Upon Meeting You

44

I hear the elevator door ping open from Wilkes' kitchen. I set down the small glass of bourbon and stand from the island stool.

"Irving, I have to go." I speak into my cell, hanging up. "Wilhelm?" I call. I listen as his footsteps approach me slowly.

Wilhelm rounds the corner and sighs in relief when seeing me. He walks closer, removing his jacket before tossing it on the stool. I walk towards him, forcing myself into his arms. He embraces me warmly, burying his face into my hair as I rub my hand up and down his back.

"It was only pig's blood." He mumbles referring to the mess in his office at the Firm.

"Where the hell does one get pig's blood?" I furrow my brows.

"I have no idea." He lets out an empty chuckle.

"Well that's better than the alternative. How are you feeling?" I ask into his chest.

"Well I mean, things could be better." I nod in agreement. "And someone still broke in to the building."

"Did they see anything on the security cameras?"

"No, the footage had been erased and there's no getting it back." I frown at this.

"Why is everything so crazy?"

"I don't know, darling." He continues to hold me. "The entrance doors along with our office doors and furniture will be replaced shortly. Until then I think you should stay here."

"Why?" I lift my head from his chest.

"It would have been different had my office been the only one tampered with but out of the entire office they chose to destroy yours as well."

"That could be just a coincidence. My office is right next to yours. It would be the quickest one to get to."

"I don't think so... but either way you're staying here."

"No, you can't do that." I push myself away from him, growing irritated.

"I can, and I will. In case you've forgotten, Lenora, I'm still your boss at work and you'll do as I say." He argues.

"I don't have anything here. My stuff is at my house. I need to work to pay my bills. What about Irving? I can't stay cooped up in this place not matter how big it is."

"I can get your stuff, your checks will be fine, Irving is safe, you're staying here." I huff in annoyance.

"This is bullshit." I storm off into his office.

"Lenora?" Wilhelm knocks on the door twice before entering the room. "Lenora, come out." I twist back and forth in the chair still thinking about everything going on.

"I know you're stressed, okay? Everything is becoming hectic but you shouldn't pull away from me because of it. We need each other right now." He mumbles coming to kneel in front of me to be eye level as he speaks.

"I know you're right..." I sigh feeling guilty. "I just feel so helpless in this situation."

"I know, darling." He pulls me forward in the chair, placing his lips against mine.

"Will you be staying here with me?"

"I can't, I have to deal with matters at work and go to speak to certain people investigating the several different incidents." I frown.

"If you're so worried about me and my safety then why are you going to be out and about? They slashed your tires and attempted to break into your home, Wilkes. Here. Where you'll be leaving me everyday." I argue.