Tasked

“My name is Jacob and I’m an addict,” I said for the first time out loud in public.

“Welcome, Jacob,” the crowd murmured.

Considering who I was, I’d found a small, exclusive meeting with other high-profile drug addicts.

“I abused cocaine and oxy. My addiction cost me my dignity, and almost my job.”

Nods of recognition throughout the group.

“One vote in my favor saved me from being ousted by the board as CEO of the company I founded with blood, sweat, and tears.”

I took a deep breath at that reminder.

“That‘s when I decided that enough was enough. I've been clean for the last three weeks, but I'll need support to stay drug-free.”

“Thank you for your share, Jacob,” the woman chairing the meeting said.

I knew all too well who she was, I was surprised that she of all people was also here.

After the meeting, I was approached by the guy I’d been eye-fucking throughout the entire meeting. He was in his late twenties and he was absolutely stunning. Taller than me, he had chocolate eyes, short brown hair, and was wearing all black.

His clothes reminded me of a costume from a sci-fi movie. Considering the profile of the people in this room, it was probably haute couture and very, very expensive.

He pulled a black business card out of nowhere and held it out for me between his index and middle fingers like a Magician with a playing card.

I felt compelled to take it, and when I did, he grabbed my wrist and said, “When you inevitably fail, call me. I have an… alternative way of helping you.”

He left me standing there in shock, as he turned on his heel and exited the building as quietly as a thief in the night.

What the actual fuck just happened?!

Who was this elusive creature? And why did he think that I couldn‘t stay clean? More importantly, what could his method possibly be?