Escaping Reality

and open the box, but
    the instant I step back out into the wind, I have this sensation of being
    watched. Two blocks later I still feel it and it’s driving me nuts. I tell myself
    it’s understandable paranoia considering everything, but I don’t remind
    myself again how I got past this in New York. I didn’t get past anything. I put
    it out of sight, and out of sight was out of mind. Not this time. This time I
    want answers that I hope this box holds.
    Finally, I reach the apartment and with aching arms from lugging all
    my stuff, I walk into the hallway, drop my bag, and lock the door. Holding
    the box to my chest, I lean against the door and stare into the apartment,
    listening for anything or anyone that might be present. Eerie silence greets
    me, and while it should comfort me, it does not. I hate silence. I hate it with
    a passion. I rush forward and set the box on the table, and with my heart in
    my throat, I search the apartment.
    I lie all the time. Why should I trust the silence?
    Once I’m certain I’m alone, I sit down at the dining room table, and in
    the absence of a kitchen knife, I struggle with the tape and use my
    apartment key to cut it down the center. Note to self. I need a key ring for
    the single key I’m bound to lose, and silverware. I need to make a kitchen
    list. I start one in my mind. A couple of cheap pans. Cheap paper plates.
    Plasticware with a few real knives. I rip the box open and set my key aside.
    Lifting the lid, I stare down at the MacBook Air with a folder on top.
    Well, this is certainly a surprise. I reach for the folder and flip it open. A
    typed note is included.
    Ms. Bensen. Welcome aboard. Enclosed is a list of the properties
    Evernight leases on my behalf. As we discussed in our phone interview, you
    will need to do a weekly visual inspection to ensure they are properly
    maintained and email me a report.
    Phone interview? I did a phone interview? I’m confused. This is a
    cover story. I was told not to look for a job. I keep reading.
    An external check is all I need, and all properties are within a few
    blocks of one another in Cherry Creek. In addition, Evernight will provide you
    with a report on all newly listed properties in the Denver area. You will
    cross-reference them with public listings and send me anything that fits the
    criteria I’m including. Please email me when you get this so I know you are
    properly settled. I will have various other projects for you to undertake once
    I get to my location and get settled. I have limited phone connectivity, so if
    you have any issues you will need to email. If there is an emergency, you
    can reach my attorney, whose number I’m including.
    Dermit Williams
    Dermit Williams Holding Company
    I scan and find an email from my new boss, and his signature, which
    is no signature at all. It’s just his name typed. There is no script and there is
    no symbol to tell me I should trust this person. I’m baffled. I’ve been told
    this job is my cover story. A fake cover story. Or maybe it isn’t. Maybe this
    is a real job, just like my lease was a real lease. The letter clearly references
    a conversation with someone pretending to be me. But the instructions I
    received clearly stated that I was not to get a job. Flipping open the folder,
    there really are property listings. Maybe my boss isn’t real. Maybe he, like
    the job, is a cover that is meant to be convincing. This is not a comforting
    thought. It tells me I have reason to go deep into hiding.
    I remove the computer from the box and find it’s not new, but close.
    It powers right up and I create a Gmail account for Amy Bensen and email
    my new boss. A muffled beeping sound reminds me the phone Liam gave
    me is still in my bag by the door and I head that way, unpacking what items
    need to be removed and finding the phone lit up with a text message.
    Don’t eat dinner. I want to take you out.
    I press the phone to my forehead and try to weigh my worries for his
    safety as valid or not. I have no real reason to believe anyone but me is in
    danger, and unlike Chloe, a man like Liam has the money and resources to
    protect himself. But he cannot protect himself from something he doesn’t
    know about and I do not know him well enough to risk trusting him, no
    matter how much my gut says I can.
    The phone beeps. I look at the screen. Amy?
    He’s going to call me if I don’t answer. I’m here. I’m doing some work
    my new boss gave me. Call me when you head