The Polite Trap

SOME INVITATIONS ARE NOT MEANT TO HONOR YOU - ONLY TO MEASURE YOU;

On the bed is a single black envelope with no name written on it. My pulse did not race. I step forward and pick it up.

Inside is one photograph.

My fingers tightens. It is a picture of me from earlier that day, right before the gunshot. Taken from behind. Close enough to see the fabric of my suit.

Close enough to know - Whoever sent it has been watching. And at the bottom of the photo, written in red ink.

“Next time, I won't miss.”

My fingers tightens around the photograph. Inside the envelope my own face staring back at me cold and unforgiving.

Before I can think further - Movement. A faint shift of shadow from the balcony. My head snaps just in time to see a dark figure vault over the balcony railing.

The man moves swiftly, almost like a smoke, landing lightly before descending towards the fence with a rope. Within seconds - he is gone.

My heart pounds, but my expression remains frighteningly calm. So bold. So reckless. I grab my phone immediately.

“Evan. My room. Now”

The line disconnects before he could respond. Less than a minute later, the door opens and Evan step in, his sharp eyes scanning the room.

“What happened?”

I hand him the photograph without a word.

Evan jaw tightens. “How did this get here?”

“He came through the balcony,” I said 

quietly. “He just left.”

Evan rush toward the balcony, looking down at the fence…Nothing. No trace.

I cross my arms slowly. “I enjoy this game they're playing” I said “ I think this was sent by Marcus.”

Evan brows furrow. “Or someone even worse “

Silence stretch between us, just then there is a knock on the door that made both of us stiffen.

I compose myself instantly. “Come in.”

The door opens gently.

Judy stands there in her silk pajamas, her hair slightly messy as if she has just woken up.

I am shock because I didn't know she is sleeping in my house tonight.

“Amanda… is everything okay? I heard voices.”

I give her a soft reassuring smile. “Everything is fine. Just work matters.”

Judy studies me for a second, too long, then she nods slowly. “Alright. Goodnight.”

She close the door.

Evan's eyes follows it carefully. “I don't trust her,” he said in a low voice.

My gaze turn thoughtfully. “ I'll call Marcus “ I said calmly.

Evan looks at me. “You think he'll admit anything?”

My lips curves faintly. “He won't need to.”

I dial Marcus. The line rings thrice before he answers.

“My love.” His voice is smooth. Concern. “I heard about the gunshot incident. Am sorry I couldn't call earlier, am presently in Atlanta - How's your shoulder.”

I walk slowly towards the balcony. “I'm perfectly fine,” I reply lightly. “ You seem well informed.”

A soft chuckle comes from the other end. “ News travels fast.”

“Is that so?” My tone is sweet - too sweet. “Where are you right now Marcus?”

A pause. “At my hotel room”

“Alone?”

Another pause. “You sound suspicious”

“Should I be?” I counter gently.

Marcus sights. “Amanda, if someone is threatening you, tell me. I'll handle it.”

My smile sharpens. “Right, I know you would.”

The call ends calmly. Nothing in his voice is off or suspicious but that exactly makes it dangerous. I lower the phone slowly.

“He's careful,” Evan mutters.

“Yes,” I agree softly.

Then - A faint shift outside the door, it makes both of us turn. A shadow linger beneath the gap of the door still and listening.

My eyes darkens.

Our voices has been low, too low for clear words. But someone has definitely been standing there and when the shadow move away. I already know who it is.

Judy.

*****

Marcus did not sleep well that night.

Everytime he close his eyes, he see the same image: Amanda walking past him, dress in black, followed by a man who moves like a shadow that could kill. 

Marcus sit up in his bed and reach for his phone.

He didn't call Amanda… He calls his mother.

“Mother,” Marcus said carefully, “I think it's time you met again.”

There is a pause on the other end.

“Again?” Mrs blackwood repeats cooly. “ I remember her.”

Marcus swallows. “She's… different now.”

“That is rarely a compliment,” his mother reply.

Marcus force a laugh. “She's stronger and more confident.”

“Confidence without obedience is chaos,” Mrs blackwood said. “Why would I waste my time?”

Marcus tightens his grip on the phone. “Because she may become my wife.”

That finally catch her attention. “I will decide that,” Mrs blackwood said sharply. “If she wishes to be judged, she may come.”

“ I'll arrange it,” Marcus reply quickly.

“Do,” his mother said. “And make sure she understands where she is going.”

The line died and Marcus stares at the phone. He tells himself this would fix things… He tells himself Amanda will soften. Deep down, he fears she will do the opposite.

He calls Judy first thing in the morning and explains the plan to her.

“ So she'll go.” Judy said quietly as she peels off her clothes and walk to bathtub.

“Yes,” Marcus replies. “She won't refuse.”

Judy smiles faintly. “Good.”

“This is about my family” Marcus warns “ Not your games.”

Judy laughs. “Everything is a game, Marcus. You just don't like losing. And we both know your only after the businesses and her money… nothing more.”

Marcus frowns. “What are you planning?”

“Nothing,” Judy said lightly. “I just think… a traditional house, religious rules, strict expectations -” 

She shruggs.

“ - might remind her who she used to be.”

Marcus wanted to believe that… He needs to believe it.