Chapter 987 - The cost of freedom (2) (1/2)

Tuesday...

The next morning, Benjamin woke up with a big smile on his face.

Penny was right next to him, sleeping peacefully… it's a dream which came true. He wanted to hug her and hold her close to him, but he didn't want to wake her up. It's early, and she can sleep late.

He kissed Penny gently on her bare shoulder and scooted carefully from the bed. She can sleep, but he needs to get ready for work.

”Why are you awake?”, Benjamin asked Penny when he got out the bathroom while buttoning up his shirt. ”You can sleep as long as you want.”

”Mmm… I can sleep when you leave.”, she smiled happily while getting off the bed.

”I don't want to miss this.” She kissed him and ruffled his damp hair from the shower.

Benjamin laughed. Oh, it's a good morning with Penny by his side.

It is difficult to go to work when such a wonderful woman full of smiles is waiting for him at home.

He thought that he should take few days off from work. Maybe they can go somewhere, like a mini vacation? Somewhere close by, because his budget is limited. After alimony to his ex-wife, not much is left. But that will not stop them from having a good time.

…

Benjamin reached his office and saw a note on his keyboard to report to his manager immediately. He looked at Keegan questionably, but Keegan only shrugged indicating that he has no idea what is going on. If the biggest gossip in the office does not know, no one knows.

Benjamin was shocked to hear that he got fired. He didn't even get an explanation. Security escorted him out of the building after his manager informed him that Keegan will collect his personal belongings.

Benjamin sat in his car while wondering: why did he get fired? He didn't break any company's policy that he is aware of, and his performance review was very good. So, what happened? Did he offend someone? There was nothing out of place… except… that woman. Is it possible that those were not empty threats? She has the power to get him out of job? His heart started racing while wondering, what kind of people Penny escaped from? Penny! He got his phone and called her frantically… it went to the voicemail. He called again, and again… while driving… he was almost home when he tossed his phone on the side.

Few minutes later, he got a call. Penny called him back!

”Why are you not answering?!”, he said much louder than expected due to stress.

”I was in the shower.”, Penny answered weakly.

”Are you still home?”

”I'm on my way out to go shopping.”

”Don't! Stay inside! I will be there in few minutes!”, he ended the call while driving into the parking lot of the apartment complex.

Penny wondered what happened? He was happy this morning when he left. Now, about two hours later, he is acting irrationally. Why did he tell her to stay inside? Why is he coming back home now? Why did he raise his voice at her?

Penny panicked. The feeling that he wants to keep her imprisoned engulfed her, and she felt the need to flee. She will not allow anyone to keep her locked up ever again, even if that person is Benjamin!

She grabbed her backpack, stuffed her cash from the side table in it, and dashed for the door.

”I told you to stay inside!”, Benjamin growled when he saw her at the door, ready to leave. They almost bumped into each other.

”You can't keep me here!”, she trembled but she will not back off.

He saw that she is wearing the same clothes from Saturday. ”Where are you going?”

”Anywhere but here!”

She wanted to pass by him, but he grabbed her wrist.

”You can't leave!”

Penny started struggling. ”And you can't stop me! One day you will look away and I will escape!”

Benjamin felt that Penny's words carry so much weight. Why is she panicking? He only told her to wait for him inside. He pulled her into his embrace, ignoring her attempts to break free and closed the door behind him. ”I don't want to keep you against your will. But it's not safe.”

Her whole body stiffened. ”What do you mean… it's not safe?”

”Please, sit…”, he gestured to the sofa.

”Yesterday after work, I met with a woman…”, Benjamin told Penny that he met with Mrs. Morgan and that she was looking for Harriet. ”I didn't tell her anything, but she was not convinced. And she said that it's not over, and that when I have enough, I should give her a call.”