“Apparently you didn’t get my message, Teresa Bjorn.” The hooded figure leans into the camera. The voice is unrecognizable, taunting. I see the horror in Sam and Reva’s eyes and the guilt in Alexander’s. This message is for me and me alone. My responsibility. I hear the clicking of heels and turn to find Carla behind me, fear in her eyes. She’s a great actress, I’ll give her credit.
“Ms. Bjorn, you have until Saturday. Leave everything behind; be a good sheep. Leave behind this facade of heroism; you’re no hero. The snarl in their voice ripples down my spine. “I would hate to see Mr. Jackson end up six feet under.” Their laughter haunts my ears. If something happened to him because of me, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. The ticking of a clock echoes through the room; then, the screen goes dark.
Silence, a well-known friend, greets us. Shock, horror, and fear slides across my face, and I hang my head in defeat. We’ve wasted time and planning getting this far, only to be taunted and laughed at by the opposing team. If the club won’t do anything, I will.
“Joaquin, tell me that you have something. A name? A location?” I whisper, knowing that if therewassomething, we’d know by now. He gives no response, as I’d expected .
Carla breaks the silence, her heels clicking on the floor as she clasps her hands together. “I think it might be best if the call center closes down for the week. Everyone, take the next few days off. Your fearless leaders and I will come up with a plan.”
Everyone looks at me for confirmation, and I give them a nod. They slowly make their way out, leaving Joaquin, Alexander, Sam, Reva, and myself standing with Carla. She plastered a fake smile on earlier, but as soon as everyone leaves, she sits down and gestures for us to join her. I choose to stand.
She pinches the bridge of her nose and lets out a deep breath. “Someone better start talking.”
“Depends on what you want to know,” I mutter.
“Don’t play coy with me. What did you get yourself involved in? And why are there two bikers here?” Her face twists with disgust.
I can feel my temper rise. “First off, we welcome all people into the Foundation. Second, there’s a problem; people are disappearing. Honestly, I’m starting to wonder if you’re involved.”
She jerks back in astonishment. “Excuse me?”
“I don’t think I shuttered,” I challenge her.
“Why the fuck would I want people to disappear? Last time I checked, they’re the reason we have jobs.”” She retorts back.
“Look, whatever insanity is going on here, leave me out of it. Tessa, you dug yourself this hole. Get yourself out of it and fast, for the sake of the Foundation.” She stands up, wiping invisible dust off her skirt. “I’m just surprised that Mr. Connors hasn’t fired you already. Good day.” She turns to leave, and I turn to pummel her into the ground, but I’m held back by Joaquin and Alexander.
“Easy now. Don’t let her get to you,” Alexander says, but I yank back in response.
“We need to movenow! I don’t care about the damn hierarchy; no one is allowed to threaten me, the Foundation, my loved ones, or you.” I step up to him, looking him dead in the eyes.
“It doesn’t work like that.” Alexander stares right back.
“Make it happen. Find a way. I’m not waiting on Rawlings anymore. If they want a fight, they’ll get one.”
Alexander pulls me into this chest, attempting to calm me down. I don’t want his comfort right now. I want his fury, his anger, his desire to take out the enemy.
I push back on him. “Excuse me, but I have some paperwork that I need to grab before I head home. Reva, Sam, enjoy the next few days. I’ll call you later.” I head into my little hallway to my office. I can hear mumbling and feet shuffling, but I don’t look behind me.
Rolling my chair along my desk, I search for my computer, notes, and other items to bring home. One aspect of my job may be out of commission temporarily, but other responsibilities beg for my attention. I hear the door open quietly, shutting with a click behind him. Great.
“You have five minutes,” he announces.
“Excuse me?” I look back at him, throwing my glasses onto the desk.
“You have five minutes to get everything out that you aren’t saying. Darlin’, if you’re going to put a mask on, at least make it pretty.” He leans on the door.
“You’ve got some nerve, Alexander Jackson. Be careful with your next words. Wouldn’t want you six feet under.” I throw my hands up.
“You have four and a half.” He folds his arms.
“How? How can you stand there when someone’s threatened your life? What do you want me to do? Sit back and wait and look pretty? New flash Alexander, I won’t.”
He growls at me. “You think this is the first time that’s happened? This is an empty threat. It’s showboating, scare tactics.
I walk back around the desk and stand closer to him. “Just because you have no regard for your life doesn’t mean that I’ll ignore them. I’m tired of Rawlings and the club telling me I don’t need to be involved, that I don’t have a say. I get it, Rawlings is a bit of an old-world control freak. But frankly, I don’t fucking care.” I shove his chest, banging him back against the door.
“That’s it, darlin’, let it out.” Alexander strengthens his stance.