I lift my phone to see who's calling.
My boss...Great
A deep, irritated voice snaps through the line before I can say a word.
"Eleanore, where are you? There are police officers swarming in the building asking for you. You're lucky I'm not in the mood to fire another incompetent employee. Get here. Now."
The line goes dead.
That bitch...
As I walk I can't help but think. What could the police possibly want with me? Maybe some paperwork that needs to be signed? Still, that doesn't make sense. If that were the case, they would've called me directly.
On my way to work, I stop by my favorite café and order a coffee. The warmth of the cup seeps into my hands, grounding me. The rich aroma curls into the air, familiar and comforting. When I take a sip, the heat slides down my throat and settles in my chest, easing some of the tension from my shoulders, only for a moment.
By the time I reach the office, the unease has crept back in.
I walk past the receptionist's desk.
"Good morning, Mrs. Eleanore."
I turn towards her. She peers at me through green, square-shaped glasses, her voice unusually high-pitched.
"They're all waiting for you in the other room, dear."
I nod and head down the hallway. With every step closer, a tightness forms in my chest. An unfamiliar pang of dread. I try to shake it off, but my nerves refuse to listen.
I raise my hand and slowly push the door open.
The room falls silent.
Every head turns toward me, their eyes locking onto mine. I can practically feel their stares drilling into my skull.
Then a sharp voice cuts through the stillness behind me.
"Mrs. Everhart."