Hive

3

"Are you here for the fundraiser?" Erik furrowed his eyebrows at me, I hadn't ever responded to his first question.

"Oh, um, yeah" I mumbled.

"Great, we can go together."

He started walking away, and I had no choice but to follow.

"My name's Erik," he said while holding out his hand to me.

"Valorie."

He awkwardly put his hand down when I didn't take his. Looking back on this, it was probably what gave me away.

He stopped, "Look, I know that you're not here for the fundraiser. Maybe you should just go. This isn't really the best time or place for murder."

Honestly, I'd have to agree. Kids were playing on the playset, parents talked amongst themselves. They'd all wonder how close they'd been to death when they heard.

I nodded, "Okay," and then just turned and left. I released my mind, and ignored the incessant humming in my head. Fear was not my job today.

Only when I got home did I allow my father's voice break into my thoughts. That way he couldn't make me turn around and kill Erik in front of all those people.

"What are you thinking! You had him, he was right there! I didn't create you to let people go. I created you to do what I say! I can't believe-"

Oh dear, he's really mad this time. I ignored him until he seemed to have calmed down.

"You have five days before he leaves to go to Spain. I expect you to get it done before then."

"Fine."

My mind floated away after that. I didn't need to hear anymore, he never answered any questions. I wish I could go back to the garden, but right now I really shouldn't. Who knows what will happen if I don't get this job done.

Erik was at that fundraiser, and dressed nicely. He might work for the company who was holding the fundraiser. If not, it was a start. After some digging, I might be able to figure out where he'll be over the next five days.