MONSTER OF THE UNKNOWN

AN ASSASSINATION JOB

It's a beautiful Saturday evening and a plethora of expensive classy-looking vehicles are en route to the prestigious Dome event hall in Woluwé Saint-Pierre. Tonight is the annual Fondation de Dons de Sang gala, an annual fund raising event that takes place in Belgium for the purpose of supporting and developing blood donations and transplants in all medical facilities across the country. As expected, all sorts of rich and influential personalities—such as politicians, business men and women, even celebrities—will be in attendance. Considering all that, it's evident that it's going to be a memorable occasion, but what most people don't know is that it's also going to be the scene of a murder (a gruesome one at that).

A black limousine pulls up to the red carpet runway at the venue and Nathaniel graciously steps out, practically dressed to kill in his black tuxedo that makes him look like he should be in a Kingsmen movie. After him comes his two invitees (his little sister, Laura, and her friend, Mathéo) with their elbows platonically locked around each other. Mathéo is wearing a two-piece custom made saffron Louis Vuitton suit, while Laura is slaying in a long Ruby colored gown and her curly brown hair flowing neatly down her back. The paparazzi go into hyperdrive as they try to capture the elegance of every attendee this year while they proceed into the building.

"I can't believe you actually brought me along to such a huge event. It seems almost unreal," Mathéo whispers in the brunette's ear full of enthusiasm as they walk the red carpet together, causing her to brighten up too.

The three of them go through the entrance door at the same time, and both teenagers are in total awe as they behold just how breathtakingly beautiful and colossal the event hall's interior truly is. There aren't even sufficient words in the dictionary to describe the venue's grandeur. It appears that many people arrived before them and Mathéo even recognizes some from social media and TV, such as Mentissa (the famous singer), Jérémie Renier (thé award-winning actor). Even Cathy Berx (the governor of Antwerp) is present. He doesn't think he's ever seen so many famous individuals in the same room in the flesh.

"I need to go handle some work matters, so you two can wander around till the event starts," Nathaniel tells his two companions, but before leaving them he turns to give the Latino a warning. "Don't even think of doing anything remotely sexual to my sister, you hear me?"

"Of course, I hear you loud and clear, sir," Mathéo respectfully assures his friend's big brother before he goes off to meet one of his colleagues. "I think I'm going to pay a little visit to the food court over there," he says to Laura while ogling at the mini-restaurant sited at the far end of the hall and the mouthwatering delicacies they're serving, but she pulls him back by his hand before he's able to walk away.

"Wait a little."

"Why? What happened?"

"Sara's here," Laura points to where their classmate appears to be standing alone. Since the black girl's boyfriend couldn't come with her for a reason he refused to disclose to her, and her parents are obviously too occupied with work to bother staying with her, the only company Sara has is herself. "See how lonely she looks. We should go cheer her up, don't you think?"

"What's going on with you? This past week, you've been trying to convince me to reconcile with her and Aaron, and to be honest, I don't get the obsession. Both of you don't even actually know each other, I don't think I've ever seen you two talk. I'm really not in the mood for that right now, so just consider this another failed attempt and you can try again tomorrow," Mathéo protests against Laura's idea, but she still drags him over there regardless of his wishes.

"Hey Sara," Laura waves at the girl gleefully as they approach her. "I didn't know you were already here. How are you?"

"Hi Laura. I'm good. My parents and I arrived here barely an hour ago," Sara politely responds with a smile and Mathéo immediately gets the impression that the two girls may have planned this encounter before hand. "How are you doing, Mathéo? It feels like it's been forever since I last spoke to you," she tries to start a conversation with her old friend but to no avail. He just ignores her question and doesn't reply, making it abundantly clear he still hasn't forgiven her and Aaron.