Don't do it

Gina held the sharp knife in front of her face, thinking of the moment she'd have to plunge it into Cole's chest. Hellen, a friend of hers walked into the kitchen and opened the cupboard, pulling out a box of biscuits which she proceeded to open.

"Don't do it, Gina." Hellen said, eating a biscuit. She was the only person Gina had confided in. Now she was beginning to realize it may have been a mistake to confide in her.

"I either kill Cole or Liana dies and I'll go to jail," Gina said, putting the knife back on the rack. "I don't want to go to jail. Who knows how many years they'll keep me imprisoned? I have a life to live and I'll not give it up because of Cole. Besides, that man is going to kill him, anyway."

Hellen shook her head."I know you, Gina. You're not a murderer and will never be able to live with it."

Gina knew Hellen was right but she was scared. She had to save Liana by all means. And if the police ever found out about all the keys she'd obtained illegally, she'd never see freedom again. She didn't wish to be linked to the robbery that had followed her bank key theft. She regretted stealing those keys but they were masterpieces she never wished to part with.

"I'm so scared, Hellen." Gina admitted, walking towards Hellen. She dipped her hand into the can and grabbed a biscuit then bit it. "I don't know what I should do. I'm not sure I'll be able to stab Cole. I don't want to take someone's life but it seems to be only option I have. I can't lose Liana or my keys."

"There are other options," Hellen said. "You can fake his death or tell Cole that someone wants to kill him and he should leave town. Then, tell that man you had him but he escaped. I think that'd be a good plan but you need to be very careful. You're dealing with a very dangerous man. How sure are you that he'll release Liana?"

"I had thought of that but Cole doesn't look like one who would get scared by a mere threat," Gina argued. "Do you think he'll listen to me?"

"Now that I think about it, I doubt he will. How about if you told someone scary to threaten him for you?"

"I don't know any-"

"I know the right person," Hellen's face lit up. "Your cousin Tom can do it. Rumours say he used to be in a gang when he was in the city. With that big body and scary look, Cole will be leaving town as soon as he threatens him."

Gina put her arms around Hellen. "Thank you, thank you so much. I'll call Tom right away."

Gina exited the kitchen, heading to her bedroom where she dialled Tom's number. He picked up after two rings. She explained to him her dilemma, leaving out the part about keys and blackmail.

"Just threaten him about something so he can leave town," She told her cousin. "I can't give  the details now."

"I'm only helping you because you're my favourite cousin," Tom said. "I'll do it tomorrow."

"Thanks, Tom," Gina said, before hanging up.

She thew the phone back on her bed and went back to the kitchen. Hellen, who'd been talking on phone hang up just as Gina entered.

"How did it go?" Hellen asked as she poured water into a glass.

"Better than I expected, " Gina hoisted herself onto the long wooden stool near the counter. "He didn't ask questions."

"Thank God," Hellen sighed, looking up from the phone she was scrolling through. "I'm glad you won't have to murder Cole anymore."

"Me too," Gina smiled. Just then, her phone began ringing.

"I want you to kill Cole today." The familiar voice on the other end of the line said.

"Can't you wait till tomorrow?" a shocked Gina asked. Her breathing had quickened and her mouth was wide open. She dragged herself forward and sat on the couch.

Hellen went and sat next to Gina, putting her arms around her. "You don't have to do it."

Suddenly, Gina stood up and ran to her bedroom. She undressed and put on a short black leather dress that hugged her body tight. She opened her key box, ran her hands through the hundreds of keys with a smile on her face then closed it. She put on silver ballet flats and without wasting time, exited her bedroom.

"What are you going to do, Gina?" Hellen followed her out.

"I'm off to do what I have to do, " Gina said, descending the stairs. "Don't follow me. Wait for my mom and tell her I'll be back soon."

It was already dark outside as Gina hurried to the pharmacy. She had known that she would never be able to stab Cole and it was easier to poison him. She wasn't sure she could do it but she had to try. After purchasing the drug she needed, she continued to Cole's apartment, hoping he hadn't yet found a girl to spend the night with. He wouldn't let her in if so.

She knocked twice but no one answered so decided to turn the knob and it opened. This was even better since she could just add the drug to the drinks in his fridge and leave. No one would ever suspect her.

Before doing anything, she had to make sure no one was in. She checked the kitchen and every part of the living room, even under the table. She checked the other room which looked like a music room. There was a piano, guitar and several music sheets. The last destination was the bedroom.

She slowly opened the door and peered in, careful not wake him up if he were in and sleeping. Gina had to put her hands over her mouth to silence the scream that came out when she saw a very still Cole.

He was naked, lying face up on his bed, a knife protruding from his stomach. Blood had splattered onto the white bed sheets and his eyes were half open. She didn't have to touch him to know that he was dead. Someone had killed him.

Gina slumped onto the ground as she felt strength leave her body. Realization that she could be blamed for his death hit her and she got up. She ran through the living room and opened the door. There was no one in the hallway. She stepped out, closed the door and sprinted down the stairs.  She did not stop until she was outside.

She was going to see Tom. She had only wanted Cole threatened. Did Tom kill Cole?