Karl Gordon Is Back

Chapter 16 : Eight More Days

Karl reached the house long after dark, the porch light already glowing. He stood at the gate with his phone pressed to his ear, listening to the line ring out again before dropping into silence.

He lowered the phone and stared at the dark screen. Another missed call. Another unanswered message.

He had walked the hospital parking space twice after Anna had left in a hurry. He caught sight of her taxi driving off and had tried calling her a dozen times to no avail.

He'd dropped her a couple messages, asking if she was home safe but none of it got a response from her.

His thumb hovering uselessly over her name, considering if he should call her again.

“Can I blame her? Melody had embarrassed her because of me.” He tucks his phone in his pocket.

The gate creaked as he pushed it open. The living room lights were on.

Karl slowed the moment he stepped inside.

Melody’s heels were by the door. Her handbag rested on the console table, unzipped, its contents spilling out as if she had dropped it in a hurry. He closed the door behind him, the click of the lock echoing through the house.

“Karl.” Her voice came from the hallway.

Melody appeared in the doorway to his room a second later, arms folded and brows furrowed.

He frowned, does she ever have anything else to do other than being an insufferable person? She must have no hobbies at this point!

“So,” she said, folding her arms slowly, “are you going to tell me what that performance at the hospital was about?”

He undid the button of his sleeve without looking at her.

“What performance?”

She laughed in disbelief, eyes narrowed on him. “You ran after her in front of everyone. You humiliated me in public, Karl.”

He slid his jacket off and draped it over the chair. “She needed help.”

“And I didn’t?” Her voice rose. “You didn’t even stay with me. You left me there like I didn’t exist.”

He turned at that. ‘Because you don't.’ He wanted to say. That was intact, not so far from the truth now is it?

She held his gaze, daring him to deny it. Her eyes flicked down his chest, then back to his face for some reason..

“Are you sleeping with her now?” she asked.

Karl couldn't help but chuckle at her words. “What?”

Melody’s jaw tightened. “Are you sleeping with that whore?!”

“Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” she pressed. “Don’t ask the obvious question? Because everyone else already is. The loyal boyfriend who suddenly can’t keep his eyes off his girlfriend's assistant.”

He moved past her and walked into the kitchen, unable to stop himself from laughing.

“This is ironic, Melody. It really is.” He said as he reached for a glass of water and gulped it down.

“You're not even denying it,” she said quickly. “I can't believe you're cheating on me!”

He slammed the mug on the table, earning a yelp from Melody. He exhaled deeply, glancing over his shoulder.

“I think you've forgotten that I recently caught you with Caden at the office.”

Melody's mouth hung open, eyes darting all around the room like her next response was written on the walls somewhere.

“So what do you want me to do?” She snapped, “Get on my knees and beg.”

Karl turns to face her, “You will. Soon enough.” He said simply.

Melody chuckled, “So this is you trying to punish me for sleeping with caden? Can you blame me? You wouldn't even have sex with me when I offered.”

“That’s because I wouldn't touch you with a ten foot pole , Melody.c” he said and he saw her eyes widen in shock.

Her hand dropped to her side and clenched. “Maybe we should just end it then,” she said suddenly.

Karl shrugs almost immediately. “You’re welcome to do that,” he said.

Her expression froze. “What?” she whispered.

“If you want to break up,” he repeated calmly, “do it.”

The colour drained from her face instantly. Karl has never entertained a break up. He would never entertain a break up. Who is this man standing in front of her?

She opened her mouth but the doorbell rang before she could get her word out.

Melody frowned. “Who is that?”

Karl walked towards the front door and pulled it open without checking the door camera.

“Is that her?!” Melody snapped, "Did you invite that witch into my house?!”

A man stood on the porch, dressed in a suit. He was in his late forties with a leather folder tucked under one arm. His gaze moved past Karl and into the house with curiosity.

“Mr. Karl,” the man said, offering his hand. “Thank you for accommodating me on such short notice.”

Karl shook his hand briefly. “It's fine.”

“This won’t take long,” the man added, already stepping inside.

Melody stared at the stranger.

“Who are you?” she asked, confusion giving way to irritation.

The man gave her a polite nod but did not answer. He moved slowly through the living room, eyes scanning the walls, the furniture, the ceiling, the windows. He crouched near the staircase and glanced up. He walked into the dining area and took out a small notebook, jotting something down.

Karl remained near the entrance, watching him quietly. Melody hovered beside him, brows creased as the man examined every corner of their house.

“Why is someone walking through my house?” she whispered sharply.

Karl kept his eyes on the man.

The stranger walked toward the windows and tested the curtain rail, then examined the sliding doors leading to the garden. He checked the floor with a brief glance and nodded to himself.

He turned back to Karl. H“I’ll be in touch,” he said.

“That’s fine,” Karl replied.

The man gave a small smile and headed back toward the door. As he passed Melody, she shifted aside reluctantly. The door closed behind him..

Melody turned to Karl, her face was tight with disbelief. “Who was that?”

He did not respond. She stepped in front of him just as he was about to head into his room.

“Karl,” she said through clenched teeth, “I asked you a question.”

He brushed past her and she caught his arm.

“Who. Was. That.”

He stopped and looked down at her hand on his sleeve. She released him slowly.

“You’re hiding things now?” she said. “What is wrong with you these past few days?”

He picked up his jacket and turned back to her. “You should start packing.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

“You and your family,” he continued, his voice steady. “You have a few days left in this house.”

Her mouth fell open. “You can’t be serious.”

He walked toward the hallway.

“You can’t just say that and walk away,” she shouted after him.

He stopped at the foot of the stairs.He turned just enough for her to see his profile.

“You heard me.” He said, “Eight days. That's all you have.”

And he stormed off.