In the spider's web

Chapter 8

Finding my way back home proved rather difficult, as I had no idea where I was. I drove around for at least 20 minutes before I saw anything that seemed remotely familiar.

This day had been such a roller-coaster, emotionally speaking, and I couldn't wait to get some sleep.

When I finally reached my driveway in the middle of the night, I almost cried when I saw my smashed-in front door. Nope, I just could not deal with any more problems today.

I leaned my head back against the warm leather seat. So comfy. I could just stay here for a few minutes, and gather up the strength to deal with the door. Yes, that sounded like a fantastic plan...

I awoke with a start the next morning. Realizing I was still in the car, I looked at my watch. 10:02am. Had I really slept for that long! I quickly got out of the car and rushed into my house. Wait a minute. My house didn't have a front door last night. I looked back and saw a brand new door. And on it hung a note.

Just a little getting-to-know-you present. Lovely house by the way.
JM

He had been in here, snooping around, who knew what he had touched. The atmosphere of the house suddenly felt very creepy thinking about it.
But seriously though, the nerve of this guy! He was daring me. Daring me to do something. Oh you want to play Jim, then let's play.

I really wanted to take a shower before changing my clothes, but who knew if he had put up cameras in my bathroom or something. Then it hit me. You're a hacker for Gods sake, find out.

If there were any cameras or bugs they were probably transmitting via Bluetooth, so all I had to do was a quick search on my computer.

Nothing came up. So he had just walked around in here? That somehow made it even creepier.

Deciding that there probably wasn't anything to worry about, I took a shower and changed my clothes. I had a quick breakfast, and then I made my way to my new car.

I pulled out my phone and texted Jim.

Striva. 15 minutes.

Okay, game time.

Striva was a cozy café downtown, and as I took a seat at a table for two, I made sure I didn't have my back to the door. Two minutes later, he walked in. His eyes scanned the room, and when his gaze met mine, he casually strolled over. He was wearing a black suit. Fitting, I thought, since this might as well turn into his funeral. His slowly took a seat across from me. His movements were always so calm and controlled... until he suddenly snapped of course. There really was no middle way with Jim. He was either in total control or completely insane, and the worst part was, that you couldn't always tell the difference before it was too late.

A waiter came to our table.

"Can I get you guys anything?"

"Just a glass of water for me" I said.

"A cup of tea please, uh and some biscuits" Jim requested with a polite smile.

She scripted down our orders.

"Coming right up" she said, and left.

It almost felt surreal, seeing him acting all friendly and polite towards someone.

"What" he snapped, looking back at me.

I didn't realize I had been staring.

"Oh Nothing" I muttered.

My anger flared up, as I reminded myself why I was here.

"You broke into my fricking house!" I whisper-yelled, while glaring at him. He leaned back with a smile.