Lina, who was oblivious of the brewing storm, was still happily drinking with Ria, after cheering her up. They were both so absorbed in their merry that they failed to notice the scheming gaze cast on them.
“Ria,” Lina chuckled, feeling tipsy. “I’m going to the restroom.” She stood up with the support of the sofa. “I will be back soon.”
Ria, who was also drunk, shook her head, “no Lily, you can’t leave me here, I’m coming with you.” They both supported each other as they made their way to the restroom.
“This is your chance to act.” Mira, who was seated with Mr Vic, pushed his arm with her elbow. “No failure this time around. Make this clean and no traces must be found.”
Mr Vic wanted to argue, but remembering his commission if this job is perfectly and successfully done, he swallowed his dissatisfaction.
As Lina and Ria stumbled into the restroom, arm in arm, Mira’s eyes locked onto Mr. Vic. “Now,” she mouthed, her gaze piercing.
Mr. Vic nodded discreetly, his face a mask of calmness. He excused himself from the table, weaving through the crowded bar.
Meanwhile, Lina and Ria giggled and chattered inside the restroom, oblivious to the danger lurking outside.
“You’re my best friend, Ria,” Lina slurred, hugging her tight. “I don’t know what my life would have been without you.” She held Ria’s cheeks in between her fingers as she pouted her lips.
Ria smiled, her eyes glassy. “Go, go and finish your business, or did you take me here just to confess your love to me?” Ria chuckled, pushing lina into the cubicle.
Lina steps were messy as she walked into the cubicle, leaving Ria where they were both standing earlier. Ria, who was busy looking at her reflection in the bathroom mirror didn’t notice someone was at the door.
As Ria adjusted her hair, she hummed to herself, still chuckling at something she remembered Lina said earlier.
Meanwhile, Mr. Vic, who was at the door, took a signboard with words ‘in repair’ written on it from a store beside the bathroom, and hung it on the door to avoid any disturbance.
After looking left and right, knowing no one saw or was monitoring him, he clapped his hands, removing the invisible dust, before slipping into the restroom, his eyes fixed on Ria.
Ria, oblivious to the danger, continued primping, her gaze locked on her reflection, still humming happily to herself.
Mr. Vic crept closer, his footsteps muffled by the sound of running water. Just as he reached Ria, Lina’s voice echoed from the cubicle. “Ria, can you help me with my zip? I think I’m stuck.”
Ria turned, smiling, but her expression froze as she saw Mr. Vic looming behind her. “Wh…” Ria was shut up by a pocket knife pressed on her neck. Mr Vic whispered in her ear for her to shut up, as he stood behind her. The knife was so close to her neck that any small movement, she would lose her life.
Ria’s eyes widened in terror as Mr. Vic’s hot breath danced across her ear. “Not a sound,” he whispered, “or else,” he pressed the knife deeper into her skin, using his actions to tell her what the consequences of her saying a word would do.
Lina, oblivious to the danger, continued calling out from the cubicle. “Ria, please help! I’m stuck!”
Ria’s gaze darted towards the cubicle, her mind racing with fear for Lina’s safety.
Mr. Vic’s grip tightened, his fingers digging into Ria’s shoulders. “Don’t even think about warning her,” he growled.
Ria’s voice was trapped in her throat, her heart pounding in her chest.
Suddenly, Lina’s voice grew louder, more insistent. “Ria! Are you okay? Answer me!” After Lina poured water on her face, her drunken haze began to clear. She stumbled out of the cubicle, water dripping from her face, and that’s when she saw him, Mr. Vic, his eyes cold and menacing, holding Ria in a chokehold, the pocket knife glinting in the dim light.
Lina’s eyes widened in horror. “Ria!” she screamed, her voice echoing off the bathroom walls.
Mr. Vic’s grip on Ria tightened, his eyes flashing with anger. “Shut up!” he snarled.
Ria’s face contorted in pain, her eyes pleading with Lina to stay back. Lina’s instincts kicked in. She lunged forward, but Mr. Vic was prepared. With a swift motion, he spun Ria around, pushing her away from him, and using the opportunity to grasp Lina’s wrist, pulling her into a tight grip.
“Perfect,” Mr. Vic sneered, his eyes gleaming with triumph. “Who knows you will make this easier for me.”
Ria stumbled backward, her head hitting one of the basin. She winced in pain, gasping for breath. Her drunken state was cleared instantly by the pain. As she raised her head up, her eyes locked on Lina’s terrified face.
“No!” Ria screamed, rushing forward, almost falling down, due to dizziness, but Mr. Vic was too quick.
With a swift motion, he pinned Lina against the wall, his knife pressed to her throat.
“Stay back, woman,” he warned , making a small cut on Lina’s neck. Lina cried out in pain, her eyes filled with tears. By now, her head was also cleared. All that is happening makes her sober.
Ria stood where she was. She made eye contact with Lina . Seeing the helplessness in her eyes, she felt so useless. What can two powerless women do in this situation? “What do you want? Money, anything, mention it, as long as you let her go, it will be yours” Ria tries negotiating with him.
Mr Vic smiled twisted, his eyes glinting with amusement. He was tempted by the offer, but remembering Lina almost killing him that night, he changed his mind. He isn’t doing this just because he wanted to help Mira, he is also doing this to get revenge for himself. Looking atop of Lina’s head, he gritted his teeth, swearing to torture her until she begs for mercy.
“Did you think money can solve all things, huh?” Mr. Vic shook his head. I’m sorry but this woman,” he pressed the knife on Lina’s already injured neck, making more blood ooze out of it. “She would pay for messing with me months ago.
Lina was surprised as she listened to their conversation. “Where did she know this hooligan, who was holding her hostage?” She thought as her mind started calculating possible ways of freeing herself from the man.