The Trap

What Now?

"Babe, do you have your stuff packed for tomorrow already?" Shannon asked while putting her high-heeled shoe on.

"Yeah, most of it, there is a few things left to organize but not much. You?" Cari was trying to fix a lock of hair that insisted on getting out of place for the thousandth time.

"I haven't even started yet. This was the craziest week, I blinked twice and it was already thursday, I'll have to find a gap to do it tomorrow."

"I can help you if you want. I don't think the gala will end too late, we can pack when we get back."

"Oh you are something else, that's why I love you so much."

They were getting ready for the gala dinner where Mr. and Mrs. Beveridge, among other people from Miami, would receive their honorable citizen prize. The event would be very formal, so they had to dress accordingly. They were both wearing long dresses, high heels, and their makeup and hair were left in charge of a professional artist hired by them. They looked impeccable. The next day, after work, they were going to that trip to New York that they talked about weeks before. They were going to spend the weekend and get back sunday night. Sarah took care of the tickets so all they had to do was get to the airport in time.

"What time is the flight again?"

"Twenty past eight I think. Or sometime around that. I'll have to check it with Sarah first thing in the morning tomorrow." Shannon answered getting up from the chair and checking the time in her phone. "Oh shit, we're gonna be late. Are you ready?"

"Yeah."

"Let's go then, I think Alfred is already waiting for us."

They arrived at the event ten minutes before the ceremony was schedule to start. It was the first big event they would make an appearance on since they were together. Cari was a little apprehensive about it because she feared the press would start to investigate the life of Dr. Shannon Beveridge's new girlfriend and end up connecting some dots and finding out something they shouldn't.

She was always very careful in her previous lifestyle not to show too much of her face when she had to go somewhere with her victims. They were rich and influential people and there was always someone interested in their private lives. If she was careless and started appearing with them in public, the press would realize that the same blonde girl was jumping from rich guy to rich guy in a matter of months. That's why, whenever there was something important they wanted to take her, she always found an excuse to not go. She avoided having her pictures spread on the internet or in magazines at all costs. That would be too dangerous and could end her life in minutes.

The only thing close from that to happen until that day, were some paparazzi's photos who caught "one of the most desirable man of the country with a mysterious blonde" in a couple of articles, nothing more than that. The danger in showing her face and introducing herself as Shannon's girlfriend was that one of those men she fooled in the past could see it, and if it was someone with a big mouth, her secrets would come out, and that would be the end of her.

She was trying not to think too much about it when they posed hand in hand for the local photographers for a couple of minutes. She decided that instead of being neurotic about what could happen, she was going to enjoy that beautiful event with her girlfriend and let her past stay in the past. Overthinking was never a good choice and she was starting to realize that sometimes we just need to trust in our fate and let things happen the way is supposed to happen.

"Everything okay babe?" Shannon checked on her after leaving the press area.

"Yeah, just a little overwhelmed by all the camera flashes."

"I hate that. I'm so sorry about it."

"It's okay, don't worry." Cari smiled at her to show some tranquility. "Look, your parents are over there." She pointed to one of the tables located in the honored guests' area.

The ceremony started exactly on time. After a long speech from the mayor, they started introducing the honorees one by one inviting them to stand up and receive the award. Cari was trying to keep focused on the never-ending ceremony while drinking the champagne that the waiters never let go empty.

"Next, we have a psychiatrist that came to our city specifically to join us in this beautiful night. He is currently working in San Francisco and does an exceptional work treating patients in one of the best reputable chemicals addiction clinic of the United States. Please welcome, Doctor Luke Reid!"

When Cari heard that name, she felt her heart stop beating inside of her chest. It couldn't be. Her hand was already shaking when she put the glass she was drinking from back on the table. Luke Reid. Psychiatrist. San Francisco. She was afraid to look up and confirm the fact that the person standing in front of them was one of her victims from two years ago. Her mind went blank when she raised her eyes and met the blue ones looking directly at her, like they were expecting to see her reaction when she saw him. It was him. And he already knew she was there.

"Reid! That kid was my student like twenty years ago!" Elliot said clapping excited.

No. That wasn't happening. It was just a nightmare and she would wake up at any moment. She tried to control her breath when she felt her head get dizzy and her skin go pale. Her father in law knew him and Reid made that clear when he waved at him on his way back to his table. What was she supposed to do now?