LENNOX. 

I wish that humans didn’t have to work.

I have done so much to make sure that other people would be taken care of but there’s no way that it would end up happening for me. I keep asking myself what I would do about it, thinking that maybe something more might happen. As the heir to the family business and the CEO of a security company, I have a lot of stuff on my hands right now but there’s no way that I’m going to let anything stand in my way.

I guess I just didn’t think that I had anything to fear.

Unlocking the door, I enter my apartment. My home is what you could consider a modern condo with its high ceilings and white walls. A crystal chandelier that casts a warm, golden glow over the space. It’s just how I like it. In the middle of the room is a large, plush soft that I love to sit on, and next to it are a pair of even more comfy armchairs. A coffee table sits between them with fake books on it. I’ve forgotten what they are called. A plush area rug made of the finest wool is spread across the floor; I love to sink my bare feet into those. 

It is a feeling that I can’t quite explain.

The windows of the living room are draped with luxurious silk curtains, currently drawn to create a sense of privacy and seclusion. The walls are adorned with a collection of paintings and sculptures, all of which are carefully selected by the interior designer to complement the overall aesthetic of the room. Overall, the lady did a great job.

My eyes continue to scan my living room, wondering why something feels off. I frown when I notice one of the statues has been moved ever so slightly. I’m very particular about how I place things in my space and how I keep my surroundings super clean. Eugene calls it OCD, but I don’t think it is. I tilt the statue back to put it in place, knowing that I’m not alone right now. Someone is in my home…

Much better.

Now, to bigger things.

Thieves don’t come into my house often. Actually no one does. Even though I don’t have bodyguards, the place is packed with surveillance cameras; it is what my company is known for after all. Thieves know that they’re going to get arrested during the heist because I can call the cops on them. So, who could it be? My family is out of town and Eugene is going out on that date that I know isn’t going to end well. I stroll towards my office. Honestly, that is probably where the intruder is. I smile. Remember when I said my house is full of cameras? Well, most of them are in my study and the best part is just to come. They are connected to Eugene’s cell phone and computers. He knows to call the cops if I am in danger. 

Let’s just hope the date ended already. I draw in a deep breath, and I turn the doorknob. Here I go. I enter my office, my palms sweating indicating I’m nervous. I can’t believe I’m feeling nervous in my own home. Whoever this is, I’ll gladly watch the cops arrest them. The lights are off, but the atmosphere is tense. Someone’s in here. I can sense their murderous aura that they are trying so hard to hide.

I feel it.

“Lights on.” I murmur without a trace of fear in  my voice.

The lights turn on automatically and that’s when I see a man. He turns around to face me, and my breath hitches. He is tall; a few inches taller than me with a strong, athletic build. His dark hair is neatly styled, and his chiselled jawline is accentuated by a few days’ old stubble. His piercing gaze, framed by thick eyebrows, seem to see right through me. Every feature on his face seems perfectly proportioned, from his strong, straight nose to full lips. He is dressed head to toe in a well-tailored suit that hugs his muscular frame, emphasizing his broad shoulders and narrow waist. People say that I am well created but this man, this man must be moulded by God himself. He’s incredibly handsome and totally my type. Honestly, he is a walking sex god.

I wonder if he is single. It would be nice to know.

“You don’t know me.” He says in a matter-of-fact tone, his deep baritone voice that just makes my heart melt more, “I would be surprised if you did. You’re not the kind of man that would need to worry.”

I clear my throat, feeling a little nervous, “that’s a shame. I feel like I should. You’re really handsome and it makes me want to know you more. Don’t you think so? We would make a pretty good pair.”

That would have helped many of my sleepless nights. 

“I’m Silas Gray.” Is all he has to say to me for me to know who he is.

My body tenses immediately for a whole different reason at his words. Thee Silas Gray? Everyone’s Grandma knows this man. They also know that once he visits you, you won’t see tomorrow’s daylight. Am I going to be one of his statistics? Wait, hang on a second, who the hell hired him to kill me? Another chill runs down my spine, but I keep my expression blank to match his. I’m not going to freak out, freaking out will do me no good. Nor will it save my life. I know he hates weakness.

“Well, good to meet you, Silas. I am Lennox.” I give him one of my best award-winning smiles, “but I’m sure you already know that.”

I get nothing. 

I guess he is really a killing machine; a handsome one. I open one of my drawers and I pull out my all-time favourite wine. I know people drink whiskey in their offices, but I am a wine lover. What better way to die than having the taste of my favourite wine on my tongue. I pour the wine into two glasses. I gesture for him to have it, but he doesn’t budge. Damn, I thought that he wouldn’t be so cold.

“It’s great wine.” I try to explain to him, “I know you’re probably a whiskey guy but trust me, this is good.”

I drink from my own glass, and I place his glass on the table. He makes no move to take it I tried to show him that it is not poisoned. I should have known that he wouldn’t be deterred.

“I expected your house to be better guarded.” Silas states, making me shrug.

“I prefer my home to be comfortable above anything else.” I tell him, trying to keep my cool and not let him see that I am afraid, “besides, it’s a hassle trying to put my stuff back in place because people won’t stop touching them.”

I look at him now, so he knows that I know he had snooped around my house. I expect him to be embarrassed but again, I get nothing. He’s so rigid. I’ve avoided looking at his body, but his face isn’t helping much. They might be void of any expression, but those grey eyes are to die for. 

“I’m guessing you already figured out why I am here.” Silas murmurs as he brings out a gun, and my heart drops.

Oh my! That’s a big gun.

I place my wine glass down with shaky hands. Am I really going to die tonight? I guess there’s no better way to go than being gunned down by a very handsome man. I sigh. I gather up my courage as I walk closer to him. Silas watches me wearily, as if he expects me to do something.”

“Oh well, I might die but at least I’ll be in heaven so that’s comforting.” I tell him, meeting his eyes now as I try my best to ignore the gun that is now very close to me, “I’m a Christian; you on the other hand won’t be in a very favourable place.”

I can tell he is curious. He raises one of his eyebrows.

“Are you saying I’m going to hell?” He wonders, as if it is something that he never would have been able to imagine, “that’s a first.”

I smile, “no.”

Great, hopefully I don’t die. I don’t think he will go to hell; I’m not even sure he believes in hell. I said what I said for a very different reason. Honestly, it was just supposed to be a joke.

“Didn’t you ask me why I have no men protecting my home?” I continue, sighing as if it is so simple, “another reason is because it’s protected.”

He frowns, tilting his head slightly to the side. I don’t think he believes me though. I don’t know how to tell him this, but I know it is going to be the only thing that will save my life.

“My house is bugged.” I explain to him, trying to not smirk at him at this point, “I have hundreds of cameras and the room we’re in right now has the most of them. Everything that you’re doing is being recorded and watched on a live feed by myself and colleagues.”

He does not move or say anything, but his eyes dart around, searching for the cameras. I smile. Cute. I wonder if he might end up murdering me if he isn’t completely sure. I just want to tease him a little more.

“You can’t see the cameras, Silas. They’re well hidden, give me some credit.” I chuckle, shaking my head, “wouldn’t it be too obvious if you could see them? I run a security company; you know?”

Didn’t he do his research? I watch as Silas contemplates whether I’m bluffing or not. He has trust issues but then again, I guess everyone does. I sigh as I dig into my back pocket. He cocks his gun to let me know he’s ready to shoot me if I make the wrong move. I don’t plan on fighting the guy. Who is crazy enough to? It’s obvious that he would win.

“RELAX!” I tell him, fighting the urge to roll my eyes, “I’m not doing anything bad.”

I turn around so he can see that I have no gun. I don’t even know how to use one. I probably should though. I never thought I would be in so much danger though.

“I want to get my cell phone.” I explain to him, hoping he will believe me, “see?”

He definitely has trust issues. I can see it in his eyes.

I get out my cell phone and I show him the feed with my hand stretched out a few inches from him. Once he can see that I’m telling the truth, I pull my hand back. I don’t know what he’s going to do next, seeing how his expression grows colder. At least I proved that I’m not a liar.

            “See? I might die but you’ll go to prison.” I tell him as I move away, leaning on my table, shrugging my shoulders, “I’m sure the cops have been trying to get to you, but you leave no trace for them to follow. You’ll be behind bars for a long time with this video footage.” The way he glares at me, I know I’m walking on thin ice, “I’m not bluffing. I am really just trying to tell you the truth, Silas.”

Silas watches me. I can tell he is contemplating on what he’s going to do next. He is still pointing that damn gun at me. I try to appear nonchalant, but I really hope I don’t die. I’ll miss my family too much and Eugene. How is he going to navigate the world without me? He is such a nerd. After a few moments, Silas finally puts his gun away. I let out a deep breath that I hadn’t realized I had been holding. Oh, thank God. I probably won’t go to church on Sunday, but I’ll try and pray more often. I glance at Silas. I guess he isn’t that bad after all.

“I won’t kill you.” He promises me, “it seems like you’re telling me the truth.

I nod; I should say thanks. Of course, he isn’t going to let that happen so easily.

“Someone else might anyway.” He continues coldly, making me freeze, “the one who ordered the kill won’t stop until you are dead, Lennox.”

There’s more of them?

“Who?” I manage to ask him, wondering if he might know, “who wants me dead?”

Silas shrugs, and I can tell that he definitely doesn’t care, “I don’t know.”

How can he not know? I see his mouth form into a sinister smile. It’s the kind of smile that tells me he is thinking something dark. What it could be, I’m not a hundred percent sure.

“But I am curious.” He admits to me before he turns around and leaves, “good luck, Lennox.”

I finally let go and my body gives up on me, and I fall down to the rug to my knees. All my life, I’ve made sure this wouldn’t come. I’ve made sure to do everything that I could to keep myself, friends, and my family safe. No one dares to kill me. I hold all the secrets but apparently that’s not the case anymore. I have to fix this.

Now.

I gather myself up on the floor, Silas’ cologne still in the air as I stroll out of my home. I’m not going to die so easily; I can promise him that. I’m going to prove him wrong, and I think I might end up pissing him off.

Silas Gray isn’t going to know what hit him.