Chapter 5 David Cooper?

RING ... RING ... RING

In a state of panic, Emma was hiding behind a pillar and calling her husband, Jacob.

“Hey, Emma…” Before Jacob was able to add anything immediately Emma cut him off.

“He is back, Jacob… He is back!”

Her voice was filled with panic and her words were unclear to him.

“Who, Emma? What are you talking about?” Jacob asked her, confused.

“That man… The Mafia leader, Henry Ford! Henry Ford has returned, he is here on the campus, right in front of my eyes.” She explained in a hoarse voice while her eyes kept confirming the evil man not following her.

Jacob was silent for a while, and soon realized what she was talking about.

"Emma, take it easy. Henry Ford and his partner Peter are both dead. Inspector Roger was present at the execution time.” He comforted her softly, "Don't be afraid, darling. Dead people could never return back."

“But…” Emma bit her lips, she could never forget that man’s voice, nor his aura. She was frightened as hell.

“Easy, darling, maybe he just looks similar to Henry Ford.” Having sensed her fear, Jacob kept coaxing her patiently.

“Emm,,, that man seemed to come from a wealthy family,” Emma told him with her thoughts still perplexed.

“See, maybe he is someone else, Emma. Don’t pressure your mind. Stay relaxed, no one can harm you now.” Jacob comforted her and after hearing his words, Emma gradually calmed down.

“Ok, Jacob, as you say.” She agreed to his words reluctantly.

“I love you, and I'll always be here for you, don’t forget it.” Jacob reminded her which brought a small smile of relief to her face.

“I love you too… and thanks for supporting me in everything, Jacob.”

“My pleasure.” She could sense Jacob smiling at the other end and with a slightly calm heart, she ended the call.

Maybe she was just overthinking.

Lost in her trail of thoughts, Emma entered her office and stopped in her tracks, her mouth agape and eyes widened.

The man was still in the office, right before her desk.

Was he coming for her?

“You…”

“Mrs. Emma Adams, what a lovely name.” The man turned his head, his dark gaze on Emma’s frightening appearance with a slight mischievous glimmering in his eyes.

“I am Natalie’s cousin, David Cooper.” The man stood up calmly from his place and offered his hand to shake.

David Cooper?  

Emma clenched her fists tightly but didn’t make any move to shake his hand at all.

Her gaze kept roaming from his hand to his face, every facial feature was the same but no visible scar like Henry Ford, as if he was born in a pampered life.

The man withdrew his hand slowly and watched Emma expressionlessly while describing the purpose of his visit but Emma listened none.

“Mrs. Adams?” With Emma’s blank face, the man waved his hand to see if she was still listening to him or not.

“Uhm, yes.” Emma took a step back from him while he remained at his place.

“Natalie is very fond of you, she has decided to study abroad, so I am here for the relatable process.” The man spoke, his voice the same as Henry and again the doubt started to rise in Emma’s heart.

And when it came to her students, why didn't she hear about him from Natalie?

She tried her best to stay calm and after a moment, she finally opened her mouth.

“Oh, I see, Mr. Cooper, as for the procedure to be done quickly, I would like to speak with Natalie, first,” Emma spoke cautiously, the fear gone from her face completely.

Her strong mind has again started to work, thankfully.

If he truly was Natalie's cousin, he must have had her number, and also he wouldn't hesitate to call her and confirm his identity in front of her.

The man looked at her for a second and then nodded his head in approval.

“As you say, Mrs. Adams.”

He pulled out his phone, called the person, and then put his phone on the speaker.

RING … RING … RING

“Hello…” The call connected and a female voice came from the other end.

“Natalie… I am Emma, your teacher speaking. Here I have a man who identified himself as your cousin, David Cooper.” Emma spoke first, she was desperate for the truth.

The voice was silent for a moment and then it returned, “Miss Emma, yes, that’s my cousin.”

“So, you’ve decided to go abroad to study?” Emma questioned with doubt.

“Yes, please help him with the procedure, he is not very aware of all the formalities, Ma’am,” Natalie spoke sincerely, her voice was filled with anxiety when she mentioned her cousin, David Cooper.

“Okay, Natalie, don’t worry, I will help him.” Emma lowered her guard, relaxed from Natalie’s words.

David Cooper is indeed her student Natalie’s cousin.

Not Henry Ford, the Mafia leader.

“Thanks, Natalie for convincing your teacher, now, she will believe that I am truly related to you.” The man spoke and in return, there was only silence.

Emma was puzzled but then she realized that the call had ended between them and the man was waiting for her to move.

“So, Mr. Cooper, let’s begin.” Emma’s tone turned professional.

She marched out of the office, and David followed her. When she passed the corridor she noticed how women were impressed by David’s appearance.

And why not?

The man behind her was wearing an expensive three-piece suit, with commendable shoes, and those diamonds on his cuffs. His presence shouted wealth and luxury, which surprised her a little, she never knew that Natalie belonged to such a wealthy family.

“Here is the list of documents you need to submit within a week. All the documents must be scanned and in P*F. Try to not take more than a week to submit the papers as the longer you delay the longer the process would get.”

Emma explained everything in detail to the man, David Cooper. She was very focused on her work and also wanted to get rid of his companion as soon as she could.

While all the women were gushing around the man, Emma was trying her best to keep a fair distance between them, the slight fear of him remained in her heart.

“What if I miss something? It would be better if you provide me with your number, Mrs. Adams.” The man spoke and indirectly asked for her personal number.

Emma frowned, and then rejected him bluntly, “If there would be any problem, you can contact me through the office’s number, Mr. Cooper. That’s the most convenient way for communication.”

Her words were straight and cold.

“Hmm…” Just a small hum came from the man’s mouth in response.

“You got all the needed information, Mr. Cooper, now if you allow me to leave,” Emma said dismissively and then took a step past him to leave. But suddenly, the man blocked her path.

“Mrs. Adams, why do I feel that you’re trying to escape from me?” He spoke, and he stood just inches away from her making her heart beat faster.

“What…? No, I’m not…” Emma took a step back while the man took a step forward, getting closer to her.

“Really? Why am I getting a feeling that my appearance has startled you?” He asked, his predatory steps closing the distance between them.

“No, Mr. Cooper. You’re highly mistaken…”

Keeping her cool, Emma tried to appear calm and sensible even when her heart was pounding heavily in her chest and at any moment she could lose her consciousness from the deep fear which has engulfed her heart completely at this moment.

“I’m mistaken…” The man looked at her thoughtfully.

His dark eyes remained on her face, they were so cold that they could alone freeze her to death.

He leaned down, his face only inches away from her, and when he opened his mouth, his breath tingled her skin in dread.

“Do I remind you of someone, Emma?”