Suspects

The next day, I went to the clinic with a lurch in my stomach. I got birth control pills and took the dose the nurse gave me. I didn't bother to discuss it with Denzel because of the big issue right in front of us — discussing having a kid together is unlikely unnecessary at this point. This wasn't an agreement that welcomed building a family together. I couldn't risk it. 

The court day eventually came and Denzel and I went to meet the lawyers. I didn't know how to face Lena. She has been hiding since the event and I heard she got top security surrounding her house so the paparazzi doesn't invade her privacy. Her father is also controlling the preying eyes of the public who wants to know if he is aware of Lena's scars. 

I messed up big time, I ruined the peace in the family with my meddling and concern. 

Entering the meeting room, my gaze first caught Lena's. Her eyes glimpsed at me before she looked away almost immediately. Her focus was now transfixed on the floor. She was sitting across the rectangular table, wearing a black suit that gave off 'trouble'. She had sunshade glasses on the table and I guessed she used that to hide her face during her entrance. 

With wobbly feet, I sat on a reserved seat rightly opposite hers. Denzel was beside me and I got hope from just his nearness.

"Let's proceed. Mrs. Lena, please, can you make a statement on the real reasons you've decided to sue Sheldon?" One of the lawyers asked her and she raised her head slowly. She took a minute like she was trying to remember something she had memorized at home.

"When she connived with someone to have my clothes taken from me so that the world would see my scar, I was not the only one affected. My children were affected too and they all had their lives to live. I'm suing her because of my children, I'm suing her because Rehan is now being seen as an abuser which he isn't. He has never abused me before. I want to save my family from this bad spotlight." She said and I felt like clapping for her because her speech was uplifting. 

"I have a question, why don't you want anyone to know about the scars on your back?" The other lawyer asked and she frowned. 

"It is my personal affairs. It's not a must that I must let the world know what goes on in my life. It's my body and I will not be forced to talk about it." She maintained. 

"Let us have a negotiation, why the detectives are doing their part of the job, they are not going to detain Miss Sheldon for any reason whatsoever. She also shall not be threatened or tortured into admitting that she conducted the conspiracy..." The lawyer went on and on to list what was written in the agreement he had documented. Luckily, Lena and her lawyers agreed to it. After the meeting at the court, Lena went to the police station for the statement she was asked to give concerning her husband, Rehan. They wanted to be sure if he was really mistreating her. But Lena isn't ready to give any details about her scar.  

When Denzel and I got home, I received another death message on my phone. I thought it was Denzel, maybe because he was in his room and I was in mine when it came in. My dearest secret admirer sent me a photo of Denzel and me kissing at the house gathering party. I was sure whoever was responsible was following me everywhere.

I chuckled. It seems like they have nothing better to do with their time. 

A text message followed the next second;

Unknown number: You did something. You are going to pay for what you did by dying first.

My throat dried up. I didn't understand why the person couldn't be specific about what horrible thing I had done. 

Then, a sudden thought came to me.  

What if it was Hunter? Was he ready to kill me because of how Denzel treats him?  

I couldn't come up with a plausible conclusion.

Then, what if it was Denzel playing these games because of how much trouble I've caused his family? Was he only pretending with a huge grudge stirring up in his heart? I was perturbed. 

My fingers started moving against my will. They clicked on a few keys and I saw myself sending a response to this mystery person I do not know. 

Sheldon: What did I do? 

I waited, receiving no response from the other end of the conversation. Whoever it was didn't have anything else to say to me. They must think I'm gullible and I fail to figure out what offense I had committed. 

I heard Denzel's footsteps outside my door and I froze. My heart was in my hands. I was getting anxious. Was this the moment I got the punishment for all my shortcomings? 

The secret messenger was definitely not a friend but an enemy. They wanted me gone. 

I stood up from the bed and sauntered toward the window, checking if there was a way for me to climb through them in case things started getting out of hand. 

After stretching my head through the opening of the window and making sure I wouldn't land somewhere terrible, I returned to the room to receive him because his knock on the door had drawn my attention.

I opened the door and my eyes made contact with Denzel's. 

"This place is no longer safe for you, Sheldon. I'm making preparations to take us to France. My aunt has a house there where we can stay for a few days." He spoke so softly, that I almost let my guard down. Almost, I emphasized because my hand was already holding one of my numerous umbrellas in the room. I would use it to defend myself if need be. But at this point, I didn't think there was any need. Denzel was talking about France for peace's sake. And all in the name of my safety. 

"What makes you think it's no longer safe?" I asked taking a few steps closer to him.

"The security saw a couple of reporters trying to get footage of us from outside the house. That's enough reason to be worried." He answered, slipping both hands into the pockets of his pants. 

"France sounds so far away," I muttered, weighing my options.

"It's more a vacation for me. I don't want to go alone." He replied, keeping the rest of his reasons to himself. I watched his body tense for a moment before he chuckled.

"What are you doing with an umbrella?" He asked, amused. I checked and saw that he was fully inside the room and taking a look around.

I smiled coyly. "It's nothing serious. I'm hungry. I'll make you something to eat." I answered grabbing his wrist and leading me out of the room.

Suddenly, I felt his hand pull away from mine.

"You've got a call, Sheldon." He said pointing. I went to bed and picked up my phone from where I had left it. I answered the call from an unfamiliar number.

"Hello," I go on to say. 

"Your days are numbered." A flaccid tone responded and the line went dead. I batted my eyelashes startled to the core. The voice was feminine. I noted. 

"Who was that?" Denzel asked watching me quietly. 

"I...I don't know." I answered, dazed and confused. 

Denzel is right here with me. Which means he was the one who sent me death threats. I'm dealing with someone else.