Chapter 13 *Almost caught*

Anthonio watched Marley disappear through the hallway and he smirked.

Well, well, well.

The group were chattering among themselves and didn't notice when he got up, also disappearing into the hallway.

He didn't see her.

His hunch told him she wasn't going to the restroom so he walked down to the hallway reaching the rear.

He followed the left turn but something told him to turn back.

His hunches has never been wrong before.

He took the right turn and went to his study.

He pushed the door open but he saw no one in.

His brows knitted together.

Where was she?

He closed the door and started up again reaching the rear end.

That was when he saw her.

She came out from a corner typing on her phone.

“Where were you?”

She jumped and looked at him.

“Oh my God. You scared me.”

“Why will you be scared?” He walked up to her.

“Because I wasn't expecting you to be here. I thought you were eating with the others.”

“You still haven't answered my question. Where were you?”

Marley raised a brow at him. “I thought I said I was going to the restroom.”

That was when Anthonio realized that where she came out from was the restroom area.

“Ohh.”

“Where did you think I was coming from Mr Kalvey?” 

Anthonio searched her face before clearing his throat.

“Nowhere in particular. It's just that you can easily get lost in this hallways if you are new here. So I was worried.”

“Then you shouldn't have too many hallways.” Marley mumbled.

“Huh?”

“Nothing.” She chuckled dryly and went to meet the others outside.

Anthonio let her leave, he was deep in thought.

~~~~~~~

Marley settled down beside her colleague fully letting out the breath she had been holding few minutes back.

She had almost been caught.

She sighed in relief when she remembered what happened five minutes ago.

****************

“What are you doing in here?”

Marley freezed.

She snatched her hand away from the book and whipped her head around.

A lady in a helper's uniform stared at her with a questioning gaze.

“Urhhh… I was looking for the restroom but got lost.” Marley lied.

“This is not a restroom.” 

“Yeah right, how stupid of me.” Marley laughed awkwardly.

“Come with me, I'll show you the restroom.”

“Ohh that's so kind of you.” Marley spared the strange book one last fleeting glance before following the help out.

They got to the restroom and Marley stopped the help before she could leave.

“I'm sorry but could you keep this from Mr Kalvey. I don't want him to be offended about me going elsewhere instead of the restroom just because I was lost.”

The househelp didn't respond immediately also analyzing the situation.

She could also get into trouble for not being around at the moment to assist the guests.

And that room was off limit from everyone.

She could even get sacked because of it, and by the way this guest was only here for today so she couldn't risk her job.

She nodded.

 “No problem. Just don't get lost next time.” Which she was sure there won't be a next time.

Marley heaved in relief when she left and she entered the restroom.

She took out her phone and zoomed into the picture she had taken.

What was N.5?

She sent the picture to a private line.

~Radar two, I found this in Anthonio's study.~

She washed her hands and went out.

Her phone vibrated.

~A book?~ It read.

~Yes. Find out what it means.~

~On it.~

*************

Anthonio was still unsettled.

Something was off.

He went back to the rear end and took the right turn.

He reached the door that sat at the ending and twisted the knob.

He stepped in and locked the door.

His eyes assessed everywhere for any form of intruding.

He couldn't find anything. Everything was in place.

He moved towards a specific book area and reached out to a book with black binding.

N.5.

A button lay underneath the book and he pressed it.

A machine sound rumbled within the room and a wall shifted back exposing another door.

Anthonio moved towards it and pressed his thumb on the fingerprint lock.

Then a monitor scanned his eyes.

The door clicked open and he went in.

~~~~~~~~~

“Where is Mr Kalvey?” A colleague spoke up and everyone wondered where he went.

Marley was also curious. She had left him standing there.

Could he be suspecting anything?

Where was he?

She wished she could go back in to investigate some more but she can't risk getting caught again.

At that moment Anthonio came out and joined them.

Marley ate in silence feeling Anthonio's eyes on her.

They were done eating and drinking and Anthonio had addressed them for a little while showing his interest in doing more interviews with them.

“Thank you for the food.” Marley said to him.

He didn't reply her but instead guided them outside.

They all got into the bus but Anthonio caught Marley's hand before she could get in.

Marley turned back.

“What's wrong Mr Kalvey?”

“Hmmm…. It was nice having you here.”

“Huh?”

Anthonio took a step back releasing her hand . “You can go.”

Marley was confused than ever.

Why was he thanking her?

Her thoughts was caught short by her colleagues who were already calling out to her.

Marley got in and sat near the window.

She stared out and saw Anthonio already retreating inside.

What was that?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Where is Anthonio?” Peter asked Miss Mars.

“He didn't come in to work today.” 

“Why?”

“He is having a get together with the CNS workers.”

“CNS?”

“Yes sir.”

“Why?”

The secretary shook her head. “I have no idea sir.”

“Where is the get together taking place?”

“At Sheinds Palace.”

Peter narrowed his eyes.

Sheinds Palace?

But Anthonio doesn't permit anyone coming there even his family members.

So why the hell did he invite a group of strangers to come over there?.

He left the office and pulled out his phone.

“Anthonio invited some people to Sheinds Palace.” Peter said into the phone.

“What? Who are they?” The voice said.

“CNS workers. The ones that conducted his interview.”

“Why would he call them in? He doesn't allow anyone into that place.” The voice was pondering.

“I'm also surprised.”

“Do you know anyone of them?” The voice inquired.

“I don't think so.”

“This isn't about not thinking so. You should be sure. Look into them.” The voice ordered.

“Okay.” The line went dead.

~~~~~~~~~~

Marley brought out her key to open the door but stopped.

Her door looked tampered with.

Someone broke in.

Her heart thumped faster and she brought out a pocket knife from her bag.

She gripped it tightly, assessed her surroundings before creaking the door open.

A hand sprang out beside her just as she stepped in and she swung the knife.

But the ha

nd was fast enough to grip her hand and bend it backward.

Marley winced and the knife dropped to the floor.

A bulky body belonging to the hand came behind her and pushed her.

She fell flat on her face.

Then a voice.

“Look who we have here.”

Her blood ran cold.