there for you", Alec said and closed his eyes. He hasn't slept for a whole day, and he has to keep a sharp mind to prepare for anything. Laura glanced at Alec with a complicated expression.
Alec never knew that the destination was still very far. Three hours had passed, and they were still on the road. Alec opened his eyes, feeling slightly refreshed. He looked at Laura, who was showing signs of weariness. "Maybe I should take the wheels right now", Alec suggested.
"No, we can't switch now. How can we stop at a time like this? We have to keep moving", Laura protested as she held the steering wheel tightly. Alec nodded and sat back, still looking at Laura.
"Where are we going to exactly?" Alec asked. "You'll know when we get there", Laura said slightly irritated. Alec shook his head in disappointment. I thought I had her trust, Alec thought.
A few minutes before the clock stroke twelve, Laura finally slowed down the car and turned left, and entered a street. Right after entering the street, she made another turn, and minutes later, she arrived at her destination. Alec opened the door and looked at the house.
It was a semi-duplex house with a tall gate. Alec could not fully see the interior of the building, but he noticed that the gate had a camera system alarm bell. Laura walked towards the bell without waiting for Alec and pressed a button.
"Your name and code", an electronic voice came out of the electric bell. "Laura, Oreos are the best", Laura replied robotically. Soon, the gate slid open, allowing Laura to enter. Alec followed suit and entered the house. Laura saw Alec entering, and wanted to say something, but chose to keep silent.
Alec was finally able to see what was hidden behind the gate. Apart from the camera at the gate, there were cameras on the doors and the walls, four of them to be exact. What security!
Laura entered the building and into the sitting room. Alec entered the sitting room along with Laura. As soon as he entered, he saw Laura hugging a boy that looked like he was in his seventeens.
"Mom, you took long", the boy said worriedly. "Yes Anthony, I'm sorry. I just had a business I had to conclude, so it took longer than I anticipated, but don't worry, mama's here", Laura said with the voice of a loving mother.
Anthony smiled and hugged her again. By the time he saw Alec standing at the door, his face instantly changed, and he took out the bow he wore on him and loaded it with an arrow. Before Laura could react, Anthony released the arrow, and it headed directly at Alec's head.
Alec wasn't even prepared for such an outcome. The reason was that he didn't see any weapon on him, probably because he was hugging his mom. The arrow was instantly at his head, but somehow he was able to dodge it, and the arrow hit the wall and stayed there.
Alec was genuinely baffled by what just happened. He could not believe he escaped death narrowly. The necklace played a very important role here. If he was a step slower, his skull would be holding that arrow.
"Before Anthony took another arrow, Laura held his hands to stop him. "Stop it, he's with us!" Laura screamed as he grabbed the arrow from his hands and threw it across the room.
"Mom, but you told me to...", Anthony defended, but his mom interrupted him. "I knew I said that, but you can't just go kill anyone you see. You don't want to be a murderer, do you?" Laura scolded before apologizing to Alec.
"He's with us, for now. Go to your room and rest up. We are going out tomorrow", Laura said and headed to the shower. Anthony nodded and sized up Alec with critical eyes.
"Who the hell are you? Speak, or I'll kill you", Anthony said with a hard voice as he fiddled with his arrow on his strap. "I'm a nobody", Alec simply answered and simultaneously studied him.