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H
ey ! How have you been? Long time, no see. This is Angela, just so you know. What have you been up to ever since I called an impromptu vacation/secret work emergency?" Angela said meekly. She hadn't kept in touch with Sandra, the woman who practically knew her more than herself. And she wants to be proud of it.
It honestly doesn't take enough time to text someone to see how they are or give them a quick call, but for some reason, the past month had been a rollercoaster ride for Angela, and even she didn't know where she was going or how to deal with it; someone like Angela who was always the most pragmatic person around.
"How have I been? How have I BEEN? My God, Angela, you are so oblivious. Have you ever seen the news? How have YOU BEEN? You take a vacation one minute, and the other minute you're on the cover of lifestyle magazines as the new flame of David Haywire, and the other minute you are all over the news channels for calling it quits with Mr. Pretty Face here? What have you been up to? What is happening? Are you alright?" Sandra almost screamed and shrieked and talked at the same time.
"Omg, what? Is it already on the news? God, give me a break!" Angela yelped.
"Yes, it is. Of course, it is. You know a lot of people are billionaires, and a lot of people badmouth them. But there hasn't been a lot of people who date these billionaires and then sue them. I just want to know if you are okay. And is this true? Is he really a bad guy? Did he really murder that boy from the office's friend?" Sandra asked all in one breath.
"Yes, I'm alright. Things have been crazy. I met this guy, and we had an instant connection. It turns out he's actually not a bad guy. And no, he isn't the murderer.
But there is someone in his internal circle who is responsible for all these crimes. And this is my extensive plan to bring that Mafia guy down. And so, I had to pull this breakup shenanigan. And I know how it looks. As if I used him. But you know more than anyone, that's not true," Angela explained slowly.
“Whoa, whoa whoa. That was a lot to take in. So, he is not the bad guy? Then why are you suing him? Girl, marry him. He looks like a sweetheart,” Sandra joked, and Angela laughed. Angela had forgotten the sound of her own laugh. She laughed after a long time.
"No further questions. Tell me, how are you? How are things? And I'm sorry for being a stupid friend. I have just had a lot on my plate," Angela declared, shamefully.
"It's alright, missy. I am sparing you this one time. No, but for real, I can tell you've been through a lot. And I am doing well, actually. It turns out I needed the vacation more than you did. I had gotten so engrossed in my work life that I had forgotten how to live life for what it is.
Maybe that's why I was so against us taking time off. So yeah, the time off has done me good. I'm doing yoga, I've made a bunch of yoga friends. And I met someone at the coffee place the other day, too," Sandra told Angela, getting almost giddy in the end.
"Ooh, that's sounds cool. Now I wanna do yoga. Anyway, I was calling to ask you if you searched for Alpha Security Co. for me. I'm looking into it to beef up protection around me. So, if you could get me all details around it, that would be a real baller move," Angela requested.
"Of course, anything for you, girlie. And hey, listen, be safe. And I'm always here," Sandra explained as she hung up.
"I know, and I'm there too-" Sandra was cut off by the beeping sound of an ending call.
Meanwhile, Toby made his towards the cab.
"All packed?" Angela asked with a smile on her face.
“Yes. All set,” Toby replied.
The sun was setting in the background of New York City. The oranges poured into shades of red and maroon. The city looked like an autumn landscape even though winter was at its peak. This was a rare day when the sun had shone in weeks. And Angela was thankful for it. Whenever the day was bright, Angela felt as if the universe was on her side.
As they were riding up to the street where Angela lived, Sandra sent a text.
"Alpha Security Co. are legit. One of the finest security and protection agencies in the world. They are renowned worldwide for protecting state guests, presidents, generals, and whatnot.
They have been founded by ex-veterans, members of the Army, the Navy, and intelligence. They have won several federal awards. And yearly, 33 million people make use of their services. That's a testament to their quality of work."
Angela texted back, "Thank you. Love you," to Sandra.
"So, Alpha Security checks out. Guess they will be hearing from us soon," Angela told Toby. Meanwhile, Angela went on her laptop and typed in Alpha Security. There was no number that you could simply call and hire their services. You had to register through a website with your info and details, and they would contact you back after verifying the need and urgency of your situation.
This was done in order to ensure everything was airtight and only those in need of the premium services. The wait time was approximately two days for a response on the application. Angela didn't have that kind of time. That kind of time was enough for Alveris to bury both Angela and Toby in some ditch on a remote island. Angela knew she needed May to help her out then. So as soon as she reached her apartment, she called May on her burner phone.
One ring after another, but May wouldn't pick up. Angela decided to call another time while she helped Toby unpack. He still struggled a little even though his wound had healed. He had put on a brave face throughout the day. This was bound to take a toll on him.
