CHAPTER THREE

CRYSTAL

Silence followed as the question filled my mind. My heart pounded against my chest like it was going to break free and cold sweat broke across my forehead and I could feel my skin go pale.

My hands trembled as I grabbed my bad and brought out my phone to call Ella. Ella said she would join me in the police station after I explained all that happened to her on the phone.

I shoved the letters into my bag and hurried out of the restaurant ignoring the waiter who bade me farewell as I boarded a taxi that drove me to the precinct.

As I stepped down from the taxi,Ella was already waiting for me in front of the precinct. She quickly closed the distance between us and pulled me into a tight hug.

“Hey, it's okay,”she said softly,her voice calm and reassuring. “Where's your date?” Ella asked with a furrowed brow.

I sighed wearily, “He left.”

“What! Why?” She asked in surprise.

Then I showed her the letters and watched her as her jaw dropped as she read.

“Oh no! This is bad. This must have been an obsessed fan and it's very dangerous,” she said. “I'm so sorry,babe.”

I tried to speak but my voice trembled slightly as I replied, “I’m scared. What if my suspicion was right.”

“Don't conclude yet. That's why we are here,right?” She said as we walked into the precinct. “The police will do a good job in tracking the person.”

We approached the police behind the counter and tendered our complaint.

“We came yesterday,to file a complaint,” I said. “We were told to speak with officer Barry.”

The officer nodded curtly,his demeanor uninviting and called out to officer Barry, who came out shortly.

“Hello ladies, concerning the complaint you gave. We have tried tracking the number down but unfortunately,it has been unsuccessful.”

“Are you sure this was the number that called you?” the officer asked, making Ella and I exchange confused glances.

“Yes, it's the number,” I replied. “Apparently,I got another letter from the person some minutes ago,” I said, showing him the letter. He glanced through the letter and gave it back to me.

“ Do you have an idea who it could be? Friends? Family? Neighbors?” He asked as he scribed on his jotter.

“I don't,” I replied.

“Okay. We would need more of your information and also,we are on it and would get back to you soon,” he said as I was provided with materials to write down my information.

“ Thank you, officer,” I said.

I felt relieved getting assurance from the officer,at least I know that their hands are on the desk, looking for this stalker.

It was quite late,Ella refused to go home and insisted on staying with me for the night but I turned her down after assuring her that I felt better and at rest. After much persuasion,she decided to go home and promised to check on me the next day.

I dropped on the bed as I got to my hotel room, tiredly took off my dress and laid on the bed when I saw my phone buzzing and Jack’s name lighting up on my screen. It was the first time he called after leaving me the other day.I rolled my eyes as I took the call,then waited to hear what he had to say.

“Hello Crystal,” he said. “Hey, I'm so sorry about leaving you like that in the restaurant. It's because –”

“Is it because of the letter?” I asked, knowing fully well that, that might be the reason.

Silence followed briefly,then he spoke up.

“Yes,it is. I have always kept a reputable profile because of my status and I don't want something that would tarnish my image. I'm so sorry, I didn't feel at peace since I left that day…I should have done better,” he said, remorsefully.

“It's okay,” I replied, abruptly. “I understand, anyone would have done what you did if they were threatened like that,” I said.

“I'm truly sorry, Crystal. Sincerely, I promise to make it up to you,” he apologized.

“Who sent the letter? Your boyfriend?” He asked.

“Not at all. I haven't met him before,it's just some crazy fan” I said, trying not to dive into the ‘stalker’ discussion.

“That’s dangerous. Does the police know about this?” he asked,his voice laced with worry.

“Yes,thank you,”

“If you need my help, I'm always available and if you get any messages from the stalker again,let me know I will make sure to track him down,” he said with all seriousness.

“I will,Jack.Thanks for that,” I replied.

“Remember I told you that my company will be holding a party this weekend. I hope you will be there,” he said with enthusiasm.

“Huh,I will think about it.”

“I'm truly sorry, Crystal,” he apologized again. “ If you don't come,I will take it that you haven't forgiven me.”

“Don’t sweat it, Jack. I really understand your point,” I replied.

“Thank you,” A brief silence followed. “So,what do you think of settling in NYC for business?” he asked.

“Stay in New York City for business?” I muttered as it suddenly dawned on me that I hadn't really given it a thought.

“Yeah.”

I stayed quiet as I thought about it, forgetting that we were still on the phone until Jack excused himself, saying he had something urgent to attend to and would call me back.

*****

UNKNOWN POV

I stood in a dim light room filled with Crystal Morgan's pictures. The walls are covered now. Every inch. Her paintings, every one of her social media pictures and I can't seem to get enough of taking her pictures since she arrived in New York City.

Her paintings has given peace to my troubled heart since I encountered her artistic work two years ago. I had not stopped following her since then. It's like she quietly saw my pain,my memories and translated them into color and form without a single word.

I took one out of the many pictures of the wall,the picture of her at the Aether’s award ceremony, “Such a beautiful sweetheart,” I said,as my fingers trailed the surface of the picture. “You broke the walls that had sealed me in a confined space since I was a child. You did what my parents couldn't do for me.”

I muffled a small laugh, “I know you haven't met me yet and you are curious about who I am,” I paused. “I can't wait to meet you physically and have you in my arms forever. That's how badly I want you.”