The One

The Creed's File

 Karol burst into the rental house, her stomach audibly grumbling as she dashed to the kitchen, hoping for some culinary treasure. No such luck—the fridge stared back at her like a void, utterly barren.

"Urgh, how could I forget? We're flying out tomorrow!" she groaned, angst spilling into her voice. "So much for a proper dinner with Christian. What joy..."

She slumped up the staircase to her room, dragging her feet like a weary soldier. She grabbed a towel and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

Half an hour later, she emerged, transformed into comfy attire better suited for a night of Netflix and self-loathing. Settling down with her laptop, she swiftly dialled her assistant.

"Hello, Karol!" came Jess's bright voice, like an energy drink for toddlers.

"Hey Jess, how's it going?" she asked sweetly, though the tone was laced with mischief.

"I'm doing well—what's the catch? You're using that tone with me..."

"Just a conversational warmup, my dear, sweet, ever-reliable Jess," she teased.

"Less chit-chat, more business. I'm up to my ears in meetings!"

"Ah, in your precious board meeting, are you?"

"Yes! Now spit it out—what do you need?"

"Could you fetch the files for Jake and Brian Creed?"

"Is it urgent?"

"Not urgent, but if you could do it before 5 PM, that'd be splendid," she replied while she scrolled through her emails, finally uncovering the elusive files she'd been hunting for.

"On it, ma'am! Files in ten minutes," Jess confirmed, her voice fading as she hung up.

Next, she rifled through her contacts, landing on another familiar name.

"Hello, Mum! When are you returning home?"

"Hi, sweet pea! Probably late, around 10 or 11-ish. Why do you ask?"

"Just curious. Have fun, say hi to Beo and Accalia for me, and tell Dad I said hello!"

"Will do! Love you, darling!"

As she hung up, she stretched like a cat and flicked the lights on. Prowling over to her vanity table, she eyed her reflection. 'Right then, let's see what scandalous secrets await me tonight,' she quipped, scrolling through a few files with all the enthusiasm of someone about to dive into a bowl of popcorn for a good thriller.

She clicked on THE CREEDS file from a secure email her assistant had sent. As the screen populated with documents detailing the lives of the Creed family—from the patriarch to the youngest child—her anticipation reversed into a palpable tension in the air. She opened the first file, Jake Creed's, tracing his journey from the moment of his birth to his current career. Scrolling through, she absorbed snippets of his life before swiftly closing the file and directing her curiosity to Brian Creed's profile.

The information mirrored Jake's in many respects, except for the notable distinction in his career and education. But one detail stood out, seizing her full attention: Brian had murdered his abusive, alcoholic father, the very man who had nearly taken the life of Brian's ten-day-old sister in a fit of rage.

"Fate can be a cruel mistress, but sometimes it's a blessing in disguise. I suppose I am fate's favourite daughter," she mused to herself, a sly smirk creeping onto her lips. "That father was a waste of space, but Jake could prove helpful to the team. Brian, though... he has something invaluable—raw talent waiting to be shaped. A little bit of pressure, a few commands, and he'll be ready for anything."

Crafting her sinister game plan in her mind, she dialled Jake's number, plucking it effortlessly from the file sent to her by her assistant.

"Hello?" Jake's voice rang through.

In her most cheerful tone, she responded, "Hi Jake, it's me, Karol!" aiming to hook his attention.

"Oh hi, Karol! How did you get my number?" he asked, curiosity tinged with caution.

"I'll explain later. Do you have time for dinner?" she replied, her voice sweetly inviting.

"Em, I guess I could make time for you," he answered hesitantly.

"Wonderful! May I have your address?"

"Let's meet at the diner instead."

"Do you need someone to take you?"

"Yes, my brother will drive me. Don't worry."

"Perfect, then let's meet at Susan's Diner."

"Okay, but..." he hesitated, clearly weighing his options. "Aright."

"Don't be sad, Jake. I simply missed you and wanted to talk before I head back to my home town," she suddenly shifted from cheerfulness to a sorrowful tone, imbuing her voice with a hint of sorrow that tugged at his heart.

"Hey, Karol. Don't be upset. We'll talk over dinner at Susan's, aright?" Jake said, trying to soothe her distress.

"Thank you so much for being so kind," she replied, warmth dripping from her words.

"See you later then," Jake said, relief edging his goodbye.

As soon as the call ended, a wicked grin spread across her face. "One down, three to go," she chuckled softly, revealing in her own manipulation. She quickly typed up updates to her plans, sending them off to her iPad before heading out for the evening's sinister rendezvous.