A male coworker commented, “That smells amazing,” after seeing my lunch. Could you make me one? I grinned and answered, “Yes.
Just return the container clean.” He did. I was horrified when I opened it. The note read: “Get away from him before it’s too late.”
My hands froze as I watched.
The note was unsigned. Scribbled in large, blocky letters on a ripped paper towel. Almost thought it was a hoax.
Someone may have been dramatic or hilarious. However, the wobbly handwriting and “before it’s too late” made me queasy. I scanned faces across the office.
Andrei, my coworker, was typing oblivious at his desk. Or faking. I put the note in my backpack and sat down, as nothing had occurred.
The rest of the day, I wondered who wrote that and why. Andrei had just been in the company two months. Most loved him since he was personable and skilled at his profession.
We were friends, not lovers, but we talked often and he appeared kind. Maybe too kind. Mara, my roommate, saw the note that night.
Raise her eyebrows. You sure that wasn’t him? Maybe it’s his odd humor?
Shaking my head. “It’s absurd. Why would someone order lunch and leave a letter about himself in the container?
Mara nodded slowly. If he didn’t pack it. Maybe someone else did.”
That notion chilled me more.
Was anyone else watching? Who knew I was making his lunch? Next morning, I had a longer commute.
Though not paranoid, I kept looking over my shoulder. Nothing strange. But I couldn’t let go.
I tried something at work. I asked Andrei, “Hey, how was the chicken yesterday?”
He grinned. “Delicious.
You have wonderful hands.”
I laughed but watched his face. “Did you pack the container back this morning?”
He paused. “Yeah.
Why?”
“No reason. Just seeing if the sauce spilled.”
Shaking his head, he showed no suspicion. Despite my expectations, that didn’t calm me.
Was he lying? He lied well. If not, someone had interfered with his stuff.
I stopped making him lunch. I responded I was too busy when he asked days later. So I started noticing others surrounding him.
Around me. I spotted her then. Olivia was quiet and reserved in the office.
Andrei and she started about the same time, although they hardly spoke. At least not publicly. However, Olivia stared at us during lunch break while Andrei was talking to me.
Not subtly. Just watching. She turned aside immediately, almost ashamed, when we met.
I wondered if Olivia wrote the note. So I remained late one afternoon and waited until the office was almost empty. I went to Olivia’s desk and pretended to have a client inquiry.
She looked nervous when I arrived. “Hey,” I said nonchalantly. “Can I ask something weird?”
She nodded slowly.
Have you written this? I showed her the memo. Her eyes expanded.
She glanced down, then at me. “You found it.”
“You wrote it?”
She looked around the office and lowered her voice. I had to.
How else could I warn you?”
My heart pounded. “Warn me about what?”
Bit her lip. “Andrei.
He’s not who he claims.”
I frowned. “You mean what?”
She surveyed again. “Not here.
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