Sandy

Constantly looking over my shoulder, I made my way through the Eaton Mall. I knew Mr. Evan's security team, along with a few police officers, was watching my every move though I couldn't see them. I would regret the day for the rest of my life that I ever agreed to steal company secrets. Then again, it's not like I ever had a real choice.

The mall corridors were packed with shoppers, which was likely why the venue was chosen. I never had to meet in person before, except when I was first approached. But now I was supposed to have something physical to hand off. I clutched my purse tighter that held the false documents. Would they fool him long enough in order for him to be apprehended? Chills ran down my spine at the thought of things going sour. I could only hope that after today, the whole mess would be done with. I'd have to look for a new job of course but it was better than going to jail.

The food court came into view. It was just about dinner time so it was packed. Teenagers conversed over sodas, mother's soothing crying babies. It was amazing what we do for our children. If anything were ever to happen to Grace and Theo...

I shook the thought from my mind and focused on the task at hand. I was supposed to find an empty table at the farthest corner where he would join me for the trade off. Not an easy feat considering how busy the place was. I walked the perimeter, scanning tables. A large group of people go to walk by, so I stood to the side to let them pass. As they blocked my line of vision, a hand suddenly gripped me by my upper arm and began pushing me along. It didn't take me long to realize who it was.

I allowed him to lead me to a back corner. I tried to look behind me to catch a glimpse of the security team but the crowd was too thick. Going around a bend, he opened a door that read 'Maintenance' and pushed me inside.

"Now isn't this cozy."

I pressed my back against the wall to create as much space as possible among the mops and brooms. A lone lightbulb hung from the ceiling, giving the closet an eerie glow. "Is this really necessary?" Fear shook my voice. What was I going to do now?

"I never take chances," he said. "Now, did you bring it?"

I opened my purse and groped for the papers. I shoved them at him, hoping he didn't see through the facade.

He flicked through them, his eyes darting back and forth. Please, please, please...I begged for whichever higher power was out there to let me get out of there alive.

A slow smile began to curl on his face, making my insides squirm. "Sandy, you've been holding out on me."

I didn't dare move. I wasn't sure of the intent behind his words, and I wasn't going to give anything anyway.

"We've known each other for quite awhile now Sandy. And I can see how nervous you are." He held up the papers. "I think we both know that this isn't what it's supposed to be."

I pressed harder into the wall, willing it to swallow me up. "It's what was in Mr. Evan's office. That's all I know."

He stroked his chin, while a sinister glint grew in his eyes. "Don't play dumb Sandy. It's obvious that you lead Evans here. His security detail was hardly covert."

My heart sank. Of course he would have figured it out. I should have known that a plan like this would never work.

He threw the papers onto the floor. "Plan B."

My body sagged and I would have slid to the floor if there was room. "I can't do this anymore. They know it was me, what more can I do?"

"Plenty," he said. "Colin now has a glaring weakness that we can expose."

I wanted to slap his mouth for his use of 'we'. I was not his partner in crime but an unwilling victim. If I didn't fear for my children, I would be fighting back tooth and nail. But until I knew they would be safe, I let myself be strung along.

"I need you to get in touch with Miss Hannigan."

"Alicia?"

"Don't sound so surprised Sandy. Surely you've seen how those two act around each other. I know I have."

"What do you want me to do?" I asked, dreading the answer. I had a feeling that things were about to become much more dire.

"If we can't get the software ourselves, then maybe Evans will be willing to do a little trade."

It was like he had just sucked all the air out of my lungs. Just when I thought I could be done with this awful business, he pulled the rug from beneath me. "Please, I just want to go home to my family." I try to appeal to his sense of honor, though at this point, I wasn't sure he had any.

"I'm afraid you won't be able to see your family for awhile. Not until you do as I say."

It was like he had ripped my heart out of my chest and was shredding it into pieces. If I left here without returning to Colin, he would have me arrested for sure. "But I still won't be able to see them. I'll be a criminal." Surely he wouldn't ask this of me.

He waved his hand in dismissal. "They won't have enough evidence to convict you. It's me they want." A sinister smile came upon his face making me shiver.

Hot anger surged through me at the audacity of this man. He didn't care one bit what this was doing to me. How it was destroying my life. I wanted to leave, run out to whatever police force was out there and turn myself in.

But as soon as the idea entered my mind, it left. Even if I did turn myself in, would my situation be any better? I would still end up in jail. I don't see Mr. Evans extending me much grace. And this snake would slip away, possibly coming after my family to make do on his threats. No matter which path I took, I lost. But if I do what he says, I can at least ensure the safety of my family.

"Tell me what to do." The words tasted like sand in my mouth.

"I need you to get in contact with Alicia."