A Beast
“Well, if you don't think it was an accident, then you should be on the lookout for a suspect. That's your job. I only know what Dordrich told me. I don't know anything about intent and suspects," Loraine replies casually.
That's my girl. Eat that, Mr. Investigator!
Aziel looks proudly at Loraine and intertwines his hand with hers. This is not lost on the agents, it is clear to them that Aziel is in love with Loraine. They now turn their attention to Aziel. “After you left the job site, where were you?”. “At a club. Nightengale, you can check the CCTV footage of this building and the club. Then I went home late, those images are still on my home camera. Yesterday morning I went out to get Ayenda's car from the TV studio parking lot. Later I picked her up from the hospital, brought her home and came here to work. Everything can be checked, I have nothing to hide," he says firmly, looking the men hard in the eyes.
“We will certainly do that. You understand that we are looking for a client and perpetrator. Don't take it personally, we're just doing our job," Jones tells him. He notices that Aziel is not impressed by his intimidating attitude. “Well, I think you're on the wrong track. You will not find your targets here. But of course, you are always welcome here to investigate”, says Aziel dryly.
The men get up and Aziel berates his secretary to escort them out. When they are out the door he takes Loraine in his arms. "Do not worry, babe, they are on a dead end here. But stay away from Dordrich's wife for a while. If something happens there, you can be blamed easily," he advises her. Loraine nods, knowing the public eyes are on her now.
She walks to her office and throws herself into work left behind. It is already evening when she finishes the last file, tiredly. She presses her intercom. “Aziel, are you still working?”. A few seconds pass. “Yes, I'll finish and then come to you. I sent you lunch, did you eat, honey?”, he replies. “Yep, it was delicious. What are you doing tonight? In need of some distraction here.”
“I know a private club where you don't get harassed, at least some will look up to you because you haven't been there before. Want to hit it?”, suggests Aziel. “I'll be ready in five minutes,” she replies approvingly.
When the two arrived at the club, it's exactly what Aziel said about it. Some of those in attendance look up and recognize her from the news, while others turn to the dance floor where soft music is playing. Aziel leads her to a private corner where they still have a good look at everything in the club.
“Hey, this is exactly what I need. My mind is in turmoil. Thank you, Aziel. Now I can relax better”, Loraine whispers as they sit comfortably. When the waitress comes by, she orders a sweet liqueur with less ice. Aziel goes for a double whiskey.
“On the matter of Dordrich. The detectives did seem intimidating when they questioned us. But when they asked you about your suspected suspect, you gave the perfect answer. Do you feel threatened or something because of that?”, Aziel asks concerned. Loraine shakes her head as she looks at him. “A clear conscience fears no accusation. They tried to get something out of me but found nothing on me. I want to know from you now, Aziel, do you believe I had something to do with the accident?”, she asks her friend sternly.
He answers without hesitation. "Not at all. Never crossed my mind anyway. But you do have to be careful. There are also some innocent people in prison, often because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Loraine has to think about this but then nods. “What do you think, Aziel? Do you think the accident was not accidental? Who would dare attack a woman with children in a car? That's just cowardly!"
The man hesitates.
Under no circumstances does he want to hurt Loraine's feelings and jeopardize their relationship. She has previously rejected his marriage proposal, but time and circumstances may work in his favor with the changes going on now. As long as he stays close to her, his chances are not lost, he thinks.
“But this world has a lot of cowardly people in it. People who want to achieve their goal, no matter what. They will pass over corpses, if necessary, as long as they can get what they desire.” Aziel knows that Loraine has endured little hardship in her life. She is a hard businesswoman but not cold- blooded and cannot recognize that in others too.
“And do you have any idea who could be behind this attack? My head cannot contain anyone who can be so intensely mean and spineless.” She looks at Aziel with interest, curious about his answer. “Well, I have a suspicion and I, therefore, tell you to be careful. Someone capable of targeting the most vulnerable in society could be more dangerous than we think. Often, they are people with a lot of charm and are very social. But inside they are literal beasts”.
Loraine is startled by that answer. In her immediate circle there are only friendly people of good character. Should she mistrust them too, if she goes by Aziel's words? Would people close to her intentionally take actions that cast her in a bad light and possibly land her in jail for a long time?
Her brain is working overtime. Which persons could be a suspect? Because almost everyone in her company seems loyal. She has even hired a social worker to assist the staff in solving problems in the private sphere. Then who would be these beasts that Aziel is talking about.
Loraine can't figure it out and decides to leave this question for the detectives to solve. Her expertise lies in software and business, not in catching criminals or beasts.
For now, she will relax and have a good time with her best friend here in the club….
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