The Dream

Chapter 4

'I am watching you!'
What could Mr. X possibly mean by that?
Does this imply that no matter what I do he will always stay ahead of me?
Does this mean I will never be able to reveal his identity?
I threw that chit on the ground in anger. Just then I noticed something written on the back. I turned over that piece of paper. There was one more statement that seemed like a reminder.
'........and remember Pizzas from Sicily is waiting for you.' My frustration grew further reading that same statement again.

As soon as I said this, the expressions on the manager's face changed.
"Did you mention Pizzas from Sicily?"- He exclaimed
"Yes I did, What's the matter?"
"You see sir, Pizzas from Sicily is our sister company. The owner of both these restaurants is the same person."
This can't be a mere coincidence, I thought. For a moment there, I felt like maybe this is why Mr. X lead me here.
"Can you give me the address of that place? I would like to go and check that place too."
"Sure sir. It's just a few blocks past the 21st Street subway station. Here sir; Take this business card with you."
I thanked the manager for all his help and left the restaurant. I had deciphered a part of my next clue.

I took the subway, got down at 21st street, I started searching for the restaurant but flashes from yesterday started coming to me. It was around this place, that I had my first encounter with Mr. X. How my life had changed in these 24 Hrs? Will I ever get closure to these events?
I reached the restaurant. I saw a huge hoarding- 'Pizzas from Sicily- Authentic Italian pizzas here in New Orleans' and I knew I was at the right place. I went right in to see what I could find.

The manager of The Sunshine Plaza had already informed the restaurant manager that I would be stopping by. The manager agreed to give me a tour of the restaurant, so I can look around for any clue.
He even introduced all the staff there, to check if someone among them knows something about Mr. X but yet again I failed to get any answers.

I looked around to my heart's content. Later I just sunk into one of those couches in the restaurant; partially due to frustration partially due to dejection.

Just then my phone started buzzing, but I didn't notice it. An old woman who was sitting on the other couch nudged me, told me to pick up the phone, saying- "If I were you, I wouldn't miss a call from my partner"
I came to my senses. I picked up the call.
"Hey! What's up? Any luck regarding the IP address?"
"Oh yeah! I traced it to three towers and triangulated the signal to find the accurate location
"Oh!.....and?What did you find out?"
"Well, the address was of a private terminal from inside The New Orleans Auction House"
"Alright! Any other useful information?"
"Yeah! According to its website, there is an exhibition tomorrow followed by an auction. You might wanna check it out"
"Great! Thanks for the info babe. Bye"
"Bye hon. See you later"

As soon as I hung up the call I saw a change in expression on the face of the woman beside me.
She got up to leave. But while leaving she glared at me and said "Hmm... So you are going to the auction house after all. Interesting"

This sent chills down my spine. She uttered these words as if she knew me. She said that line with conviction like she already knew I would go to the auction. There was something off about that woman. I didn't know who she was but something about her made me think
'This wasn't going to be our last meeting'