Chapter 12: Shadows in the Rearview
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As I drove to work, my mind was racing. Who was following me—and why?
I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. I kept glancing in the rearview mirror, searching for the black Audi, but it had vanished.
When I finally arrived at the office, my hands were trembling. I took a few deep breaths and tried to compose myself before heading into the meeting room. Mr. James was already there, his expression as stern as ever.
"Good morning, Stephanie," he said curtly. "Let's get started. I hope you have everything ready."
I nodded and plugged in the flash drive, trying to hide the tremble in my hands. The presentation went smoothly, but I could feel his eyes on me the entire time—scrutinizing, analyzing.
After the meeting, Mr. James asked me to step into his office.
"Stephanie, I need to talk to you about your recent performance," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. "You've been distracted, and it's starting to show. Is everything okay?"
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But something in his tone softened me.
"It's just… I've been having some trouble," I said carefully. "Someone's been following me. I don't know who, or what they want."
His expression shifted from stern to concerned. "Have you talked to the police?"
I shook my head. "Not yet. I wasn't sure if I was overreacting."
He nodded slowly. "Let me make a few calls. We'll get you some help. In the meantime, take care of yourself. And your…"
He glanced at my belly.
I smiled faintly. "My baby. Yeah. I will."
As I stepped out of his office, a small wave of relief washed over me. Maybe things were starting to look up.
Then I saw it.
A single sheet of paper lay on my keyboard. Typed in bold black letters were five chilling words:
"We know about the baby."
I froze, blood draining from my face. Who could've written this? How did they know?
I snatched the paper and stuffed it into my pocket, eyes scanning the room. No one looked suspicious—everyone went about their business as if nothing had happened.
My phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: "Meet me at the park at 5 p.m. Come alone."
My stomach dropped. I was in deeper than I thought.
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At exactly five o'clock, I found myself walking toward the park, heart pounding. A woman stood by the fountain—long, curly hair, a face I vaguely recognized.
"Who are you?" I demanded, keeping my distance.
She smiled softly and handed me a folder.
"You're in danger, Stephanie. Josh isn't who you think he is. Read this, and you'll understand."
Before I could reply, she disappeared into the crowd.
Inside the folder was a news article—an exposé about Josh's family. Money laundering. Violence. Political manipulation. It didn't seem real.
Josh had always seemed so genuine… so kind. Had it all been a lie?
Then I heard footsteps behind me.
I turned. The woman was back—this time, urgency written across her face.
"Stephanie, you have to leave. Now. They're watching you. They know you're getting close."
Before I could react, she grabbed my arm and pulled me into a side alley. We weaved through foot traffic until we reached a small café tucked away from the main road.
"Who are you?" I asked, breathless.
"My name is Camille," she said. "I want to help you. Josh's family has secrets—dangerous ones. And now you're involved."
She handed me a burner phone. "There's a number saved on it. Use it if you're in trouble. But be careful. You're not the only one searching for the truth."
And just like before, she vanished.
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As I returned to my car, I saw it again—the black Audi. My heart pounded. I rushed to the driver's side and jumped in, locking the doors.
Then I saw him.
Josh.
He stood in front of my car, hands raised slightly, concern etched across his face.
"Stephanie, what's going on? Why are you running?"
I stared at him, trying to read his expression. Was it worry? Guilt? Deception?
"I… I saw someone following me," I said finally.
Josh's brow furrowed. "Who? What did they look like?"
"A black Audi," I said quietly. "I've seen it more than once."
Josh's eyes narrowed. "Get in. I'll drive you home."
I hesitated. Part of me wanted to trust him. Another part screamed for caution.
Still, I got in.
As we pulled out onto the road, I glanced behind us—the black Audi was still following.
Josh saw it too. He took a sharp turn, weaving through traffic until the car was gone.
He looked over at me, voice low but steady. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Stephanie. I promise."
But as I stared at the road ahead, one question haunted me:
Was Josh trying to protect me… or hide the truth?
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