Numbered

Chapter Eight

Later in the day, when Kylie had come back from the supermarket with a basket full of groceries, she saw an Official. He was standing with his back to her, speaking into a walkie-talkie, knocking on the door to the Worths’ apartment every few minutes.

 “Hello?” she said, struggling with her shopping as she neared the Official.

He turned around, his eyes scanning her wrist until he nodded and spoke into his phone.

 “She’s here, over.” Her heart stopped for a moment when she realised they were talking about her. What was wrong?

 “I’m here for a check-up,” he said, following her as she turned the key to the apartment and let herself in. The Worths were away at work and school but they’d be back anytime. “I’ll be questioning the owners soon.” He used the word “owners” as if she was a slave. As if she belonged to them.

She set the shopping down on the work-top and turned to face the Official. “Do I need to do anything?”

He took a seat at the breakfast counter and pulled out a pad of paper and a pen and began scribbling furiously.

“What duties do you undertake here?” he asked, his eyes cold, with little life in them.

“Umm, shopping, cleaning, attending to the Worth’s needs, making lunch and drinks, helping the chef….” She trailed off. Her leg was shaking. She didn’t know this would make her so nervous.

He nodded. “And have you had any trouble settling in?”

“What has this got to do with…” she started but he interrupted her.

“Routine questions,” he said, sternly.

“A little. But that would be expected, no?” she replied, beginning to unpack the shopping. She was so afraid of slipping up. Afraid that they’d drag her away like they did in her dream.

The door opened and Mr Worth walked in. He broke into a smile upon seeing the Official. He ignored Kylie’s presence like he usually did. She was noticing these things about him even more now that Jared had told her about his relationship with his parents, or lack of relationship rather.

“Kurt! Long time, no see!”

“Indeed, Mr Worth. Not long ago, you were an Official,” he laughed. “Have you got time for a couple of questions?”

The men walked off into the living room, slapping each-other on the back and chatting.

Mr Worth was an Official once?! Maybe that was why they had taken in a Zero like her. She put away the rest of the shopping, and began to prepare tea.

Just as the kettle began to whistle, Jared walked in, a smile on his face.

“Oh good, you’re making tea,” he said.

“You’re in a good mood,” she remarked, her hand shaking a little as she poured out the boiling water into three mugs for Jared, his father and the Official.

Jared must have noticed because he gently prised her fingers from the handle of the kettle and placed his hand over hers, stilling the shaking.

“What’s wrong?” he whispered, his voice low, barely audible. She looked up into his eyes and couldn’t tear herself away from his gaze.

“There’s an Official. He-“ she mumbled. She couldn’t think straight with him almost holding her hand. She wasn’t even sure if this was appropriate between a maid and her master. But she knew she didn’t want him to let go. “It’s a check-up.”

He removed his hand to pour the rest of the tea, his eyes never leaving her face. He sighed. “No need to be scared, Kylie. The Official is only here to see if you’ve been fulfilling your duties. And you have. So don’t worry.” He smiled, reassuringly.