"How's the search coming along?" His gaze went to back to the file in his hands.
"Our system is constantly searching for a match in all the CCTV captions and we have our eyes out for when she makes any monetary transactions so we can track her location then."
Zach nodded. "But be discreet. We shouldn't compromise her safety."
"Yes, sir."
"I need you to look into someone. A.J."
"A.J? You mean the most sought after hacker in our country?"
How was he even supposed to do that? The person was a mystery and was meticulous in their dealings. You wouldn't know you've been hacked unless A.J decides to make their presence known. And his boss expected him to find such a person? Where would he even begin? Why?
There was a single knock before the door swung open. Xavier walked in and poured himself a drink before settling down on one of the sofas, looking chic in his colorful suit. He raised his glass to his lips but stopped mid-way when he sensed a stare. He looked to find George glaring at him.
"What?" He raised his brows.
George turned away and looked at the his boss who had been silent the whole time. Xavier took a swig and enjoyed the burning sensation of the drink. He was not in the mood for George's silent criticisms.
"Do you have any more orders for me, sir?"
"No. That is all."
"Alright, I'll report to you once we find something."
Zach nodded before dismissing him. As George left the room, Zach finally noticed his brother's lazy countenance. Any Tom, Dick, and Harry who worked in their company could guess why his brother suddenly dropped in during work hours. What an irresponsible punk!
"What?" Asked Xavier when he noticed the glare his brother was giving him. Did he notice too? Was he that obvious? Xavier awkwardly cleared his throat as he stood and walked over. "Planning on asking A.J to help you find her?"
Zach fell silent in thought. No one knew what was going through his mind. Although Xavier felt that the idea was good, he found it rather impossible. But he understood one thing, Zach was doing everything to find that woman. How could a stranger mean so much to him after one night? This is something he never understood. But, his brother was different.
He absentmindedly sat on the edge of the desk and slowly sipped on his drink. Zach furrowed his brows. He could guess the reason for his brother's random visit.
"Is there a woman in your office?"
Panic flashed across Xavier's features but he concealed it with a smile. "Can't I visit my big brother? I've missed you."
"Go back to your office, Xav."
"No, I really want to be here. With you." He tried to pat him on the shoulder but with the glare he was receiving, he awkwardly poked Zach instead.
"I'll reduce your vacation days", Zach warned.
"Twenty minutes! I told my secretary to tell her I'm in a meeting! Twenty minutes and I'll be gone!" He almost cried.
Xavier was frustrated. He was a one-nighter; all women who got with him knew this. But there were some who wanted to tame and tie him down because of his impressive background; he hated and avoided that. He was wrong to fuck that woman in his office yesterday, now she was visiting. How troublesome! Zach gave him a disapproving gaze.
...
Amy paced back and forth. She went forward and raised her fist to knock on the door before dragging herself back. This went on a couple of times. Should I or should I not? She stared at the door; almost burning a hole in it. But I'm already here.
Knock! knock!
Why did you do that hand? Should I run? What do I-
"Emily? What are you doing here dear?" Stella stood at the now opened door in pure surprise.
Amy burned with embarrassment. How does she even explain herself? She could not tell the woman that after having dinner she ended up snacking on the pie and it's all she's been craving. Her attempt to force herself to sleep failed. It was probably the best walnut pie ever to actually have her doing this. It's almost 8 in the evening. What excuse could she give for coming over so late?
"Uh..."
"Yes, dear? Would you like to come in?"
"No, no,.... Uhm, I.... I just wanted to know what time we're starting off tomorrow", she said seriously.
"At 07:30. I told you this over the phone earlier today. Did you forget?"
"Of course. Of course."
Silence. Amy felt embarrassed. She wanted to leave but her feet remained glued on the same spot. Stella frowned. "Is there anything else dear?"
"No. I should go. I'm sorry for bothering you so late." She gave an apologetic smile and turned to leave when she felt Stella's warm and soft hand on her arm.
"Why don't you come in? I could use some company."
Amy nodded. This was the first time she would be in Stella's home. It was a neat little place with simple yet unique furniture and flooded with a lavender scent she had grown to associate with Stella. She followed the woman to the kitchen. Although Stella was close to her sixties, her dyed brown hair and well maintained skin made her look like she was in her late forties. Amy settled on one of the island stools.
"Richard is out with his buddies. I only have two pieces of walnut pie left to offer you with some tea. I hope you don't mind?"
Amy's face lit up immediately. She cleared her throat when she caught the look of surprise on Stella's face who soon broke into a smile. She served the food and settled opposite her. When she heard Amy moan in delight, she could not help but chuckle.
"What?" Amy asked with a happy smile.
Stella smiled. She could not help the affectionate gaze as she watched Amy eat. Little did Amy know that Stella had discovered something she herself did not realize. Poor girl, Stella thought as she sipped on her tea.