Illusions is a novella written by Nicole Schroeder and Ashley Tanner, about a girl named Gemma who has the ability to see people’s true character at a single glance. Each post in the following blog series is one chapter of Illusions.
His heart was still racing, the bitter sweet words Gemma spoke still ringing in his ears. He knew that in order for him to truly help Gemma, he had to have allies.
Most of the office worked for Wolfgang in more than one way; as a spy and as an office worker. They were all lawyers who were certainly willing to go against the law, each with their own reasoning.
Elijah stood up from his cubicle and walked to the copy machine, glancing over his shoulder to browse the room for potential allies as he did so without raising suspicion. He noticed a young, sweet girl with black hair; she might be a good option. Then again, he thought, she’s too nice to ask her to get involved in this mess. Or perhaps the fiery, bold girl from payroll — Natalie — though he knew she was in with Elijah even deeper than he was.
And then he saw James, a smart and daring redhead who has definitely shown an interest in taking Wolfgang down. If he had any chance of saving Gemma, it was James.
Elijah went back to his desk and began to scheme a way to gain James’ trust without giving away his intentions. Emailing him would leave a trace, and approaching him would raise too many eyebrows. The only way is to call him.
He pulled out a chart of office numbers, located James’ and dialed the number. On the third ring, he heard a confused ‘hello.’
“Hi James, it’s Elijah.”
“Hey, what’s up?” he said with a tone of curiosity.
“I need your help with an important case.”
“What’s the case about?”
Elijah paused for a moment, he had to be careful about how he worded it. He needed to make himself clear that it was to go up against Wolfgang, but he couldn’t come out and say it.
“It’s a peculiar — er — case,” he paused again, “A woman’s neighbor’s husky got out and bit her. She is trying to sue her neighbor for not keeping a better eye out on his dog.”
He hoped James would understand his very poor attempt at referencing Wolfgang as a husky.
“Oh.” Elijah could almost hear a grin over the phone, he knew James had understood.
“Come by my cubicle after you get off? I don’t want to disrupt whatever case you are currently working on.”
“Yeah, sure.” Without another word, the two hung up.
***
Elijah was brought out of his deep concentration by the sounds of his co-workers pushing in their chairs, closing their laptops and saying their goodbyes. It wasn’t until then that he realized it was after 5 o’clock, and James would be coming to see him soon.
He knew he wouldn’t be able to talk for long, but he had to arrange a time for both of them to meet with Gemma.
“So,” James said as he walked up behind his cubicle,”What did you have in mind?”
“Don’t you want to know more?” Elijah replied, sounding very startled.
“I don’t need to know more. I’ve picked up enough from around the office. I’m in,” grinning cheekily.
Do you think they will be able to save Gemma and take down Wolfgang? Leave your comments and questions below. 
To read all of Illusions part one, click here.[vc_empty_space][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”5″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1455084533352-c5cabc59-daa8-6″ taxonomies=”12779″]