Chapter 5 FILES AND SECRETS

*Point of View: Lila Carter*

With a pounding heart, I bolt from Ethan's office. I'm frightened by the text on my phone: "Come see me tonight." 8 p.m. Cafe on Fifth Street. I am aware of your secret. I'm Lila, posing as Lila Smith, and I work for Ethan Blackwood to hold him accountable for my dad's injuries. Who is aware that I'm lying? The city lights are dim as I rush to the metro, clutching my suitcase. I'm afraid, but the coffee shop is closing. My plan to destroy Ethan could fail if someone discovers that I'm not Lila Smith.

With sweaty palms, I grip the pole tightly as the subway trembles. I feel alone even if everyone around me is talking and laughing. It's 7:30 PM when I check my phone. I have to make a decision quickly. I may learn something significant from this individual if we meet. It may also be a trap. The image of Dad in my luggage makes me want to keep going because of his grin. I must have courage. My shoes clack on the sidewalk as I go to the coffee shop after getting off at 5th Street.

The store smells like sugar and coffee inside. There is gentle music playing, and it is warm. My stomach turns as I glance around. No one appears to be waiting for me, even though a few people are seated at tables. To relax, I get a hot chocolate and take a seat near the window. It is getting closer to 8 PM. I keep checking my phone, but there aren't any new messages. My fingers rap quickly and uneasily on the table.

The door jingles at precisely eight o'clock. Despite the fact that it is night, a lady enters sporting sunglasses and a crimson coat. She has short gray hair and is elderly. She sits across from me without asking. "Lila Smith?" she asks in a quiet voice. My throat tightens as I nod. Her eyes are piercing, as if she can see straight through me, and she removes her sunglasses. She murmurs, "I know you're not who you say." My heart stops. My legs feel trapped, yet I want to run.

"Who are you?" With a weak voice, I ask. She bends in. Years ago, I was employed by Ethan's father. I am aware of what his business caused to your father. My eyes enlarge. How is she aware of Dad? She replies, "I saw you at Blackwood Enterprises." "I take it you're Lila Carter?" I don't respond because I'm afraid she'll tell Ethan. Her grin isn't warm, however. "Don't be concerned. I will not reveal. I'd like to assist you.

I scowl with confusion. "Can you help me? Why? Taking a drink of her coffee, she seems composed. "I also detest Ethan's company. After years of employment, they let me go. I may harm them with my secrets. My heart is pounding. Something doesn't seem right, but this may be my opportunity to damage Ethan. Why is she assisting me? I attempt to ponder while sipping my hot chocolate. "What secrets?" I inquire. She takes out a little USB disk and slips it over the table. "Files. Evidence of poor transactions. Accept it.

I gaze at the USB, my fingers aching to grasp it. As I intended, proof might ruin Ethan's business. I don't trust her, however. "What's your name?" I inquire. After a moment of hesitation, she adds, "Call me Ellen." I take up the USB and nod. In my palm, it seems weighty even though it is light. "What are you looking for from me?" I inquire. Ellen leans back. "Just make advantage of it. Make them pay. Without saying another word, she gets up, puts her sunglasses back on, and walks away.

My thoughts are racing as I sit there. Now, the USB is burning like a secret in my pocket. With the city roaring around me, I finish my drink and make my way home. I sit on my bed at my apartment and shut the door. With trembling hands, I connect the USB to my laptop. A folder containing files with the names "Blackwood Contracts" and "Riverdale Deal" appears. When I open one, I see a ton of names and numbers discussing purchasing property in Riverdale. It sounds awful, like if they're evicting people. My gut aches. I wanted this, but my mind keeps seeing Ellen's face. Is she someone I can trust?

After shutting off the laptop, I lay down and gaze at the shadowy ceiling. I remember Ethan's grin when he told me I did an excellent job today. Given how kind he is, it's difficult to detest him. However, these documents may show that he is harming others in the same way that he harmed his father. "I'm close, Dad," I mutter as I grasp Dad's photo. I can't sleep, although my eyes feel heavy. Ellen is on my mind all the time. What made her choose me? Could she be lying?

I return to my work at Blackwood Enterprises the next morning. Ethan is on the phone at his office. He smiles and gestures at me, and I return the gesture as my heart makes that foolish flutter once again. I'm afraid to look at the USB here, so I conceal it in my purse. I pretend to be normal when answering calls and typing emails, but my thoughts are focused on the files. With Ethan so near, I can't read as much as I should.

I slip into a quiet area of the break room during lunch and connect my phone to the USB. I open a different file. Even worse, there are plans to demolish Riverdale homes to make way for a large industrial. My hands tremble. It's this. Evidence that Ethan's business is failing. I can destroy my journalist buddy Mia by sending him this. Then Ethan enters with a sandwich in his hand. His voice is quiet as he says, "Lila, are you okay?" With my cheeks burning, I jam my phone into my pocket. I fib and say, "Yeah, just eating."

He eats his sandwich while seated across from me. He remarks, "You're doing fantastic here." "I'm happy to have you on my team." I feel bad, but his eyes are good. I nod, not believing what I'm saying. I listen in confusion as he speaks about a new initiative that has to do with aiding schools. Why are there negative files if he is doing good things? With my head spinning, I return to my work after finishing my meal.

As the day progresses, I continue to conceal the USB. I'm afraid someone may notice, but I want to read more files. Ethan invites me to a formal dinner with influential folks tomorrow night for a meeting. "It will be enjoyable," he replies with a smile. My stomach turns as I nod. I like him even if I don't want to. I must concentrate on my strategy and the files.

I return to my place that evening, the USB resting on my table. My phone buzzes as I open my laptop, eager to read more. Ellen's number is texting me again. Have you examined the files? Act quickly. There is not much time left. My heart is pounding. What is the time for? Then there's a quick, loud tap on my door. I stare at the door as I freeze. No one is aware of my residence.