Part 1

**Left for Dead**

My relationship with my Boss developed when I was very young. It has become a deeply intertwined partnership fortified over the years by numerous shared experiences and secrets, highlighting the exceptional camaraderie we’ve built through time and trust. Over our years together, we have navigated challenges and celebrated triumphs, creating a unique connection that stands apart from typical employer- employee dynamics. 

I find myself smiling, anticipating the engaging conversation that lies ahead. The thrill of discussing new projects, brainstorming creative solutions, staying up late into the night, or simply catching up on our lives fills me with energy. Each time I hear that unmistakable ringtone signaling a call from my Boss, a familiar rush of warmth envelops me, igniting a sense of excitement.

"Yes, Boss, how may I assist you today?"

"Please come over here as quickly as you can. The moment we've eagerly anticipated is finally here. It's time to embark on the journey we've dreamed about for so long."

"Do you truly think I’m prepared for this?"

"Without a doubt! I have complete confidence in you as a woman. However, we shouldn’t have this discussion at the office. Unusual events have been troubling lately."

"Are you still worried about that irate client who burst in last month? I promise I reported him to the police and even secured a restraining order against him."

"I’m aware of that, but it’s still vital to exercise caution."

"I need you to stop by my house. Can you come over today? I have something urgent and vital I need to tell you."

"Uhm, I want to come, but I have a crucial meeting to attend. Can it wait until tomorrow? I promise I'll come first thing tomorrow evening."

"Alright, don't be late. I need to give you something. I have been holding onto this for quite some time, and it is a matter we can’t do over the phone."

After hanging up with my Boss, I was filled with curiosity all day. I attended the meeting with the IT department. IT showcased the idea for freshly updated photos with new backgrounds for our matchmaking server.

When I came to work the next day, things were hectic. That evening, I needed to give my review of the updates and submit improvements to be made. So I met again with IT and the staff. An hour into the meeting, things still hadn't been resolved to my standards. I glanced at the clock and felt a jolt of panic.

"Oh no! I'm late!" I exclaimed, looking around the conference room. "Angela, please wrap up what I’ve started here. You can answer any questions they might have. I must attend a meeting with our Boss."

I hurried over to my Boss's home with a burst of urgency. I couldn't wait to hear what was so important that it had to be discussed face to face.

******

Upon entering the house, an overwhelming odor assaulted my senses.

"What on earth is that smell?" I muttered, frowning as I dropped my keys into my coat pocket and stepped further into the opulent foyer.

"Hello! It’s me! Is anyone home?"  I called out, but my echoed voice met only silence.  "What’s that awful stench?" I edged through the expansive living room. I smiled as I recalled fond memories of all the fabulous parties held here in this room. Glancing past the polished dining room and into the large stainless steel kitchen, hoping to find someone there.

The faint, foul metallic odor lingered in the air, sharp and unsettling. A suit jacket lay carelessly draped over the sleek sofa. 'Whose jacket is that?' I wondered, my curiosity piqued. High-heeled shoes littered the path leading to the main bedroom, and I couldn't help but think, 'When did this house become so untidy?'

“Did guest come and stay last night?” At first, the thought disturbed me. Could my Boss be seeing someone? And I don't know about it.  I had been under the impression that business was the only interest, and it came first, besides mentoring and training me, for many years. I was often told that I was the blessing that sparked life into the heart of my Boss. I felt a thrilling sense of possibility about my future role. These significant words left an impressionable girl appreciative and yet yearning for more.

My Boss is someone I admire, the only person I genuinely trust. I am immensely grateful for all the kindness and time spent on my behalf.  I've been trained to follow in my mentor's footsteps, yet I often questioned whether I could be half as good. 

I entered the kitchen, believing the noxious smell might be from spoiled food. However, the scent didn't match anything I recognized as rotting food, and the kitchen appeared spotless and lonely. Next, I ventured to the home office, but it, too, was devoid of life. It is strange; it seems like with talk not too long ago. But the house appears to be barren. Anxiety began to creep in; this was so unusual.

 I decided to ascend the staircase that led to the main suite. The stench grew stronger as I approached the upstairs hallway, a thick, unsettling presence hanging in the air. This house has always been well maintained and pristine from top to bottom. The servants have done an impeccable job of keeping this large house spotless. There was no way this vile odor could stem from neglect. This smell was unlike anything I had ever encountered, and I've been here many times.

Moving cautiously down the hallway towards the bedroom, I noticed the door was ajar.

“Hello, it’s me, Dynasty! Are you in there? Sorry for being late.” I called softly, inching closer to the door. When silence greeted me once more, unease bubbled within.

What if the initial thought of a guest sleeping over was correct? I didn’t want to think about that, yet I have no right to intrude on a private moment. But why would I be told to come over here if that's the case? So I knocked again, this time with a firmer hand. Yet, curiosity urged me to peek through the narrow crack in the door.

I gasped.

My nostrils filled with the metallic odor. What I smelled was blood! It overwhelmed my nostrils, churning my stomach and causing me to gag at what I saw. My heart raced as my eyes followed the dark red liquid stains that filled the cracks in the marble floor. 

Instantly, fear gripped me. I cautiously push the door open wider, calling out. 

"Beverly! Where are you? Please answer me! Where are you?!"  I said as I slowly entered the large, disheveled room. My eyes landed on a pair of feet on the floor at the foot of the bed.

I screamed!  "Beverly!"

I rushed to her side. My eyes burned with tears as my heart filled up with fear. I was shocked to see her lying there on the floor. Drenched in blood and partially dressed, her unconscious body rested in a pool of blood. 

Panic surged through me like a tidal wave, crashing over my senses as I collapsed beside her, tears spilling unchecked down my cheeks. I shook her gently, urgency clawing at my chest, calling out her name in a frantic plea to rouse her from the depths of darkness. But her eyes remained sealed shut, once so vibrant, her lips pale and motionless. Cradling her lifeless form in my arms, I screamed, “Oh my God! Who did this to you? Please don’t leave me! Don’t leave me.”

A whirlwind of memories—a tapestry woven over nearly two decades—flashed before my eyes, each moment tinged with disbelief. How could this be real?

“Oh my God! Someone help me!” I cried, my voice cracking under the weight of despair. My hands, slick and trembling with blood, hovered over her still body as tears streamed down my face, pooling like a river of sorrow. Then, I noticed something glinting in her hand, a tiny beacon of hope amidst the tragedy. I pried her fingers open, and there it was—the flash drive, gleaming ominously in the dim light.

“My dear God, could this be what they were after?” I whispered, a chill racing down my spine.

With a sense of urgency coursing through me, I quickly shoved the small device into my pants pocket. I gently laid Beverly's head down and hurried to locate my phone. Where on earth was my purse? The chaos clouded my mind, twisting my thoughts into confusion as I searched. My eyes finally landed on it, discarded by the bedroom entrance.

My hands shook violently as I tried to press the buttons necessary to call 911, but it was nearly impossible. I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to focus, desperately trying to steady the chaos I felt within me.

"I can't believe something like this has happened. How is this possible?" My tear-filled eyes scanned the room. Blood was splattered on the walls and floor, making tears roll down my cheeks. Overwhelmed by shock and sadness, I mumbled, "Lord, please don't let it be too late."

Was I having an out-of-body experience? Is this a bad dream I can't wake up from?

Steadying my trembling finger, I pressed 911. My eyes burned with tears, and my anguished throat echoed the moment I heard a voice on the other end of the line.

"Please, please help me!"

The dispatcher said, "Ma'am, I can't understand you. Calm down and tell me your emergency."

My quivering lips finally said, "I need help right away!"

I gave the address to the dispatcher, my heart heavy as I stood by Beverly’s side, hoping for her to be alive still.  I gazed down at her vulnerable form lying there, a deep sense of helplessness settled in my chest. I watched Beverly, breathing slowly, expire from this world as I focused solely on her. Then I heard the sound of sirens in the distance grew louder, and a flicker of relief surged through me, a reminder that help was coming.

With each passing second, I clung to the hope that those urgent sounds would bring the care so desperately needed.

"Hold on, Beverly, please... Hold on."