Chapter 30: One Step

Rosa's POV

I woke that morning, feeling very lazy, and it was a Monday morning. I was home alone. Quinn had travelled for three days for an I.T training.

“Alright, let’s see what this chip has given us so far,” I said, scrolling through the files on my laptop. “It’s not flooded yet, but it’s steady. Gary is definitely hiding things. Big things for that matter. These transfers don’t make sense. And these late-night meetings? Something’s off.”

I leaned back on the couch and sighed. “I should feel moved about this. We’re moving in the right direction. Why do I feel so… restless?”

I picked up my phone and called Quinn.

“Hey Q,” I said in a toddler tone.

“Rosa! Finally. I’ve been waiting. How did the data look this past weekend?” she asked.

“Pretty solid, actually. I’ve gone through everything the chip sent. It’s confirming what we suspected. Gary’s hiding a lot. There are encrypted folders he keeps opening, weird offshore movements, and meetings that aren’t on any official calendar. It’s going to take time, but it’s all starting to show up,” I told her.

Quinn sounded excited. “Yes! That’s exactly what we needed. Any major red flags standing out?”

“A couple. One account he keeps accessing at 2 a.m. And some documents linked to companies I’ve never heard of. Nothing we can use immediately, but it’s building up. We stay patient, and it’ll all come apart,” I said.

“Good. Really good work, Rosa. How’s the chip holding up? Any risk he might notice it?” she asked.

“No risk so far. He’s too busy trying to impress me to suspect anything. The connection is quiet and stable. We’re still safe,” I replied.

“Perfect. Keep feeding me whatever comes through. We’ll handle the sorting on this side. What about the office? Any heat from Andres or the team after the celebration?” Quinn continued.

“Andres has been normal. Everyone’s focused on Meridian now. I’m just doing my job and keeping my head down,” I said.

“You sound a little tired. You okay over there? You’ve been carrying so much lately,” she said gently.

“I’m fine, Quinn. The progress with Gary has me energized. We’re finally getting somewhere. That’s what matters,” I answered.

There was a short pause.

“Okay… but how have you been sleeping?” she asked.

“I’m sleeping fine. Just normal stuff,” I said quickly.

“Okay,” Quinn replied in that voice that meant she didn’t believe a word.

I let out a small laugh. “Stop reading into things. I’m good.”

“I’m not reading into anything, Rosa. I’m reading you. And those are two different things,” she said softly. “You’ve sounded different for days now. What’s really going on?”

I ran a hand through my hair. “It’s nothing major. I keep replaying that night. After everyone left, Gary came to block me. Gosh, I hate his guts.”

“That memory keeps coming up, huh?” Quinn said.

“And for Andres, I don’t know. We have our agreement. Secrets stay secrets. But sometimes I wonder what he’s actually thinking when he looks at me.” I admitted with confusion.

“You’re allowed to wonder. Just don’t let it throw you off balance. We’re close now. Closer than we’ve ever been,” she reminded me.

“I know. I won’t let it. Thanks for listening. I needed to get it out,” I said.

“Anytime. Call me the second anything new comes through on the chip. And please try and get some medications that will help you relax, alright?” she said.

“I will. Talk soon. Love you,” I replied.

“Love you more. Have a nice day, babe.”

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my blouse.

“Looking good, Rosa. The blouse is crisp. Skirt sits right. Now the lip gloss… just a little touch,” I said to my reflection.

I stared at myself straight in the eyes. “Alright. You’ve got this today. All you have to do is walk in there like you belong. Do the job and keep the plan moving. Gary is slipping. The data is coming in. We’re winning.”

I smoothed my hair. “Andres, Andres, well, I have let him go. Nothing attached. He’s just your boss. You have secrets. He has his own. Keep it simple and professional.”

I picked up my bag. “Gary thinks he’s winning you over with the charm. Let him believe that. The chip is working perfectly. Everything is going exactly according to plan. Just stay focused and sharp, Rosa.”

I took a slow breath. “This is for you, Rosa, for everything you went through. For the future you actually want. One step at a time, Rosa. Just like always. One step at a time.”

“Come on, say it like you mean it,” I whispered. “You’ve done this for six years. Today is no different. Walk into that building with your head high. Smile when you need to. Keep your secrets close and your eyes open.”

I grabbed my keys and headed for the door. “You’ve got this, Rosa. One step at a time. Let’s go.” I inhaled a deep breath.

When I got the traffic light, I noticed a dark SUV behind me, but I didn’t take it seriously until I noticed I had seen it three streets away before then. I felt strange and uncomfortable immediately. I held the steering wheel very tight and told myself not to be paranoid. I haven’t really rested in days, maybe I was overthinking things.

“Rosa, focus and stop thinking aloud,” I whisper to myself.

The light turned green, I left my lane, and a few seconds later, the SUV switched lanes too. My heartbeat increased immediately.

“This has to be a coincidence.”

At the next traffic light that was red, I checked through the mirror, and this same SUV stopped behind me. This time around, I was extremely scared. I drove as fast as I could and stopped by a park close to the office, and this SUV stopped far from me.

The man stepped out of his car, staring at mine. I remained inside my car with my glass up. I saw him through the mirror when he brought out his phone and was typing. I wonder what he was doing or who he was about to call. I picked up my phone to text Q.

I lifted my head, but the man was no longer by the side of his car, and the car was still parked in the same spot. I was so scared that my phone fell off my hands close to the brake. I bent over to pick it up, and the moment I lifted up my head, I saw a figure standing at the front of my car.