62 Fraudster 2

Swallowing, he stared into her dark eyes as he stuttered, " Miss Khemka... "

" I want to hear the truth from you, nothing else! " Sofya interrupted, leaning forward on the table. Her black oval eyes which usually depicted kindness now looked as if she was waiting to pounce upon her prey.

Mr. Jabari was a man with a small frame and a big round belly. Mostly he was a cheerful person, going about his daily work on a non committal basis. To say that he had a fight with anybody in Empericorp would be an overstatement. Such was his nature, that he was loved and adored by everybody, even the ladies and had been nicknamed as ' Chubby Dubby '.

In addition to being a shareholder, he was also a regular employee of the company, one who was highly regarded and respected. Winning the 'Employee of the Year' award three times in a row, nobody had anything to speak against him, back talk or wrong him anyhow.

But all these had changed two weeks ago, when he had gotten two unexpected visitors. He lived in a flat in the outer suburbs of the city, paying a measly rent. Since he was still a bachelor even at the age of thirty three, he provided only for himself and his old mother who lived in a mental asylum. That night, he had been watching a Chinese television show, laughing his head off as he saw the way a lady was trying to seduce her boss. Munching on his popcorn and the cold pizza, he didn't pay any attention as the doorbell rang for the first time. Then twice, thrice..

Finally getting irritated, he walked up to the door and opened it in anger, only to be terrified seeing two masked men standing at his door. Mr. Jabari was no expert, but having watched way too many criminal TV shows he had a general idea of who these people were.

Without waiting for invitation they stomped inside the house, pushing him aside.

" Hey, you.. what do you think -- "

Mr. Jabari stopped speaking as soon as he saw a gun being pointed at him. Sweating, he didn't dare to speak another word. He didn't have a clue what they wanted, but it wasn't going to be anything good. Suddenly, the Chinese girl on the TV began singing in a high pitched voice, " My love.. where have you gone -- "

Smash!

The bulkier of the two masked men had picked up a vase and thrown it at the television. The screen shattered making a crunching sound as the girl disappeared. The other man pointing the gun at him laughed hoarsely, cursing " Bitch! "

Mr. Jabari's first thought was to run away, but even with his figure he wouldn't be able to cover much distance before they shot him. Or, he could try tackling them. The most absurd thought.

As these options were going in his mind, the heavy masked man threw him a brown envelope.

" Here. "

" What's this? " Mr. Jabari asked, trying to keep his voice calm while his heart raced. The answer he got in return was the loading of the gun.

Without wasting any further time, he tore open the envelope hurriedly. A photo and few sheets fell from it. The photo was of Sofya Khemka.