The kompromat to order

16

 Arriving at the coffee shop a few minutes early, I chose a table in the middle of the room. It seemed safer to me than hiding somewhere in the corners. There were not many people in the coffee shop. Looking around in search of Evan, I didn't even notice the waitress coming to my table. She smiled and said:

- Good afternoon. What can I get you?

- Cappuccino, please, -I said, and again began to scan the room, hoping the waitress would leave, but she was in no hurry to leave me:

- Anything else?

- No, thank you, - I said irritably.

- Your order is a cappuccino. If you need any help, please raise your hand and ask for the bill. - I looked back at her, but she just smiled and left.

Shocked by her last words, I looked after her in confusion. What a ridiculous thing to say! I feel like the heroine of a spy movie. Although I'm not used to this, it was the first time in my life that the plot had twisted so much. I wanted to ask that girl if she was from Rob. But another waiter brought my coffee. And I finally convinced myself that Rob had done it, because who else could have done it but him?

The door of the coffee shop opened and Evan walked in. As soon as he appeared, I felt uncomfortable sitting and fidgeted on the chair. I needed to calm down, so I exhaled and just looked at him. When he finally noticed me, he took a decisive step toward my table.

- How did you do it? - Evan said without even sitting down.

- Let me not tell you women's secrets, - I said with a sly smile, radiating confidence. Although inside I was shaking with fear.

But it seemed that he was shaking too. But not from fear, but from excitement that he would finally get dirt on Robert.

- Did you see what was inside? - the man asked seriously, finally sitting down at the table.

- I don't get paid for that, - I answered in an even tone.

Then I defiantly put the flash drive on the table and covered it with my palm. I always did this to show my clients that the material was ready, and then they would get the rest of the money. But there was a man sitting across from me who played only by his own rules.

- Give me the flash drive, - he said rudely, watching my hand.

- The rest?

- You'll get the rest when I see what's inside, - his voice became more demanding and harsh, - If I'm satisfied, then you'll get the money.

- That wasn't part of the deal, - I continued to play the role of the money-hunter, even though I wanted to throw the flash drive and run away from here. But that would have aroused suspicion, so I kept bargaining:

- I did my job, so I want to make sure I get the rest!

- Listen up, girl, - he roughly grabbed my palm with the flash drive under it and pushed it against the table. It was painful, the flash drive was stuck in my palm, and his big sticky hand was pressing down on top of it. - It looks like you don't know who you're talking to! So I'll teach you...

- Good evening. Can I get you anything? - the waitress who had taken my order suddenly approached us.

Evan let go of my hand, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I grabbed my hand with one palm and began to rub it, because it was burning furiously. At that moment, he grabbed the flash drive and quickly slipped it into his pocket like a thief. With a satisfied smile, he said:

- No, thank you, I'm leaving now.

The girl had no choice but to leave us alone. Evan returned his gaze to me and said with a grimace: