Chapter 72 – Similar Pursuits
Sebastian stood in Madeline’s apartment’s dark living room, taking in the scene with a racing heart. The broken glass on the floor gleamed like sharp diamonds, and her phone was lying in fragments close by, its screen lifeless and dark.
There was something, something horribly wrong. Moving slowly, his thoughts whirling with potential, he turned his attention to the distant sound of a car engine starting outside. Instantly his instincts took over, Sebastian saw a white van leave the driveway as he hurried to
the window and looked through the blinds.
He was overcome with panic and impulsively ran outside to his car. Years of careful observation had led him to develop the practice of parking his car discreetly a block away. After jumping in and starting the engine, he drove out gently, following the van onto the road.
He blended in as a regular driver, keeping a safe distance, Sebastian’s mind was racing with
ideas.
Should he call the police? Should he confront the driver? His hand hovered over his phone, but he hesitated. Memories of Emily’s wedding flashed through his mind, the accusations, the looks of suspicion.
He couldn’t risk a recurrence of that tragedy because it had almost ruined him. No, he had to
be smart this time. He needed answers, not speculation. Sebastian followed, taking care to avoid drawing attention to himself, as the vehicle swerved through the streets.
The buildings in the cityscape progressively thinned out, and eventually the van turned onto a gravel road that led to a warehouse. As he watched, Sebastian parked a little distance away, his heart racing. The van vanished inside the warehouse as the gates creaked open.
His hands clenched around the driving wheel as he waited. Hours passed in the span of
minutes, and as he was about to give up, the gates reopened, a man stepped out.
The realization hit Sebastian hard, causing his breath to catch in his throat. The man was tall and broad–shouldered, with a hat covering part of his face. However, Sebastian would always remember that man who had attacked Emily at her wedding, the one with the piercing eyes and the intimidating air. His head whirled, what did this man want with Madeline? Was it
really a coincidence, or was there a more profound relationship?
As the consequences dawned on Sebastian, his stomach turned. He discovered he had been gone far longer than he had planned when he looked at the time. He needed to get back to work, he needed to return before anyone saw him gone.
The gates closed again as the man stepped back into the warehouse. Sebastian’s head was full of unsolved issues as he started his car and drove away once the coast was clear.
The sky had grown darker by the time Sebastian got back to the workplace, and he was met by
Chapter 72–Similar Pursuits
the same hum of activity. Despite the fury raging inside of him, he tried to look calm and collected as he entered the building and made his way directly to his desk,
“Mr. Young?” his assistant called out, approaching him with a clipboard,
“Mr. O’Connell wants to see you. He’s in his office”
2/2
Sebastian froze. Jacob, the name alone sent a wave of unease through him. What could Jacob possibly want? Was this about work, or something else?
He nodded, ignoring his discomfort, and headed into the office. His mind was racing with potentialities, and every step felt heavier than the last. After knocking and waiting a moment, he pulled the door open. It was oddly silent in the workplace,
“Mr. O’Connell?” Sebastian called, stepping inside, there was no answer. He looked around and saw the papers all over the desk and the vacant chair behind it. Just as he turned to walk away, a strong arm around his neck came from behind and violently pulled him back. Sebastian’s breath supply was cut off, and he gasped and choked as his hands clawed at his
arm,
“What the…” he choked out, struggling against the grip. His attacker’s grip was unrelenting, and Sebastian recognized the voice growling in his ear.
Sebastian gave Jacob a powerful elbow to the ribs with all of his strength. Jacob’s grip was just enough loosened by the action for Sebastian to escape. Coughing and struggling for breath, he staggered forward and turned to confront his attacker. Jacob stood with his face twisted in anger and his chest heaving.
Sebastian looked at him confused as he straightened up, his hand still gripping his neck. Whatever it was that had gotten Jacob to this point, it was desperation rather than rage, “Where is she?” Jacob demanded.
x
MAR
Chapter 73–Raphael’s Games
