In Five Days Time

Chapter 2: Mr.Henrick Fredrickson

I have not been getting enough sleep lately. Something has been distressing my conscious. The white painting on my living room wall with its long splash of red seems like it is frowning upon me. I walk out my living room to the porch looking out to see the familiar walk way and white gate. Everything in my house is white. My wife loved it that way. She said it makes everything seem clean. Such a workaholic she was. Always buzzing around cleaning everything , making new dishes, filling me in on all the neighbourhood gossip as if I gave her any attention on that matter. But now I do wish what she has been saying all that time. Why did it seem a worthy matter to discuss. I miss her talks, her hand holding mine, her homemade vanilla cake.

Thinking more about her makes me miss her more, makes me want to cry aloud but the only one who can calm me down is her. No one ever gets over the love of their life's demise.

The new girl is walking down the road in her brown coat and white shirt. She has been here for that past month or so. I don't remember. No I have to remember. When was it that she came here? It's been more than a month. Her record was clean. Nothing interesting just like most of the residents under my building. I saw her the other day. When was it? Yesterday?the day before? I think it was Saturday night. She was taking the trash out. It was really strange. I was out to check if any house's electricity was cut and I saw her soaking from the rain taking the trash to the bin. What person would go out into that heavy storm? I didn't bother to ask .

All of my 20 houses is situated in two lanes facing each other. They are similar in all ways except for one. It had an extra underground basement. But me and my wife didn't forget to close it before we put it to sale. It is occupied by the girl now. Rosa bates that's her name.

I get dressed. slowly. taking my time to go to my office. It is situated after a couple of lanes.

"Hello sir, didn't thought you would come today" said Bob.

My assistant or man on the front desk as you would call it was Bob. He quickly drops and stomp on his cigarette trying to extinguish it. I don't understand why he do that because I clearly haven't lost my sense of smell. And I smelled that thing from a dozen yard away.

   "Thought I will come today Bob. Some things to take care of."
   "Do you need anything sir? I could go by poppies and buy some coffee."

I glance at him once again while making my way to my office room. He is a large man. Some bad habits that's all there is wrong with him. He has been here with me for the past 5 years.
Therefore he clearly know that I don't drink coffee.

Suddenly realising what the look has been about Bob said " sorry sir, Tea maybe? Some donuts?"
"No Bob, Thank you for asking. But I need that Rosa girl's file again. Get me that. Will you?
"Sure sir. Is it about her past records sir?"
"What about her records? Everything is clear is it not"? I frown at him. Sitting in my big black chair.
"Sure sir. If you say so. I'll fetch it now." He went out of the room.

I let out a loud exhalation as I look around my table to see my beautiful wife's picture , framed in a wooden square. She was beautiful with brown hair and brown eyes. Her tooth like pearls and eyes always glistening when she smiles. My slight smile suddenly fades as I noticed the green cover of the file named Rosa Bates. Didn't I already checked her file and keep it in my storage room?

"I didn't find it there sir. Are you sure yo-?
"I have it here Bob. I probably forgot to put it in there. Close the door while you go out." As said Bob went out of the room leaving myself staring at the file.

My eyes starts to widen as I read through her rental form. I haven't read it thoroughly before.
Many things in here doesn't add up.

I take my phone to call my friend from the FBI.

"Hello ric"
"Hello Thompson. Long time"
"Hahaha long time Fredrick. Where are ya at nowadays?"
"I give houses for rent now."
"Hahaha how are you doing since the passing mate?" Suddenly his voice changing into a soothing tone
"I am coping. I need a favour Thompson" I said changing the subject, not wanting to talk about it.
"Anything for you. Tell me what do you want."
I hesitate for a moment. It's just a hunch. Maybe there will be nothing on her and this will all be a waste of time. But anyways I said

  " I need some more information on one of my residents. I am afraid she might be lying to me. The name is Rosa Bates. Moved down here from Michigan "
"On it mate. I'll get back to you later. Okay?"
"Okay Tom. I appreciate the help"

The call declines as I looked the file once again with a contemplated face.

~Hi all, English is not my first language so forgive all the grammatical mistakes I make. It would be really nice if you point out what I should work on in my writing.
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