Office Intertwined⚝

Chapter 21 - Vanishing Shadows

Kass was determined to return to work in the office, despite Jason's concerns. Jason, deeply worried about her safety, took every possible precaution to ensure her protection. The office underwent a significant security upgrade, with trained security personnel patrolling the premises, and surveillance cameras strategically positioned. Every employee was briefed on the situation and trained on how to respond to potential security threats.

To further safeguard Kass, she was assigned a security escort, Oliver, who accompanied her everywhere. Additionally, for the time being, she lived in Jason's home. The first day back at the office was met with curious glances from her coworkers, but they did their best to make her feel welcome and at ease.

Jessica couldn't help but approach Kass and playfully whispered, "So, what's your bodyguard's name?" She couldn't hide her admiration for Oliver's presence.

Kass introduced Oliver with a smile, and he acknowledged them before continuing his vigilant watch. Jason, who was determined to ensure Kass's safety, rarely retreated to his own office. Instead, he sat beside her, working on his laptop. Juliet couldn't resist smirking at the sight, even though Kass tried to hush her, citing embarrassment. Jason chuckled at their playful banter, thoroughly enjoying the adorability of the situation.

Having the CEO right next to her had its perks, as he readily assisted Kass whenever she needed help. While some colleagues were envious, others felt sympathy for Kass, understanding the challenges of her predicament. After a long day, most of the colleagues started to go home. By 10 o'clock, most of the staff had left. By 11 o'clock, it started to get dark, and by 12 o'clock, Kass and Jason were the only people left in the office.

Kass had not left her seat, apart from having a break and getting a coffee.

''Kass, we should really head home now,'' Jason said gently, worried about her well-being.

Kass, still agitated, retorted, "I just need to finish this, Jason. It won't take long."

''Kass come on, that will take at least half an hour,'' He told her. ''You've worked enough today, let's go home,'' He tried to persuade her, but Kass insisted on finishing her document.

Jason, growing increasingly concerned, persisted, "You've worked tirelessly today. You need some rest."

Kass remained firm, her determination unwavering. "I'll be done in no time."

Oliver, who had been silently observing, finally chimed in, "Miss Kass, it's been a long day. I recommend we leave now and continue tomorrow."

However, Kass was resolute. "Wait, I need to finish this ."

Frustrated and worried about her health, Jason resorted to turning off her laptop. Kass exclaimed in protest, "Hey! I was working on that!"

Jason sighed deeply, ''It autosaves.''

"Come on, you've pushed yourself enough today. You need rest." he pulled her gently.

Kass, still fuming, reluctantly began packing her things. Oliver followed her closely, and Jason collected his belongings as well. After securing the office, they left, with Jason continuing to fret over Kass's well-being.

They exited the office, fatigue hanging heavily on Kass. Their driver awaited them, oddly parked on the curb, a departure from their usual routine. Jason couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about this situation felt off, setting his senses on edge.

"Jason, is everything okay?" Kass's voice held concern, noting his abrupt change in demeanor."Something's not right," he muttered, his eyes darting around, searching for the source of his unease.

They both slid into the car, shutting their doors firmly.

Oliver, their vigilant bodyguard, instructed the driver to take them home, but to their surprise, the driver didn't move.

Instead, he slowly turned toward them, his face contorted into a maniacal grin. His eerie question was aimed squarely at Kass, unsettling both Jason and Oliver.

''Are you sure that's what you want?' his raspy voice spoke.

Without a moment's hesitation, Jason seized Kass by the arm, flung open the car door, and yanked her out. The car's interior soon erupted in a cacophony of gunshots and panicked screams as they made their hasty escape."Oliver!" Kass cried out, attempting to rush back to the car, but Jason's firm grip held her back. "Leave him; he's trained for this. Run," he urged, guiding her away.

They sprinted through dimly lit streets until they reached a shadowy alleyway. Gasping for breath, Kass collapsed to the ground, her heart pounding with fear and adrenaline. Jason's fingers flew across his phone's keypad, dialing a number with a mix of urgency and resolve.The number picked up straight away. "Pick us up ASAP. I'll send the coordinates," he said tersely into the phone before abruptly ending the call. Confusion welled up within Kass as she sought answers from Jason."Who did you call?" she inquired, her voice trembling with fear."Anne," Jason replied with an air of unyielding determination, "I can trust her."

Before long, another sleek black car skidded to a stop in front of the alley. Anne rolled down the window and fixed her unwavering gaze on them. "Get in," she ordered, her voice betraying no emotion.While Anne expertly navigated through the city's labyrinthine streets, Jason recounted the harrowing ordeal. Kass couldn't contain her rising panic as she processed the possibility that the man in the car might have been sent by her father.

Just as their hopes seemed to dwindle, Jason's phone rang, piercing the tense atmosphere inside the car. He answered it, his voice brimming with an eerie calm as he put it on speaker."Hello. If you want to find Oliver alive, I expect you to be at these coordinates in 10 minutes," a sinister voice demanded, sending shivers down their spines. The voice abruptly hung up, leaving them with a chilling ultimatum.

Kass couldn't contain her anger and fear any longer. "You told me he was trained!" she exclaimed, her frustration directed at Jason as she pushed him in frustration.Jason's expression remained stoic. "They didn't specify who we could bring or if weapons were allowed," he explained calmly. "Anne, drive to the coordinates, please."Frustration and fear still clawed at Kass, making her lash out at Jason. "Are you crazy? You want to fall right into their trap?" she yelled.Jason's response was measured and level-headed. "I think you should calm down, Kass. We need to think logically, and high emotions will not help."

'' I can tell someone's an exert at cutting out all emotion.'' Kass sobbed and threw her face into her hands.

Jason gazed out of the window, concealing the hurt from her comment beneath his composed exterior.As they finally arrived at the location, a narrow, dimly lit alley awaited them. Kass hesitated to step out of the car, her grip on reality slipping as Jason handed her a loaded Glock."Jason, I can't use that," Kass protested, her hands trembling as she refused the weapon, her mind racing with the sudden, brutal reality she was thrust into."You can. Take it, and use it if you need to," Jason urged, pushing the gun toward her, his eyes filled with a grim determination that matched the gravity of their situation.

Kass stared at the weapon, acutely aware that she might be forced to confront a world she had never imagined before.