You Can Run But You Can't Hide My Contractual Wife novel Chapter 43

Arabella’s anxiety rose up immediately. The warm water in the tub became so cold that she could freeze. She had felt that the air inside her body was almost running out. She tried to gather all her wits, she took a deep breath and replied to the person on the other line.

“Who are you? Sorry, but I don’t have time for this prank call.” Though her hands were shaking, Arabella tried to compose herself.

“If you want to know the truth, go to Hardley Café at 2:00 p.m. sharp. Do not forget to come alone and don’t you ever call the police or else you won’t like what’s gonna happen next.” The mystery caller with a distorted voice clearly ordered.

Goosebumps. Lots of goosebumps. Arabella had never felt so nervous like this. She felt her hand that was holding the telephone was restlessly shaking. She then held it with her other hand to stop the trembling and calmed down. This kind of suspense in her life, was too dangerous that she didn’t know how to handle it but she had to. If not her, who would do it? Her mother was the one who took care of her critical father in the hospital abroad. She was the only one left in Capital Z and the only one who could give justice to his father.

“How would I know if you are telling the truth?” She then added with courage to conquer her fear. Dealing to this man on the phone was like dealing with a hideous criminal. This gonna be her first time dealing with a dangerous man. Well, for the sake of her dad again and for the love of her family, she would do what it takes even if her own life is at stake.

“You will know that I am telling the truth if you will come to the place. Don’t’ forget. You have to come alone.” The mystery caller then hanged up the phone without waiting her reply.

Nervous mixed with doubt and fear, Arabella couldn’t move. She had felt her mind was going to explode. Thoughts of her father’s painful face lying in the hospital bed, the risk of putting herself in trouble and dealing with the man on the phone, they were all flooding uncontrollably in her mind. Sure enough, this man wanted something big for her. By the fact that the voice she heard was distorted, that caller wanted to hide his identity. And the way he ordered her not to call the police was something only criminal-minded person would say. He didn’t call her to be a witness in her dad’s case, but obviously he wanted to benefit from it. That, Arabella would need to know. But first, she needed to get first in Hardley Café on time.

Arabella then quickly finished her bath, put on her clothes and drove out. ‘What a day! She just had escaped from the island for 1 day and now another trouble was its on its way for her. This trouble could give her father’s justice or could put her life in danger.

Exactly 2:00pm at Hardley Café.

Arabella got inside while her eyes kept on wandering the place. She needed to be vigilant if she didn’t want to die that early. Her heart was beating fast. Her mind was full of dangerous thoughts and her body was trembling uncontrollably. Of course, she followed the caller had ordered her. She didn’t alert the police and she came in alone, but before she went there, she grabbed a small pepper spray and put it in her pocket. For whatever it may happen, she could use this for her self-defense.

Arabella sat down on the corner table. Good thing there were other customers in Hardley Café. She could easily make a sound if something would go wrong.

Then her phone suddenly rang. It was an unknown number. She figured it out already, it was the mystery caller.

“Hello?” Arabella’s voice was staggering. She could feel the danger was already coming and she couldn’t help shaking even her voice.

“I can see you.” The distorted voice came again.

Arabella was then frozen. She turned her head around to see who was holding a cellphone out of the other customers. There’s no one.

“Are you kidding me?” Arabella’s fierce voice came out. Annoyed from being schemed, her anger welled-up. She couldn’t believe she let herself believed on the caller just like that. Just because he mentioned about her father’s case, she didn’t think too much and let this damn caller toyed her.

“Enough. You are wearing a white shirt and a blue pants with white sneakers.” The caller replied.

Arabella then was dumbfounded.

This man was really into the site and watching her. Her instinct made her eyes to looked everywhere for the man, but she could not find anyone who looked suspicious.

“Stay where you are. A waiter will come to you and will give you something.” After he ordered, the caller hanged up the phone without waiting for Arabella’s reply.

‘Gosh. This is what it feels like.’ Arabella was still shaking thinking her situation she was into right now.

“Miss Arabella Jones?” A big waiter came in front of her and asked her.

“Yes.” Holding the pepper spray in her pocket and forcing her shaky, mouth to open, Arabella replied.

“This is for you.” Then the waiter gave her a small black box. Then turned to walk away.

“Wait! Who gave you this? Did you know him? Did you see his face? “Arabella quickly stood up to chase the waiter.

“Hmm... I’m sorry officer Jackson but our CCTVs weren’t working for almost a week now. I should have it fixed, but I was caught up with my busy schedules lately.” Arabella tried her best to provide him an answer with her greatest alibi.

“Okay then. I’ll have to send this to our forensic laboratory. I will contact you once I get the result. Have a good day Ms. Foster.” Officer Jackson then quickly strode passed her.

Arabella breathed a sigh of relief. The mouthful air, she held while she was being interviewed, now she finally let it go in a deep exhale. That feeling when she needed to lie and made some alibi to a respective man in uniform was quite horrifying than that of the mystery caller.

“One more thing.” When Arabella was about to get out from the station, Office Jackson stopped on his way and turned to look at her again.

Arabella suddenly turned into ice. “Shit! I’m doomed!” Her face turned to pale and her gaze remained low. She turned to face the officer, but still she was rooted to her spot. She tried to lift her upper lip to utter some words but she failed. Extreme fear of being doubted or be caught lying invaded her body.

“Don’t forget to fix your CCTV. That person who gave you this evidence would might appear again.” Officer Jackson said then continued on his way out.

‘Huh!’ Arabella felt like mocking herself. Officer Jackson just made a reminder for her, but she felt extremely thrilled. How much more if she would finally face the real culprit?

Back in her house, Arabella was waiting for the result. Her mind was pre-occupied of the mystery caller’s real intention of giving her the evidence. She clearly understood that there’s no free in this world. This caller must have something in exchange of this evidence. Thinking of this, it made her goosebumps again. How could a fragile girl like her could handle this kind of havoc where dangerous criminals were involved?

Arabella just prayed that she would surpass all of these in her life and the outcome would be to her great benefit. For a moment, she forgot to think about Bill Sky and her position in Bill’s life. Her mind was centered on the laboratory result. Hopefully that would point out the real culprit and end the intense suspense in her life and soon her father would be awake from coma and everything with her family would be back to normal.

Though Arabella wanted to share the news to his mom, but she opted not to as she knew that her mom had already suffered too much because of her father’s situation, let alone she was the only one who was with him abroad. Arabella’s conscience would not allow her to add more worries to her mom.

Then suddenly her phone rang. It was Officer Jackson.

“Ms. Foster, I have a good and bad news for you.” Officer Jackson greeted her without the proper ‘hello’.