LOGINShare
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE: CRACKS IN THE QUIET.
Last Updated:
2024-12-31 19:29:06
Related chapters
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SIXTY: SILENT CONFESSIONS.
Fred and Jerry looked at each other uneasily, the words that had been spoken hanging in the air. In an unsaid effort to cover up any tension that had crept into the room, both men quickly cleared their throats. As he scrambled for a way out, Fred muttered, "Yeah, um… Jerry," breaking the stillness. "You know, I forgot to call the doctor even though I said I would." With a vague motion of his hand, he hoped the topic shift would stick. Helen, however, didn't believe it. With her hands clasped together and her keen eyes darting between them, she leaned forward . Her piercing eyes glowed with suspicion, and they both writhed even more in silence.Helen had come to inquire simply if Fred and Jerry were ready to eat. However, their low voices and disjointed sentences stopped her cold as she got closer to the living room. She hovered behind the door, listening intently to every muttered detail, intrigued. That's how she learned about it. Fred and Jerry felt their spines tingle as Helen's
Last Updated : 2025-01-01BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE: A STORM OF REVELATIONS.
Jerry stood motionless, unable to endure the oppressive quiet. He stared at Laura, her thin body quivering with tears streaming down her face. Her face was smeared with tears as she leaned heavily against the wall and stared at the phone that was resting menacingly on the table. Helen quickly rushed to Laura's side after realizing how serious the situation was. She softly clutched her hand, her voice quiet and comforting. "What's wrong, Laura?”. “ Are you acquainted with her?” As she drew Laura in closer, protecting her from the mounting tension in the room, Helen's worry was evident.As Laura's shaky fingers brushed her wet cheeks, her sobbing grew more intense. Her eyes slowly turned to Fred, and it was clear that she was hateful. She was unable to conceal the wave of disdain that washed over her. All the grief and betrayal memories from her previous employment returned, all of them related to women Fred had somehow crossed paths with.Laura's long-simmering anger towards Fred was
Last Updated : 2025-01-02BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO: TIDES OF CONFESSION.
The weight of Helen's confession created a tense mood in Laura's room. Helen stared at Laura's disbelieving expression as her voice faltered, just before she revealed the secret. The moment was cut short when a loud, authoritative voice roared from the doorway. "Helen!" Unmistakably forceful and booming, the voice echoed like a sudden thunderclap throughout the room. The astonished gaze of both women snapped to the door as they froze. Jerry was standing there, his massive body silhouetted against the hallway light. His tone left no space for debate as his piercing eyes flitted to Helen."Helen!” His voice brought no opposition, he commanded, "Come with me immediately." Under the pressure of Jerry's dominant presence, Helen faltered, her determination faltering. She glanced inquisitively at Laura, who had a confused and suspicious look on her face. Jerry's timing was perfect, or maybe premeditated. He had realized the seriousness of the situation and acted quickly, seeing Helen's re
Last Updated : 2025-01-03BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE: AN OMEN OF CHAOS.
Fred froze, his thoughts whirling. How could Linda have predicted that he would be at Presbyterian Hospital at that precise moment? The microphone in the sheriff's car suddenly struck him. His eyes were fixed on Linda, and he felt a surge of rage, like she was taunting him. "What are you doing here?" As she drew closer, Fred made a crisp, authoritative demand. Linda's mouth curled into a cunning smile. "You're so rude all the time, Fred”. Her eyes never left his as she spoke in a low, derisive tone, "You really should change that attitude." Her confidence radiated threat as she leaned nonchalantly against his car."What are your plans, Linda?”. “Which game are you playing now?” Fred snarled and stood up, telling her to get away. Linda nodded slowly and deliberately as she chuckled softly. "My plans? She repeated, her voice brimming with sarcastic innocence, "My game?" She moved closer, putting a hand on his shoulder with measured audacity. Her unrelenting gaze ripped through him.
Last Updated : 2025-01-04BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR: DESIRE AND CHAOS.
There was a chill in the air as Linda walked closer and fixed Jack with her piercing, predatory eyes. Her presence was both dominating and unnerving, as if she had come specifically for him. Maggie automatically tightened her hold on Jack and positioned herself in front of him in a protective manner. She maintained a piercing, unblinking gaze on Linda. "What are you doing here?" Maggie gently shoved Jack behind her and requested in a forceful voice. Linda smiled mischievously and held out her hand. "Oh, do you remember me?" Her tone was full of sarcasm as she teased. The security guard in the vicinity watched the incident from a distance, his face displaying hesitation as he considered his next course of action."Yes, exactly”. “Tell me, what are you doing here?" Maggie retorted, her voice icy and full of controlled rage. The tension was broken by Linda's sarcastic tone as she leaned closer. "Give me a chance to introduce myself again”. “I am Linda Jones”. “One of the numerous wom
Last Updated : 2025-01-05BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE: A HEART IN PIECES.
Maggie halted, her wide eyes taking in the scene before her, her shaking fists gripping the door frame. As she looked at Fred and Sarah in a state of unkempt anarchy, her heart felt like a stone. She had just gotten back from the hospital with a few necessities for herself and Jack, with plans to stop by the office to pick up her misplaced hoodie. She was broken by the scene she bumped into. She had just intended to speak with Fred privately to express her regret for her involvement in Jack's medical situation. She felt a great deal of guilt and wanted to make things right. Fred, however, had obviously hurried back to the office with a completely different goal in mind.Maggie's voice trembled as she asked, "Fred, how could you?" Her shock gave way to pure betrayal, and Fred fumbled, snatching on his shirt as he hurried toward her. "Maggie, wait, it's not what it looks like!" he stammered, desperation thick in his voice. Behind him, Sarah, panicked and flustered, tugged at her tigh
Last Updated : 2025-01-06BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX: LOST IN THE WARDS.
Maggie felt like everything was falling apart around her. Under the thunderous boom of panic in her chest, the hospital's clean smell dissipated. Jack was not in bed. "Oh my God, Jack!”. She cried out, "Jack!" as her voice reverberated across the deserted ward. Her panicked eyes darted to every dark corner of the corridor as she ran out of the room. As she frantically looked for any indication of him, her heart sounded loudly in her ears. She hardly heard hurried footsteps until she ran into Fred, who was charging at her, his face white with haste."Fred - Fred!”. “He's not here!” Maggie sobbed as she gripped his arm shakily. Panic overcame her, and tears fell down her cheeks. Raw terror clawed at her throat, causing her voice to crack.Fred thought his chest had been cut by a knife. He felt a wave of panic as Maggie's words replayed in his mind. “What?”. “Where is Jack?” His voice trembled as he demanded. He didn't wait for an answer before running in the direction of the ward whe
Last Updated : 2025-01-07BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN: THE SILENT WITNESS.
Maggie shifted uneasily as the shadowy figure drew closer, her heart rate increasing. Her eyes darted about the darkened walkway as her fingers fumbled with the hem of her coat. But she let out a loud breath as the person stepped out of the darkness. It was merely a kid. Fred narrowed his eyes and leaned forward, trying to see the approaching figure. He laughed as he realized who it was. "Oh!”. "You again," he said, with a hint of humor in his voice. Daniel, Laura's younger brother, was in front of them. The boy's little stature shifted from foot to foot, giving him a sheepish appearance. He obviously needed to go to the bathroom.Maggie exhaled a sigh of relief and relaxed her stiff shoulders. "This is the child Jack was referring to, right?”. “His new best friend?” Her tone was light but nevertheless tinged with frustration as she questioned. She folded her arms and stared at Daniel, who appeared to be wishing he were somewhere else.Fred studied Daniel with his arms folded and hi
Last Updated : 2025-01-08
Latest chapter
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER EIGHTY: A PROMISE TO KEEP.
Laura felt as though a million irreparable pieces had been blasted from her universe. Mr. Tim, who had always seemed to understand her and with whom she had felt safe, now spoke to her as if he were a complete stranger. Although she wanted to be upset, she was unable to place the blame on him. All he was doing was what he thought was required to safeguard his company and its expansion. Nevertheless, Laura was unable to control her emotions as the pain of his words persisted. As she sobbed hysterically, they poured freely down her cheeks, heavy and hot. Feeling stuck, she had to decide between two unfeasible options: staying at her low-paying job as a waitress at the cafe or accepting the secretarial post at the clothes firm which she hadn't even applied for, but now desperately needed.She had little choice because of her mother's deteriorating health. Her only way to pay for the medical care her mother needed was to work as a secretary, which paid more. But she was troubled by the u
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE: WHEN HELP BACKFIRES.
After a long drive to Beekman Street, where Maggie lived, the vehicle came to a stop. Maggie held out her hand to direct the driver to her door while her gaze swept the road. Jack, meanwhile, became worried when he saw the car following them. His piercing eyes lingered on it, attempting to make sense of it. Maggie was too preoccupied with getting home and relaxing to see the danger that was right outside her. As the vehicle pulled to a stop, she pointed to her home and said, "Here." Jack's heart raced in increasing alarm. He gently tapped Maggie's shoulder as he leaned in closer. He muttered, "Mom," in an attempt to get her attention.Maggie, however, disregarded Jack's uneasiness since she was not aware of the tightness in his voice. She reached inside her bag and took out some money to give to the driver. "I understand that you're hungry, Jack. I am, too”. She led him out of the car while keeping her eyes on her front door. "Let's head in, and I'll look something up before we ca
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT: HIDDEN MOTIVES.
With his hands slipping into his pockets, the Sheriff moved with purpose toward Rose, his eyes unwavering and steady. The deep hush was broken by his strong yet low voice. "I'm really disappointed in you," he replied quietly, the calm tone hardly concealing the rage inside. Slowly, as though driven by some unseen power, Rose turned. She breathed unevenly, her hands shaking as she clasped her fingers together. She avoided looking, trying to regain her balance. "You pretended not to recognize me even though you knew I was Linda's father. Why?” With his arms folded across his chest and his eyes narrowed, he demanded a response in a sharp voice.Rose closed her eyes for a second and let out a long breath. "I apologize, sir," she said in a guilty tone. "I wasn't prepared to discuss Linda and myself. All that took place was horrific. I'm not proud of it, and I stayed away from anything that reminded me of those times. The sheriff examined her closely, evaluating the authenticity of her s
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN: THE PRICE OF DECEIT.
Mary was clearly enjoying the chaos as her scathing and taunting laughter reverberated throughout the room. She flourished in chaos, particularly when Laura was in sight. Mary looked at Rose and smiled mischievously. “So, Rose,” she said, her tone full of derision. "You're also a concubine of Fred Walker?" Mary got up from her chair and gave Rose a sharp look in a tone that was equal parts disdain and laughter. Everyone in the room grew silent as the realization weighed heavily on them. The sheriff remained motionless as his mind raced to comprehend the network of lies that was being revealed to him.But Sarah was unable to control her anger. She jumped up, her cheeks flushed, her hands clenched, prepared to meet Rose. She cried, her voice shaking with fury and betrayal, "How could you, Rose?".Mary took Sarah's arm and held her back before she could do anything. Mary snarled, trying to manage the growing tension with a tight grasp, "Calm down." Rose's voice cracked as she spoke, h
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX: THE RECKONING AT NASSAU STATION.
Laura wanted desperately to stifle Fred's inflated ego, even only once. She had grown weary of losing every argument to his uncivilized haughtiness. She inhaled deeply, braced herself, and clenched her hands before answering calmly and purposefully. Fred, nobody is envious. Could we just have dinner and head to bed?.Jerry's eyes got bigger. He knew Laura who usually stormed off in tears, defeated, but this was not her. Her calm answer confused him. Laura resisted the need to cry or become angry for the first time. Even though Fred had previously made fun of him and Diana, Jerry couldn't help but respect her newfound fortitude.Laura's eyes changed to Jerry's, showing something fresh, acceptance, instead of rage or surrender. She had no more energy for pointless disputes as she started to understand the tension dynamics of Fred Walker's household. As they ate in reluctant silence, a thick hush fell over the room. Helen whispered softly from the door of the dining room, "Goodnight,
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE: A COLLISION OF EMOTIONS.
However, the moment was short. Their intimacy was cut short by the sound of approaching footsteps, and then the delicate mood between them was broken by a playful laugh. The warmth of their shared moment dissipated into anxiety as they automatically separated in surprise. A playful voice chimed from the doorway, piercing the tension like a dagger, "Dinner's ready, lovebirds." Their assumption that they had been overheard was confirmed when the lighthearted comment landed heavily. Once brimming with unsaid emotions and vulnerability, the space now brimmed with awkwardness. Laura and Jerry exchanged a quick, agitated look and then turned their heads away, both fighting the flush that was starting to appear on their cheeks. Words failed them, and the weight of what had just happened hung heavy in the air.Helen laughed once again. Evidently, she had overheard enough of their talk to put the pieces together. Jerry and Laura were unaware that their voices had penetrated farther than th
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR: WHAT THE HEART WANTS.
Jerry stumbled, his voice cutting through the heavy tension in the room, "I - I… um, Laura, I'm sorry." He quickly retreated from Laura's hold while averting his eyes. Not just yet. He couldn't look into her sharp eyes. They were in charge of him and constantly made him feel insignificant, exposed, and unprepared. Laura struggled to maintain her composure while she stumbled over her words. With a voice full of feelings she was unable to control, she asked, "Um, what are you doing here?"."Please give me a chance, Laura”. Jerry murmured, "Let's talk," in an imploring tone as he gingerly extended his hand to take hers. He could sense her anger radiating from her, and he proceeded cautiously, caught between his need to make amends and his dread of being rejected. Laura noted the twitch of his hand as their gazes locked. She paused, uncertain whether to draw away or remain motionless. Something deep inside her was awakened by that brief interaction. Her determination softened as the r
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-THREE: TORN APART.
Laura's hasty footsteps reverberated around the cafe, becoming more audible as she hurried to the bathroom. Her thinking was as rapid as her legs, and every breath made her chest tighten. She was desperate to get out because she felt suffocated. It was intolerable to be around Jerry. This was not what she had anticipated happening. Jerry followed hard behind her, his right arm outstretched in a fruitless effort to halt her. His lips were shaking, and he was unable to speak clearly, but his eyes were on her, silently begging. "Laura, hold on!" he said, his voice cracking with urgency. "Please!” Allow me to explain. He accelerated in the hopes of catching her before she vanished into the bathroom.She said, "Leave me alone!" in a piercing, agonized voice. She quickly locked the bathroom door after pushing it open and slamming it behind her. Jerry froze, staring at the door in helplessness. No matter how serious the situation appeared to be, he was unable to pursue her because it was
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO: A REKINDLED LOVE.
"Di-Diana?" Jerry stumbled, his face going white, his lips quivering, like he might pass out right there. Although he was overjoyed to see her again, the moment wasn't perfect. His relationship with Laura was at last beginning to improve. "Yes, Jerry! It's me!” Diana sobbed as she rushed directly to him, sweeping past Laura. She flung herself into his arms, clutching him as if she were terrified he might disappear if she released him. Laura tried to take in what was happening while standing motionless with her mouth slightly wide. Her chest tightened with uneasiness at the sudden drama playing out in front of her. "Diana?" Laura's mind raced, she raised her hand slightly, almost as if to point, then let it fall by her side and muttered. "I - I looked all over for you!”. "What made you leave like that?". "Diana, I missed you!" Jerry closed his eyes and gave her a hug in return, his voice brimming with emotion. "What's happening?" Laura put her hands on her waist and mov
