"I don't feel that much sorry for any one. So don't keep your hopes high, Mr Smith".
"We'll see..", Michael grinned.
It was evening by the time Ann got discharged and stepped into Michael's Rolls Royce Phantom. They reached her apartment after half an hour.
"Tada .... My home sweet home.."
Her apartment building was in the middle of the city. An old but pretty neat and clean one. There were only two flats on each floor, each of their doors facing one another. Since her flat was on the first floor, they took the stairs. She took the key and was about insert it when the door opposite to hers opened and a man came into view.
His face was plain but with precise features. One look at him and all the focus would go to his muscles. Hunter was a bodybuilder and a gym instructor by profession. He had extra-bulky muscles throughout his body. He smiled at Ann in a warm and friendly way and stood infront of her.
Michael raised his eyebrows seeing him. Is this the neighbor that she had intended to check on her from time to time. A shade of jealousy crept on his face.
"Ann, you came? Why didn't you come back yesterday? Your friend came here asking for you".
"Yes...I spoke to her. I was in the hospital yesterday."
"Oh! What happened?"
"I had a panic attack on the way back from office yesterday"
"Oh that's crazy Ann! Are you alright now?" Hunter grabbed her shoulder with a worried look, showing an act of concern.
Michael's face darkened seeing Hunter touching Ann. His eyes went hard and frosty.
"Yes... I am Ok now. The doctor said to take rest today. From tomorrow, I can go back to my regular routine."
"Oh.. that's a relief. "
It seemed as if the two were in their own world and forgot to notice the person standing next to them with a sour face.
"Cough cough.." both looked at Michael simultaneously.
"Oh.. I'm sorry... This is Michael Smith, my boss. And Michael, this is Hunter, my neighbor-cum-gym instructor."
A look of panic crept into his face when Hunter noticed the man standing behind Ann, but he was quick enough to replace it with a smile.
"Nice to meet you Michael", Hunter stuck out his hand for a handshake.
Michael shook it back and said blankly, " Same here".
"I was telling Michael that you could check on me from time to time and see whether I am Ok and there really is no need for him to stay back tonight".
"Yes you're right, Ann. I could even stay with you if you want. Michael, you shouldn't take the trouble. I will look after Ann tonight". Hunter grinned.
Michael bit his jealousy back. He grabbed the key from Ann, opened the door and replied in a cool voice, "Ann needs to take rest. See you later, Hunter". He took Ann's hand, pulled her into the house and closed the door.
Hunter was surprised with Michael's sudden reaction. He stood there watching the closed door.
His mind went back to the incident that happened a few months back.
Hunter had been assigned a new mission and that was why he came to this country.
He was in a coffee shop when his gaze fell suddenly fell on a lady - the one person he had thought was already dead.
It had not been an accident, but a planned murder. He knew it because...He was the assassin who had killed Ann - or so he thought. Hunter was shocked to see her. He looked again and again to confirm that she was indeed the one he thought she was.
If his clan found out about this, then it would have been him who got murdered instead of Ann.
So Hunter started planning to finish her again without letting anyone know about her existence.
He could not make the same mistake again. After all, she was the wife of the legendary Michael Smith. He and his entire clan would be annihilated if Michael found this out.
He needed to be careful and make it look natural like before, but this time ensure that he indeed took her life.