<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Gentle hands wrapped around the coffee cup, absorbing the remainder of the warmth that emanated from the ceramic. The morning events had left her slightly chilled, an uncomfortable feeling that continued to linger. Guilt began to wade through her, knowing she’d dragged Alex into her mess. She could only hope he wouldn’t get caught in the crossfires. He shouldn’t, after all, they had no direct links aside from being neighbours. With a final nervous glance around the room to ensure there were no lurking eyes, the final sips of coffee were taken, leaving an empty cup in it’s wake. The sit down, the drive, the company, the coffee — it had improved her spirits. Alex had provided more support than he could have ever known.<br/>
<br/>
 “You’re right,” a nod solidified her agreement. He had spies everywhere, people from all walks of life, planted in all different situations. Chapman was like a boa-constrictor; dangerous, smothering. Once he snaked his hands around his prey — around his victims — they became a pawn in his game, unable to surrender or leave without extreme circumstances. She often had wondered how people had accidentally got wrapped up in his world of malice. They must have been in some dire situations.<br/>
<br/>
A brightening of her blue orbs expressed more appreciation than her words her could. “I didn’t know that about you, Alex. If you’d do that for me, I’d be extremely grateful. At least then I might be able to slow down his antics if I can catch these bastards,” her words were appreciative, but also laced with venom, her fear channelling to anger. At least she could potentially have one of his pawns charged for harassment and torment. No doubt it would piss him off, but at least it could buy her time before things got worse, or better yet, until she figured out what her options were.<br/>
<br/>
“Thank you, Alex. I don’t want Andrew to worry about me. I’m sure I can work this out myself,” Matilda swallowed hard, her statement not holding much confidence. One thing was for certain, was she was not going to run back to Chapman — he was a sick, entitled bastard and her life had been much more liberating without him. Until the tormentings started.<br/>
<br/>
“You know what, I will probably just work from home today, so any time after 4 works for me,” Matilda murmured, smoothing her hands over her clothes quickly, “It’s alright, you have helped me this morning more than you know. I think I’ll just go for a run from here and head back home. Clear my head a bit.” She rose from the table. She was still dressed in active wear, just as ready to tackle a lengthy run as she was this morning before the unfortunate series if events unfolded. Running always helped to provide her with clarity, with a sense of peace and freedom. Besides, at this point in her life, she was more than likely safer in public than in her own home.<br/>
<br/>
“Thanks again Alex. For listening to my lunatic rantings and for the coffee.” A quick smile curved at her lips before the woman exited the coffee shop, inhaling the fresh morning air deeply. She meandered town towards the main road, measured, brisk steps setting the perfect pace to warm up for a cool morning run</span><br/><br/><div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">* * *</span><br/>​</div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Restless tapping of digits against a leather, sun-warmed steering wheel of a sleek Audi. Hardening of the jaw implied impatience. Dark shades framed heavy set brown eyes, thick brows furrowed in deep concentration. A burning desire to understand how this morning’s events took place sizzled at his innards, displaying as restlessness and impatience.<br/>
<br/>
He knew the dead bird would shake her. He knew the giving back of his gift would rattle her far beyond words, confirming the suspicion he knew she had formed of him stalking her every move. The combination of the bird and the necklace would have been an unmatched disturbance.<br/>
<br/>
Fingers tapped quickly onto a mobile screen, searching for Alex in his contacts list.<br/>
<br/>
<i>Meet me at the Clocktower cafe. 20 minutes. -C</i><br/>
<br/>
The text was sent immediately. The gentle hum of the Audi followed before pulling out of a driveway and onto the main stretch towards the destination he had set. There were a few other stirrings he had in mind for his precious Matilda before she would be brought in for the grand finale. It was an event he anticipated. And he couldn’t wait.</span>