She backed out of her parking space and drove up the curve towards the entrance of the parking deck. Turning around a corner, she noticed a black Chevy truck parked on the side. The lights were out, and she couldn’t see much. However, she would swear two men were sitting inside. Pressing on the gas pedal, she sped right past it. Out of breath, she glanced at her rearview mirror to make sure the truck wasn’t following her. Pulling out of the parking deck and onto the main street, she checked the mirror again… nothing.
Anxiously, she took her cell phone out and called John.
“Where are you?” he answered, immediately.
“On my way…” She couldn’t keep her voice from trembling.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she lied.
“Alex?” he insisted.
“Well, I’m not sure. I think someone was watching me.”
“What? Are you okay?”
No, she thought. I’m not okay. I’m scared to death.
“Alex?”
“I’m fine. I’ll be home in a few minutes.”
“I’m already here.”
Thank God, she thought. She hated the idea of being alone right now. Thinking of John being there, she felt better. Everything is fine, she reassured herself. It’s just that stupid article that got me all wired up.
“What about dinner?” she asked, trying to sound normal.
“I’ve made some spaghetti.”
“John, that’s great!” Alexandra replied, realizing she had nothing to eat all day. “I’ll stop to buy some wine.”
“No need. I’ve taken care of everything.”
“Okay, then! See you in a little bit,” she said, ready to hang up.
“Alexandra, wait!” John urged her.
“I’ll be fine,” she reassured him. “I know you’re trying to keep me on the line, but I’m fine, really. I have to go now and try to concentrate on the road. I don’t have my Bluetooth earbud with me, and you know how I hate driving with one hand.”
“Well… just be careful!” He sighed.
She hung up and kept driving. From time to time, she would check her rearview mirror for the truck. A couple of times, she thought she saw it a few cars behind, but she couldn’t be sure. It’s only my imagination. She contemplated and decided to put it right out of her mind.
Twenty minutes later, she pulled in the driveway of her apartment complex. Checking to make sure that the truck was nowhere in sight, she grabbed her stuff, opened the door, and walked towards her apartment building. The relief of knowing John was inside kept her moving.
Glancing around once more, she spotted a black Mercedes sports car parked in the dark down her dead-end street. Whose car is that? she wondered, having never before noticed it in her neighborhood. There I go again. She reprimanded herself for being so suspicious, but at the same time, she picked up her pace towards the entrance of her apartment building, keeping a wary eye on that car. Reaching the front door, she let out a deep breath. “Everything’s going to be all right,” she whispered. Then again, that warning bell going off inside her head was hard to ignore.
***
Mark Taylor observed Alexandra closely from inside the Mercedes, where he’d waiting outside her apartment for the past two hours.
Seeing the stunning brunette walking towards the building, he inhaled deeply. She was even more breathtaking than in the photos. He loosened up his tie, watching her climb the front steps. Her suit hugged her body like a glove, and the short skirt barely hid an inch of her endless, beautiful legs.
His mouth went dry, and his breath caught in his throat. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.
She opened the front door to the apartment building and stood there for a minute until it closed, probably wanting to make sure nobody snuck inside behind her. Cautious girl, he thought with admiration. Looks and brains—a killer combination! Then again, what did he expect? Deep down inside, he’d known she would be that way.
Chapter Two
ALEXANDRA RUSHED UP the wooden stairs to the second floor. She was about to put the key in the keyhole when her apartment door opened abruptly, making her jump back surprised. Seeing John standing at the entrance, she breathed out in relief.
He took her in his arms, and Alexandra noticed him searching the hallway behind her.
“Everything okay?”
“I thought I saw them again.”
“Saw whom?” he asked alarmed.
“The two men with the black truck,” she replied.
His jaw tightened, and he took a sharp intake of breath.
“Listen,” she went on. “It’s probably nothing, but I thought I saw two men sitting in a black truck in the parking deck of my office building, and then I saw them again on my way here.”
“You thought, or you actually saw them?” he insisted.
“I can’t be sure,” she admitted. “For the last few weeks, I have this weird feeling that someone is watching me.”
“Why didn’t you say something?” he inquired, and Alexandra could tell he was worried.
“Oh! Just forget it! It’s probably my vivid imagination.”
“Did you see the license plate?”
“No, it was too dark in the parking area, and they were far behind me on the way here.”
“Did they follow you here? Do they know where you live?”
“I don’t know,” she replied, frustrated, and ran her fingers through her hair. “The last time I thought I saw them was on I-85. Maybe they didn’t get off this exit.”
“Highly unlikely,” he said. “If they were following you, they probably made it all the way here… Dammit, Alexandra!” he cursed out loud, seeing the alarmed expression on her face. “I don’t mean to scare you, but there are some really sick people out there. Maybe you should come to stay with me for a couple of days.”
“Don’t be silly,” she protested. “It’s probably nothing. Besides, you’re gone most of the time. So what’s the use of coming to your place? I’d rather be home.”
“Then, I’ll come to stay here for a while.”
“No, John. Really, I’ll be okay,” she insisted, but he wouldn’t hear another word.
“Oh, well!” she finally gave up. “Let’s eat! I’m starving,” she continued, wanting to change the subject. She knew that nothing would make him change his mind, especially when it had to do with her safety.
***
Mark kept an eye on the apartment windows. The lights were on; so, despite the closed curtains, the shadows of the couple moving around the apartment were obvious. Once, the young woman came to stand by the window. Shortly after, the man walked up and hugged her from behind.
Mark shifted uncomfortably in his soft leather seat. He’d seen enough for one night. Starting the powerful engine, he left in a hurry.
The lines on the road flashed by, as he sped towards the interstate. Finally, he pulled into a restaurant parking lot, parked, and went inside. Immediately, both the waitresses on duty and a few of the female customers gazed at him avidly. He barely noticed. His tall, dark, handsome appearance typically drew stares from women.
Ignoring everybody, he walked to a table by the window. The tall, blonde waitress was next to him before he even had time to sit down. Her big green eyes fixed admiringly on his face. Mark knew the hypnotizing effect his deep blue eyes had on women and smiled. The waitress almost dropped to the floor. Before he even opened his mouth, Mark had her eating out of the palm of his hand.
Normally, he wouldn’t pay any attention as he was accustomed to women acting this way around him. As a matter of fact, Mark had no respect for women who fell for him so easily. But tonight, it was different. Not even knowing why, he started flirting with the waitress. His behavior puzzled him; she was pretty, all right, but not his type at all.
***
Dinner was delicious, and Alexandra cleaned her plate. She drank the last sip of her wine and leaned back in her chair, satisfied.
“Dessert is coming up!
” John said, standing up.
“What?” she jumped. “Don’t tell me…”
“Yes!” he replied. “Lemon pie! Coming right up!”
“John, you’re an angel,” she cried out. “Whoever marries you is going to be a lucky woman.”
“Who said I’m going to get married?” He laughed.
“Well, you can’t avoid it forever,” she retorted and stood up also. “You’re a nice and attractive man, and I know some women who would die to be with you.”
“Don’t start!” he warned her, and Alexandra burst out laughing, seeing the serious look on his face. John’s feelings against marriage were unyielding. He liked women all right and had quite a few relationships in the past. However, he would never let things get too serious.
Alexandra knew John was afraid of marriage. And he had every right to be. Having seen the problems in his family before his mother died, he probably dreaded being trapped in a dead-end situation.
“You just haven’t found the right one, yet. Or you won’t admit that you found her,” she said, thinking of Holly.
“Alex!” he cried out. “For the last time, I’m happy just the way I am. Besides, nobody can be as perfect as you are, and I can’t possibly marry you, as I love you like a sister.”
Alexandra laughed and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“I’m not perfect,” she said. “You’re just using me as a shield against other women.”
He went to protest, but she didn’t give him enough time. “And, by the way,” she continued, remembering how his last affair had turned out, “I’m not going to pretend to be your wife or even your date anymore to help you escape from certain situations.”
“You’re never going to let me forget it, are you?” he asked, laughingly. “I told you she turned out to be a nuisance. She would call me at work all the time, and the guys would make fun of me. I had to do something drastic.”
“But tell her I was your wife?” Alexandra insisted. “Can you imagine my surprise when she showed up at my office to tell me she was in love and was going to fight for you?”
“I know,” he admitted. “I never thought she would go that far. Then again, that only shows how right I was to stay away from her.”
“I give up!” Alexandra cried out. “No matter what I say you twist it around to your advantage. Now, what was that about lemon pie?”
“Still hungry?” He laughed.
“Cut it out and go bring the dessert!” she ordered him, grinning.
***
Almost one o’clock in the morning, Alexandra lay in her bed still wide awake. John was sleeping in the next room, but she nevertheless felt restless. Tangled thoughts and scattered images kept her mind spinning. Who were those people in the truck? Were they actually following me or was it just my imagination? And if they were, what did they want from me?
She knew nothing about her father’s dealings. After his death, a rumor had spread that he accepted bribes. However, Alexandra never believed a word of it. She knew him better than anyone else, and so did John. They both knew that he would never do such a thing. During his last investigation, however, he’d stepped on some toes. Obviously, those people knew others in high places who managed to close the investigation right after his death.
John suspected that somebody was upset with her father snooping around and had ordered him killed. He had confessed to Alexandra that he believed somebody had tipped off the people they were going to arrest. The bad guys set a trap, and her father and two other policemen were murdered on the spot. John and another policeman were lucky to get out alive. To this day, the deaths of the three policemen remained unsolved, and no arrests had been made.
Maybe, they’re after me for something they think I know, she thought. But that’s crazy, she decided. All this happened five years ago.
Then again, John had explained to her that criminals with such power and connections never gave up. If they believed she has something that belongs to them or she knew something that could do them harm, they would keep a close eye on her until they found what they wanted. And if they ever did, they would make their move.
Alexandra shivered at the thought. I know nothing, she contemplated desperately, having scanned her memories over and over again, trying to find the slightest clue that could lead to solving the case and the clearing of her father’s name. And even if I did, I doubt I would be able to do anything about it. If these people had the power and connections to eliminate well-trained policemen like my dad and his team, how would I manage to outsmart and expose them? She had thought about it a million times and was frustrated, unable to come up with a solution. Besides, she didn’t want to put John in danger either as she was sure that he would try to help her. Then again, they killed my father! A voice thundered in her head.
She climbed out of bed and approached her bedroom window, overlooking the woods spreading behind her apartment building. Standing still, she hugged herself, feeling a chill caress her spine. It was dark and quiet outside. White frothy clouds draped a magnificent crescent moon, and the branches of the trees swayed gently in the soft breeze. Drawing a deep breath, she sat down on the embroidered chair in front of her cherrywood secretarial desk and turned the elegant Tiffany lamp on. Opening her purse, she pulled out the newspaper clipping and started reading it again. “The long lost granddaughter of eccentric and mysterious Greek billionaire, Alexandros Vassiliou, is believed to be residing in the United States. A veil of mystery conceals the whereabouts of this golden heiress and the reasons her existence has been kept secret to this date… ” Tears welled up in Alexandra’s eyes, while a heavy sadness settled in her belly.
She put the article back in her purse, switched off the light, and went back to bed.
It was well after three when she finally drifted off the sleep.
***
Across the Atlantic, the man in the newspaper article sipped his freshly- brewed morning coffee on the veranda of his beautiful mansion on the Greek island of Santorini. Absentmindedly, he stared at the sparkling sapphire waters of the Aegean Sea, lost in his thoughts.
“There’s a man here to see you, Mr. Vassiliou.” Maria, the young maid, drew him from his thoughts. “He says Mr. Giannopoulos sent him.”
“Show him in,” the old man ordered the girl in a low, but firm, voice. He was used to giving orders. Anyone could tell he was authoritative and accustomed to people doing exactly what he told them to do. The way he dressed, the way he talked, even the way he sat in his chair depicted power and wealth.
“Good morning, sir,” the young man said in a respectful manner. “Mr. Giannopoulos sent me to…”
“I know, I know,” the old man cut him off, anxiously. “Give it to me,” he ordered and reached for the black leather folder the man was holding in his hands.
The man handed him the folder and went to say something more. However, a dismissive wave of the old man’s hand made the words die on his lips.
Maria watched the young man take a bow before he left. She had no idea why people did that. Her boss had that kind of effect on everybody. They would treat him like a king, and he wouldn’t even notice their existence.
She quietly picked up the porcelain tray with the empty cup and the untouched, symmetrically cut pieces of homemade lemon-coconut cake and walked inside, glancing over her shoulder. Her boss hardly paid any attention to her. She didn’t seem to exist for him any more than the man who brought the file… his undivided attention was captivated by that folder and whatever it contained. It must be something significant, Maria thought, seeing how anxious her boss seemed to open it.
Burning with curiosity, she strode into the spacious kitchen and put the tray down on the marble counter. She poured some cognac into a fine crystal glass and placed it on a silver tray, making sure it was positioned exactly in the middle. Even though Maria was sick and tired of her boss’s eccentricity—concerning his food, his clothes, and pretty much everything in his life—she had to abide by his commands… at least f
or now.
She looked at the glass once more, checking that it was positioned perfectly, and fought back the urge to smash it against the wall. Taking a quick peek outside the window to make sure the old man was still sitting in his lounge chair, she poured some cognac into another glass, lifted it to her lips, and turned it bottom up. The fine liquid made her cough as it set her throat on fire. Nevertheless, she smiled in satisfaction, enjoying how furious her boss would have been if he knew she’d drank his favorite ridiculously-expensive cognac.
Picking up the tray, she walked outside. Approaching the old man, she noticed that the folder was now open and a bunch of papers were scattered everywhere on the table. She peeked over his shoulder, careful that her boss wouldn’t notice her. No need for that, she thought. Lost in his thoughts, he wasn’t paying any attention to her. He was holding a piece of paper in his hands, staring at the photo of a young woman with brown hair and green eyes.
“Put it down and leave!” her boss snapped at her, and she almost dropped the tray.
She set it on the table with trembling fingers, feeling as if she’d been caught doing something seriously wrong. “Will there be anything else, sir?” she inquired in a shaky voice.
“No!” he barked.
She turned on her heel and rushed to the house. Fighting back tears, she squeezed her apron in her hands. Damn, old fool! She cursed him, silently. She hated him with all her heart. Be patient, she cautioned herself. It’s not time yet…