Page 3 of The Dark Obsession

I turn towards the sofa and slowly sit, looking up to his desk.

He comes forward and sits opposite me. His hands raise towards his eyes, and he removes his glasses. His eyes shine brighter than ever as he lays his glasses on the table and places his hands together. “I’ll start off by saying I’m no longer looking for someone for the position in environmental law, but after seeing your resume, I couldn’t help but ask for you to come in. I am looking for someone to join me in criminology as a partner, if you may. Someone who will help me with cases and ease the workload.” His presence makes my stomach twist.

“So, an assistant …” I blurt out.

He eyes me. “No, Miss Lockwood. I mean it when I say partner.” He sighs. “We will work together. We’ll work on cases and visit prisoners together. We will talk to our clients together, and in no way will I be asking you to get me a coffee—unless you’re getting one for yourself.” He reaches for his cup. “Anyway, I have many assistants already.” I’m sure I notice his lip twitch into a smile. He takes a small sip from the cup and places it onto the table.

“I’m definitely interested.” My heart is in my throat. As I contemplate working alongside Mr Alcazar himself, my stomach turns again.

“I loved your resume,” he says while chuckling lightheartedly. “But I’d love you to tell me a little bit about yourself.”

I swallow hard. “Uh, well …”

“Confidently, please.”

I take a deep breath. “I am passionate about doing what’s right. I acknowledge I sometimes think with my emotions, and for me, that’s not always a bad thing. I would love to be given a chance to work with you.”

“What do you like to do on a day off?”

I clear my throat as I think. “I like to read and visit new places. I enjoy history.”

“And your work hours are flexible?” He leans an elbow on the table.

“Yes, completely. I’m ready to work at any time.” I hurry my words, sounding a little bit too enthusiastic.

“I want a trial with you.”

That was quick.My heart hammers as I process what he said.

“Though I have a pointer, if I may?” He waits for my answering nod. “You should try to talk with more authority. You know our clients trust us to do what’s right. I am sure that will come with time anyway.”

“Okay, well, that’s brilliant.” I choke out, trying to sound more confident but obviously failing.

He flashes a white smile. “I expect you to be here at seven a.m. on Thursday, and we will give this a go. I’ll email you any more details.” He rises from his seat and walks around to me.

I rise in synchronisation with him.

He proffers his hand once more. “I will see you soon, then, Miss Lockwood.” His cold hand grips mine again.

“Mr Alcazar.” I nod and leave the room, trying not to look back.Well, he’s different.I wander to the lift, no longer taking in my surroundings but recalling my encounter with the firm’s owner. Struggling to suppress a goofy grin, I look to the floor, letting my hair falls across my face.

Rain hits my face as I step into the cold air. Damn this English weather. I don’t have a jacket, so I shrug and sprint towards my car.

I jump into my black Mini Cooper and pull my phone from my pocket. A shiver runs through my body as I slam the car door and turn on the engine. Looking at my screen, I see two missed calls from my mother; she’ll want to know what’s happened at my interview. I make a mental note to call her later, then retrieve a card from inside my bag.Dale Cartwright. I take a deep breath, then dial his number into my phone. The call tone blares, and he answers on the second ring.

“Hello. Dale Cartwright speaking.”

“Hello. It’s Rosa from last night. You said for me to call you today,” I speak clearly; talking on the phone is so much easier than in person.

“Ahh yes, coffee. Are you available now? I’m currently in the coffeeshop opposite the library.”

“Oh, okay. Yes, sure, I’ll be there in five minutes.” I end the call.

Oh my god, oh my god.I flick on the car’s headlights as I pull off through the heavy rain. Dark, cloudy skies cover the sun; it looks like a storm is coming.

Chapter 3

I pull up to a small, almost empty coffeeshop and park directly out front. How lucky, a quick escape if needed; I grin to myself. I clamber out of the car and straighten my black pencil skirt, pulling it farther up my thigh. After several heavy breaths, I enter and almost immediately spot a blonde figure sitting at the back of the cramped but cosy coffeeshop. Only one other couple is sitting near the front window. I stride to the table, not giving myself a chance to back out and run away.

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