Katherine bursting out laughing watching her friend’s face expression.
– I like the way you can brighten the day, Maggie.-Katherine remarked. – I guess that’s why Peter started going out with you. By the way, when were you going to tell me? He’s our mutual friend? We’ve known each other for ages. Besides, I don’t recall you falling for IT specialists. I thought you’ve always considered them dull and far from those macho guys you used to hang out with?
– Things change, you know. He appeared to be completely the opposite of what I imagined. As they say, don’t judge a book by it’s cover. I’d never thought finding you in a company of a “James Bond’ type of guy, and yet, here you are.
Neither had I.
– No kidding, I’m really happy for you both! -Katherine confessed hugging her friend.
– I know you are! Anyway, let’s get back to the point, what’s next? Are you going to keep in touch with him?
– I don’t know, really. He made sure I can give him a call in case of emergency.
– Well, I might sound banal, but there’s always a ‘case of emergency’ to come up with as far as one’s love interest is concerned.
– Ah, I wouldn’t call him a ‘love interest’. We barely know each other. I’m simply grateful for getting me out of trouble. One against two, that’s suicide! – Katherine shuddered at the thought.
– May be, but I’m sure you won’t deny his good looks?
– I won’t. That would be a delusion. – Katherine smiled at the thought.
Chapter 5 A Ransacked Home
Having spent a restless night caused by the evening incident and an unsettling email sent by her dad and chit-chatting with her friend over breakfast, Katherine was now heading back to her flat aware of the fact that it might be indiscreet after being attacked by two bastards, though still hoping things won’t get worse.
Anyway, there’s still a chance these two bruisers still figuring out my place of residence. I have few things with me, so I cannot possibly get along without packing up. I am about to move house, after all.
Katherine carried on repeating these phrases in her head as some kind of mantra, trying to calm herself down and make sure she has made the right decision to get back home.
This mysterious and disturbing email coming from my dad. Something’s off here. My dad is a man of character and he would only send such kind of letter as a last resort, that’s for sure. What did he mean by saying “If you’re reading this letter, I’m currently in great danger?”
With such thoughts on her mind Katherine reached the door of her flat and halted in shock. The door was open with the lock being savagely ripped.
“What the…” – Katherine nearly cursed in shock. Entering the room she witnessed quite a spectacle. All her stuff being thrown around the room. Chair thrown, books lying open all around the floor.
Who could actually have caused such a mess? What have I gotten myself into? These two American gorillas are behind all of this, no doubt!
Fearful that there still might be someone inside, Katherine stepped out into the hall and went straight down to the main entrance with her entire body quavering.
When getting outside she made out a bench close to the park nearby. This bench appeared to be a real salvation, as Katherine felt her trembling legs giving way. Having finally settled down, Katherine took out the phone and entered her mailbox searching for the incoming message from her father she read overnight.
“If you you end up in trouble, don’t hesitate to contact Prof. Daniel Lawrence. He’s one of my best students. He’ll take care of you. Feel free to trust him.”
I guess, for now, Prof. Lawrence is my only option…
Chapter 6 A Call To Salvation
Katherine double checked Prof. Lawrence’s contact details before making up her mind on the next possible scenario the outcome of which was terrifyingly blurry.
So, what do we have here:
“Associate Professor Daniel Lawrence.”
Faculty of History, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2RL
01865 343-211-72
I see, consider I should start my search at Gerorge Street, or even make a call in advance, not to drop from the clouds. Poor manners are out of favour.
Setting foot to George Street, sanctum sanctorum of History, the place where all the professors and students were hanging out in their daily “learn and study” routine, and fishing her mobile out of her backpack side pocket, where Katherine tended to keep her cell phone, she felt a slight buzzing (turning on a rington was not in her custom, as an abrupt sound of an incoming call startled her every single time. This habit drove her closest friends and family mad as they couldn’t reach her in case of emergency. “What can I say. I have a sensitive ear, besides, I don’t want to embarass myself on public transport with people gaping at me every time I jump out of my skin when receiving a sudden call”. -Katherine said in her defence).
Who might that be? The circumstances I’m currently finding myself in, receiving an unexpected call is even more intimidating than usual.
Upon closer examination Katherine nearly dropped the phone.
This is not happening… Am I dreaming?
She took one more glance at the contact details from the email.
It has to be him. But how did he find out I was about to give a call? Is this professor some sort of “Charles Xavier” type of guy or the Delphi Oracle? Okay, assumptions aside, just answer the call.
– Hello.
– Hello, is that Katherine? -the familiar voice inquired.
The cafe savior…
– Yes. Who’s speaking?
– Oh, thank God! I’m glad I made it to you. It’s Daniel. The cafe last night, remember?
– Oh, sure. Daniel. It’s so nice to hear from you and may I tell you how grateful I am for saving my life yesterday.
– Oh, please, don’t mention it. I’m glad I could be at service to you. I was just wondering if you are safe and sound and out of trouble? Frankly speaking, I’ve been anxious about you since yesterday. Your well-being made me quite unsettling.
– Oh, how very kind of you to enquire. I don’t want to be a drag. I’m sure you have a lot on your plate…
Seriously, you’ve only just met the guy! Overwhelming a near stranger with personal issues is quite a “mauvais ton”.
– Please, Ms. Winters, feel free to share whatever it is with me.-Daniel responded to dispel all the doubts and inconviniences.
– Well, to be perfectly honest, a great deal of things took place overnight and this morning, and I’m afraid there’s no one else I can turn to.
– Ok, please, Ms. Winters, firstly, don’t panic and calm down. I’m afraid I’m having a lecture in five minutes. How does it sound if we meet in my office at George Street to sort everything out?
– Sounds good. – Katherine replied with relief vibrating through her body.
– Perfect. The lecture finishes at 2.30 p.m. When getting inside the faculty let the receptionist know that