Noted

Chapter 23

I was sure that I was no longer living in the same universe as I did five minutes ago. I felt sick to my stomach; so much in fact that I was convinced I'd throw up at any moment. The room went completely hazy, and I lost all focus on the entire room. My mind went deep into a gloomy ditch of anxiety and reflection. How could a teacher have kidnapped me, and in the middle of nowhere, and call himself "The Boss", and possibly be the leader of these mafia-type men? Nothing made sense. Everything felt completely surreal as I continued to question everything. Why, out of all people, would he take me? What would a university professor want with one of his students? As I continued to question myself, the people in the room seemed to allow me the time to try and figure out the situation as they all kept silent, even Mr. Corey.

I stared back at Mr. Corey. He stood in front of me with a seemingly satisfied look on his face, as if it pleased him to watch me struggle to solve everything.

"Having trouble, Ms. Moore?" he asked joyously. It was odd to see him in such way; as if it were the best day of his life or something. He then approached me at an uncomfortable proximity. I could feel his breath on my face.

"What...?" I managed to utter after several minutes of being in total speechless confusion. "What are you doing here, Mr. Corey?"

"It's actually Jack Holt," he replied with confident pomp and smiling at his crew that were lined up behind him, all nodding in agreement. "Or, if you work for me; The Boss..."

I said nothing; I only felt a profound sense of utter disgust.

"Mr. Corey never existed," added Mr. Corey–or Jack–or whoever the hell he was now. "Well, he did for you and that naive school."

"Should you be telling her this, Boss?" asked one of the men behind him.

"It's not like she'll be able to do anything about it, question me again and you'll be in this chair." replied Jack, before telling me what had happened to the real Mr. Corey. "I got rid of your real Photojournalism teacher Mr. Willis, so there would be a replacement opportunity. And that's where our beloved Mr. Corey comes in."

I furrowed my brows as I stared him down, trying to find a hint of something that gave away the joke I thought he was playing. I hoped I was on some comeback season on Prank'd, but so far, it seemed completely legitimate, and completely terrifying.

"All right...Jack Holt..." I said, and my eyes traveled back up to his familiar ones. It felt strange calling him any other name than Mr. Corey. "Why am I here, then, Jack?" I asked anxiously, partly out of fear, and partly out of just wanting the whole thing to be done with. "Why did you need to get close to me, out of all people?"

"Your father broke his promise..." replied Jack.

The mention of my father made my blood run cold. I should've known it had something to do with him. I didn't really want to know any further details, but the way Jack seemed to be awaiting my response, it appeared as if I had no choice but to ask questions.

"What promise?" I asked, slumping back into my seat.

Jack pulled a nearby stool close to him and took a seat directly in front of me, and he explained. "See, your father had loose ends to tie up with a business partner. When the other half never fulfilled his duty; meaning pay his half on the amount agreed upon, Philip called me to get rid of him."

"What do you mean get rid of him?" I asked. Even though I already knew the answer, I wanted to hear it for myself. I was stunned to learn that, this whole time, my father and Mr. Corey were doing business together.