"That guy was not only whispering your name, but he was also whispering how you attacked Marie Johnson. For some reason, he knows it was you." Richard then pulls out a gun from his disguised trench coat and pointed it at me, removing the safety. "Did you get careless in your mission?"

"Geez, it's the only failed mission and you still had to be careless about it!" Francesca commented gratuitously. She then pulls out a pair of sunglasses and walked away, heading to the pool in the back door.

"Hey Boss, don't you think it's too early to fire me? Hadn't you already saved me from suspicion?" I slowly point the gun down.

"Take this as a warning." He then pointed it at me again and was about to shoot.

Filled with fear and panic in my thoughts, I unexpectedly shouted, "I have information regarding Marlboro!"

I closed my eyes, outstretching my palms, and my knees are together, retreating from my very place.

"Don't try to mess with me, Zero. You know so well that I am a man with no patience and tolerance." He glares, putting the gun away in a steady manner. "2nd floor, furthest room. I'll hear you out."

•

"I couldn't say much because of that stalker Arden but Marlboro said he would come running if he sees me wearing his fedora again." I desperately tried to hide my fear as I tremble and shiver like a cold, wet dog from rain.

I sit uncomfortably on the chair across Richard's. Although this was the same architecture and pattern that we had discussed about Marlboro in the first place, today, this is quite a scare...

Who wouldn't? After all, a .38 caliber pistol is pointed directly at my head.

Richard stayed still. It was almost as if he's not even breathing anymore! The suspense of not being able to know when exactly he's going to attack kills me like no other.

"Zero." He finally moved his mouth!

I jolted in pure shock and fear, full of confusion and surprise. I didn't get to answer before Richard continues to move his lips.

"Today, you're staying outside."

"Nononono. I don't think so! I don't want to! I don't--"

"SILENCE!"

He shot the floor as a warning. I jumped, raising both of my feet on the chair in instinct.

"You don't have a right to even talk back to me! I thought I already told you that!" Richard threw the gun away. He dashed to me, and before I noticed, I got hit by a blow from the solar plexus, sending me to the ground. I coughed a little blood, my state weakens indefinitely. I tried to stand up, using both of my arms as support, but Richard's huge feet stepped on my back, sending me back to the ground, helpless.

"Get out of my residence."

•

Cold...

It's cold...

I stand outside the residence with my casual clothes. The cold night breeze violently hitting my skin, mercilessly, over and over again...

I keep shivering. I couldn't stop shivering... Until my legs gave out, my hands are numb, my eyes slowly close shut.

Even though I thought I got used to this torture because of my training, I guess everyone has limits.

Is mine like this? Is this my limit?

Hmph, of course not...