Even with Nicoleâs face hidden by the helmet, there was something about her that made Mr.
Hampton feel threatened.
He softened his tone.
âYouâve got quite the spirit.
Who said I was occupied?â
Nicole responded, âIf youâre willing to talk, then letâs have the room to ourselves.
â
Mr.
Hampton, amused, remarked, âSeems like you want some privacy with me.
Sure, Iâll play along.
â He signaled for others to leave.
Melissa, who had been clinging to him, whined, âMr.
Hampton, canât I stay with you?â
But Mr.
Hamptonâs decision was final.
He waved his hand dismissively.
âOut, all of you!â
Melissa collapsed to the floor, her eyes brimming with tears from the agony.
She shot a bitter look at Nicole.
Nicole froze at the sight of Melissaâs face.
The resemblance between Melissaâs face and her own was uncanny.
Before Nicole could get a better look, Melissa quickly crawled toward the door.
This act seemed to please Mr.
Hampton.
He said, âMelissa, you always know what to do.
Make me happy later, and youâll get your reward.
â
With a grin, Melissa responded, âAbsolutely, Mr.
Hampton.
â
Then, echoing what she had done before, she clumsily opened the door and made her exit.
Nicole felt a wave of revulsion at the scene.
The similarity between her own appearance and Melissaâs was particularly disturbing.
Now it was just Nicole and Mr.
Hampton in the room.
Mr.
Hampton, struggling to maintain his balance, slouched on the sofa, watching Nicole.
âWhereâs the thing?â
âWhereâs your item?â
Mr.
Hampton grew impatient.
âHow do I know youâre not deceiving me?â
Nicole replied, âItâs clear I wouldnât have it on my person.
Show me the papers, and Iâll guide you to where they can be safely destroyed.
â
Mr.
Hampton narrowed his eyes.
âAnd why should I believe you?â
Nicole shot back, âI have no trust in you either.
When thereâs mutual distrust, the one with the upper hand sets the terms.
â
âYou sure have a way with words.
â Mr.
Hampton burst out laughing.
Suddenly, his tone shifted.
âGrab her!â