The Dream Theory

(4) The Crazy Man

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"Again?!!!" The big boss, Trevor, exclaimed angrily, as Erik delivered the breaking news to him. He nodded slowly.

"The ma-owner of the house was not home," Erik explained, then thought of an excuse as to why he came back so late. Apparently he found out that he had passed out for 2 hours and the drive back was 1. Trevor would be very suspicious of Erik if he were to tell him that he came back with nothing in the 3 hours of his disappearance. "I was waiting but then...I was jumped and knocked out." He rubbed the bruise on his head that he had received from Owen's gun. That should make his story more plausible now.

Trevor frowned deeply in deep displeasure. He then turned his back to Erik and looked out the window of his office. The sun was setting behind the black purple mountains, bathing Trevor's room with a soft orange-yellow light. As the shadows grew long, the window frames created a pattern all over the room. A long shadow strip fell over the middle of Erik's body like a mark.

Trevor inhaled, frowning softly at his fading reflection. Eventually he looked away from his own black eyes and faced Erik once more. "I don't like being lied to, Mr Oliver. Especially coming from a bad liar." Erik's eyes widened. He dragged his fancy black dress shoes over to his desk and took a seat. He looked up at Erik with a serious expression as he pulled out something from a drawer. "Tell me again, what have you been doing over there?"

Erik tried to remain clam, but inside, he was scared. Something didn't feel right. Perhaps it was the way Trevor was staring at him. Or-

"I know you were,"

Erik waited for it. If this was going to be the moment he was going to be fired. It'd better be straight on to the point and not heartfelt and long. Just thinking about it made his blood curl.

"talking to the forbidden trespasser."

Erik exhaled in relief, but was not expecting that to be the news Trevor was going to say to him. "Who?"

"The Crazy man."

Erik awed, relieved. "What do you mean? I've never been in contact with him." He lied. Trying to go in with the flow. Act like he's innocent to hide the fact that that was not why he was held up. Then he just remembered he was a bad liar.

"I knew it!" Trevor roared, slamming his fist on his desk in anger. Erik flinched. Not expecting this type of reaction from such a calm man. "You lying bastard. You and that lunatic were talking in the elevator. What did he say to you, you backstabber!?"

Erik felt his gut turn in sudden anger. "First of all, sir, that man approached and threatened me. And secondly, I actually like my job, enough to not trust him." Erik stated, showing his loyalty to the company and especially to Trevor himself. He's always admired Adam and the way he led this Industry. If it weren't for the fact that he loved his job; he'd only be here for the money.

Trevor drew back in his seat, amazed. A few seconds later, regaining his thoughts, he inhaled softly and eyed Erik. "I'm sorry, Erik." He apologized. "I-I got carried away because of that man. I wasn't thinking clearly."

Erik lowered his shoulders and nodded silently. "I'm no one important to ask but, why so much anger towards the forbidden trespasser?" He asked curiously. The fact being that he's only heard part of the story and a few rumors sprinkled here and there.

The Crazy guy. He's a sensation to other competeting publishing medias. His real name is unknown. It has been brought up years ago but was sunken down by his given name. He was angry at Trevor for tearing off his name from the company. He then lashed out on the company's employees ever since, to bug Trevor. Now Erik will know if the stories are true.

Trevor tilted his head to one side, thinking about the question thoroughly. "Well," He began, his voice calm but spoke as if he has said this may times before. "the crazy man used to be a dear friend and business partner of mine at the growth of this business. We were childhood friends." He paused and inhaled sharply. "Robert Valeri. An educated, adventurous, open minded and ignorant man who always pushed limits. He was extremely fascinated with the idea of knowledge far beyond our comprehension. Far beyond explanation and science. His obsession led to the tragic downfall of our friendship, and eventually his sanity."

He looked out the window, Erik followed his gaze. The sun was now gone, leaving a dark cool night sky and a lone white moon painted in the center of the wondrous view. Erik looked down back at Trevor, whose gaze fell down to the floor. He was hiding something more.

"His obsession must've broken something else too." Erik suggested. Hoping that Trevor would finish his train of speech.

"It did. Reem Darlson. Another friend of ours. She was very beautiful and sweet. Very optimistic about the world and people. We found her after needing a photographer. And she was our gal." Adam chuckled, looking at his feet. "She supported my work and Robert's nonsense. We loved each other like family." His face grew dark. "Until one of Robert's shenanigans dragged us both into trouble. It turns out that he made an organization dedicated to the research of dreams..." Adam suddenly shook his head. "Never mind that. He's a dangerous man who mustn't be trusted. His work is a work of evil. Erik." Erik looked at Adam. "I kept an eye on him, and it seems like he has an interest in you. One he had in me long ago." Adam explained and handed Erik something. Erik looked down at it. It was a white envelope. "He looks at you the way he looks at something he's fascinated by. A very dangerous look that drove me from talking to him."

Erik eyed the envelope.

"Don't lean on his words. It's a waste of time, trust me."

Erik let all the given information sink into him. It was surly a lot to take in, but the sincerity an trust in Adam's voice told Erik that it was all the truth. He took the envelope and nodded, showing him that he trusted him. "OK."

Adam nodded in return. He then sat up, "It's getting late. You should go home and get some rest. Be careful on the road by the way. We don't want our second best photographer getting into an accident."

Erik nodded playfully at the statement and stood up. "Yes sir. Have a good night."

Adam nodded. "You too."

Erik walked out of Trevor's office and pressed his back against the closed door. He gripped the envelope in his hand and looked up at the dark ceiling.

"Reem..."