CHAPTER 1
EVHA looked at the bright, flickering lights of the bar. Blinding Lights, as the bar was called, lived up to its name. She winced as another set of megawatt bulbs flashed on her eyes. Insomnia was a bitch. She usually worked all night and slept throughout the day but having her mother dearest at home changed her schedule a bit. If the addicted mother of hers knew how much she is getting paid for such works, she might push her deeper in the mud than she already it. So instead of telling her how she could afford a fridge full of food, she lied to her, a small lie. She told her mother that she had a rich boyfriend who loved spending money on her. Everything was perfect until her mother decided to pay them a visit.
When Evha’s mother suddenly dropped at her home out of nowhere and without prior notice, Evha blurt out the only excuse she had. That her boyfriend cheated on her and she kicked him out. And her mother’s reply to that was legendary. “Evha, when will you ever use your brain? You let go of the golden goose just like that? Honey, when someone gives you money, you stay low accepting everything. His loyalty shouldn’t matter, his money should.” Evha had bit her tongue to avoid herself from saying something harsh to her mother. So the next day, she contacted a friend of hers and got a job as a waitress in the nearby diner.
Evha shook her head, shoving the memories to the corner of her head. The task in hand was more important. She was in here for work. Soon she saw a familiar face coming toward her through the crowd. Marco, her boss.
“Evha, my angel, how have you been?” Marco said in a pleasant voice. Evha gritted her teeth but managed to give a firm nod.
“So what is the assignment?” asked Evha with her business mode on. “It is anonymous. He is ready to give whatever sum you demand.” Marco continued, his lust for the money practically blazing through his eyes, “Just one condition. The guy shouldn’t remain alive.” “Do any of them do?” asked Evha, raising her brow. Marco chuckled. “No, they don’t. But they requested especially for you and this is your last assignment. Don’t disappoint me.” His expression telling her all she need to know. If she screws this, she is a dead man walking.
“So who is the slaughter goat?” asked Evha. “Well, they will contact you in fifteen minutes. All the best.” Saying this Marco got off the stool and disappeared in the crowd.
“Your drink.” The bartender gave her a cocktail, blood red in colour. “Sorry but I didn’t order anything.” “The man over there sent it.” The bartender pointed to a dark corner of the bar but no one was there. “There’s no one…” Evha started but the bartender had already gone. It was when she saw the note and envelope.
She opened the note: ‘Evha, Glad to know that you agreed to work with us.’ Evha scoffed. As if she had a choice. ‘The envelope has the photo of the target. And you know the deal. No casualties. P.S I thought this drink would be perfect for the start of our new friendship. It’s called ‘Past Blooms Red’. Hope you will like it.’ Friendship? Why was this man so insistent on the fact that they were partners instead of her working for him?
Later that night, she climbed on her bed glad to be getting a long sleep. It’s been more than a week and the odd 2-3 hours of sleep she got was hilarious. Her mother was sleeping on the couch. She still hadn’t told Evha what she wanted but Evha had a feeling that the thing is going to come soon. But it’s not the she should worry about right now.
The envelope on her nightstand caught her eye. Something about the envelope made her grab it. She tore the envelope and took out the photo. Familiar eyes stared back at her and Evha dropped the photo with a shocked gasp.
Past really does blossom red.
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