The Grand Viper

2. Dubiety

I dried my body and walked out of the bathroom. I picked up my phone and dialed the number from the business card. I thought taking a long soothing bath would help me calm down but it only left me with more questions and more confusion.

How did he know?

Who is he?

"Hello," I said as soon as he picked up the call. "Mr. Kingston?"

"Ms. Gunn, It's a pleasure to talk to you again." I could hear a familiar raspy voice on the other line.

"Could we discuss some things that you mentioned?" I bit my inner lips.

"You seem impatient." Theodore scoffed.

I shut my eyes abruptly when I sensed his cockiness but I knew better than to provoke this man. "Yes, Mr. Kingston. I'm impatient."

"You don't hide it, I like that." He said, seemingly pleased with my reaction. " I'd love to meet you at the Tropical villa at 10."

"But I don't know the location-"

"I'll send someone to pick you up." He said with a low voice "and also the selection is gonna be made by tomorrow. I hope you are well aware, Ms.Gunn."

I inhaled deeply and said, "Yes. I'm aware of it."

"Sweet." He said and hung up the phone.

Can I trust this man on this? 

Living off and on the streets had taught me enough to be careful but still, I couldn't quite suppress this unsettling feeling in me when it came to Theodore Kingston. Fear crept into me when I thought of the endless possibilities of how this meeting could go wrong as I was pouring a glass of water. I chugged in the water and stared into the distance.

I knew one thing, If I get scared now I'll never find the answers.

***

I picked out a black backless dress and a pair of fancy black heels. If it wasn't for my birthday gift, I would probably be running out of shoes right now. I lathered my dry body with lotion. A little eyeliner and gloss. Getting rid of my glasses did the trick of making me look like another entity. I slipped into my dress which covered my body and enhanced my sides further. The slit on the left of the dress made it more breathable. I sprayed perfume on my body causing the sweet aroma of rose to sit on my skin.

Tring! Tring!

I picked up my phone.

"I hope you're ready, Ms. Gunn." He spoke. "My guard is at your door," I could hear faint music playing in the background as he spoke.

"Okay," I said and walked out of the house.

It's now or never. 

***

After an hour and a half, the BMW finally came to a stop. As I stepped out of the car, I saw a big building in front of me. 'The tropical villa' was written in big bold letters above the main door. The neon-colored lights were painting the pale walls and the music was making the whole place lively. I looked at the parking lot only to find the most expensive brand of cars sitting in sequence.

The BMW must be the basic car here.

I rang his number and said, "I've arrived, Mr. Kingston."

"My my..." I could hear his voice through the phone as well as from behind "Don't you look ravishing."

I turned around to look at him, approaching me. He had pulled up his black shirt and paired it with light brown pants. "Forgive me for not putting up as much work as you." He nodded to his outfit. He had loosened his long hair and without glasses, he looked a lot less innocent.