Beneath The Orange Sunset ✔️

51

~51~

The night before September seventh, the trial day, Samuel spent the night at Joelene's apartment. He was extra vigilant so he slept lightly during the night. He spent half the time plotting his moves so as to counteract the man who has been stalking Joelene.

Samuel knew they wouldn't give up easily. He was not going to give up either. At this point he was convinced he could read Emile's mind. Her moves was predictable now. Because she wasn't the one planning, Fabien was.

He got the necessary details he needed about Henrietta from his sister. He also got full description on what the man looked like. No doubt he was one of Fabien's man.

If he was still stalking Joelene then they have something else up their sleeves and Samuel knew it wouldn't be good. That is why he needed to act fast.

Henrietta was one tough girl to break but hopefully he will be able to convince her this time.

Early the next morning, he got a call from Sebastian. He will be heading to Longueville with Maxime. Something positive had happened with Husein, hopefully he could be the missing witness they needed.

Samuel strode down the busy streets to the food mart. He acted like a normal person, walking naturally down the road.

When he got to the front of the store he took one good look around the area before he slipped in.

~~~~~~~

Henrietta woke up on the wrong side of the bed. She felt cramps below her abdomen. The coldness she felt was a sign that her monthly blues had begun. After taking her bath and freshening up, she popped two pain relief tablets before leaving the house.

When she arrived at the store, her colleague had already opened up and set a things in order. She thanked her and apologized for coming late. A few customers were already walking down the food aisle picking up groceries.

Getting herself ready, she put on her apron and face mask, wore her hand gloves. She felt sluggish this morning because of her health. She concluded if the pain persisted she would take a break early.

She had barely cleaned our her desk when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She swirled around. Her eyes widened in shock.

Mr Samuel Jacquet? You! How in the world of man did you...

The look on her face said it all. She pulled him to the inner corridor of the store away from public view.

"How did you find me?" she queried.

Samuel quickly summarised the story and soon got to the point of his visit.

"I need your help."

"With what?" Henrietta was almost whispering, tensed.

"Everything. I can pay you if you want," Samuel blinked.

"I don't need your money, what do you want?"

"How did you know about the man??

"What man?" Henrietta feigned innocence. "What are you really, a doctor or the police?"

Samuel breathed. "I just want you to tell me what you know about the man stalking Joelene,"

Henrietta flinched.
"How did you know about?"

"Because she is my sister."

After minutes of surprise gestures and convincing words. Henrietta succumbed.
"He looked familiar, I have seen him talk with ma'am Emile at the mansion, but I may be mistaken. You don't have to believe me."

"I believe you," Samuel said.

Henrietta felt her heart melt. She could no longer act like this was a stupid game. If the man needed her help she should be ready to do so. He is really harmless after all. "How is sir Maxime doing? Is he still alive?"

"He is very much alive," A smile escaped Samuel's lip. "Protecting him is my priority."

In other words, I love him so much.

Henrietta gasped then blinked. She eyed Samuel warmly and giggled. She leaned forward. "I used to notice how you looked at him."

Samuel smiled. But the smile faded as quickly as it came. "We don't have time. That man is standing out there, across the road. Is there a backdoor in this store?"

To Samuel's relief Henrietta nodded. It was a positive sign. His plan was half way accomplished.