Unmasking the Mask

Chapter 4: Unmasking the Mask

The room was cold and had this dampness, the faint smell of mold mingling with the sharp chill of fear. Melissa’s head thumped as she regained consciousness, her wrists and ankles were bound tightly to the chair. She blinked continuously until her eyes got acquitted with the dim light, trying to stabilize herself. The last thing she remembered was the van, the hand over her mouth, and the realization that she’d been fooled.

Her breathing doubled. The ropes became tighter as she struggled to free herself. Panic began to set in, “think before you act Melissa” she said to herself. She couldn’t afford to lose her mind now.

The sound of footsteps became louder down the corridor. Melissa stiffened as the door opened, revealing a tall, masked figure. He came towards her, his posture radiating menace.

“You’ve made a career out of digging where you don’t belong,” he said, his voice low and gravelly.

Melissa kept her expression steady, masking her fear with contempt. “If you think tying me to a chair is going to scare me, you clearly don’t know who you’re dealing with.” She said

The man chuckled, his voice sent chills down her spine. “Brave words, journalist. But your courage won’t save you, this time; You’ve crossed the wrong people.”

Melissa’s heart raced. “Who sent you? What do you want from me?” she asked

The man crouched so his face was level with hers, his eyes sharp behind the mask. “What I want is for you to disappear. You’re becoming a problem.” He said coldly

Before Melissa could respond, the door opened again. Another man entered, carrying a tray. Melissa became tensed, her eyes darting between the two figures. But something about the new arrival caught her attention. He didn’t move with the same menace as the masked man. He carried a completely different aura.

“Watch her,” the masked man ordered before exiting.

The second man set the tray down on a nearby table and turned to her. “Don’t say a word,” he whispered his voice urgent and low. “I’m getting you out of here.”

Melissa’s eyes widened, her heart skipped a beat. “Who are you?” she mouthed.

“Call me Derek,” he replied, already pulling a small knife from his pocket. He leaned down and began cutting the ropes around her wrists. “These people aren’t who you think they are. This isn’t even Justin; someone used his name as a bait to lure you out. It’s much bigger.”

Before she could ask what he meant, the door swung open again. The masked man stood in the doorway, his body tense as he took in the scene.

“What the hell are you doing?” he bellowed.

Derek acted fast. He threw the knife, catching the masked man in the shoulder. Making the man stumbled back; Derek grabbed Melissa’s hand and pulled her to her feet.

“Run!” he shouted.

Melissa’s legs wobbled, but adrenaline pushed her forward. They rushed through the corridor, twisting and turning as shouts surged behind them. Derek led her to a side door, kicking it open. They emerged into the cold night air, the sound of tires screeching in the distance.

Derek yanked her into an alley, pressing her against the wall. “Stay quiet,” he whispered.

The black van sped past them, its headlights cutting through the darkness. Once it was gone, Derek stepped back.

“You’re not safe,” he said, his tone grim. “You’ve stirred up a hornet’s nest.”

Melissa narrowed her eyes. “And you’re just here to save the day?”

Derek shook his head. “No. I’ve been tracking these people for months. You’re in way over your head, and they won’t stop until they’ve silenced you.”

Melissa didn’t trust him, not completely. But for now, he was her only ally.

Rico Blackwood stood on the balcony of his family’s estate, staring out at the sprawling garden below. The grounds were buzzing with activity as workers prepared for the charity gala that Karen Blackwood (his mother) had insisted on hosting. The night breeze carried the faint scent of roses, but Rico’s thoughts were far from soothing.

Behind him, the glass door slid open. Catherine stepped out, her gown flowing elegantly as she joined him.

“You’ve been quiet all evening,” she said, her voice soft.

Rico sighed. “There’s always a lot on a man’s mind.”

Catherine smiled, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Well, try to enjoy tonight. It’s for a good cause, after all.”

He nodded absently, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Inside the study, Ray Blackwood (his father) sat behind his grand oak desk, a cigar in one hand and a stack of documents in the other. Karen perched on the armrest of a leather chair, her sharp eyes scanning the room.

“This gala is critical,” Karen said. “It’s not just about charity. It’s about maintaining our standing.”

Ray grunted in agreement, puffing on his cigar. “Reputation is everything. Don’t forget that, Rico.”

Rico leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed. “And Alex?” he asked, his tone crossed.

Karen’s expression hardened. “Alex is an ally. He’s proven himself time and again.”

Rico clenched his jaw. Alex Montgomery had been a family associate for years, his charm and cunning making him invaluable in business. But Rico had always been wary of him. Alex’s loyalty was as flexible as his morals.

“Just remember,” Ray said, fixing Rico with a stern look, “family comes first, always.”

Rico said nothing, his thoughts troubled.

The charity gala was a dazzling affair, the ballroom filled with the city’s elite. Melissa adjusted her dress, her eyes scanning the crowd. She was here for answers, not champagne and small talk.

She spotted Rico near the bar, his tall frame unmistakable. Steeling herself, she approached.

“Mr. Blackwood,” she said her voice steady.

Rico turned his brow furrowing as he recognized her. “Melissa Reynolds,” he said coolly. “What are you doing here?”

“We need to talk,” she replied.

Rico glanced around, his discomfort evident. “This isn’t the place.”

“It’s the only place,” Melissa insisted.

Reluctantly, Rico led her to a quieter corner. “You’ve got two minutes,” he said.

“I know about Alex,” Melissa began. “And I know your family’s involved in something far bigger than you’re letting on.”

Rico’s eyes darkened. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I?” Melissa pressed. “Someone tried to kill me last night, Rico. And I have a feeling it’s connected to you.”

Before Rico could respond, a voice interrupted.

“Well, well. What have we here?” Alex Montgomery stepped into view, his smile as sharp as a blade.

Rico stiffened. “Alex.”

Alex’s gaze flicked to Melissa. “And who’s this?”

“No one you need to worry about,” Rico said quickly.

Melissa bristled. “I’m a journalist.”

Alex’s smile widened. “Ah, the journalist. Dangerous company you’re keeping, Rico.”

“I can handle myself,” Rico said, his tone curt.

Alex’s eyes lingered on Melissa for a moment before he turned back to Rico. “We’ll talk later.”

As Alex walked away, Melissa turned to Rico. “You’re in deeper than I thought.”

“You have no idea,” Rico muttered.

Melissa’s gaze hardened. “Then start talking.”

Rico hesitated, torn between loyalty and the truth. Finally, he leaned closer, his voice low.

“Meet me tomorrow noon, the coffee shop on Elm, come alone.”

Melissa nodded, though her instincts told her to stay on guard.

Across the room, Alex watched their exchange with a knowing smirk.