Chapter Thirteen

Nicole;

I walk into the office the next day barely in the mood for smiles. Even when the receptionist flashes me her ever ready grin, I don't reciprocate, an action I instantly regret as the elevator doors close in front of me. But it's too late. I heave an exhausted sigh and eye myself warily in the elevator's mirrored walls. I spent the next thirty minutes after Alex left yesterday sitting on the floor with my back against the door, trying to get over the adrenaline high and reassure myself that everything will be fine. I was still in that position when I remembered that I hadn't gone through the manual and with much grudge, I'd pushed up to my feet and gone straight to my computer in my room, checking and double checking to ensure that all my windows and doors are fastened. As much as I told myself to stop being silly, I still found myself reaching for my kitchen knife, a weapon I kept within arm's reach through the night.

It was with great effort that I finished the manual and str