"T-T-The folders stayed on my computer only. The moment it leaves, it becomes corrupted and useless. I couldn’t stash them anywhere else. I swear!"
Data doesn’t usually work like that, which means there must be some precautions when sending software data out of the company. No wonder Jenna had endless files with her; it seems like only printouts work.
I took one look at Gina, and I didn’t feel an ounce of pity for her.
"That’ll be all."
"M-M-Mrs. King, please wait...!"
"You did this to yourself, Gina. The least you can do is suffer the consequences. Don’t come back here ever again."
She kept calling my name, but I didn’t stop. This was the least I could do for her. I don’t wanna think about what was gonna happen when Ares found out he had a snitch in his company.
The sooner she got out of here, the better for her.
I made my way back to the office, but the moment I could grab the doorknob, I stalled. I released my grip, just staring at the door like it was the pathway to hell.
I can’t deal with him right now.
I left, having it in mind to see Tori. I owe her that after all, and this day won’t end well unless I do.
I grabbed my things, wearing my coat and taking my bag.
"Leaving so soon?" Gary asked me.
"Yeah, I have somewhere to be."
"Alright... Oh, I thought I saw Gina, where is she? We need to talk with these dealers. They aren’t cooperating."
"Then you’d better find someone else to talk with them."
"What do you mean?"
"Gina Hale no longer works here." I left before he could start asking me questions.
I stepped out of the building, and Nico was waiting by the car.
"Where’s Reed? I texted him."
Nico smirked, opening the car door for me. "Reed’s busy, so you have me for the entire day, milady."
"Whatever..." I got in, not having the strength to complain.
It was dark when we arrived at the private pub. Tori was already starting her shift when she saw me coming.
"Hey...!"
"Hey..." She was in the middle of wiping the counter.
"Busy day...?" I neared, dropping my bag and sitting on the high stool.
"Just full of expensive coffee."
I snorted, and she smiled.
"You left in a hurry, there..."
"Yeah, I had my appointment, and I couldn’t miss it."
"How’s it going by the way?"
"It was a disaster, but I’m not here to talk about that disaster."
"Mmm..."
"I’m sorry. I’ve kept things from you and... I feel like the worst friend on the planet. I don’t deserve you."
"No, you don’t..." She smiled. "Neither do I, munchkin, but here we are, still trying to live and not stay apart."
We both giggled.
"You don’t have to tell me you know... whatever this is, it must be hard that you don’t wanna come forward with it."
"Tori..."
"Okay, look, I wanna say that, and play the card that no matter what I understand, sure, go ahead and leave me in the dark, but girl! I’m worried sick about you!"
A sad smile curled on my lips. I could see how much she was trying to deal with this, and if I were in her shoes, I’d be worried sick about my best friend.
I exhaled sharply, giving her a look which she understood quickly. She passed a look around, I think mostly looking at the clock.
"We got some time."
"That’s great."
Tori dropped her napkin and rounded the counter to sit next to me.
"Hey..." she said softly. "Trust me, I’m okay if you don’t wanna tell me. Just brush off how desperate I am, at the end, it’s all about whenever you’re ready to tell."
"I know.. But I want to. I can’t keep you in the dark anymore, but you must promise me..."
"Promise what?"
"This is something that must stay with you."
"Like a secret? Alright, no problem with that."
"What I mean is you can’t go to the cops."
Tori fixed me with a pointed stare. "Did you witness a murder or something?"
"N-No!"
"Phew! Okay..."
"But this must not involve the cops, cause I know you’re gonna freak out."
"Okay, okay! I got you, girl, really..."
I took a deep breath. "It’s about—"
"Whatcha girls talking about?"
I flinched, looking at Athena, who was suddenly beside us.
"Why so jumpy?" she giggled.
"W-What are you doing here?" I asked.
"Oh, I finished my shoot early. The renovations are ongoing..." She rolled her eyes. "I’m beat! I thought I would hang out with you guys."
"I’ll give you something to relax, but it might come with a burn and a few wobbles," Tori said, rising to her feet.
"Oh yes, please!"
"I think I’ll take that too... something stronger..." I stood, and Nico came to me.
"Leaving so soon?"
"No, I need to pee, or are you gonna follow me there too?"
He took a step back, lifting his hands. "I love my head on my shoulder very much."
I huffed, walking in the direction of the restroom.
After I finished my business, I flushed the toilet and walked to the sink to wash my hands.
The soft water filled the space, but a whistling tune drowned it. I throw a look over my shoulder. The toilet stall doors were all open except one at the end, where I heard a tinkle.
I resumed what I was doing, washing my hands with far too much time as I got lost in my head again.
Click!
I lifted my gaze to the mirror, and my heart momentarily stopped.
There was a man behind me, clad in all black, his gloved hands holding a silenced gun pointed at me.
I drew in a sharp breath. The man kept whistling like it was a normal day in the park. He raised his other hand and scratched his bald head marred with tattoos.
Oh God. It’s him... The driver from the accident. I recognized him instantly because those features were unmistakable.