Anthony's Return

Chapter 4

Jared's P.O.V.

"Jared, can I see you in my office for a minute?" Nick asks over the phone.

"Sure, I'll be right there." I say. I hang up.. I go to his office. "Close the door." I do. "Has Anthony tried contacting you yet?"

"Uh, no. Why would he?" I ask.

"I'm sure he'd write anyone just to get to Gabriella. You're the main target." He replies.

"And you think I'd let any guy get to her? Especially Anthony? It's not like I was her best friend before you were in the picture... oh wait." I say. "I was. You keep forgetting that."

"I don't, I just don't think you care that much about her safety." He counters.

"I do happen to care about her safety." I say. "If you cared abut her safety, you wouldn't be trying to keep him around!"

"I'm only trying to figure out why he is back." He says "But I'm also trying to make sure she doesn't find out about this."

"There's no point of finding out. Just send him on his way. Talking to him is like talking to a wall." I say. "Tell him to go, and maybe he will. It's not like you can have Gabby locked up while he is around." He tilts his head.

"You're right." He states.

"Well, duh." I say.

"So I can trust you... to look after her, correct? While he is around?" He asks.

"Obviously." I answer.

"Just clarifying." He says. "There's gonna be a meeting. I'd like you to rally everyone up." I sigh.

"Fine." I say. I exit the office.

Gabriella's P.O.V.

I sit at my desk and sigh. Anthony hasn't tried to contact me since last night which should be a good thing. Either he got the hint... or will try in person again. I pull my phone out and look for his number. Should I text him to leave or.... What if he wants to talk about important issues. What would be so important? I keep repeating the same questions in my head. My door bursts open, making me jump out of my skin.

"Gabriella!" Nick says. I grab my phone. His eyes fall to it quickly. "There's a meeting."

"Since w-" I start. He closes the door. I lock my phone and walk to my door. I take a deep breath to compose myself before exiting.

At the meeting, Nick rambles on about growing his company. I stare at Jared trying to get him to look my way instead of down at his paper.

"We need new stuff also. Maybe if we travel or set up smaller branches other places-" Nick rambles.

"Wait, other branches?" Richard says snapping everyone's attention. "Isn't that easier for spies to get in if you aren't in charge?"

"I've thought of it, but they wouldn't be major businesses like we are. It will be small things." Nick explains. I sit back, finally meeting Jared's eyes. He tilts his head. I shrug. "Gabriella and Jared will actually be traveling this weekend to go check it out." Jareds' head whips to look at Nick. I look over, too and frown.

"What?" I ask. He nods at me quickly.

"So....we all are keeping our jobs... right?" Richard asks.

"Yes." Nick says. He sighs. "Anyway. I thought I'd let you guys, as part of the company, know what's happening. Thank you" Everyone gets up.

"Nick-."Jared starts.

"I'll talk to you in private later." Nick says picking his files up. He stands. I signal Jared to go. Everyone files out of the room. I close the door.