Page 129 of Illicit Games

“No.” My voice comes shaky. “I saw their fist flying toward me and then I was slammed to the ground. I was too busy covering my body from the blows to see the attacker. I passed out from the pain.”

“Would you describe the second attack?”

“I was cornered in an alley while I was walking home. The man was tall and covered in black clothes with a mask on his face. I thought he was a burglar, but soon realized he was the same attacker. I fought him and managed to run away.”

“Did he say anything to you? Threaten you?”

It takes me a beat to lie, “No. He didn’t.”

“Is there anyone who’s raised your suspicion in the company?”

I shake my head.

“The last two women who are taken. Did you interact with them?”

“Yes, I chatted briefly with Rhea, who is the receptionist. Yukta is my close friend. We used to meet in the cafeteria or at my desk, almost daily.”

He scribbles something down and leans forward. “Did she mention anyone making her uncomfortable? Was she dating someone in the company?”

“No, she’s outgoing and is friendly to everyone. Besides her circle of friends, she kept to herself. I don’t get why she was targeted. You have to find her. Please.”

Kian squeezes my wrist as pain bleeds into my tone.

“We will do our best,” utters Shankar.

Sohail cuts in. “Are there any more questions?”

“No. I think we have everything we need for now. I would stay on guard with the person roaming free in the company. I believe he will come after Miss Mannan. We’ll try to find why she was targeted and left alone, rather than being taken like the other women.”

I bite the inside of my cheek to stop from blurting out that I know why I was targeted. That I’m safe as long as I don’t poke around, which thankfully Harshita has warned me against.

“Iris?” calls Kian.

“Hmm?”

“Why don’t you go outside while I finish up here?”

“Yeah,” I eagerly answer, wanting out of here. “I’ll wait for you.”

Standing up, I make my exit and shut the door behind me. I follow the directions to the restrooms. Quickly doing my business, I wash my hands and walk back out. Right across is the watercooler. Feeling thirsty, I pour water into one of the plastic cups kept on top. I’m taking a sip when somebody sidles up to me, dressed in a suit.

“Miss Mannan.”

Jumping in fear, I almost drop the cup. It’s Detective Rishi, who didn’t speak a word. Why did he follow me here? “Detective Rishi.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” he apologizes, handing me a tissue to wipe my hand where a little bit of water fell.

“Are you here to ask me more questions? I’ve already told you and your partner everything.”

“Harshita was right in choosing you,” he comments.

I become confused before it hits me. I straighten my spine. “You’re the case lead she’s been working with?”

“Yes.” Staring down at me calmly, he says, “I’m impressed by the way you answered those questions inside. Good to know you haven’t spilled anything to Kian.”

“I’m not going to hamper the case. Plus, you must realize he’s innocent.”

“It seems that way.”