Unknown Caller
Tak-tak-tak-tak.
Rays of sun filtered through the window, creating a rainbow on the surface of my desk. This year's calendar lay on my desk, highlighting today's date.
October 7, 2019.
It was highlighted with every important detail: board meeting, submission of the recent suicide case of a famous actor, and now this Clematis City situation. My white watch ticked with each passing second. My feet tapped anxiously against the carpeted floor.
Ring-ring.
Every phone call made my heart clench. Every time my phone buzzed with a new message, my hands trembled.
The one responsible for the blue file that once haunted my sleep. Now he was hunting me.
Again.
The last time he did it…
I closed my eyes.
Rainy night—call—screams…
Tic-tic-tic.
Sounds of people typing away on their keyboards filled the room.
I sat in front of my screen, staring at the blank page.
Ever since I shadowed Black Watch and Fern Mask in Clematis City, I had only been ordered to come there once—three days ago.
Nothing much happened.
Hornet Mask wasn't even there.
Stella Lumaris didn't show her face.
Instead, I was told to train with Odd Star.
For once, thinking about the arena calmed me down.
Tak-tak-tak…
"Clematis City: Under protection by Earth's Security Division"
My fingers speedily typed on the keyboard. Every few seconds, I kept glancing at the clock in the corner of the room.
4:55 PM.
The arena had not allowed reporters and news outlets inside. . Nor were we allowed to write extensive reports about what was going on inside the arena.
Even the director, Grant Sterling, didn't know what was going on.
I knew. But under the arena's extensive rules, I was not allowed to share.
How would people react to learning of the unknown aliens?
They already hated them: aliens who kept migrating to Earth. And news of them would only create more tension.
My thoughts drifted so deeply into the logistics of the public's reaction that I didn't feel Hank tap my shoulder. I jumped back slightly.
"Zia."
I turned around, facing him.
"A man is asking for you."
"Who?"
"He wouldn't give his name."
My heart stopped.
The colour drained from my face.
How did h—
I looked back at the screen, thinking about what to do.
No.
"Alright," I answered in a strained voice.
I stood up slowly and took steps towards the front desk with my head hanging low.
I walked past my co-workers' desks.
Tak-tak-tak…
Chitter-chatter…
My palms grew sweaty as I inched closer to the reception desk.
Was he…
No…
But what if…?
Thud!
I collided with something soft.
I looked up, rubbing my forehead.
"Watch where you are going, Zia," Ehuang said.
"Sorry," I murmured. She shook her head before walking away.
I glanced back at the front desk. Ruby sat there, typing on her computer.
Taking a deep breath, I inched closer. Cautiously, as if approaching danger.
"Oh, hey Zia."
"Hi, Ruby."
"Who is calling me?"
"I don't know. The caller refused to give a name."
It was him…
Wasn't he?
"Don't…"
"Don't what, Zia?"
"Cut the call."
She raised an eyebrow. Her gaze was questioning.
"Please."
"Why?" She looked up at me, confused.
"Just do it. Tell him I don't work here."
"But I ca—"
"Ruby, just do this once. I'll owe you one."
She stared at me for a brief moment before clicking her tongue and picking up the landline.
"Sorry, wrong person. No one named Zia White works here."
Relief filled me.
She lowered the phone and glanced back at me.
"Whatever your personal issues are, don't get work involved."
"Alright…"
I turned around, heading back to my desk.
With one question lingering.
How did he know where I worked?
If he knows this, then…
The thought of him learning about my other job at the arena…
Dread filled me.
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