Sarah and Scott walked to the elevator, her hand clutching her purse. She was wondering what they would talk about. Her mind flew through so many different things. Would it be the hours they had spent together? Would it just be the job, her story? She let out a little sigh and tried to calm down her racing heart.
"So is that all you learned from Richards, the bondage?" he asked.
"Before you pulled me off of him you mean," she said with a little spite. She was till coming to terms with what he'd done and then what he claimed were his reasons.
"Look Sarah, I couldn't help my reaction. I do think you have enough to write a great story and I plan to help you. I simply couldn't stand having
him
touch you."
She was quiet then as the walked out of the building and down the street. She had an idea of where they were eating; it was a little place that he went to a lot. Mario's was a small, family owned Italian restaurant. She'd tried some of the food and had enjoyed it. It wasn't far and they both kept to themselves during the walk.
After being seated Sarah decided she needed to first tell him about the phone call she had gotten last night. The fact that someone knew who she was and could get her number still frightened her. She thought telling Mr. James would some how make her safer. As she was about to tell him the waiter came and they placed their order quickly.
"I need to tell you about a call I received last night," she said.
"A call, at your house?" he inquired.
"On my cell phone, I was in the bath so I didn't answer. When I listened to my voicemail there wasn't a number but a voice. A man left me a message which I saved. He said this was only the beginning of Richards's secrets, to be careful."
"Let me hear it if you don't mind Sarah," he said in rushed voice, obviously concerned.
She got out her phone, dialed her voicemail and got it ready for him. Their hands briefly touched and she felt the warmth of his fingers as he took the phone from her. The concern for her overriding the sexual attraction he felt.
"Miss Jacobs there is more going on than you know. Tonight's festivities were not the only ones Mr. Richards enjoys. Be careful where you step with this one. I will be in contact."
"I don't like it Sarah. Something doesn't feel right," he said handing her the phone.
"So what Scott, what do I do?" she said harshly. "Do I just give up and not write the story? How can I give that up? It's my shot, my chance."
Scott, Mr. James, could feel her pain. She was upset, hurt, and angry. She had every right to be. This was her chance and he knew she would be a great reporter. He just didn't want it to cost her anything, or to put her in danger. He had told her that, he would protect her.
"You still want to do this even after this?"
"Yes, of course I do. They never said they would hurt me only to be very careful. I can be that."