Denied ess I entered the factory gates only to be stopped by a stern security guard.


    I told him I wanted to meet with Fred.


    The security guard scrutinized me and said, “Mr.Fred isn’t here.


    He’s currently on a business trip.


    “Could you tell me where he went?” I asked anxiously because my time in the city was limited.


    “I wouldn’t know,” he said with a sour attitude.


    “Could you at least give me his phone number? I’vee from out of town and just need to call him.”


    After what happened four years ago, I didn’t keep Fred’s contact information.


    “I don’t have it,” he replied curtly.


    “What do you want with him?” “I’m here to discuss a business partnership!” “You can talk to the


    marketing department for that.


    Do you really need to meet the boss? We get many people like you who just waste our time.


    Just get out of here!” It was unbelievable that such arge factory would hire someone so rude.


    The rain was getting heavier, and I started shivering.


    Suddenly, I noticed phone numbers for different departments on the security guard’s desk.


    Swallowing my pride, I asked, “Please, I’vee a long way.


    Could you at least give me some hot water? I’ll leave right after.” “Enough with your tricks.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I don’t have any hot water for you.


    Get going,” he said, pushing me outside.


    I almost stumbled, and he mmed the gate behind me.


    My umbre was too small for the heavy rain.


    Although I was soaked halfway through, my heart felt colder I looked around.


    The cab that brought me had already left, and I would have to walk a long way to catch another one


    back.


    My only option was to stand against the wall.


    I didn’t want to go home like this, but Matthew would suspect something if I spent too much time in the


    city.


    I needed to keep him from discovering my move.


    Although I was soaked to the bone, I kept hoping someone from the factory would emerge.


    Just getting Fred’s phone number would be worth it.


    Finally, a car drove out, and I quickly gged it down.


    A middle–aged men rolled down the window and C +15 BONUS “What can I do for you?” he asked.


    “I came to talk to Mr.


    Fred.


    Could you tell me how to find him?” I quickly added, “Or even the Marketing Manager!” He nced at


    me and said, “Get in!” I thanked him profusely and quickly got in the car.


    “Thank you so much!” As the car drove off, I couldn’t stop trembling.


    He said, “Don’t thank me yet.


    I’m just giving you a ride to a ce where you can catch a cab.


    Mr.


    Fred isn’t here.


    You’re wasting your time.” “I came from out of town to discuss a project with him.


    I have a full proposal, and I’m on a tight schedule.


    Could you give me his phone number? Or could you pass on the message? Tell him that Chloe Hartz


    from Foswood is looking for him!” He nced at me as he considered my words.


    “In that case, you can stay at the guesthouse.


    I’ll let Mr.


    Fred know.” Though I was disappointed, it was better than not having hope.


    I jotted down my phone number, just in case.


    “Just tell him that my name is Chloe Hartz.


    He’ll definitelye and meet me.


    Sir, thank you for helping me! Could I have your name?” I asked politely, He hesitated before saying.


    “I’m… the other Mr.


    Meyers!” I picked up a pamphlet from the car when we arrived at the guesthouse.


    “I’ll take this with me.


    Thank you!” With that, I quickly got out of the car.


    I was worried he might stop me because the pamphlet contained the factory’s phone number.


    It was my backup n in case this man wouldn’t pass the message.


    Looking at the car driving away, I could only pray that he helped me.


    I must meet Fred Meyers!