I was scared.

I was terrified.

For myself.

For Huma.

And... a little bit, for Akshay too.

This was turning into a parlous game, one which I wasn't sure that I could win. But, I have invariably had the fighting spirit, and I will not go down without a fight. The murderer challenged me twice, and mocked at me in the most despicable manner. If now I don't retaliate, I will end up being a worthless pawn in his game - something he can choose to play with, and then throw it away the moment it completes its aim.

And so, I asked Akshay to meet me in the lobby for a talk. His countenance showed lines of bemusement - he had no idea what I was about to do.

As we rode the elevator, people and the staff of the hotel entered and left the small box, like a normal routine, but something wasn't right today. Everyone had that unmistakable anxiety etched on their faces, albeit, hidden expertly behind their reckless facades.

Soon, we reached the grand lobby, decorated with flowers of all kinds and colors, and gigantic chandeliers paired with soft white couches and cushions all over. Akshay signalled for me to take a seat on one of the couches while he sat across from me. A staff member came and placed a glass of water for both of us, and just as he came, he left us in privacy.

"So tell me Ms. Shreya. What was the important thing you wanted to talk about?"

He asked me while he opened a new pack of cigarettes from which he extracted one and placed it between his lips.

What was the question Shreya? Answer the damn question!

As he was lighting up his cigarette, he looked up to find me looking at him. He gestured to the one in his mouth and asked me silently if I wanted one, to which I nodded my head.

"No, it's fine. I don't smoke. But yes, this is actually a serious matter. I know how we just talked about this hours ago, and even though you said you will give me time to think over, and I already gave my definite answer, I feel like I was in the wrong.

I feel like this case actually has something to do with me, more so now that the murderer is so close to the both of us. And I don't have a lot of time, so I don't want to go slow so that I don't get embarrassed further. I just want to say that I'm going back on my words."

Hearing my outburst, he smiled. A real, genuine smile. I knew that he comprehended the meaning behind my gibberish really well. This man was adept in reading between the lines. But his next question had me hating him again because sometimes, he just loves to irritate the hell out of me.

"I heard all of that, but there wasn't a conclusion? So, what is it exactly that you're trying to tell me Ms. Shreya?"

He asked with that stupid smirk that should be forbidden in this country... and every other country.

"Yes. I will assist you in catching this person. No matter what."

I said, finally giving in and exposing myself fully to the opportunist officer.

He grew quiet after he listened to me voluntarily giving in, just smoking his cigarette. His silence was making me anxious as every second passed.

Did he change his mind? Did he not want my help anymore? Perhaps... I did something wrong? Is it because he got hurt while trying to save me from that cat back there? Is it-

"But, are you sure that you will be able to catch the culprit? Do you have utmost confidence?"

He butted in, ruthlessly cutting my train of thoughts.

"What do you mean?"

Now, it was my turn to be puzzled.

"I mean... there won't be any sort of problem right? You will have to find a different culprit, that's why."

This man... just whom does he think he is???

He is still accusing me of being the culprit? Then why did he even ask me to join him? Did he- Oh God.

I was trying so hard to look him in the eye and not break his nose with a punch, because that wouldn't solve anything. Instead, I closed my hands in a tight fist, nails digging into my palms and threatening to draw out blood, while I gave him my most evil stare.

If he thought he can fool me and mock at me like that, he is so wrong. Just because I talked to him nicely and politely for a few hours, he is acting up again. His ego has shot up to the sky.

"Are you sure you gave me that offer because I could be of some help to you? Or it was just one of your decisions made on an impulse, and now that I'm actually agreeing, you're in a state of panic?"

I said to him, in a equally snappy tone.

"I don't really understand.... "

"I mean, you aren't exactly capable of catching that person, are you? Otherwise there would be no reason for you to panic and act this way."

"You never let your guard down, do you? I like that the most about you."

He said, suddenly smiling like a loon.

"Of course, I've learnt from the very best,"

I snapped back, giving him the side eye.

"In the future too, you will get to learn a lot more from this best person. But for now, let's make a move."

He said arrogantly while smashing the cigarette butt in the ash tray before standing up and gesturing for me to do the same.

"Where are we going? So suddenly?"

"I already knew that you will not reject my offer. I just didn't know it would be so quick. We have to interrogate the first suspect of this case - the manager's wife."

"The manager's wife? But, can she be related to this incident? It happened in the hotel though, and she's not even an employee here."

I said, completely at a loss as to how he could name her as a suspect. Looks like he really has a habit of treating everyone as the suspect and insulting them.

"While I was checking the CCTV cameras before, I went back to yesterday evening, and saw that his wife had come to the hotel. But because the light wasn't available on the floor the murder happened for almost two hours, there was nothing recorded. That's the biggest problem of this case.

I talked to the reception staff today, and they told me that she definitely said that she came here to meet him, and even brought him food. But when she came down, she wasn't in a good condition."

"Wh- what? But, why wasn't she in a good condition? I mean, how?"

I asked, completely blown off by this new piece of information. Adrenaline and excitement was rushing through every single one of my veins, and the urge to find the answer was slowly becoming unbearable.

"She looked uneasy and tried to hide her face. One of them admitted that they saw a scar on her face, something which wasn't present when she entered. She also seemed to be in a trance and hurried out of the hotel before they had a chance to ask her anything."

"Hmm... I think you're right. We should definitely not take her lightly. It could be that she's fully innocent, or it could also be that she knows something about this case."

Whatever it is, I am definitely going to find out. This hotel has way too many secrets, and it's time they were revealed to the world.

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