Late night drives

XX : Bargaining

I check my watch. The needles follow one after the other. I nervously tap my foot, glancing towards the entrance, no car in sight. He's usually not late I wonder if something happens. I have been quite suspicious since the last event at the races. Are all racers at risk? A sudden embrace from behind makes me jump, I immediately turn around. In a few seconds, the tension goes down, I can't help myself not to smile. He doesn't let go of me which doesn't bother me anymore. He then lends for a kiss. Should I let him? This doesn't seem right. We're just associates for a common cause. I turn my face and start walking away. Let's talk about something else. Explain the plan to him.

"So about the plan. I am going to get closer to Kim and his group to find things that could to find incriminating things about them. We offer him a duel he can't refuse. We win. And just like that baff, his popularity drops he is discredited he loses his status in the league. In the end, you bring him down and I get him out of the tournament. It's a win situation for both of us ."

He sights heavily, I hesitate to turn around.

" I am not particularly thrilled at the idea that you will spend much more time with that bastard. He's just not who think he is."

" By being closer to him it is much easier to investigate. I tried several times to discover their secret but I never succeeded. He has far too many contacts to cover up the affair properly and it angers me not to be able to find out. I'm so keen you can't know. Now that I finally have the opportunity I see myself so close to the goal. So close to my goal. I really can't go back."

" Ey, ey, calm down. It's just that he can be dangerous, closer to him. He is extremely careful. It's not easy to gain his trust."

" I need to try. I am ready to risk it all."
He takes my face in his hands with so much tenderness. I feel my cheeks ignite under his touch. He comes closer and closer to my face and then our lips touch. So gentle. He doesn't insist for a long time once he pulls away from me moments later I'm almost disappointed as if I subconsciously want more. He smiles. On the other hand, my body temperature continues to climb at an alarming rate. I am melting. Once I barely have time to collect my thoughts when his phone rings. Yet I was about to speak. He picked up but doesn't speak, he just nods his head. I look at him perplexed I try to hear what his interlocutor is saying. However, I don't understand anything. It sounds like he is speaking another language with a heavy southern accent. Ash hangs up with a deep breath. He is already preparing to leave. I try to hold him back. We have a training session to start today. Yes, that's the only reason, the only excuse that comes to mind to convince him not to leave. Unfortunately, I was not convincing enough. He doesn't seem that cheerful at the idea to leave either. It must be very important. Before living he promises to text me after dealing with that small matter.
Alone. I find myself all alone in this cynical parking. It is getting dark plus the sky is particularly cloudy. I better get home before it starts raining heavily.

At home.

As soon as I arrive home I check my phone, but no messages or calls from him. Maybe he is not done yet. All of a sudden my phone starts ringing I jump up and pick up without even looking at who was calling me. I answer right away with a very enthusiastic hi. However, this excitement goes down just as quickly when I recognize Joshua's voice.

" Oh, it's you."

" Hide your joy, what got me all this enthusiasm a few seconds ago and where did it suddenly go?"

" Don't take it the wrong way."

" Oh no, I am. My pride had been shattered in too countless peace. Ô..."

" You will survive it."

" Anyway, just calling to check in."

" Everything is all right. What about you?"

'To be honest better than I could expect."

" What do you mean?"

" I've got a girlfriend now.

I pause. My brain needs some additional seconds, minutes, or even hours to process this information. Did Joshua get a girlfriend? How? When? Although the most crucial question of all remains WHO?

" Helloo... I suppose you're surely wondering whom? So let's not make the suspense better. It's Alex who asked me out. Since we got a similar vibe I think we've matched pretty quickly. I know it sounds sudden but..."

" That's great."

It's all I can say. Before I add one more thing I hear another voice. It's probably Alex. They're now in their honeymoon phase and they can't get enough of each other. He asks if he can call me later. Sure thing.
After the call, I lie on the bed and try to fall asleep. I was almost dozing when I heard another ringtone which I picked up as mechanically as the first.

"Hello." Total silence. I repeat myself.

"Hello?"

" Sorry did I wake you up?"

It's Ash. I felt as if I got a shot of caffeine the second I recognize his voice. It looks more tired than usual while maintaining this subtle and inexplicable magnetic effect. I have so many questions coming into my head at once I can process them all. So I let him talk.

" It took more time than I planned. I am also very sorry that I miss our training today. I will make it up to you tomorrow. I promise. "

" You must. Regardless I will win again."

" You sure?" That provocative tone again.

" Yes. You better get ready. "

" Well then, see you, tomorrow princess."

" Hey don't call me..." I can't believe he hung up on me. I drop my phone annoyed. I try to go back to sleep.

I hear his screams. They become stronger and stronger. They surround me. Getting closer to me. Overwhelming me. I try to struggle in vain. I can not save him. I can't. I'm way too scared. My legs tremble and can give out at any time. I feel a heavy weight pulling me down to the ground disintegrating under my sore feet. I struggle but that doesn't stop me from falling. I scream.

_________________________________________

Thank you for reading !!!

We are finding out about Matthew's plan. Everyone has weaknesses some are just better at hiding than others. We are impatient to figure Kim's weaknesses out. What could he be hiding? Is he really linked with the recent incident?

Ash making moves on our boy Matthew whom surprisingly didn't turn him down. Could he be showing more interest ? Would he be distracted from his plan by all these feelings?

Joshua's return. Plus our bestie got himself a new gf. Haaah. Who would have thought. That was quick. Hope we can see them together very soon.

Ps: There's two chapters this weekend. Make sure you check out both.

I am looking forward to reading your comments.

Happy Holidays !!

See you next week.

Vicky❤️