Eighty Eight

After that short meeting with Paige, I could not control my nerves. All my being told me to get on with it with or without protection. Besides, Kyle is always busy at work and I can't afford to bother him with mine. Maybe, this is for me. I should do this myself. I wasn't hurt when I visited the villa. Why should I be so scared to visit a college student's house?

And i need all the information I can get as soon as possible. There's a lot at stake here, obviously.

I parked my car at the entrance of this small cottage gate. I knew immediately that the estate has assured its occupants adequate safety because almost every house has this short cottage gate. I got down from my car, my phone, a polythene bag and some gloves in hand. I was hoping to see something. I just didn't know what exactly.

The gate wasn't locked and there was still a car in the lot, probably hers. In the world where tinted car windows showef wealthiness, I hoped someday I'll make enough to get mine tinted and maintained. When I got to the door, I noticed that the lock had been broken, my knees suddenly went stiff.

Someone else had been here. The police? No, they didn't investigate further on the case, she never told them anything. There's an intruder!

But who could it be?

What kind of question is that, Kamila? You don't even know this people. My subconscious scolded me.

Yeah, I do not know Jude Kam. I'm just getting to know Paige. I don't know anyone else related to them. I should leave. What, is there someone in there?

But I can't leave!

I can drive all the way to this place only to give up and come back later. I kicked the door open with my black heeled boots and walked in quietly. The interior decorations were perfect. Colors flashed at me from every angle, and I immediately concluded that the house was too big and too extravagant for a college student. But Paige isn't an ordinary student, is she? I found a switch and put on the light in the room. Aside the little dust here and there, the living room was excellently neat and things were in order. When she gave me that address, I expected to see, scattered pillows, a used dish in the middle of the room, even a broken TV. That's how extreme I think a depressed person can go.

I reminded myself not to lose guard and get straight to business. Rooms are upstairs, just a few steps, and you'd be there. 

But before I could move I heard a loud noise from the kitchen and then footsteps. At first, I froze in place, but after sometime when no one showed up I summoned courage to go check the kitchen. 

There was no one there. But the kitchen… I'd die to have my kitchen like this.

I noticed that a window was off, then I got it. Someone was in here, whoever it was had gone out through that window. Scared of me? I don't think so. 

My heart palpitated. I should call Kyle. No, I should go check what I wanna check and get done with it. No…

I shook up all the evil thoughts that flooded my mind and hurried up the steps. I still didn't feel safe. If there's anyone in this house, then I can't make a call. I'll be putting myself in more danger by drawing unnecessary attention to myself. I decided to send a text.

"Block 125 on The Cross' estate. I am that address. I think there's someone here with me, and I'm scared. "

I finally located her room and walked in. It was…a big mess.

Oh, now I get! She keeps her living room clean, but her room shows how miserable she has been. The, that philosophy about depressed people is right anyway. I saw two acoustic electric guitars hung opposite each other in her room. I saw a picture attached to her dressing mirror. A picture that got me smiling and think. She had a boyfriend! Where the hell is he now?!

I didn't know where to find her laptop because the room was just too big and too messy, so I check each of the drawers. The first was locked, the second also. Almost all the drawers were locked, and I wondered if she was hiding those things kept in it from herself or visitors. It's her room, it's her house, why should everything be locked with a key?

I found a pregnancy test showing positive beneath her bed lamp and I trashed it in my polythene bag immediately.

Was she pregnant?

Damn!

This is getting too complicated. 

Just focus, let's leave the thinking for later. I told myself.

The last drawer I checked had her laptop in it. I sighed, but I was not certain whether to be happy or not. I felt followed. All my head told me was that I was in big trouble. I packed the laptop into the bag I carried and checked through her window if my car was still where I parked it. It was there, but the gate…

There are three cars in the lot. I'm done for!

I was supposed to be thinking of a way out but all that occupied my mind was what would happen to me if these the third car belonged to the person who sent the first note.

I took my phone immediately. Kyle hasn't seen the message. I almost cried. He must be very busy. Yet, I'm stuck in here.

"Kyle, it's the Kam case. Sometimes is really wrong at this house and I'm scared. If anything goes wrong with me. Make sure Paige doesn't hear about it. I'll be…"

I was about to type "fine" when I heard the door to the room open, and I quickly hit the send button. Whoever the stalker is. It's time to face him.

I turned around to see no one. I noticed a note by the window where I stood, and I quickly glanced at it, forgetting the danger at hand.

It said. " I'll keep Him, and he'll be my new Damien. "

Before I could think, a handkerchief blocked my breathing from nowhere and I lost myself.