Page 27 of Beautiful Chaos

After vaguely explaining the morning’s events, I impulsively announced that I would be home alone for a week, the moment those words escaped me, I immediately wished I could take them back.

I slapped my palm to my forehead and whispered “Shut up you idiot,” to myself.

Jasper must have heard me because a light chuckle crossed the line. I nervously rambled, “I don’t know why I just told you that. I don’t have a lot of friends and Aster my roommate, is in London so I didn’t want to bother her with all of this. Oh God, shut up Harper, you’re still doing it!”

I used to ramble when I was a kid, anytime I got nervous or excited. My mother would get so mad at me because my father hated it, and since my mother praised my father, I had to be kept quiet, and out of the way. I usually avoid rambling, but Jasper’s pleasant laugh in response caught me off guard.

“Sorry. I’m sure you’re a busy man. I’ll call Old Man Frank, I don’t want him worrying.” I continued to ramble.“Thanks for your concern, Jasper!” Just as I was about to hang up, Jasper cut in.

“Harper, please don’t hang up. Look I know you are nervous being alone after your ordeal this afternoon, would you mind if I put you up at a hotel for the week? I know one with great security.” I gasped at his offer, shocked at the kindness behind it.

“No sir, I appreciate the gesture, but I’m certain I’ll be safe here. My home is equipped with a state-of-the-art security system that Aster’s parents installed. No one is getting in here without me knowing, and the police being alerted.” I made it clear, for my peace of mind and to put it on record in case I underestimated Jasper’s intentions, although I had a feeling that wasn’t the case.

He let out a laugh before replying. His laugh was deep and pleasant. The sound made butterflies flutter in my stomach.

Weird.

“That’s great to hear. Harper if you feel uneasy or unsafe at all the offer stands. You call me. okay?”

“Thank you, I appreciate your generous offer,” I stated graciously.

“Good night, Mr. Whitlock.”

“Oh God, please don’t do that. It’s Jasper. It’s always Jasper,” he said with feigned irritation.

Chapter 21

JASPER

Although our call was brief, I felt relieved hearing Harper’s voice, even for a few minutes. Her voice alone had a way of making my heart feel complete. I didn’t understand what it was about her.

My phone started to vibrate in my hand.

“Yes,” I snapped.

“Sir, I have two men stationed in the front and two in the back of the building. They have all been instructed to stay discreet, and under no circumstances to contact Ms. Williams. I have informed everyone to stay back unless there is a dire threat. There will be shift changes every four hours, leaving no gaps in between until the end of the week as you instructed. If Ms. Williams leaves the building two men will follow from a distance leaving two to guard the home. You will receive a text with the names and phone numbers of the men stationed at each shift change. Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Whitlock?” Joseph, head of my security team asked.

“No, Joseph. I believe you have covered all the bases. Thank you.”

Since Harper has denied the offer of a secure hotel room, where I would have had access to check up on her, I arranged to have round-the-clock security stationed around her home until her roommate returns, and maybe after.

The tone of her voice, as she vaguely described the incident, and how she expressed her fear, unleashed a wave of unease within me. I don’t know what haunts her, but whoever it is, would struggle to get to her with my men around.

* * *

Harper didn’t leave the house on Sunday either. She skipped work for two days and stayed hauled up in her apartment, not even bothering to open the curtains.

After Joseph called to update me that night, I decided to try to reach out to her as J.W. to see if she would talk to me.

I had already checked into her security alarm system, and she was right, that alarm system was airtight. She was safer there than anywhere else; It still bothered me that she was shaken up to have missed work all weekend.

From my conversation with Old Man Frank, I learned that this weekend was the first time she had missed work since she moved here with Aster for college.

Shutting down my computer and gathering everything for my briefcase, I heard the elevators running. Only Max and I worked today, as it was Sunday. Max had been out of the office for most of the afternoon working on Aster’s file for me. It made me wonder how I’d ever manage to have a life outside of this office.

I’m always here.

I waited to see who could be in my halls when I heard the heavy steps of designer loafers just as Max rounded the corner with a shit-eating grin. He was holding a huge file under his arm. Waltzing in like he owned the place, he sat in the chair in front of my desk and propped his dirty feet up like he always did. I stared him down waiting for him to say something. Yet, there he was, maintaining that absurd smile.

---