Coincidences are a funny thing. Because how do we truly know if something was intended or if it just happened to turn out that way in our favor? It's mearly a trick of fabrication...

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But I know this coincidence was nothing short of terrible. He’s real. He’s really real. And I only thought it was a prank, something to laugh about and forget the next day. If anything, I almost did forget. But then, he’s there in the office. In my workplace. Now he’s in my life. Honestly, how much worse could it get?

As I’m waiting in the elevator, my mind races, trying to piece things together. Owen. He is my stalker, my secret admirer. He has to be unless the chances of him being a different Owen are just as high. He never told me his last name so maybe, just maybe he could be someone else? Okay he’s not my issue right now. I just need to figure out this case.

I tap my foot as I begin to watch the bright neon red numbers of each floor go down, getting closer and closer to the first floor. Get it together Veronica. Get it together.

I try to think back to what the officer was telling me after I had talked to my boss and Percy. There can’t be a way to alter that footage? You’d have to go into the control room but that room has a security camera over the door frame and nothing gets past that camera, hacker or not. Besides, everyone was busy working or in their cubicles. You could do it from your computer but it would pin it back to you in seconds flat.

Suddenly the pinging of the elevator zip through my thoughts, cutting them off. The doors open to show a quiet lobby, as usual. A few people sit in the plush blue chairs near the clerk’s desk, awaiting to be called in to have their report claimed and filed. On Saturdays, I try not to work the night shift when I can. Too many people run in around midnight, claiming a robbery or a murder. The big stuff. And it’s like the boy who cried wolf. They were just looking for some fun, to get off with a laugh and go on about their night. It’s a waste of time and resources.

I step off the elevator and make my way toward the brass doors leading to the bright, tropical-like day. Upon passing the desk, the clerk on duty, the same clerk who talked to me a few days ago, waved me down and flashed an energetic smile. Feigning one of my own, I make my way toward her. “Ah, hello again Francine. Truly it is a surprise to see you working a day shift.”

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Francine laughs and nods towards an overhead clock facing the plush blue seats. 11:22 am. A bit past my usual lunchtime. My stomach gurgles quietly at the thought. “Hey, where’s your lunch? Want me to pick up anything for you? I’m heading out to get mine right now.” I say, leaning against the desk.

She shakes her head at me. “No thanks Grayson. I’ve got my own lunch.” I smile and nod. Francine is a tall Asian woman, with long black wavy hair and despite her being a bit on the plus side, she is like a pretty model star. It surprises everyone that she’s here working at a desk all day. Not only that, she makes the best food. She has a lot of things going for her but she says she loves working here, and truly I don’t blame her one bit.

“Well, enjoy your lunch then Francine! I shall see you in a bit.” I say with a friendly wave and I walk out the brass doors with a small smile on my face. Despite Percy’s annoying energy, not everyone here is entirely bad. I’m just not a people person. I’ve always kept to myself since my mom and I moved around a lot. I never got the time or chance to make friends. So I’ve learned to be independent.

Once I feel the sun kiss my cheek with its delicate warmth, I make my way to my clunk of a car. Just a small and simple Honda Civic. I’ve had this old thing since the accident with Zayn. I sign, feeling my smile droop a little. I miss him so much. I shake my head sharply and wrench the car door open, sliding into the driver's seat. I slam the door closed, making the car shake with the intensity of it. I start the car and then back out of the driveway, heading to the closest Zaxby’s to grab me a salad.

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I walk into the lobby again, heading over to the front desk to check in with Francine. She’s bent over paperwork in the back, her reading glasses on and a fine tip pen in her hand. Knowing Francine, she is in her work mode, not to be disturbed no matter the incident. I grab a sticky note from her large stack on the desk and write a quick “I’ve returned!” note, sticking it on the computer monitor. I then turn and head toward the elevator, ready to ascend to my own work once again.

Once the elevator arrives at my floor, I step off and head to my desk to complete and finalize paperwork, pulling out case files and logging cases and reports into my computer. I smile and begin to relax as slowly, the stack of work begins to dwindle. I’m completely in my element. This is what I love about my job. The work. Now just about everyone in this world hates work but me? I absolutely love it. I almost forgot everything that’s happened today.

Soon, I filed and logged everything away. I stretch, reliving my tense muscles from hunching over the stacks of paper. I stand and head over to the large, rounded windows, overlooking the entirety of Chicago. The sky has changed from a soft baby blue, to a beautiful array of pinks and oranges swirled into the soft yellows.

I’m about to turn to leave when a familiar voice calls out from behind me,

“Isn’t it pretty?”