Stuck With You [Taekook ff]

6 | Synonymous with Anonymity

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The cool air from the building's air conditioning cooled Jungkook off. But still, he felt a little sheen of sweat build on the back of his neck. He was a tad nervous, but what for he didn't know. The worst had already happened to him. What else did the universe want to hit him with inside this very sterile, familiar building?

Just a few months ago, Jungkook had been present at his father's lavish retirement announcement celebration, a grand event held in this very building that housed a multitude of attorneys. His father had utilized the services of numerous legal practitioners throughout his career, a fact that could arguably suggest that he had contributed significantly to the financing of this very building, given the substantial fees he had accumulated and paid.

Arriving at the sleek, glass-fronted office building, after he was allowed clearance, Jungkook navigated the revolving door and looked to find a way to get to the floor where he was meeting Mr. Benson. Stepping out into the pristine lobby, he made it to the elevators, shuffling his way in. He pressed the button for the 22nd floor, where his lawyer's office was located. The ride up was smooth, but his stomach still churned with anxiety.

This particular attorney he had met before as he was the one to assist him in getting into Harvard for his masters degree. Of course now, that plan of study would have to wait, thwarted because of significant tragedy.

Gerard Benson, attorney-at-law, was on the 22nd floor and his office was a bit of a walk from the receptionist area. He was not a partner but a favorite of his dad's and that made him important to this law firm. Having Jungkook's family as his main client not only made him a wealthy man, but a lawyer that Jungkook's family had trusted for years.

"Welcome Mr. Jeon. Mr. Benson is expecting you," he heard the assistant say as he reached his office. "Simply, walk in. He's prepared to see you."

Jungkook took a deep breath. This would be the first time he would be faced with the task of speaking with another human being about the tragedy he experienced just three days ago.

He found himself in front of a mahogany door adorned with a polished brass nameplate that read Gerard Benson, Esq. He pushed the slightly open door. It opened to a stunning office with floor to ceiling windows to the north side of it that gave a view of the skyscrapers that made up billionaire's row. It was a view Jungkook had before taken advantage of but today he appreciated it. It seemed to remind him of a once familiar calming and safe atmosphere, a place of solitude and the anonymity that the concrete jungle provided.

The office was quiet and peaceful compared to the lobby he had strolled through just before entering the space. He was about to meet the only possible ally he had on earth and for that he exhaled and finally his frenzied soul took some solace that he would get help. Finally.

All hopes were dashed as he stepped in further and there to the right was a large mahogany wood desk with a computer situated on the middle of it. And on the computer's keyboard was the head of a curly haired man.

Jungkook looked behind him to see if he was in danger of someone walking behind him to close him in. There was no one seemingly paying him or this particular office any attention. So, he closed the door quickly and made his way to the wood desk.

There he was, Gerard Benson, his only hope lying face down as if he had fallen asleep while working. His left hand was still wrapped around a glass that he must've been drinking out of. It was a clear liquid, a small amount rather, with a white powdery substance at the bottom.

Could it be sugar?

Jungkook was extremely anxious but he had to be quick, so he sprung into action. He grabbed a tissue from the Kleenex box from the desk and used it to pick up an ink pen. He nudged Gerard with the pen a few times to see if he were taking a siesta at work or was permanently asleep. He didn't respond.

Panic ensued. Sweat broke out on his face as he could barely breath. He looked out at the city through the windows as he tried to catch his breath. The concrete jungle gave him no consolation. Jungkook realized that he was on his own again. He closed his eyes and took in deep breaths. After dabbing his face dry with another tissue, he came to his senses and in a moment of seconds, adrenaline kicked in. Jungkook devised his exit strategy.

Putting the tissue in his bag, he walked back to the desk to look for the reason why he was summoned here. He needed information from Gerard and he still planned on getting it. He used more tissues to grab valuables from his desk. There were two external drives attached to his computer. He snatched them both. There was an open file that Gerard seemed to be lying on top of. He saw his father's name on it and grabbed it as well. There was a set of keys wrapped in plastic in the file. He grabbed both the file and the keys and put all of the items into his bag.

Now, he had to get out of the building without being recognized. He saw a door and used tissue to turn the nob. It was a small bathroom with a closet. In the closet, he found a gray blazer and a New York Giants cap. He donned the blazer and styled his hair to fit under the cap. He removed his hoop earrings and placed them in his bag.

He embarked on his departure from the bustling office environment. As he surveyed the 22nd floor's lobby, it remained a hive of activity, with employees engrossed in hushed phone conversations and animated discussions. The scene was punctuated by a flurry of impeccably dressed professionals darting to various destinations with purposeful strides. Recognizing the opportune moment amidst the controlled chaos of the office, he swiftly made his exit.

Making his way towards the elevators, He deftly slipped on his stylish shades, shielding his eyes from the overhead glare. He moved briskly, a sense of urgency propelling him, choosing to navigate to the opposite side of the elevator bank, distinct from the set he had previously utilized.

Making it outside, he scheduled for an Uber to pick him up and to take him where, Jungkook had no idea. With Gerard now dead, he knew someone was anticipating his steps. With that knowledge, he ascertained that it was best to not go back to the Airbnb. Not yet anyways. The He was walking fast as his Uber driver pulled up and he entered the car and exhaled. He had been walking in the sweltering New York heat wearing a suit coat and Gerard's cap. It was too hot for this shit.

This had become his life now. Being on the run. Not being able to mourn. Not being able to find the time for a good night's sleep. He was running on adrenaline and prayed he had enough left to at least stay alive. That was his main focus at the moment. While sitting in the car, he made the only phone call he knew to make, to the one person he was forced to trust right now.

"Hello darling," the older woman answered.

"I'm sorry, I know I'm not supposed to contact you, but I didn't know what else to do. Benson is dead." Jungkook had to get right to the point because the other's phone could be tapped.

"I see. Please never mention direct names on a call with me. And with that being said, after we speak briefly, you will need to follow my earlier instructions and discard your phone. Understood?"

"Yes," Jungkook answered. "I did retrieve some jump drives and files that may help me. But I'm not sure what to do next."

"Neither am I. However, you need to hide out in public. Get to the next immediate busy spot and hide out in a group. It will give you a chance to think. Once you happen upon a secure location, say a busy restaurant, use your computer to view the files."

"Sound advice. You've been doing this for a long time, haven't you?" Jungkook asked.

"My dear, I've been at it for far too long. Now I must hang up and discard my phone as well. Remember to never text me. Always call unless I say otherwise. I hope to hear good news for you and from you soon darling." And just like that, the call was over.

Jungkook headed for China Town. He knew it would be busy and he could easily hide out in a small eatery. That was the story of his life. He knew how to be unseen. His name was synonymous with anonymity.

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