In the spider's web

Chapter 12

It was late in the afternoon when Jonathan stopped the car beside my house. The 45 minutes long ride had been quiet, and for the first time since yesterday, I had allowed myself to relax. My muscles ached as I stepped out of the car without a word. I unlocked my front door and made my way to the bathroom where I took a shower and got dressed in a trance-like state. After that I just collapsed on my bed. I was so exhausted, emotionally and physically and it weren't long before I fell asleep.

I stretched and yawned as I slowly opened my eyes. The brightness of the room made me close them again with a groan. I felt around and snatched my phone from the nightstand beside my bed. I pressed the screen and hesitantly opened my right eye to check the time. 8:37am. That's okay I guess, I had been really tired after all. Then my gaze drifted to the date, and I sat up straight in my bed. Saturday! I had completely slept through Friday. That realization left me wide awake, and I quickly jumped out of bed, washed my face and got dressed.

While making breakfast I gazed out through my kitchen window. A black car with tinted windows was parked on the other side of the street. With a huff of annoyance, I rolled down my kitchen blinds. I didn't like the thought of Moriarty's minions watching me. As I ate my breakfast, I pondered over these last few days. My plan had worked perfectly. I had achieved everything I had worked for these past two years. But I had never really given this part of my plan much thought. Working with Moriarty. Shivers crept up my spine just thinking about it. When I had planned all of this, I really hadn't expected him to be so... creepy.

He had this aura of danger, and in his presence, I always felt like a prey near a predator. Constantly on edge knowing that every moment could be my last, if I didn't pay close enough attention to him. Especially when he stared at me with that emotionless expression.
Suddenly losing my appetite I threw away the rest of my breakfast and nervously began pacing my living room. Had all of this been a huge mistake? I didn't know how to assert my authority in his presence without feeling like a cheap knockoff in comparison to him. Oh God this would never work!
I knew the panic attack was coming before I felt it. I sat down in the corner of my living room as I had done so many times before. The sound of my blood rushing filled my ears, and I just tried to concentrate on slowing and deepening my quick, shallow breathes. I put my head between my knees as black spots began filling my vision. It wasn't working! Waves of panic spread through my body, and I felt like I was suffocating. My lungs weren't getting enough air. What a horrible way to die. A short burst of laughter escaped me, as I imagined Jim finding out I offed myself, because I was panicking over working with him.

Air, I needed fresh air. Stumbling through my living room I burst through my front door landing harshly on the grass beside the entrance to my house. Standing on all fours my limbs were trembling, and I soon collapsed onto my stomach.
In the distant I heard the mumbling sound of my name repeated again and again. A firm hand suddenly grabbed my shoulder and I stumbled away from the touch.
Oh God, I was going to pass out any minute now. I couldn't see much through my blurry eyes, but I registered a large figure coming closer and closer. Then I blacked out.

I awoke with a start. Quickly scanning my surroundings, I realized I was still laying on the grass. I sat up with a low groan and recognized the man sitting a few feet away from as Jonathan. I was finally breathing normally again, but my heart was still beating too fast.

"How long was I out" I asked gaining his attention.

"Just a few minutes" He answered briskly as he got to his feet.

"Well since you're okay now, I'll get back to the car"

"Wait!"

He stopped and turned around to look at me. I quickly got up.