The Morning After - Open Novella Contest 2019

Chapter 9

"Hello?"

Marina had dialed Jeff Cox's number. But in her overly curious haze, she had forgotten to think of any sort of planned dialogue. She went immediately into work mode.

"Hi, is this Governor Cox?"

"Yes, it is. How did you get this number?"

"Well," She paused to think. "That is all part of my job, Governor. My name is Marina." She was careful not to say her last name, just in case. "I wanted to know if you would be interested in doing an interview?"

"I don't normally-," Marina cut him off before he could say no.

"I'm sure my readers would love to hear from you. I know you're up for re-election soon." Marina hoped she could cater to his self-absorption.

"Well, I suppose so then. I'll give you my secretary's number and you can set something up with her."

"Actually, "Marina wheels started spinning out again, searching violently for traction. "I hoped maybe you had some time tonight? Maybe we could meet for dinner or something?" There was a brief pause on the other line. Jeff was actually considering her offer. Marina had him on the hook, now she just needed to reel him in. "I'm a big fan of yours. I've always followed your campaign."

"Hmf," He sighed. "You're a pushy little thing aren't you?"

"I prefer the term persistent."

"Fine then. Eight o'clock, my secretary will send you the address to meet me at."

"I look forward to it," Marina spoke through her teeth, feigning a pleasant voice as best she could.

"Likewise."

Click.

What had Marina done?

***
The hours before Marina was supposed to meet Jeff crawled by. Marina could practically hear the ticking of the clock as each second drug itself past her. She had gone over every possible scenario for the night, yet she found herself no less anxious.

Marina stared in the mirror for no less than ten minutes before finally deciding to take a shower. The cool water comforted her as best it could. But even it was not strong enough to combat her mind's constant running.

The address sent to Marina by Jeff's secretary was only a fifteen-minute drive away. Marina blared the music as she drove. Distracting herself from her own white knuckles wrapped around the steering wheel. The building arrived on her left before Marina had anticipated. She came to an abrupt stop to keep from missing her turn.

Marina had expected an office building or even a restaurant. She had not anticipated that the address would lead to someone's home. Jeff Cox's house to be more specific. A lump of fear lodged itself in Marina's throat, making it hard to swallow. She wrote out a quick text to Emmett, just in case.

"At J's house. Sorry. I know I said I wouldn't be reckless. I lied."

He was not going to be happy about this.

"What an understatement." Marina thought. "He is going to be furious. But I'll have a confession. That will make up for it."

Marina was tempted to just stay there on the sidewalk. No one had murderous intentions on the sidewalk. At least, not that she knew of. She pushed herself forward despite her heavy feet. After a few short knocks, Jeff answered the door.

He looked like the photos Marina had seen, for the most part. This Jeff, however, seemed more aged. His eyes sank in reality, more so than they did in photos. The Jeff in front of her didn't look like the same Jeff that kissed babies and spoke at graduations. No. This man was noticeably different. It was as if an unseen weight crushed his narrow shoulders.