Paying The Price

Ding dong.

Diana looked at the time at the sound of the bell. That was strange, Nikki wasn't supposed to be home by now, albeit the time being 10 pm, the event ought to end by 11 and some extra time should be spent coming back and did she lose her key again.

Diana lazily got up from the couch, she was hoping for some me, the couch and Netflix time, a happy moment that was ruined by the damn bell. With her pyjamas on and falling to her back, Diana dragged herself to the door.

"Nikki if you lose your key again be prepared to sleep outside." Diana yelled as she opened the door "Zach?!" At the door stood Zach in casual cool clothes.

"Hello." His British accent rang in her ears

"Why are you here?"

"I came to see you, there's something important I need to talk to you about. May I come in?"

Diana realized she appeared to be hindering him from entering "Oh! Come in."

Zach walked in calmly then carefully surveyed the room, which was weird for it wasn't his first time visiting.

"It's not like am chasing you out or anything but why are you here?" His slow steps towards the window made her uneasy.

"I need your help with something." Zach said quietly.

"My help? What is it?"

Zach looked out the window as he asked "Are you alone at home?"

"No, Pearl is sleeping inside."

"Nikki?"

"She's out. OK what's going on?"

"We have to go." Zach continuously gazed out the window.

Diana slightly panicked "Go? Where are we going?"

"There are people here for you, grab pearl and let's go." Zach spoke a little louder now facing Diana.

"People here for me? Why would people be here for me? How do I know that they aren't here for you instead?"

"If they were here for me would I bring you along to slow me down?"

Zach's question made Diana speechless instantly. Maybe he was bringing them along as bait?

"Diana, I know this sounds crazy but you have to trust me, I'll explain everything to you later I promise."

Zach continued "Now go in, change your clothes to something casual, tie up your hair and wear a face cap, then just put a jacket with a hood on Pearl and let's go. Don't worry you'll be fine."

Diana shivered in fear. What the hell was going on? And how could she trust Zach? She had known him for three years as a well earned computer technician but now he was entirely different from who she knew.

She did as Zach said but hoped he was trustworthy. Coming back to the living room with the sleepy Pearl and purse that hung on her arm, Diana walked up to Zach in panic.

Zach took Pearl from her and comforted her saying "Don't worry, just follow my lead and you'll be fine."

Diana nodded quietly then obediently followed Zach out.

"Wait, what about Nikki?" She asked, she didn't want any harm to befall her sister.

"When we get to the car you'll text her not to come home. Now come on."

Zach pulled out a sun shade from him pocket, covered Pearl's face with the hood and lead Diana to the elevator.