The next morning, the sun struck a beam of light diffracting through the window as it shone on Chloe, who kept on maneuvering along the edges of her bed. Peter is seen in front of the door where Chloe had been locked the whole night. In his hand is a tray of freshly grilled beef and hot coffee. His other hand reached out for the handle, twisting it open.

Chloe pressed her lips slightly, swallowing hard. Her hands clenched to her side; tightly to the bedsheets. She flinched as the door creaked. Her heart pounded as the scent of grilled beef wafted in. When she saw Peter, hope flickered in her eyes, quickly swallowed by caution.  

 “Drop it,” she said softly, her gaze shifting to the door which was slightly open and back to the tray before landing on Peter's face. Her mind raced, “Was Rico coming in?” She swallowed hard, but the thought stood high in her head.

  “Shut the door.” She narrowed her eyes, swaying from side to side.   

 “Is everything okay?” Peter's eyes scanned the room as though he were scrutinizing its features before finally falling on Chloe's face. She pressed her lips, giving a corresponding nod which didn't reach the heart.   

 “Alright.” Peter moved cautiously to the door, locking it from inside.  

 “Come. Sit.” Her grip on the bedsheets loosened, a brief smile playing across her lips.    Peter lowered himself to her size. Listening. She drew closer, whispering in his ears.    

“Can you help me get out?” Her face turned white. Her shoulders tightened.    

“What! Peter gasped, his mouth falling open as he jerked his head back.

"You want me killed." His eyes opened in shock.   

 “No, Peter. She swallowed, eyes ajar.

"Don't get me wrong." I will pay. Any amount." Her brows furrowed with a set jaw.   

 “My boss won't like this. "I can't tread my loyalty for anything.“ Peter hesitated. Elbows pressed into the sides, making his body small.

   “No, you don't mean that. "Do you?“ Chloe leaned closely, her voice below a whisper? Her gaze was strong-not leaving his.    

“Think about it, she paused, clenching her jaw. "This life isn't the best for you.” She grabbed her hair in clumps, looking up at the ceilings.

   "Don't even remind me about that,” Peter said, eyes squinting, tightening.   

 “I'm sorry. She touched him softly with his shoulders, but her fingernails bit into her palms. I'm willing to pay you wholesomely if you get me out of here.“ 

  “This is too much to ask.” Peter inhaled deeply, gathering massive breath as he raised his head slowly.    Chloe stood up, her face inches away from his.

   “Listen to me. She reached out for his right hand.     My flight is by 1:PM, She stared at the clock as Peter looked at her.

"My career is on the line. My freedom, my life. She ran her hand through her hair, pounding a fist against a tabletop.

"Think about your sister being caught up in this situation.

"This whole mess!“ She protested, taking a deep breath as she swirled around with her hand on her forehead, backing Peter.    

“It's exhausting, I know.”  

 “Know you don't! She turned back to him, her teeth gnashed to the other hand. If you do. You will listen to me.“    She threw her hands up, letting out a heavy sigh.    

“You really don't know my boss. He's a hard nut to crack. His got his eyes everywhere like shadows. You just wouldn't know he's watching.“     Chloe turned back swiftly, lowering her head as she hunched over as if choking down a sob.  

 “Then let's team up," she paused, pressing a fist to her lips. Peter's eyes drew in quickly. His fingers at the tip of his chin — Thinking.  

 "Yes," she echoed again, eyes widening, yet brows furrowed. I hope you won't screw me?

   “I should be the one asking. He raised his face slowly. How much is involved?“     “Thrice your regular pay.” Her chin trembled.  

 “You ain't serious," his eyes rolled as he flapped his hand; the amount seemed too good to be true.  

 “I'm dead serious, and we need to act fast.” Placing a hand on her hips-Scowling.    

“But wait! My boss is not someone who would back off from a fight.“  

 "Meaning?” Her tone was sharp as she pinched the bridge of her nose, squeezing her eyes tight.    “You have to play around and obey everything he tells you.

"Make him feel comfortable around you.“ He said, eyeing the exit door; Rico's voice ringing in his ears.    

“Hmm! I see. She shook her head, closing her eyes.    "You know what.

"You've got a point there.

"He's always had a crush on me, though." She nodded, passing him a cheque.  

 "Here. "Can you please let me go now?“ Her chin high; a gleam in one eye.  

 “Sure. "You wait here while I go to check if the coast is clear,“ he said, turning to leave.

   "How's she doing there, Peter?“ Rico's voice echoed through the hallway, his footsteps approaching the door. Silence engulfed the room as both stared at each other — Speechless.  

 "I will handle it from here.“ He turned to the door, tugging the cheque envelope into his back pocket.     Please, he mustn't suspect a thing.” She exhaled deeply, tendons standing out; a visible pulse.    Peter opened the door. His face fell, almost on his knees-explaining.    

“I'm sorry, boss. I was helping her fix something in the toilet."    

“Yes. He's right. She tilted her head, a happy grin playing across her face as she sipped her coffee. Her grip on the mug handle tightened; last night's encounter was playing in her head, but she shook it off, whispering to herself "He mustn't suspect a thing.”    

Rico's eyes narrowed softly as Chloe's hand trembled, almost imperceptibly. He paused for a moment, taking long stares at the walls and ceilings for any clue, but found nothing. His gaze shifted to Chloe and Peter simultaneously, who kept straight faces. He looked away, but the suspicion didn't leave his face.    

“Peter. Leave us! ” He finally broke the silence and with that, the door slammed shut.    He cleared his throat, tugging a smile at the corners of his lips.

“I'm glad to see you wearing a smile today.    You know. You've always been angry since you got here.“    She chuckled, flashing him a smile, but her fork stabbed the beef without mercy.

“He had better stop playing with fire.” She muttered softly.    

"You're right. Most times, a moment alone helps though.“ She shrugged her shoulders, maintaining a cool demeanor.    

“Of course. At least now you won't get to ruin your face with wrinkles any longer."  

 “Oh stop it.” She smiled, waving her hand slightly before everything faltered.  

 “So tell me. How was your night? Cozy? Creepy? New?“    He narrowed his eyes, lips pressed into a white slash.    

“Just fine," she said, eyes flashing at the door, waiting for Peter's signal.

"Even if it's different but …. Yeah, I'm good.“    He smiled, but it waved almost immediately; his voice was calmer than ever, pinching his bottom lip.  

 “Back in the days. I battled with insomnia. This was after I lost my Dad. My siblings and I were made…”    

A disturbing knock from the door. Rico turned to look. A wide grin played on Chloe's lips.    “That must be Peter.” She let out, clutching an object to her body.    “Boss. "Your sister is here.

"I bet she's got terrible news.“ Peter announced at the foot of the door.  

 “Did you let her in?” He spoke softly, running a hand through his hair.  

 “Not yet,” Peter replied, shooting glances at Chloe.  

 “Let her into the sitting room. I will join you guys shortly.”    Rico opened the door, his feet pacing to see his sister.     Peter dashed in immediately, shutting the door softly. His back resting on it.    

“Come on. "I need to get out of here. "No time.“ She snapped, throwing the food back in the tray as she bounced her foot up from the bed.

   “This is your chance, Chloe. Use the backdoor. "You will find a key at the top.“ She grabbed her pen knife, clutching it to her side.  

 “Alright, gotcha!” She raced to the door, her pulse betraying her every step, but she paid no attention. Kicking and running. Her feet begged for mercy, but she couldn't stop. She needed to get to the airport as soon as possible, so she pushed off her sleeves, her chin high and neck exposed with a strong posture. Moving solidly, at the ready.    Peter rolled down a long rope at her room window. Breaking one of the glasses, he stabbed his left arm with the piece; blood gushed out, but he paid no attention, dragging his feet to go show Rico.   On the balcony, Rico stood with his step-sister, Mia. They were discussing.    

“Here! Mr. "Martins will be out of prison tomorrow, and you know what that means,“ Mia divulged. Her hand was on her waist and the other held the court report firmly. Her eyes widened, not from fear but from fury.  

 “Sh*t! I knew it! Your visit meant only one thing. Bad news." He waved a hand in the air, his chin high as his nostrils flared.  

 “Don't even say that. You know how I've fought to help you. To help us. Her neck corded, clenching her jaw.

  "It's risky out there." Her muscles jumped out of her skin; audible stress evident in her tone.    “And I know Mia.

"I f**king know.“ He spoke loudly, in a bit to defend his ergo.  

 “We've got… enemies. He s*ck*d his teeth. I'm afraid that things might start to sour.“   

 “And you think I would let that happen?” Her chin dripped to her chest as she averted her gaze, turning sideways.    

“I never said so.” A soft comforting hand rested on her, but his fingernails stood erect-furious.    “Not after the betrayal," he said softly, turning her to his face.

"Not after our father was murdered in cold blood.“ Rico's hand drove through his hair. His feet pacing to and fro.   

 “You really have to calm down. She swallowed hard, sympathy eating deep in her muscles.

   “You're f**king telling me to calm down. When they are rightfully taking, what is ours? And you stay there to inform me that b*llsh*t!.“ His teeth bared with legs planted wide as his nails dug through his palms.  

 “You don't have to be hard on yourself.

"We would get through this." She touched him softly, but her intentions stood tall, tugging a mischievous smile. Mia exhaled deeply, placing her other finger on his chin, but he pulled it off almost immediately.  

 “Look here sis. He grabbed her by her cheek, his breath inches away from his.

"If we must succeed in taking back what's ours, then we must stick together. To a plan. To something." Mia struggled, trying to loosen his grip.  

“Rico, you're…suffocating me. Let go of me! She choked out.

"Are you going to get feisty because you want to get what's ours?“ Rico smirked, throwing a punch to the wall.  

 “What about his daughter? She's the only one who knows where the key could be.

"They wouldn't say anything,“ Mia revealed, still trying to catch her breath. Her feet pacing to and fro.  

 “Her mom? Rico asked, raising an eyebrow.    “She left the country. I guess she had plans to meet with Chloe today.“  

 “Chloe is inside. I have her.“    “What!.” Mia's eyes opened in shock.    He pointed to the room entrance, standing and sitting stiffly.  

 “Your brother is always ten times ahead, his chest thrust out, his shoulders back and a gleam that shone in one eye.

"Let's go inside. I have a document she needs to sign.“    Mia swallowed hard, adjusting an invisible belt that stiffened her stomach region.   

 “He better not do anything stupid to Chloe.” She said softly, clutching her purse closely.  Just as they stood up to enter the room. They collided with Peter, who was whimpering, his clothes covered in a pool of blood with a thick cloth tied to his fist.  

 “She escaped,” he managed to say before falling to the ground again-his limbs failing him.  

 “What!.” Rico smacked, flexing his fingers. His eyes were cold with a tightness that made his face red.    

“She broke through the windows” he let out, leaping to the door.    Rico's expression darkened as he clenched his fist. His eyes were on the broken window while Mia stood there smiling mischievously.    

“Find her! Bring her to me! They mustn't get her before us.“   

 “I'm sorry, boss. "I never meant to betray you." Peter spoke out, his body shaking.     Flexing his fingers on the gun, Rico's knuckles cracked as his body posture closed.  

 “D*mn you Peter! "I would want your death to be slow and painful.

"I'll be back for you.” He s*ck*d his teeth, pulling the gun as he stamped his feet. His veins twitched.    Peter's eyes blazed over as he silently kicked the bucket, a white envelope tugging out of his trousers. Rico picked it up, slowly reading its contents, while Mia left for her  car to go pick up something.  

 “You gold-digger! Rico smirked after going through the contents.

"I really have to start doing tasks myself instead of entrusting them to Nincompoops. Betrayals.“     

He snapped, tearing off the check and kicking him aside. His muscles quivered as his pulses deepened.    And with that, he cocked his gun and stormed out of the room.