2 Chapter 2: Playing by the Rules

“Sara, I know you dislike talking about the past, and I am doing my best to respect that. But it may be helpful for you to talk to someone about what you hope to arrange with this lawyer. The last time you spoke to Tom it seemed as if he was on the right track to figuring out where we are… where you are,” she said concerningly.

“Yes, he figured out we’re somewhere in the Greater Toronto Area. I have a plan, Bonnie… you just have to trust me, okay?” Sara replied with a hint of urgency in her voice.

Bonnie gave Sara a half-smile and walked away. Sara knew Bonnie didn’t agree with all her choices, but she had a plan, and she was sure it would work out. Sara headed from her apartment foyer into the family room, which was directly beside the kitchen. She plopped herself onto the tan colored leather couch and flipped on the large screen television.

Sara had emailed Mr. Walberg’s office four times before she was able to get in touch with his secretary. She had been lucky enough to receive an appointment within a week given the typically long waitlist, according to his secretary. Sara always knew that persistence was key and had always said, lines are for those who are willing to wait!

Well… that, or Mr. Walberg and his assistant had become fed up with her emails and phone calls and decided they hated her enough already and it would be best just to bring her in.

Derek Walberg’s assistant Jennifer Bing was rather attractive. Sara had noticed her photograph attached to her email when she booked the appointment with the attorney. She had lovely blonde hair that was cut into a bob, a beautiful white smile with red-tinged lips, and a tall slender feminine frame. Sara had immediately been struck by the stark differences between Jennifer and herself.

Sara had long wavy brown hair that flowed down her back, ocean blue eyes, a short and stocky build, and curves. Jennifer was the epitome of modern-day female perfection, and Sara wondered if she had been hand-chosen by Derek as his representative. The world might end if he had someone unattractive represent him.

Derek’s assistant had not asked her any questions regarding why she required an appointment. She had thought it was odd. Yet, she had been happy about the ‘no questions’ policy, as she hadn’t figured out how she was going to explain her situation and what she wanted out of Derek.

Sara slid her hand across the couch to grab her phone. She looked at the time, and it read 6:00 pm. She overheard Bonnie oohing and aahing in the room over, intrigued, she decided to leave her thoughts and walked towards the noise.

Sara entered Bonnie’s room to find Bonnie with her head cautiously peeking out the window. Sara felt a sense of panic rising over her. Had he found her? What was going on?

“Sara! Oh my god – there is a Rolls Royce downstairs, and the lady driving it is asking for you!” Bonnie shrieked.

Sara was nervous and scared. She hadn’t been expecting company, and she purposely did not give out her address freely. She was angry that Bonnie would be so careless as to engage with some random person on the street. What if this was Tom’s hired help? Sara took some time to compose herself as she stared at Bonnie.

“This person didn’t think to ring our buzzer like a normal person? Instead, she yells up at some random girl sticking her head through a window?” Sara asked incredulously.

Bonnie’s face fell. “I was stupid. I didn’t think. I peeked out of the window and asked the woman why she was here. I am sorry, Sara,” Bonnie said guiltily.

Bonnie had always been the concerned friend, and for once she forgot to be. Sara couldn’t fathom holding that against her. Sara attempted to lighten up, hoping for the best.

“Ms. Hopewell? Would you be so kind as to come downstairs, I am here to bring you to your 6:30 appointment with Mr. Derek Walberg,” a lady screamed up to Sara.

Sara had not dared stick her head of the window, but she did stand back a way to view the woman.

“Oh! I know who this woman is! That’s Jennifer Bing, his assistant. She’s the one I’ve been emailing with to get the appointment,” Sara said with obvious relief in her voice.

“A car pick-up service for his clients? I may like this man,” Bonnie joked.

“I am sorry, Ms. Bing! I did not order a car – and I cannot afford the taxi rate!” Sara had screamed down to the street, still finding a way to hide from view. She realized how ineffective this was, seeing as how the lady was clearly Jennifer, and she’d blown her cover by not only responding but by screaming. She was no better than Bonnie.

“Ms. Hopewell, the ride is free of charge! If you would please just come down,” Jennifer said reassuringly and desperately.

Sara heard the hint of desperation in the woman’s voice. Bonnie shrugged her shoulders, stuck out her tongue and had said something to the effect of “must be nice to ride in a Rolls” as she walked away.

Sara grabbed her purse and made her way for the door. As she closed it behind her, she locked it. Twice.

Sara slowly made her way down her building’s stairs. She opened the door and let it swing back behind her. Sara looked left and she looked right – double-checking her surroundings before approaching Jennifer.

“Hello, Ms. Hopewell. I am sorry to have startled you. I didn’t see a buzzer code to your building and you left out the unit number on your address sheet – all of which made it very difficult to inform you of my arrival,” Jennifer said with annoyance in her voice.

Sara smiled at Jennifer. “My sincere apologies, Jennifer. I was unaware that I would be having someone pick me up for this appointment – as usually someone would notify you of such things – hence, the absence of a unit number,” Sara said wittingly.

Jennifer nodded knowingly to Sara while opening the back door to the Rolls. Sara wondered if Mr. Walberg attended to all his clients this way. She knew he was highly sought after but providing rides to clients seemed a bit excessive. She wasn’t even sure she was a client… yet.

Sara cautiously stepped into the back of the car. As Sara buckled her seatbelt and strapped it firmly across her chest, she began to wonder what the appointment with Mr. Walberg would hold for her future.

Sara needed an escape. An escape not only from Tom but from his secrets. His secrets had ruined Sara, maybe even destroyed her; and if given the chance, he would destroy her too.