The Betrayal

Lara picked up her phone to send her friend, Winnie a text message when she received a call from her husband.

"When are you reaching home?" He asked her as she frowned.

"Just leaving." She said.

"Are you, really?"

"No, you're not...?" 

"So much work, Babe! " She said as she picked up her earrings 

"This case is a big one and... and my boss wants me to handle everything"

" Then, do something about it," He said.

" I should do what? "

" Complain about it"

" Meeeeee!!! I am going to law the hell out of this case, I'm beyoncé of Attorneys"

" Ha-ha! Fine! Try to come soon, my lady"

" What are the kids up to? "

" Tucked in"

" Okay, see you in a bit"

" Yeah!!! No buses. Take Uber" He said as she chuckled " And don't forget to eat" He finally said.

" Sure thing xoxo" she replied as she ended the call.

At about 11:30 am, Lara's boss walked into her office.

"Don't forget to submit the files later in the morning"

"I won't sir"

"Don't miss out on the procurement of the documents and files"

" Yes sir"

" We will beat the shit out of them tomorrow"

" Sure thing" She replied. Lara was so sure about the confidence and brilliance of genius Mr. Malhotra and she felt good about it.

"So, Lara! Let's grab a drink.. or two" 

"Of course!" She replied as a big smile spread across his lips, he opened his cabinet and brought out an old wine bottle, and poured two glasses.

"It's rare to find your kind of talent and dedication these days" He complimented her.

" I'm doing my job" She responded.

They sipped their drinks in silence for a while.

"Let me tell you, Lara. I see a great future for you here" He sipped from his drink again.

" Might even become a partner in 2-3 years or so"

"Ahaa!!!"

"But you need to open up a lot, especially if you want to achieve this sooner"

" Ohh!" She sighed.

" You know what I mean... " He winked at her.

" N. noo!!! " She stammered " No, sir! I've to reach home" she looked away in a haste " I... um.. "

" Lara, let me remind you again of your bright future partnership in 4-5 years, you can get a lot more with your talent, But others will stomp you over if there is no Guardian Angel"

" Oh God," She sighed.

" And here I am!!! A safe path for you" He said as he looked at him in surprise.

"Just that, you need to.. you know what you need to..." 

"No sir, I'm really getting late"

" Don't worry, you can crash at my apartment" He continued. " You've got to see how amazing it is; people who live on Eastside will surely feel the difference."

" Um... " She stammered once again " My husband and kids are waiting for me."

"Hmm... Next time then"

" Ohh okay"

" If denied, I will hold you in contempt," He said as he laughed dryly.

" Goodnight, sir! See you tomorrow." She said as she quickly got up, picked up her bag, and left the office as soon as possible. 

"Ohh no! Forgot to charge, my phone's dead" she cursed.

It was cold and foggy outside.

She wore her gloves and wrap a scarf around her neck.

"Now, tonight! Taxi!!!" She yelled as a taxi pulled over and she hopped in.

" 52, King's corner, Mansarovar"

"Alright ma'am, 45 mins to an hour"

"Yeah I know" she replied as he starts driving.

" Another stormy cold night"

"Hunch"

"And people talk shit about Global freak warning and climate freak change, on what Earth that's happening"

" Yeah! Just a tool for scientists and news to suck out more money, Bloody beggars!" She let out air as she recalled her present case. A trust suing her client for lead pollution in the lake.

"It's our sins, getting back at us"

Suddenly, Lara became quiet.

"Even this city is plagued with such people, so many can drivers, taking our jobs"

" Yeah, sure" she managed to respond and then stayed quiet for some time while he keeps on speaking for a while. It seems like her lack of response irritates him.

"Those people only believe in stealing n' killing, I'm telling ya! " He raised his voice that she got a little startled and nodded.

" Yes, yes!"

She could tell it was foggy outside. 

Almost impossible to see beyond a few feet on the road, the windows were misting over what little visibility remains is disappearing fast.

"Thank God! The government is doing something to stop their march here."

" Can you please, switch on the radio?" She asked as he sighed and obeyed as she listened to the voice speaking from the radio.

" The police are still investigating three recent murders in the city... " The driver turned it to some old classic song and she rolled her eyes.

It was 12:05 am and wondered if she was ever going to get home.

They were both silents now, completely.

It was around 12:20 am,

The taxi took a sharp left turn that she almost hit her head against the window.

"What?? What is this?" She asked terrified.

" Ohh nothing," he said "need to take my tiffin box"

She became a little surprised.

"I'll drive full night, so I asked my brother to pack me some sandwiches," he said as he slowed down and Lara reached for her purse.

He got out of the car and opened her door.

"What's all this?"

"Just 2 mins... and it'll be over" He grabbed her hand and tried to pull her out.

" Disgusting people like you should be shown you..."

"Ohhhhhhh!!!" She screamed as he clutched her neck forcefully and pulled her close.

"It's my night and you'll love it!" 

"Aahh!"

"People will think it's part of the serial killing, tonight, there'll be a 4th murder"

" Yeah, I know! " She said confidently and pulled a knife out of her purse and slit his throat, Blood ran like a stream down his chest.

"Ahhhhh!" He screamed.

"There'll surely be," she said softly.

His throat gurgling with blood, he fell dead, she gave a reassuring smile and spat on him.

"Good for me" she muttered as she closed the back door, entered into the car, and sped off.