Chapter 21

Close to seven hours had passed and there was no reply from Kol. The two ticks told me that he had received my messages but had not read them yet. 

Fred had arrived with his team just a few minutes ago. They were five members in total, including Fred. 

As the tense atmosphere refused to budge, everybody was scattered across the living room. Some were going through the previous files of our case, and some were furiously typing away on their laptops. 

Fred sat next to me, giving me reassurances. 

The lack of response from Kol was making me second guess myself. What if he was really just ignoring me because he was upset and gloomy? What if he was not in danger at all? 

A sudden vibration in my palm made me jump a little in my place. 

My eyes widened at the flashing message across the screen. "He replied." 

"Go on, open it," said Fred, his calm voice cutting through the cacophonical mess of new arising thoughts in my mind.

I nodded and clicked open the message. 

Hi

Took you long enough, huh?

That was all. 

I glanced at Fred with confused eyes. 

"Carry on the conversation," he said, a determined look in his eyes. 

There was no time to speculate more, so I began to type out my reply.

Doesn't matter, does it? I, at least, apologized. You did not even do that. You hurt me too, you know.

His message popped up in less than a second. 

I'm sorry.

I was genuinely taken aback by his apology. Although I appreciated it, I was definitely not expecting it. 

It's okay. Wanna meet? 

I smiled and clicked on send. This was going easier than I had expected it to.

There was a pause of a few seconds. 

Fred and I exchanged looks.

"This is not how it feels like to text Kol," I said, "he's not alone right now. B is probably breathing down his neck." 

Fred shrugged. "The fact that he's taking a pause before replying to your question is a clear teller that he's acting under somebody else's control."

I bit my lip. 

Say something, Kol. 

After another minute, his reply finally came in.

Okay. Want to come over?

My heart dropped. 

"N-Now?" I spluttered. "That's too quick." 

Fred sighed next to me. "I was expecting it. B wants to catch you off-handed and with surprise. He doesn't want you to come prepared." 

"What should we do?" I asked.

My temples started to throb, and my stomach repeatedly clenched and unclenched. 

"He'll probably say no if you ask to meet tomorrow or later than that. He wants to be the one who sets the time, and he will not inform you about it this early and give you time to be prepared," said Fred.

"Why would he think I want to be prepared? Does he suspect me already?" I licked my dry lip.

"No." Fred shook his head. "He's a criminal. He believes all his opponents think like him, like they're out to get him. He always thinks like this." 

I took in a deep breath. "So, I should agree for now?" 

Fred nodded. "Yes. Don't worry, we are prepared to the best of our abilities. You and Kol will both be safe." 

But I am not prepared. 

I stared at the phone. 

Later is not an option, Zuri. Now is the time. There's no other choice. 

"So, I should also accomplish my task right now," I murmured, "I have to play B and get Kol's trust and answers." 

Fred placed his hand on my shoulder in an attempt to comfort me. 

Did it help? I had no idea. 

I took in another deep breath and began to type a careful message.

Sure. I will be there in an hour. 

I hit on send and wrote another message to follow it up. 

Hey, I miss your cooking. Do you mind making dinner tonight? It's so much better than ordering from outside. 

Kol had never cooked, and I had never tasted his cooking. But B did not know that and that was what mattered. 

Sure. What should I make? You loved my pasta last time. How about the same thing? 

Kol's words made my blood run cold. He was playing along, and it only meant one thing. 

I closed my eyes for a moment.

This was it. This was the confirmation of everything. This was real. He was with B. He was in danger. 

"Go on," said Fred, urging me to continue. 

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I asked the most crucial question for the night.

I would love that! But last time, you were a miser with the quantity. There was no pasta left for second helpings. Your measurements are horrible. Please don't just cook for two people. Double or triple the recipe.

Okay? 

How many servings will you make this time? Confirm it with me once, please. I'll tell you if the quantity will be fine or not.

As soon as I sent the message, my mouth went dry. 

I hope B does not suspect anything. 

Kol replied within a few seconds. 

3 

Just a number but it told me everything that I needed to know. 

"He's acting alone without any other accomplice," I told Fred, my eyes still on Kol's message. 

Okay, that would be fine. See you soon. Bye!

That was the last message I sent him. He replied with a thumbs up emoji and the conversation was over. 

Fred and his team hustled about, talking loudly, shouting orders, and doing some more things. 

I leaned back on the couch, holding the phone close to my chest. 

Kol had understood me. He had trusted me. Now I could not let him down. I could not let his trust shatter.

Fate worked in twisted ways. Who would have thought that a mere exchange of views about a book would later on prove to be a life-saving part of our lives?

Kol had gifted me that book. He had not predicted that his friendly gesture was more than just that. He had unknowingly played a part in his own rescue plan.