Ryan: Is it love - The original story (Game walk through)

Chapter five part three

It's crazy how you remember little things. Simple moments of daily life. Before they go up in smoke. They left the house late in the morning and never came home. Why? A vulture that crossed their corridor collided with them. 'An unfortunate chain of events', said the policeman who came ringing at our door that night. I remember the sensation. My legs turned to jelly, my hands got sweaty, my heart was pounding in my chest. I burst into tears and I collapsed in the poor policeman's arms. I learned what it was like to feel pain, real pain. The one that twists your guts, that tightens around your heart like a noose. That horrible feeling of despair that stays with you for months.

I lived with my grandparents until I turned 18, then went as far away as I could. Not that they didn't take good care of me, but I needed to get a change of scene. I thought leaving would help my wound heal. Everything back there reminded me of them. Jake's scar is on his face, mine is invisible but the wound is deep in my heart. Something permanent. That will always be there. Most of the time I feel better, life has gotten back to normal. And sometimes, without warning, their memory comes back to me like a flash. And I have to get back on my feet again. I fight those words that come back in waves: "I should have been with them that day". Then come the questions: Why am I still here? Why was I spared? What does it all mean? I press the pictures up against my chest, I clutch them hard, slumping back on the couch. I close my eyes and cry my eyes out.

Over the past few days, my exchanges with Carter have been relatively brief. He hasn't been in his office a lot, his appointments being more often than not on the other side of the city. To tell the truth, the distance between us since our last conversation worries me a little. I wonder if I didn't go too far and if he hasn't grown tired of me. No passionate disputes, no inappropriate moments, nothing that could put me in danger. And it's precisely what I like, the spice and the excess that he brings to my life. Every evening, I hoped to find him in his office. Why? I don't know and I can't really explain it... I just wanted to see him.

As I'm taking a short break to browse through a news site, I get another email.

Mr. Carter > Could you prepare the Korean investor's documents for tomorrow? Also, find us a restaurant that's similar to what they're used to.

> Hum... A restaurant that serves traditional Korean dishes...

I tap my lower lip with my pen while thinking. I remember this really good restaurant on Broadway that serves sophisticated cuisine made with healthy, organic ingredients! But they're only open at dinnertime.

> Good evening, sir. I know the perfect restaurant for tomorrow, but it doesn't open until 7pm. The documents will be on your desk tonight. Kind regards.

Not being a great fan of that type of cuisine myself, I can't think of any restaurants other than the one I recommended. Even if there are sure to be lots more here in New York! He answers quickly:

Mr. Carter > I already have an appointment scheduled for tomorrow night.

Ah... That doesn't make it easy! I go through my ultra-sexy, in high-demand CEO's schedule. Without a doubt, the 7 p.m time slot is already booked. It is recorded as a recurring appointment. Every month, the same day, at the same time. It doesn't specify who the appointment is with. It's probably personal. Who can he meet once a month, at the same time? Maybe a secret organization? Like Skull and Bones. I can see it from here, a cigar in one hand, in a chic lounge, plotting with his accomplices to conquer the world. If he knew what I was imagining, he'd most likely give me his killer smile and say something like, "Get real, Miss Langood..." Still, he's hiding something... A man like him is sure to have secrets.

> Lily, if I need a Sherlock Holmes, I'll let you know! Meanwhile, you have documents to prepare!

I shouldn't be talking to myself... At least I find myself funny, which isn't bad! Three knocks on my door startle me! Who could it be at this hour? Carter?1