Chapter 26

Melinda paced the length of the room, her frustration mounting with every second. She hadn’t left the house in days, and the walls felt like they were closing in on her. She needed air, space—anything but this suffocating sense of being trapped.

“I can’t stay cooped up in here anymore,” she muttered to herself, her gaze flicking to the window. The sunlight outside taunted her, offering the freedom she craved but couldn’t reach.

With a deep breath, she stormed out of her room and marched down the hallway to Sylvester’s study. She knocked once, then pushed the door open without waiting for a response.

“Sylvester, we need to talk.”

Sylvester looked up from his desk, his brow furrowed. He had been drowning in paperwork and security updates, trying to ensure that both he and Melinda were safe after the recent threats. His eyes were tired, the weight of his responsibilities evident in his posture.

“What’s going on, Melinda?” he asked, leaning back in his chair.

“I need to get out of this house,” she said, her voice firm. “I can’t stand it anymore. I feel like a prisoner. I need to take a walk—get some air.”

Sylvester’s expression hardened. “You know it’s not safe right now. After everything that’s happened, it’s better if you stay inside until things settle down.”

Melinda crossed her arms, her jaw set in defiance. “I can’t just sit here waiting for something to happen. I need to feel normal again, even if it’s just for an hour.”

Sylvester sighed, rubbing his temples. He understood her frustration—he felt it too. But the threats hanging over them made him wary of letting her out of his sight.

“I get it, Melinda. But we can’t take any chances right now. If anything happened to you—” His voice trailed off, the fear evident in his eyes.

Melinda softened slightly, but her resolve didn’t waver. “I won’t be gone long. Just a walk around the neighborhood. I won’t go far, I promise.”

Sylvester leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. “I’ll agree to it, but only on one condition.”

She raised an eyebrow. “What condition?”

“Albert has to go with you,” Sylvester said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “He’ll keep an eye on you and make sure nothing happens.”

Melinda groaned, her hands falling to her sides. “I don’t need a babysitter, Sylvester.”

“It’s not about babysitting. It’s about keeping you safe,” he replied calmly. “Albert is the best at what he does. If you want to go out, you’ll have to accept that he’ll be with you.”

She bit her lip, torn between her need for freedom and her distaste for being monitored. She looked at Sylvester’s face, seeing the genuine concern etched into his features. He wasn’t trying to control her—he was trying to protect her.

“Fine,” she said, though the reluctance was clear in her voice. “But just this once. I need space, Sylvester. I can’t breathe in here.”

Sylvester nodded, relieved that she had agreed. “Thank you. I’ll let Albert know.”

A few minutes later, Albert appeared in the foyer, dressed in his usual immaculate suit but with a slight tension in his shoulders. It was clear that even he understood the seriousness of the situation.

“Miss Melinda,” he greeted her with a respectful nod. “Are you ready for your walk?”

Melinda forced a smile, though she still wasn’t happy about having an escort. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Albert gestured for her to lead the way, and the two of them stepped out into the fresh air. Melinda inhaled deeply, closing her eyes for a moment as the cool breeze touched her skin. For the first time in days, she felt a sense of calm wash over her.

They walked in silence for a while, Albert keeping a respectful distance behind her but always vigilant. Melinda took in the sights of the neighborhood—the trees, the flowers, the distant hum of traffic. It was a world she had almost forgotten existed while holed up inside Sylvester’s fortress of a house.

“Are you feeling better, Miss Melinda?” Albert asked after a few minutes, his voice polite but cautious.

“A little,” she admitted. “I just needed to get out. I’m not used to being kept in one place like that.”

“I understand,” Albert said. “But Mr. Sylvester only wants to ensure your safety. These are dangerous times.”

“I know,” she replied, though her tone suggested that she still resented the situation. “I just wish I didn’t feel like a prisoner in my own life.”

Albert didn’t respond to that, sensing that Melinda wasn’t looking for reassurance. Instead, he simply continued walking, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any potential threats.

They reached a park a few blocks away, and Melinda paused by a bench, sitting down for a moment to enjoy the peace. Albert stood nearby, giving her the space she clearly craved but remaining within earshot.

“I appreciate you doing this, Albert,” Melinda said after a while, her tone softer than before. “I know it’s your job, but still… thank you.”

Albert nodded. “It’s my duty to protect you, Miss Melinda. And I take that responsibility very seriously.”

She smiled faintly, though the weight of everything still pressed on her. “Do you ever feel trapped, Albert? Like you’re stuck in a situation you can’t control?”

Albert hesitated, considering his words carefully. “Sometimes, yes. But I’ve learned that we all have a role to play, even if it’s not always the one we want. The important thing is to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult it seems.”

Melinda looked up at him, surprised by the depth of his response. “That’s… surprisingly insightful.”

Albert offered a small smile. “I’ve had time to think about these things over the years.”

She chuckled softly, though it was clear her mind was still weighed down by the current situation. “I suppose you’re right. But it doesn’t make it any easier.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Albert agreed. “But it helps to know that you’re not alone.”

Melinda nodded, appreciating his words more than she let on. She stood up, feeling a little more at ease than when they had started the walk.

“Let’s head back,” she said, her voice steadier now. “I think I’ve had enough fresh air for today.”

Albert nodded and followed her lead as they made their way back to Sylvester’s house. The walk had helped—if only a little—but Melinda knew that the underlying problems still loomed large. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could handle being under such tight watch, but for now, she would endure it.

As they approached the house, she glanced at Albert and said, “Thanks again for coming with me.”

“It’s my pleasure, Miss Melinda,” he replied, his voice as calm and reassuring as ever.

But as they stepped inside, Melinda couldn’t shake the feeling that this temporary freedom was just that—temporary. The threats, the danger, and the weight of her past decisions were all still there, waiting for her.