Me. Her. Him - Chapter 57

by Jacob1395

Background
Angela has spent nearly half her life hiding from a man in her past. But when he finally tracks her down, it isn't him she's scared of. It's what he knows.

Background: Angela is shocked when William, an old friend from her past, who she hoped never to see again, comes back into her life, after he applies for a role at her work and successfully secures the job. William’s sudden reappearance puts Angela on edge. She’s terrified he’s discovered her secret, which she needs to protect her family from. William’s convinced Angela knows what happened to his former girlfriend, Caz, who hasn't been seen for twenty years, and that something terrible happened to her. The only person, who can help Angela, is her once best friend, Michelle, but Angela hasn’t seen Michelle for more than a decade. Faced with the threat of William’s return, they know they’ll need to work together to save their future, even if this does mean reopening old wounds, and revisiting a past they'd rather keep buried.

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I’m still getting looks from my colleagues, when I arrive at the office next morning. One of the girls, who I’m sort of friendly with, pauses, and looks over in my direction before she heads into the building, shaking her head, as though she can’t believe I’m back. I’d waved at her as I got out of my car, but she didn’t wave back. It’s going to be days before the suspicion surrounding me ends, if they don’t know what’s going on already. My chest burns.

The air outside is damp. It’s been raining on and off during the night. Every time there was a sudden burst of rainfall, it made my eyes snap open. As per usual, Paul slept through it. He has no clue I’ve seen the messages on his phone. I thought about confronting him last night while he sat we sat on the sofa with a glass of wine, but I was too afraid to. I sort of wish I hadn’t seen the messages now. Why did I have to look? Why couldn’t I have just let it go?

I’ve no idea yet if Olivia’s called Claire to offer her the job. I’m sure Claire would’ve seen during the interview that Olivia wasn’t warming towards her, which would turn me off saying yes, if I was in Claire’s position.

Perhaps William will have a change of heart and say he’d like to come back. I’m sure Olivia would give the job back to him in a heartbeat if he did.

I keep my focus on my work throughout the day, making sure invoices have been processed and generally tidying up accounts. Having the last few days off has created a stack of work, which I’m actually pleased to be able to concentrate on. Any other normal day and I’d be moaning about it.

When twelve thirty rolls around I jump out of my seat. My colleague opposite looks up at me, but soon goes back to her work.

Kirsty texted me earlier to see if I fancied walking into town, to grab a bite to eat, but I declined. If I’m going to be able to gain access to her computer, it has to be now.

I feel as though every CCTV camera in the building is focused on me, as I leave my desk. I’m going to be caught, this isn’t going to work. Olivia’s going to come downstairs, and ask what I’m doing.

I take the stairs on my way down, my heart thudding as I near the bottom, sweat patches forming under my arms.

If anyone sees me, I’ll say Kirsty asked me to check something for her, while she was out. My colleagues will believe that, surely, they all know we’re friends. But how will I be able to explain myself to Kirsty, if she sees me at her computer?

Kirsty isn’t at her desk when I reach reception. She would’ve only left a few minutes ago, she might even still be in the car park.

There’s always the possibility Kirsty might’ve forgotten something and she could be on her way back. Or perhaps she’s decided to grab something from the Costa over the road and to eat her lunch at her desk. I glance out onto the car park. I can’t see her outside. It doesn’t look too busy in the Costa either. I need to be quick. Get it over and done with now, and then you don’t need to think about it.

I sit on the edge of her seat and move her mouse around. Her computer is still logged on. Inwardly I groan. Really she should log out every time she leaves the building. Anyone can walk in and access it, and that would put the company’s security at risk.

I open up Kirsty’s emails and focus on my breathing, the sound of the usual classical music playing through the speakers, washes over me.

I type William’s name into the search engine at the top of her emails and a few results pop up. Bingo. I click on the email with his CV attached, and open the document. His address is there right at the top of the page, along with his phone number. Shit. He’s only in Witham. That’s what a fifteen minute car journey from here? I’m sure I’ve been there for a meal somewhere with Paul not too long ago.

I slump in Kirsty’s seat as the realisation dawns on me that he’s been so close all this time. I could drive to William’s house tonight if I want to on my way home from work. I shake the thought out of my head. Michelle’s the one with the plan. She’s going to sort this out. I might not need to do anything. By this evening, this could all be over and I can go back to living my life.

I take out my phone and snap a photo of his address and phone number, before returning Kirsty’s emails to her inbox, and closing her computer down. I need to get out of here now.

I stand up from Kirsty’s seat and move out from behind the desk, making sure I’ve left everything the way I found it. My heart’s bouncing against my chest.

I feel sure she’s going to notice someone’s looked at her emails, or at the very least been that someone’s been sitting at her desk.

There’s no CCTV looking directly at her desk, well, at least, not that I know of. The only one in reception is pointing towards the entrance.

At least I can go back to Michelle now with William’s address, so when she decides what to do, we can act straight away.

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Character List:

Angela Watkins - Protagonist

Paul Watkins - Angela's husband

Rebecca Watkins - Angela's daughter

Michelle Blake - Angela's former best friend

Kirsty - Receptionist (Angela's friend)

Olivia - Angela's boss

William Harris - Angela's former friend