Chapter 3 Stalker Maybe Not.

A week later...

"Good morning ma'am, this is Newville Corporation, how may I help you? The voice on the phone asked.

"My name is Samantha Davis, calling from DeNill Publication. I sent a mail five days ago about scheduling an appointment with Mr Charles Stone, but am yet to receive any feedback."

"Am sorry ma'am, but Mr Stone is currently unavailable."

"So when would he be available for a meeting, please?" Samantha asked. She was already getting desperate as all her efforts to contact Mr Stone met roadblocks.

"I really can't say when he will be available but you can always call back. Enjoy the rest of your day." The voice on the other end said and ended the call.

Burying her face between her hands, she let out a sigh, she had known this was not going to be an easy ride, but the blocks at every turn were having a strain on her patience.

"I thought going about this the professional way was going to work but right now it seems I need to try other means." She thought to herself. Picking up her phone, she called Luke.

Luke and Samantha go way back to high school. He had also wanted to be a columnist but when he couldn't get sponsored for college, he ended up as a private investigator.

"Hello Bro, how are you doing?" Without waiting for a response she continued. "I need a favour from you, could you help me get information on Charles Stone, CEO of Newville Corporation? He has a pretty private life, but I'd appreciate it if you could get information on how best to speak with him in person, please?"

"Hey slow down, Sis. Am doing fine thank you. I have heard about Charles Stone and his very private life and I must tell you this is no easy job."

"Please Luke, remember you said I could always come to you if I needed a favour."Samatha pleaded. This was her last bait, if this didn't work, nothing else would.

There for silence on the phone for a couple of minutes before Luke finally spoke. "Alright I'll see what I can do, I'll give you a call when I have something."

"Thank you so much, Bro"

"Anything for you Sam, I owe you for everything you have done for me," Luke replied. "Take care of yourself and be good."

Samantha ended the call smiling; she was still wearing a smile when David walked into her workspace.

"How is the unravelling of Charles Stone going? Oh, she is finally smiling, did you make any headway contacting him?" He asked.

"Let's just say what appeared like a dark cloud just saw a slight reflection of light." She said still smiling. "I am buying lunch, are you ready to leave now?

"I can never turn down an offer of free food." David replied laughing. "Let's go have lunch."

....

As he stepped out of the elevator, the entire room went silent and then there was scampering. Everyone hurrying off to their respective offices. Within seconds of his arrival, the whole building had become aware of his presence. Charles Stone, CEO of Newville Corporation was not someone you would want to mess with. Young, and dashingly handsome with well-chiselled features, blue eyes the colour of the sea, and a dashing smile. Charles was known for his professionalism and no-nonsense attitude. All his staff feared him greatly even though he was one of the highest-paying employers in the city.

Charles walked straight to the conference room of his Chicago office with his Chief Security Officer (CSO) Floyd beside him. Floyd was not just his employee but also his best friend, who has carried out so many behind-the-scenes activities for him. This morning they were meeting with some suppliers from China, to discuss incorporating their technology into Newville.

As he entered the room, all the people present stood up, "Good morning gentlemen, please sit down and let the meeting begin". he announced.

Charles wasn't one for long talks, so thirty minutes later he had had enough and announced "I think we can call it a day here, I will review the rest of the presentation and get back to you" His secretary who had been part of the meeting packed up the documents, "Your meeting with the kainn's is in two hours", she told him.

"Reschedule all other meetings to Arizona. I can have some via Zoom call. Floyd and I are returning to Arizona. I have to go conclude on some matters that need my attention." he informed her walking out of the room.

Charles and Floyd had just returned to Phoenix and were picked up from the airport by Charles's driver.

"Drop me off at the office so I can get my car and then take the boss to the Stone's Villa," Floyd informed the driver as they both got into the Cherokee Track Hawk jeep.

"Maybe you should come to the house, mom would be delighted to see you, you missed the family dinner the last time," Charles suggested when they got close to the parking lot at Newville.

Floyd opened the door and stepped out of the car when it came to a stop. "I miss her too and will surely stop by one of these weekends but please I would rather just go home man; I'll see you tomorrow morning." He gave a mock salute as the car drove off.

Looking around he had a feeling of being watched, but there was no one in sight so he walked to his Porsche parked at the far end of the parking lot. As he walked, he hummed his favourite song. He was in a happy mood knowing he would have the night to himself. He should probably get laid tonight, he thought.

When he got to the spot he had parked, he checked around for anything that may seem out of place. Attention to detail was one of his strongest skills. When he noticed nothing, he got in and drove home.

"Hello Samantha, meet me at the Shark, I think I may have some information on the CEO." Luke whispered into the phone. He was sitting in his car parked at the Newville parking lot and had seen Charles's driver drop off Floyd. When he noticed Floyd looking around, he had to hide under the wheels to avoid being seen.

For two weeks now he had been working on literally digging up information on Stone. Finally, he had something tangible to report to Samantha.