Page 82 of Retribution

I shake the mouse to remove the standby screen and the computer comes to life displaying… nothing.

Not a single tab open.

I startle at the sound of the back door slamming shut, followed by footsteps.

Shit.

I crouch down and crawl under the desk, counting my lucky stars for the wooden wall that shields me from the view of the door.

“Indie?” I hear him call.

I wince, hoping he isn’t going to go looking for me. His footsteps begin to come closer again, I try to hold my breath and tuck myself tighter into a ball, praying he isn’t going to see me hidden under here. I’m not concerned if he finds me, it just looks a little weird, right?

Hearing the office door close, it shuts off any external sounds and seals me inside with him.

He walks around the desk and I swear if he gets close enough, he will hear my heart thumping out of my chest. His legs stroll past the gap where the chair sits, slightly tucked in.

My ears prick at the sound of him popping the top off the decanter, followed by the sounds of him filling up a glass.

My pulse thrums in my ears, making it hard to figure out if my breaths are quiet enough.

He pulls back the chair and I flinch, pulling myself in as far as I can physically go as he sits down, tucking back in slightly. All I have a view of right now is his crotch in his joggers, I mean it’s definitely not a bad view to have.

Sitting with his legs parted, bent at the knee, I notice he’s not wearing a shirt anymore, I can see just up to his navel.

He groans and takes another drink. I blink a few times trying to clear my vision, it’s a lot darker under here than the rest of the room.

“Hey, Faye. It’s me.” Faye? He must be making a call.

“Yeah, yeah. Any update on the autopsy report?” Autopsy report?

“Hm. Right. Can you put an urgent request on this please. Yes, yes I know it’s personal and I’m overstepping the boundaries but can you just do as you’ve been asked. Much appreciated.” Woah, is that how Reed speaks to all of his employees?

I’m presuming she’s an employee, this sounds work related.

“Oh, one more thing. Tell Scott I said hi.” He laughs.

Scott?

Faye?

Scott and Faye?

This can’t be a coincidence.

How does he know Scott?

Wait, so his slutty mistress works for Reed?

None of this adds up, how does–

My nose tickles for a moment before I burst out into a sneeze, unable to stop myself.

Oh fuck.

I cringe, knowing I’ve given away my position. Now, this definitely looks weird.

His chair scoots back and he peers down, his gaze burning into mine as I smile at him sheepishly, offering a small wave as if this is a casual way to find someone.