THE CULPRIT'S VERDICT
Chapter 21

"Cheers to our hard work and the effort of each one of us," blurted Norie. "Cheers!"

"Let's forget about work for a while. After today, a very hectic schedule awaits, so no mentioning of work. Cheers again!" Gregg announced, but no one responded to his toast. For a minute, the crickets' sound could be heard but was quickly replaced with laughter as they made fun of Greggy's reaction.

Gregg bit his lower lip and snorted, "I hate you!"

"We love you," we uttered in return.

"You love me, but you didn't even remember my special day!" he said through pursed lips and crossed arms.

"Of course we did. Who would forget such an important day?" Ezra whined. "In fact, we have a surprise for you."

"What is it?" Dubie asked while still in the state of his tantrums.

We eyed the person behind him and all together said, "Surprise!"

"Oh my G! Sir Val, you're here!" he squealed. "Is this a dream? If it is, don't wake me up, please."

"Happy Birthday, Gregg. Know that the company is pleased to have you.

Here's your cake. Make a wish," sir Val said while showing the two-story chocolate cake he was holding.

"Omooo." Gregg couldn't believe his eyes. He had been fantasizing about the CEO -his handsome face and gentlemanliness was all we could hear from him from time to time. That was when we had decided to surprise him, and it was made possible through the CEO's secretary, Wanda. She pleaded with him to come and surprise Gregg.

"Thank you, sir Val, and thank you, guys. I love you all," he said as he mouthed us a thank you kiss.

"Anything for you, Gregg," Wanda, who was sitting beside me and opposite to Gregg, said. "Sir, I reserved a seat for you." She pointed to the vacant chair on her left.

"Hmph, but he's far from me," Gregg blurted.

"I'll just take the seat opposite you," sir Val proposed. Wanda gave way making him sit in between us.

I didn't know, but the oxygen level seemed to decrease as I felt uncomfortable with him sitting close to me.

"How about sir Ryle? Is he not coming?" Ezra asked.

"He has an important deal with his colleague, but he assured me that he'll catch up later."

"What important deal could it be?" Sir Val inquired.

"He didn't m-mention, sir." He had been busy with his personal life and I had no idea what it was. It wasn't my thing to interfere in the lives of others, but something in me wanted to.

"At least he will try his best. It's been three years since we last hang out with him. I missed the old, cool, and spirited Mr. Ryle." The longing in Norie's eyes were evident as blurted her vexation. "Yeah," they all agreed. If he had formed a good relationship with them before, what's hindering him from not continuing it?

Not wanting to turn Gregg's special day to remorse, I redirect the topic. "What about Dubie? Did anyone of you invite him over?" "He's not feeling well but he sent a voice mail on Gregg's email. You better check it out," Norie mentioned, pointing at Gregg. "I'll check it out as soon as I arrive home."

"Yeah. Now shouldn't be the time to look for people who aren't around. Let's just enjoy the night," Wanda pronounced.

We seconded her statement. I looked at the person beside me whom I sensed glancing at me since earlier, he then diverted his gaze when I caught him. I didn't bother asking him what's wrong. Hours had passed and everyone got very tipsy. The impact of the alcohol disrupted their ability to balance well. I, on the other hand, managed myself well as I didn't drink that much. "Woof," Wanda dazed everyone when she felt nauseous.

"Disgusting," Gregg said, partly receptive.

"You sh-should take. your. sh-leep now, Wanda. You are. weshhted," Ezra managed to say in her drunken state.

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Look who's talking.

"You are all drunk. You must take your rest now. I'll ask Anton to drive you all home," sir Val proposed.

"Why areriyo sho kind and gen. tleman huh?" Wanda said in between her hiccups, her arms suddenly snaked around sir Val's neck. He glanced at me as she did so. "Peo. ple wi. Il fall fhor you, don't sho know?" Disregarding his secretary's words, he asked the newly arrived man, "Anton, did you bring my other car?" He was in his late forties, judging by his physique. He was his driver. "Yes, sir. It's in the parking area."

"Bring them all safe in their respective houses. I'll drive my car," he ordered Anton.

"Thank you, sir Val. See you tomorrow," we thanked him in different tones for his kind gesture as it was hard to replace a cab at this hour.

The driver motioned for us to follow and we did so, but sir Val held my wrist and stopped me from coming after them.

"I'll bring you home." That wasn't even a suggestion, but a firm statement.

"No, thank you, sir. I came with them, I must go with them as well."

"I insist, Maxine. Besides, the car that Anton brought is good for 5 people only. That doesn't include you, so better allow me to bring you home." Sighed.

"Okay, if that's what you want, sir," I said as I flashed him a feeble smile. "I'll just inform them that I'll not be able to join them in the car, in case they're still waiting for me outside."

"Sure. Off you go. Just wait for me at the front gate. I'll just get my car in the parking area."

I nodded as a response, and immediately followed my coworkers outside. Just as I was close to them, two strong grips halted me.

"Come with us," the masculine man on my right side ordered in a modulated voice. He wore a bonnet that covered his entire face.

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"Why would I? Who are you? Get your hands off my arms!" I demanded, but they just tightened their hold on me. They dragged me near a black van. Is this kidnapping? As the threat became clearer to me, I tried hard to escape from their grip. Unable to break out, I screamed, "Get away from me!"

"Nam!" Norie shouted upon noticing the situation I was in.

The two men in black then used their full force to push me inside the van. But as they did, I found a way to kick the other man on his balls, making him curled in pain and loosened his grip on my arm. I used the opportunity to slide kick the other man, but he stood there resolute and unflinching. He exuberantly grabbed my hair. Immediately, I put my hand on top of his hand, hit the inside of his elbow, and kicked his knee. I trapped him on the ground, so he wouldn't move. But the other one stood up, trapped me at his shoulders, and threw me inside the van. They quickly entered and closed it. As soon as they positioned themselves in the car, the driver started the engine.

"Who are you and what do you want from me?" I yelled at them.

"Shut the fuck up!" the two of them shouted back.

"I won't shut up unless you tell me where you're going to bring me and what the hell you need from me!" I yelled even louder, but the man beside me slapped me real hard and punched me on my stomach. I almost lost my strength and consciousness on his attack.

"Take that as an answer. One more scream and I won't hesitate to take the life out of you!"

I heard him say, but I was too weak to completely fight back.

"What the fuck! Why did you stop?" one of them cursed as the driver grinded to an unexpected halt.

"A car just overtakes and blocks our way."

"What the hell," he growled before going out of the car. The other one followed him, living me and the one driving in the van. I tried my hardest to seat and check what was happening, but my vision was getting blurry. All I could see and discern from the tinted front window of the car was the fight among four men.

The driver took a gun from his bag, moved the slide forward and prepared himself to leave the van. Realizing what he was off to do, I pulled by belt from my dress real quick and choked him before he even left his seat. He was fighting back - using his force to escape. I collected all the strenght I had and hit the nerve on his neck with the side my hand to make him unconscious. To my luck, it worked.

I crawled out of the car. As I opened the door, I was catched by the arm of the person I didn't expect to see.

"Nam!"

To be continued