The Encounter

I stood in the midst of all the people dancing to the music that could be heard all the way to the end of the island. A glass of champagne was clutched in one hand and still full, I hadn't had a sip. 

My eyes were fixed on the object that was the reason I was on this island. David Alexander Thomas, the man rumoured to have an illegal business with blood on his hands. His name was always in my head when I received this business. He stood at the centre of the conversation, surrounded by several women with fake smiles.

This man was not just a target. He was a threat, someone who operated under the shadow of the law, with rumours of a business full of blood and dark secrets. I decided to approach him.

I gulped down my drink and placed my empty glass on a nearby table, then began to step quietly towards him. As we got closer, he turned his head, as if he noticed me before I even spoke. His smile was small, but there was a sharp look in his eyes.

“Mr.David,” I said in a casual tone, as if we were old acquaintances. “May I have your time?”

He smiled, as if he had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. “Sure, Miss Harper.”

My heart was beating faster than ever when he said my name. However, I tried to maintain my composure, trying to be professional as ever.

“I guess you expected me to come,” I replied with a faint smile, trying to play on his level.

He chuckled a little. But the way he laughed was more like mocking.  “Oh, I more than expected, Miss Harper. In fact, I've been waiting for you all along. This feast, food and drink is for you. That's enough, isn't it?” His gaze was sharp, as if trying to read my every move.

“Did you waited for me?” I asked, confused.

“Yes, I was waiting for you.” he said casually. A small smile graced his face. “Because you came here for no reason, right? I know who you are, Miss Harper.” He took a step, his hand beckoning me to follow him. “Come follow me.” 

I looked at his outstretched hand, then back at his face, trying to read what was hidden behind his casual demeanour. Then, I decided to follow him.

He led me to a large room. Inside, books were neatly arranged on bookshelves. In the centre of the room, there was a soft sofa that looked comfortable, with a small table in front of it. While on the left side of the room, a dark brown wooden workbench stood. 

“Please, have a seat,” Hhe gestured to the sofa, commanding me to sit, while he walked to his desk, took a bottle of wine, and two glasses. With calm movements, he poured wine into the glasses and handed one to me. 

I steadied my breath, “Well then, let’s begin. You know me, and I know who you are. So, I have a question for you.” 

But before I could continue, David raised his hand, stopping me. “Oh, wait. Miss Harper, don’t rush,” he chuckled, more like a tease. “Don’t you have anything other than questions, Miss Harper?”

I squinted my eyes, trying to figure out the meaning behind his words. “I’m a journalist, Mr. David. Asking questions is part of my job,” I said, trying to remain calm. “So, shall we begin?” 

His gaze seemed to indicate that he enjoyed every word that came from my mouth. He gave a small smile on his lips that was hard for me to decipher. “Sure,” he replied nonchalantly.

I took out a small recorder. David’s eyes immediately fixed on it, and his smile grew wider, like a man who already knew the game I was playing. 

“Alright, my question is simple, Mr. David. Could you tell me, what do you do from morning to night?” 

David glanced at the small recorder in my hand, then looked back at me. “You are interesting, Miss Harper.”

I shrugged lightly, keeping my casual tone. “I know.” 

He chuckled softly, although it sounded more like mocking. “ Well, okay.” He seemed to think for a moment, “I usually wake up in the morning, have breakfast, then head to the office. I spend most of the day in meetings and ensuring the business runs smoothly.” 

He paused for a moment, observing my reaction before continuing. “In the afternoon, I’m at the office, having lunch with business partners. And in the evening…” He leaned forward, his voice becoming lower. “Evenings are usually spent on more... personal things.”

“For example?”

He smiled, her gaze seeming to draw me in deeper. “Engaging in adult activities,” he whispered. His voice almost made me feel drawn into the atmosphere.

I was a little surprised by his answer, though I tried not to show it. David looked at me with a thin smile, clearly enjoying creating tension and intrigue.

“Okay,” I said, shifting the conversation to something less uncomfortable. “Then, did you do all that on August 13th?” My question clearly made his expression change to one of displeasure. 

His smile faded and his eyes fixed on me sharply. Then, David began tapping his finger on his glass, making a sound that almost resembled a ticking clock. Time seemed to slow as I waited for him to answer.

 “August 13th?” he repeated casually, as if trying to recall something trivial. “What makes that date so important to you, Miss Harper?” 

I stared at him, not blinking, not wanting to give him a chance to read my hesitation. “A date that tied you to a rumor I still can’t believe.” 

He smiled wider, but his eyes remained cold, like a chess player who had already anticipated his opponent’s move. “Rumors are always intriguing, aren’t they?” He placed his glass on the table, then walked over to the large window overlooking the sea.

He stood there, looking outside. His silhouette was faint against the glass, merging with the darkness outside. A moment later, he turned slightly and pointed at me. “Come here,” he said, sounding more like an order. 

At first, I hesitated. Unable to discern Mr. David’s intentions. But eventually, I stood and walked toward him, trying to find answers with each step. When I stood beside him, he raised his hand, pointing outside the window.

“Look,” he said softly. I followed the direction of his hand. From where we stood, the view that evening seemed endless, the waves out in the sea rolling without stop. Outside, the music was still blaring, accompanied by guests still enjoying the party. 

“All of this,” he said, slipping his hands into his pants pockets, “is a world I created myself.”

I turned to face him, waiting for him to continue. His eyes remained on the view outside, but his smile stayed on, thin yet meaningful. Finally, he turned toward me, his face so close that I could see the reflection of my own eyes in his. I could even hear the soft sound of his breath. 

I could feel the air around us grow heavier, as if we were the only two people in the world. 

“Miss Harper,” he said, his voice low, almost a whisper. “Do you have a boyfriend?” 

I was shocked by the question. But I tried to hide my reaction and remained calm. “Is that important?” 

His smile spread across his lips, as if he had gotten the answer he wanted. “Miss Harper, I have a secret.”