Fear

--- SASHA ---

When she finished introducing herself, she turned to me and shook my hand, waiting for me to tell her my name. I looked at my friend, and he shook his head indicating, that everything was fine.

-Much pleasure Isabella. I'm Sasha. I'll be working for a while in the company. I hope we get along well. - I said as I smiled at her.

-It's an honour to meet you. Who is he? - He said while looking at my friend. I looked at him and made a sign for him to introduce himself properly.

-I am Sasha's representative, my name is Mateo Borges. We will be working with you for a while. - He said as he greeted her.

-Take a seat! I think this will take some time. - Said Louis' brother as he sat his brother to one side and motioned for me to sit next to him.

-I appreciate your hospitality, but I think it's time for me to leave. - I said while I took my friend by the arm.

-It will only be a while, besides you can't move much, rest for a few minutes, and then we'll go. - I looked at my friend to tell him I didn't want to, but he ignored me and sat down next to Louis and then patted the space next to him for me to sit down.

As I knew he would not change his mind, I just sat down without saying anything. The others also sat down and started talking as if nothing had happened. I just paid attention to what they were saying until my phone began to vibrate. I got up and signalled to them that I had to take a call. Until I was far enough away from them, I answered.

- Sasha? Are you there? - Said my friend in a low voice.

-Yes, what happened, Ash? - I said as I looked at the others in the office.

-Baby, I'm at your house. I'm not alone. There's someone else here. I'm hiding, but - The call was cut off, a shiver ran down my spine, and I couldn't help but think of the man with the snake tattoo. My friend was in danger.

- Matt! We've got to go. Now! - I said as I walked towards him and grabbed his arm. When he heard me, he stood up and looked into my eyes, confused. When he understood that I wasn't feeling well, he nodded his head. I immediately grabbed my bag.

-We have to go. Something important came up. - Mateo said as he waved goodbye to the others. -Anything else you can call me on my phone number. - We walked to the door.

- Is everything all right? - Sebastian said as he got up and walked with us.

-Eh. Yeah, don't worry. I'll see you later. - I answered as I dialled Alex's number. His phone rang, and on the third ring, he answered.

- Sash? What's wrong? -

-Call the police. Ash is in danger. He is at my house. - I said quickly, as I tried to open the door, but my hands were shaking too much. Matt heard me and ran to open the door for me.

-I'll do it right away. I'll go to your house to pick her up. - He said in an agitated voice. I listened through my cell phone as he closed a door and went down the steps of his house.

-Be careful! I don't know what I would do if something were to happen to you. - I said, keeping my voice from cracking.

-Nothing will happen to us. I promise I will protect you and Ash. -

-Thank you, Ale. - I said almost in a whisper and hung up the call.

- Have you called the police yet? - Matt said as he tried to calm me down as I was about to have an anxiety attack. I nodded. He took my phone and purse from me and then took off his coat and put it on me.

- The police? Do they need help? - Joseph said as he approached us with concern.

-Everything is fine, excuse me. - Matt said as he put my arm around his neck and held my waist so I could walk faster.

When we got to the elevator, and once we were at the entrance of the building, he left me standing there while he went to get the car. A few minutes passed, and when I saw him approaching I walked to the edge to go up, I was going to open the door, but a hand grabbed my arm, I turned to see who it was and it was Louis.

- Do you want me to help you? - He said as he looked at me. I just shook my head and tried to get out of his grip to leave and see my friends. His face reflected his disappointment after my rejection. He took out a card with his other hand and placed it in my hand.

-Call me if you need anything, anything at any time. I'll be with you in less than 5 minutes. - After listening to Louis, I felt a little calmer.

-Thank you. - I said as I looked at Louis gratefully. He let go of me and opened the door for me. Once I got in, he leaned over and put the seat belt on me. Being so close to him made me nervous.

- Call me once you get in. - Louis turned his head and looked at me.

-I will. - I said as I tried not to move to keep our faces from getting even closer. Louis just nodded and stood up and then closed the door.

Mateo immediately started the car and drove to my house. On the way, I avoided texting my friends to prevent their cell phones from ringing and being found by that man. My feet and hands were constantly moving. Which my friend noticed, and he took my hand and caressed it to encourage me.

When I reached the street where I lived, I could see several police cars and an ambulance at my house. My heart beat faster, and I felt my body temperature drop.

Mateo parked the car and tried to stop me so he could get out first, but I opened the car door and ran to check on Alex and Ashley. As I was about to get in, some policemen stopped me.

-I am the owner of the house. How are my friends? - I asked nervously. I tried to move forward. They looked at each other and turned away. I walked to the entrance, but the door opened, and I froze.

-Stand back, please! - Said a policeman as I watched the paramedics carry out on the stretcher a body covered with a bloodstained sheet.

My legs trembled. It was my fault. I was the cause of everyone I loved suffering. Dizziness shook my body, and suddenly I stopped hearing the others shouting my name.