"It had the same sound as the one that was used back then... It was at this time that I truly wish the gods had erased any memory I have of that incident. Tazanna would not have seen me like that then."
So I was right; Felix really was shot to death. I made the right decision about coming along with Vic to France; I did find something that is going to be useful to me, although I feel a little bit guilty for having to find out this way. It almost seemed as if I used Felix's weakness to get what I wanted. But then, I would not have known the kind of weapon that was used on him on January 3rd.
The men were probably thinking that I did not hear a single detail from their conversation that day. It was hard for me, too; I thought long and hard about how I would come inside the room and be as natural as I could be. But if I had come in any sooner, Felix would not have admitted to it—a gun sending him to his deathbed. He could never tell me anything about what had happened to him, but I guess he could share it with Vic and Zebin. These gods sure do not know how to play fair.
My phone started to ring. It is Felix. My thumb smoothly slides across the screen as his low voice greets me; he sounds tired and sleepy. "It's eleven o'clock, Taz, and I just got off work. Are you finished? Would you like me to pick you up?" My eyes landed on the ticking clock that is on my desk table. It really is getting late. I wonder if they had given him more work since he had been on a trip to another country, not to mention with his fiancée.
"Um, I think I'm going to go to my parents' house for tonight. There's something that I would like to ask them. You wouldn't mind, would you? I'm sorry."
"No, of course not! It's normal to want to see your family once in a while, babe. Then, would you like me to drive you there?"
"It's fine, Felix. I can take a taxi from here at work; don't worry. I'll send you a message once I arrive."
I cut the call there. The lights have all shut down; I am probably the only one left in the building. Thankfully, the doors are not locked just yet, and there was a taxi parked in front. Talk about being lucky in the middle of the night. The ride to my parents' house is not going to be that long from here; it will only take about twenty minutes, if I don't get stuck in traffic.
My phone lights up from the bag; it is a message from Felix telling me to be extra careful and reply once I get there. Things are starting to make sense to me now; my brain has been here and there trying to connect every dot, and since I found out about Vic and Zebin, everything seems a lot clearer than ever. Although the truth scares me, I must do something for Felix's sake and for my own.
I bring my head back up and notice that the car is going the wrong way. I called for the driver's attention. "Excuse me, sir. Could you turn back around? I'm afraid this is not the right way."
"Oh, we're taking the shortcut, ma'am. If we were to use the main road, we'd get stuck in traffic. I apologize for not saying it earlier; I could turn back if you're uncomfortable."
"No, it's fine. I was just surprised, is all. I have never been this road before. I guess the people living around here like it dark, huh? There is not a single street light."
"I suppose so. I have also heard that this is an accident-prone area; but worry not, ma'am, you can trust me. We're going to go really slow and steady."
I smile at the rearview mirror, though I doubt that he could see me. Hearing him say that makes me want to trust him, but if Felix was with me, he would have asked the driver to pull over. That man has trust issues, and I cannot blame him for being like that. He had been deceived throughout his life by those he trusted the most, especially his father's first secretary and friend, who had stolen over half a million dollars worth of money from the business. Additionally, he learned that the only reason children had made friends with him was because of his wealth and that the only way to protect himself was to never put his faith in anyone again.
My phone rings, and I already know who the caller is going to be. "Are you there yet?"
"No, the driver suggested that we take a shortcut. There was a traffic jam on the main road, is what he said."
"That has to be a lie; when I was on my way home, it was clear of cars."
I freeze. Would a taxi driver really lie about that? He did mention earlier that this is an accident-prone area.
"Tazanna? Are you there?"
"Um, sir. Can you pull over? I would like to get off here."
"Oh, no, ma'am. Cars cannot do that while on this road, as that is how accidents happen."
"Tazanna, what's going on? Are you all right?"
"Then, um, can you drop me off where there is light? I would not want to be in a dark area, please."
"Oh?" His voice had suddenly changed. I turned to the rearview mirror; he was smiling. "What's this, Tazanna? Are you scared? Weren't we just having a nice conversation a few minutes ago?"
"Wh... Who are you?"
"Tazanna! Where are you? Talk to me!"
"I see that you are on the phone with Felix."
"Please. Can you stop the car? I want to get off."
"Let's see how loud you can scream, Tazanna. We'll make sure your fiancé will have a great time listening."