A Locked Box

Chapter 6

   Kat sighed in relief as she laid against her bed. Her long day of work doubled with her now bruised left side had exhausted her. It was numb by now.

   "How was your day?" Kat bolted up at the sudden voice. Her hand wrapped around the nearest object and swung it in the direction of the voice. The man caught it just before it hit his face. "I'm guessing it went well," there was amusement in his voice as he tossed the book back onto the bed.

   Kat glared as she stood, hands in fists. "Why are you here?" she growled through clenched teeth.

   The man dressed in all black chuckled. "Business,"

   "I told you I was out," she never relaxed her guard.

   He laughed. "You thought you could leave?"

   Kat glared daggers. "Leave my apartment now!"

   The man moved to grab something from his jacket. Kat tensed up, moving to grab the nearest object again. He held up his free hand. "Relax, I'm giving you your assignment,"

   Kat stopped moving but never dropped her guard.

   The man revealed a large orange envelope. "I'm assuming you still have all of your equipment," he held out the envelope, shaking it tauntingly.

   "Go to hell!"

   The man chuckled as he gestured around the room. "Kitty Kat, you clearly need some funds. Why not make an easy buck,"

   Kat growled deep in her throat. "Don't call me that!"

   He chuckled. "I'll leave this for you to decide. Think about my offer, Kitty Kat," there was something more in his voice other than just arrogance.

   Kat spun, reaching for the pair of scissors on her desk behind her. Her target was gone causing the sharp scissors to embed in the opposite wall. The envelope was laying on the bed, contrasting with the dark sheets. She cursed loudly, aiming a punch at the nearest pillow. Falling to the floor, she ran a hand through her light brown hair. A chain of curses tumbled out of her mouth as she banged her fist against her bedroom floor. The man's words echoed in her ears as she stared at the envelope. She rushed to the bathroom, gagging.