Mr. London

by Margot Scott

  Sandra popped in, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Hello,” she called out, carrying a stack of folders. “Did you know Alex isn’t going to be in the office today?”

  “Hi, Sandra. Yeah, he sent me a text letting me know. Is there something going on?” I asked.

  Sandra shrugged her shoulders, not taking her eyes off me. “I don’t know. Is there something going on, Katherine?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

  I looked down at my desk, trying to decide how much to tell her. Sandra closed the door behind her and set the reports down. She pulled up a chair, scooting up as close to the desk as she could. “Look, it’s really none of my business whatever is going on between you and Alex. It’s just……”

  “Just what?” I asked defensively.

  “It’s just that Alex has a reputation. He screws anything in a skirt. You know this, Katherine. And when he gets bored, that’s it. It’s over. He’s not capable of being in a committed relationship.”

  “How do you know, Sandra? How do you know what he’s capable of and what he’s not?” I could hear my voice rising, my temper coming to the surface.

  “I just don’t want to see you get hurt, that’s all. I really don’t. I know what that feels like.”

  She reached over to squeeze my hand. I pulled back, staring at her. “What do you mean you know what that feels like? Are you telling me you and Alex……..?”

  Sandra took a deep breath, sighing. “What I am telling you, is that you need to be careful. Take care of yourself, and do what’s right for you and your future. That’s all I’m saying.” Sandra said, a concerned look on her face.

  I nodded my head and turned back to the email. “I’ve got work to do. Close the door on your way out.” I kept my face glued to my computer while Sandra left, closing the door quietly behind her.

  Sandra didn’t come out and say it, but I damn well knew what she meant. She and Alex had fucked. I knew Alex had a reputation for fucking any woman he could. But Sandra? I shook my head. Really, I shouldn’t be surprised. Alex was a major man-whore. And I knew this when I got involved with him.

  What did you expect, Katherine? That you were going to change him. Please.

  I remained in my office the rest of the day, determined to stay as busy as I could. It was actually a good day for Alex to be out of the office. I thought about seeing him tonight. Did I even want to see him?

  Yes, I decided. I do want to see Alex tonight – I need answers.

  Alex has a past. I could accept that. But I needed to know from him that his past was in the past. I needed to know if we, me and Alex, have a future together.

  By the time I arrive home that evening, I’ve cooled down. Some. The buzzer rings, and I race to answer it. “Hello?” I speak into the intercom.

  “It’s me.” Alex’s voice oozes through the speakers. I push a button, allowing him entrance into the building. A few moments later, a knock on my door.

  As soon as I fling open the door, my stomach clenches into knots. Alex’s face is drawn, his mouth in a tight line. I know, without a doubt, something is seriously wrong.

  He brushes past me, looking all around my flat, even scanning the ceiling. He turns back around to me. “We need to talk.”

  I stand in front of him, my arms crossed. “Yes, we do.” Alex looks at me, a slightly puzzled look on his face. Then he says, “There’s something going on, and you can’t be here. You have to leave.”

  “Alex, what are you talking about? What do you mean I have to leave?” My heart pounding, I feel a mixture of anger and anxiety. Not a good feeling.

  “Let’s sit down,” he says, leading me to the couch. Holding my hand, Alex says, “I’m sure you’ve heard that I have a past, a reputation. But there –”

  “I sure as hell have, and that’s what I need to talk to you about,” I interrupted.

  Alex pressed on. “But there are things about my past that you haven’t heard about. I used to be in a dangerous line of work, Katherine. Sometimes I had to deal with really dangerous situations. And a certain situation has resurfaced that I must take care of. In the meantime, you cannot be here. Otherwise, you could be in danger.”

  My mind was racing. “What kind of work were you involved in? Something illegal?” I ask. All questions about him and Sandra evaporated from my mind. Oh, God. Please don’t tell me I’m dealing with a past criminal here.

  Alex shook his head. “No, nothing illegal, I can assure you.” He paused for moment before continuing. Then he said, “Katherine, I used to work for MI-5.”

  I blinked. “MI-5? You mean like James Bond?”

  “Sort of,” Alex replied, laughing softly. “I worked for the British government as a field operative for MI-5. Surveillance, information gathering, work of that nature. And sometimes the investigations posed real and dangerous threats to my safety, as well as the safety of anyone I knew. That’s why you have to leave London. In fact, I want you to leave the country and return to the States where you’ll be safe.”

  “What exactly is going on, Alex? What ‘certain situation’ has resurfaced?” I demanded.

  “I can’t tell you that. I won’t. It would put you in even more danger by knowing too much,” he said, squeezing my hand. “Please, just trust me, Katherine,” he said, his voice soft. “You need to leave. Now. I’ve made arrangements for you to return to Atlanta tonight using the company’s private jet. Antonio is outside, ready to drive you to the airport. You need to leave in one hour.”

  “In one hour?” I repeated, stunned. All of this was happening so fast. Shit, I barely had time to digest everything Alex told me, and now I have to leave the country. I started shaking.

  “It’s going to be okay,” Alex said, drawing me to him. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” I lean against him, holding on to him.

  After a few moments, I withdraw from his embrace and push my hair back, pulling myself together. Alex pushes a strand of hair off my forehead, tucking it behind my ear.

  “Do we have a future together, Alex? A real future?” I knew this probably wasn’t the best time to be asking this, but I couldn’t help myself. I needed to know.

  Alex looks deep into my eyes, his blue eyes penetrating into mine. “Katherine, you are my future.”

  I close my eyes, allowing his words to penetrate. It was what I needed to hear. Resolutely, I stand up and walk over to the hallway closet, pulling my suitcase out. “Guess it’s time to pack,” I said. I could see the relief wash over Alex’s face.

  Alex walks to window, pulls the heavy curtain back just an inch. He gives Antonio a quick nod.

  “Here, take this,” I said, handing the spare key to my flat to Alex. “I don’t know why I’m giving this to you now, but I want you to have it. Just in case.” Alex nods, taking the key from me.

  Forty-five minutes later, we’re heading towards the airport. We sit in silence, holding hands. Alex strokes my hand with his thumb, a comforting gesture. I glance over at him, wondering what he’s thinking.

  We arrive at Stansted Airport, pulling up next to a Gulfstream G550. I stare for a moment –it’s a beautiful piece of aircraft machinery.

  Antonio walks around to open the door. I slide out of the SUV, with Alex behind me. Antonio picks up my suitcase, carries it onto the aircraft. I have a sudden flashback to when I first met Antonio at Heathrow Airport, picking up my suitcase for me when I first arrived to London. It seems like a million years ago.

  Alex has a brief conversation with the pilot and crew. I stand at the bottom of the steps leading up into the gleaming white jet. Alex walks back towards me, following the crew.

  The sun is beginning to set and there is a slight chill in the air. Summer is coming to an end. I turn towards Alex, a lump suddenly in my throat.

  “The pilot and crew are excellent. They’ll take good care of you,” Alex says. I look down, trying to keep the tears at bay.

  Alex gently lifts my chin, his fingers brushing away a single tear. “Come here,” he whispers, emb
racing me. We stand there holding each other, savoring this moment.

  “When will we see each other again?” I ask, suddenly terrified this may be the last time I see Alex. The thought makes me shudder, and I pull him close to me once more.

  “As soon as I take care of this, we’ll be back in each other’s arms,” he whispers into my ear. “I promise you.”

  I close my eyes, inhale his masculine scent. “I’ll call you when I land,” I say.

  Alex nods. He cradles my head in his hands, bringing my lips to his. We kiss, a deep, hungry kiss. His tongue entwined with mine, pulling me even deeper into his kiss. And then he pulls away, slowly, reluctantly, and whispers, “Goodbye, Katherine.”

  Without another word, Alex turns and walks back to the Range Rover. I stand at the bottom of the stairs, watching him. He looks over at me, a quick wave and a nod.

  “Goodbye, Alex,” I say softly. Bringing my fingertips to my lips, I can still feel the heat from his kiss. I turn around and walk up the stairs to the jet, the crew ready for take-off.

  Chapter 38

  Alex watched the jet barrel down the runway, picking up speed as it went, and finally lifting into the air, tucking its tires underneath. He and Antonio sat and watched the aircraft until it was a tiny dot in the sky, and then it was gone.

  “Let’s get out of here,” Alex said to Antonio.

  It had been one hell of a day, he thought. He was ready to get home even though he knew he wouldn’t sleep tonight. Alex looked at his phone, pulled up the security camera feed from outside Katherine’s door. He watched the monitor several minutes. There was nothing to see.

  Alex put his phone away. Katherine was away now, safely aboard the jet. This gave Alex some peace of mind.

  Later, when he was back home, he poured himself a whisky and hastily removed his jacket and tie. He went to check the locks on the door one more time, made sure the security system was activated. Both he and Antonio had done a sweep of the penthouse earlier, looking for hidden cameras, bombs, anything. The place was clean.

  I’m sick of this shit, he thought. Sick of all of it.

  The years of constant checking, looking over his back, security cameras. It was no way to live. No way to live a normal life.

  That’s what I want. A normal life with Katherine.

  He wondered if Nick Stone ever wished for a normal life. Nick Stone who had appeared so normal and together in the beginning. Nick Stone who ultimately snapped, his mind shattered to pieces.

  Alex pushed these thoughts out of his mind, determined to stay focused. Whatever snapped inside Nick’s brain was impossible to figure out and a waste of time. Alex had to remain focused on what was important – his life with Katherine.

  *

  Nick stood in front of the mirror of his tiny bathroom. He blinked a few times, trying to make the image in front of him come into focus. He could see his reflection in the mirror, but only just. He blinked again, rubbed his eyes with the back of his hands. He could make out the outline of his head, but everything else was fuzzy, hazy, his eyes unable to focus clearly on the details of his face.

  Nick reached out to touch the mirror. He jerked his fingers back, the mirror ice cold. He narrowed his eyes, trying to force his eyes to focus on his reflection. The harder Nick tried, the more blurry his reflection became.

  You’re fucking crazy, a voice inside Nick’s brain sang out. Fucking crazy……..

  Shut up, Nick thought angrily.

  You are. But you already know that, don’t ya Nick? Crazy, crazy, crazy………the voice inside laughed, taunting Nick.

  “If you don’t shut up, I’ll make you,” Nick said out loud to the inner voice, struggling to maintain control. He could feel himself begin to shake with anger.

  Oh yeah? the inner voice replied. What are you gonna do, you crazy motherfucker?

  Nick didn’t like the mocking tone of the voice. “I’ll show you, you bitch!” he screamed.

  Show me?! You’ll show me? You won’t show me anything. You won’t do shit!! The inner voice laughed hysterically.

  Suddenly, Nick grabbed both sides of the mirror and slammed his head into it as hard as he could. The mirror cracked and broke into a thousand fragmented pieces.

  Nick pulled back, a thin line of blood trickling down the side of his face. The inner voice was silenced. He blinked a few times, and then smiled. Nick could see his reflection clearly now, in each disjointed shard of glass.

  He returned to his ugly brown couch. He felt calmer now, able to think. He sat, picking tiny pieces of glass out of his hair, and thought about Katherine Harris.

  Nick had kept a low profile for a few days. Now, it was time to return to her flat. It was time for him and Katherine to become acquainted.

  Tomorrow night, he thought. When the bitch gets home from work, I’ll be there. Waiting.

  Chapter 39

  “Is everything okay, honey?” my mother asked as we sped along the interstate. She glanced over at me, patting my hand.

  I smiled weakly. “It will be.” I knew she wanted to know more, but I just couldn’t talk about it right now. Jet-lagged from the flight, all I could think about was getting home and crawling into bed.

  She nodded. “Okay. Well, I’m just happy you’re back home. We’ve missed you so much.” Her voice was warm and welcoming.

  “Thanks, Mom. It’s good to be back.” I looked out of the window, the familiar images of Georgia flashing by. I sent Alex a text, letting him know I had arrived safely. God, I missed him so much. I was happy to be home, but I’d be happier to be back in his arms again. It’s where I belonged.

  “Dad and the boys are all waiting to see you. I’m going to make your favorite meal……..” She rattled on about chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes. I nodded my head and smiled, all the while my mind a million miles away. Four thousand miles away to be exact. I was physically in Georgia, but emotionally I was still there in London. I thought about Alex, wondered what was happening. Wondered if he was thinking about me, too.

  Please God, keep him safe, I thought. I don’t know what I’d do without him.

  Alex awoke abruptly, having fallen asleep on the couch last night. He had stayed up half the night, the other half a fitful, restless sleep. He had checked the camera outside Katherine’s flat several more times, each time feeling more and more worried. Alex’s instinct told him that she was next on Nick’s list. First Nicole, then Katherine.

  He would call Fred today. Surely, he would have something to report on Nick’s location. In the meantime, he’d make an appearance at the office. He’d tell everyone at work that Katherine was sick, and would be out for a few days. All the while keeping an eye on her flat. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he actually wanted to go over to Katherine’s place. Just make sure her flat was safe and secure. Lay eyes on the place. Besides, he had the spare key that she had given him right before she left.

  Yes, Alex thought. I’ll stop by her place tonight after I leave the office. Take a quick look around. See what I can see.

  Alex felt better already.

  “He gave a fake address,” Fred Langley reported.

  “No surprise there,” Alex replied dryly.

  Alex had contacted Fred to see if they had found any information regarding Nick’s whereabouts. They hadn’t. Fred and his team had obtained Nick’s medical chart from Sacred Light Hospital, and apparently the address Nick had given to the hospital staff upon discharge was phony.

  “Why the fuck didn’t they actually check the address?” Alex growled angrily.

  “No shit.” Fred was just as frustrated as Alex. “And listen to this – Nick’s shrink, Dr. Samuel Grayson, was found dead in his house a couple months ago. Ruled as a suicide.”

  Alex mulled over this news. “So, first his psychiatrist, then his ex-girlfriend.”

  “Look, we’re gonna find him, Alex. It may take some time, but we’ll find him,” Fred said. He sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than Ale
x.

  Alex hung up the phone. He checked the feed on Katherine’s security camera again. Nothing suspicious, just a couple of neighbors walking by. He wanted to leave the office and stop by her place now, but he had a meeting in half an hour.

  Maybe I should cancel the meeting, Alex thought. No, I’ll wait. Besides, MI-5 is on this, they can handle it.

  Nick carefully glued the mustache to his face, patting in down so it would stay in place. He then put on a pair of dark horn rimmed glasses, along with a baseball cap. Almost ready. He opened his bag, an old torn up duffel bag, rummaged around, found what he was looking for. Nick slipped his gun down the waistband of his pants. He pulled a baggy sweatshirt on, covering his weapon completely. Now he was ready.

  He caught a glimpse of himself in the broken, cracked mirror. Nick liked seeing himself in the fragmented mirror – there was no longer a complete image, but rather a thousand little fragments of himself reflected back. It was how Nick felt inside – not as a whole, complete person, but as a thousand broken, disjointed pieces, with sharp edges ready to slice into anyone who dared to reach out and touch him.

  Nick checked the time – 4:56 pm. He would leave for Katherine’s place soon. The bitch usually got home around seven, Nick thought. That would give him plenty of time to get in, look around, make himself at home. Nick liked the thought of making himself at home at Katherine’s flat. He imagined her place would be warm and homey, with a feminine touch. Perhaps she would make him some Southern sweet tea, and they could sit down and chat awhile, Nick thought, laughing out loud. Or perhaps he would just kill the bitch and be done with it.

  Yeah, that sounds like a better plan – after all, this wasn’t exactly a social visit.

  Alex rushed the meeting, impatiently keeping the conversation to a minimum. He answered questions quickly and to the point. He checked his watch – 5:10 pm.

  “Okay, everyone, that’s all the time I have today.” Alex stood up, began gathering his things. Everyone else followed suit, and filed out of the conference room.

  Alex quickly grabbed his briefcase and locked his office. He told Sandra to forward all calls to his voicemail.