MORE SECRETS

"What was said in the message?" Sam questioned in a weak voice.

I looked at my phone and murmured, "It said I'm in danger."

Sam raised his voice more. Evelyn, please let Nathaniel know. This is becoming too strange.

"Am I able to trust him?" I said, my thoughts racing.

"Do you believe he is involved?" Sam sounded astounded.

"I'm not sure what to think," I muttered to myself. "Don't trust him, the notes keep saying. But what if they're correct?

Sam took a little break. However, what if they're attempting to deceive you? You've got no idea who's behind this.

Feeling disoriented, I responded, "That's the problem." "I'm not sure who to trust these days."

Nathaniel and I met again the next day. My thoughts was racing, but I tried to seem normal. The letters and the messages were stacking up in my mind.

With a critical gaze, Nathaniel remarked, "You seem distracted again."

"I'm alright," I pretended to be cheerful.

He didn't seem to be persuaded. "Are you certain? You have been behaving strangely.

I inhaled deeply. "I'm simply worn out. That is all.

Although Nathaniel scowled, he didn't pursue it. "Please let me know if you have any concerns."

Despite not knowing how to inform him about the messages, I nodded. I wasn't certain if he was the issue. or if he could help.

I was alone at home once more later that evening. I startled as my phone buzzed. One more message.

"Don't dig; you'll regret it."

I gazed at the display, my heart pounding. In what sense did they mean "digging"? I had no intention of researching anything. All I was doing was attempting to ascertain what was going on.

The door was suddenly knocked on. My chest seized up with my heart. I approached cautiously, my hands trembling. There was nobody there when I opened it. Just one more envelope lying there.

I grabbed it up, shaking hands. Like all the others, the message inside said simply, "He's lying." Remain away.

I collapsed onto the couch, utterly overcome. These were being sent by who? What was it they want from me?

At the café, I encountered Sam the following morning. I passed the message to her over the table.

"Is there another one?" she questioned, scowling as she took it up.

I gave a nod. "I'm not sure how much longer I can stand this. Sam, someone is attempting to frighten me."

"How are you going to proceed?" she inquired quietly.

"I'm not sure," I said. But I have to stop putting things off. I have to ascertain who is responsible.

Sam seemed anxious. Please use caution. Whoever they are, they don't seem to be having fun.

I said, "I will," but I wasn't sure how I could exercise caution because I didn't know who was pursuing me.

I went to supper with Nathaniel later that night. We were in a tiny restaurant, sitting at a calm table, yet there was a great tension between us.

Nathaniel softly replied, "You've been really quiet lately."

"I've simply been thinking a lot," I said, attempting to seem composed.

His eyes were serious as he leaned forward. You can let me know if something is off. I would want to assist.

With my heart pounding, I paused. Do I share the letters with him? The words? Could I put my confidence in him?

I forced a grin and lied again, saying, "I'm fine." "Actually."

Despite not seeming to be persuaded, Nathaniel didn't pursue the matter. "All right. Remember that I'm available if you need me.

Nathaniel accompanied me back to my flat as we were leaving the restaurant. Although it was a calm night, I couldn't get rid of the impression that someone was keeping an eye on us.

I tried to seem casual as I added, "Thanks for walking me home."

Warming up, he said, "Anytime."

For a little period, we stood in quiet from one another. Then Nathaniel said a quiet word. Evelyn, you appear to be carrying a lot of weight. I'm available if you ever need to chat.

His remarks hurt my feelings. I desired to inform him. I desired to have faith in him. But I couldn't get the notes and messages out of my head. Never put your faith in him. He’s lying.

Silently, I muttered, "I'll be fine," but I wasn't sure whether that was true.

With a little smile, Nathaniel reached over to plant a peck on my cheek. "Lucky you, Evelyn."

I was filled with bewilderment as I watched him go. Who was being honest? The words? or Nathaniel?

Another letter appeared on my porch the next day. I trembled my hands opening it. This one was unique. I wasn't warned about Nathaniel by it. The message was straightforward instead: "We're watching you."

With my pulse thumping in my chest, I dropped the letter. Someone was observing me. But by whom?

I was unable to sleep that evening. My anxiety continued growing as my mind raced. Imagine Nathaniel wasn't the person he appeared to be. What if the signals were accurate?

When my phone buzzed once again, I hurriedly picked it up. One more message. "Avoid being around him. He poses a threat.

I gazed at the display, my heart racing. Perilous? Nathanial didn't appear to be a threat. He appeared to be normal. However, the messages persisted.

Abruptly, the door was again knocked on. Once more, my heart leaped into my throat. I had to know even if I didn't want to open it. I had to find out who was writing these notes.

There was nobody there when I opened the door. Just one more letter, please.

Trembling, I took up the letter. The message was very clear this time: "Time is running out."

I was terrified as I gazed at the note. What's it time for? Who was this being done by?