Mark’s pov

"Fucking Italian”? I slurred. I was baffled as to why he was following me. Last time I checked, nobody knows my identity in this city. Not even getting a job done as an ex militant , Have been very careful.

I keep trying to figure out who the Italian guy was and why he was on my trail but I was clueless .

I closed up my track properly after the escapade at the military base. At this point, I could think of only one prime suspect: Temper.

I have worked with him for over 15 years now ,and I could tell how cunning he is. He noticed how I rumbled my eyes after he asked me to allow Tiffany case be. He did not send me on this long vacation for nothing. According to my understanding, he may have done so to keep me from finding Tiffany.

I drove slowly to see if the car would do the same, and it did. When I stopped driving, the car stopped as well. I was completely dazed. I needed no one to elucidate further.

“Hey mate, you there?” Rex holla at me over the phone. I was unable to speak further. I was stunned and disoriented.

I checked my drawer and discovered that my ammunition was missing.

“Shit!” I slammed my hands against the car steering wheel. How could I have made such an error? I must hate myself right now.

I am gutted.

“The vehicle is indeed following me. What do I do now?” I sought help from Rex. He's the only one who could get me outta this situation.

*******

Dave's POV.

I shivered at the sight of the Gun in Senator Temper's possession. I thought politicians were forbidden from owning firearms. Whoever approved Temper's license to own a gun should be investigated immediately.

At first, I thought Temper was going to blow my fucking brains off for keeping Tiffany and Mark's secret relationship hidden. No one knew I was visiting Temper's office. He will get away with my murder, and I will not receive the justice I deserve.

My jaw dropped when he handed me the gun and said, “Take this. You will need it for defense. Mark is quite proficient. I am pretty sure he will kill you when he finds out you are trailing him.”

I have never shot anyone in my weird life, let alone held a gun. How am I supposed to handle this pressure? Declining Temper demand is synonymous with committing suicide. No one dares step on his toes and go Scott Free.

Like a toddler, I floundered with the gun. I didn't even know how to handle it to perfection.

“What am I supposed to do with this?” I inquired with a hint of trepidation, knowing I would never receive a direct answer.

“Shoot yourself in the legs, you dummy,” he said sarcastically, as I had predicted.

“Don't you watch movies?”

“Nah!” I nodded in debate. I could not move my lips and basically went dumb.

I thought I had heard it all when Temper threatened to kill me if I didn't return with Mark's head or his whereabouts. It was at this moment I knew I screwed up.

How do I explain to Temper that Mark and Tiffany were not engaging in any illegal activity when I recorded them?

If Mark were here, I would be unable to prove that he is having an affair with Tiffany. I only saw Mark reject Tiffany's advances when she attempted to force herself on him. Was I overly judgmental? Should I have confirmed my suspicion before approaching Temper about it?

I know he doesn't joke with Tiffany. She meant everything to him, but I had no idea he would want Mark dead without first determining whether my information was incorrect.

How do I kill someone when I can't even hurt a fly? I could not say no either, knowing the consequences. I racked my brain for an escape route, but it was not working. His mere presence paralyzed my sense of humor and prevented me from thinking in the right direction.

I grabbed the gun and stood in front of him like a dummy. He expected me to walk out and carry out his plan, but I was lost in thought.

“You still here? C'mon, get going. I don't want any excuses. Just so you know, I have my eyes on you should you try to make any silly move. You have 48 hours to finish this, or I will find your family and slit their throats with my dagger while I watch them slowly bleed to death.” He laughed mischievously after the ominous warnings.

My family? Why them?

They ain't got nothing to do with this. Why would he want to get them involved? Finding Mark in 48 hours has to be the funniest joke ever. I don't even know where he is right now. Do I hire a private investigator for the job? I could barely feed; how can I afford one?

The thought of losing my family due to idiocy slaps harder. They don't deserve any of this. I wish I had sealed my lips rather than trying to please Temper.

The tables have turned, and I am feeling the consequences. I thought of what to do. The only thing I could think of was pleading with Temper to let me go. Why would he send me on a dangerous mission when I had no experience handling sophisticated weapons? Temper is his name, and he has a terrified one. I should have known better.

“Boss,” my lips finally moved after numerous attempts. It was indeed a miracle. I thought I was dumb.

He glared at me with a bombastic side eye, but said nothing. His silence was more perilous than his words. His terrifying gaze could make an adult pee in his panties.

“Could you please let me leave? I promise not to show my ugly face at your Mansion any more. I lied about Tiffany and Mark's hidden relationship. I hated Mark and decided to frame him up. I figured it was the only way to get rid of him quickly knowing your beloved daughter is involved,”

I thought about what I just said and wondered if it made any sense to me.

Temper never reacted nor retaliated. Majestically, he leaned forward and paced around me with his hands stationed behind him. He did this for a couple of minutes while smiling.

What a dangerous smile! I was already rehearsing my last prayers while still alive. It was very obvious. Temper would kill me and have me buried inside his office without raising eyebrows.

Just like I predicted, I snatched the gun from me and pointed it at my head.

“Say your last prayers,”

He cracked the gun and was on the verge of pulling the trigger when a strange knock landed on the door.

I sighed, farted, and peed in my panties. My clothes were soaked in an Ocean of sweat despite the Air Conditioner turned on.