There are things that needs to be weigh whether if it’s for good or for bad. Sometimes those good reasons sacrifices something in exchange and those thing that is for bad must risk something to make it happen.

    And in my case, I’m weighing if it’s good for me to try something that I’ve never done before just to catch the threat or not. I’m thorn between a thrilling experience and having a long life. But for this mission, I guess a new experience won’t hurt. And of course, I was born in field, therefore, there should be nothing to worry about. I’ve used to play with death for the past years so I don’t need to act like a kitten now. It’s very too late to show fear.

    I still haven’t forget about those little details about Eliza Lim that Uncle Gab told me last night. She loves participating in a drag racing which is a very dangerous kind of sport. It’s not that I’m scared but the reason for my deep thought was on how the hell can I compete? I don’t even own an ordinary car so where can I possibly find a sports car or a big motorcycle at this rate? Maybe I have tons of connection for information but connection for such cars? I absolutely don’t have any.

    I ruffled my hair in frustrations.

    “Oh damn it!” I hissed as I grab my glass filled with champagne and automatically drink it. Bottom’s up. I don’t have plans on getting drunk on a broad daylight but I’m frustrated enough to resist liquor. This is the only way I can calm myself and my nerves.

    I heaved a sigh as I stare at my contacts on my phone. I already received an information from one of my source regarding the location of an eventful race this evening. There are a lot of drag race in the country but most of them are illegal and it wasn’t as big as today’s event. I’m sure Eliza Lim wouldn’t missed such event like this. I heard the one who built the organization for that drag racing competitions is celebrating his fiftieth birthday today. So as a generous and mischievous billionaire like him, he organized a competition this evening and whoever wins will receive a new sports car of his or her choice. Not a bad offer for professional racers.

    I really need to think a way to have a good and fast race car. I don’t care about the prize but there is a huge possibility to meet Eliza Lim if ever I won.

    I stood up from sitting under the tree on my backyard when someone’s face pop up on my mind.

    “Edward” I mumbled and snap my finger. Right! That playboy has a car, a sports car to be specific. He loves showing off his wealth, especially to his girls so he bought a lot of expensive cars. Oh damn! How can I forget about that? Finally, his arrogance made something good for the first time.

    I smiled and run outside before hailing a taxi. He’s probably on the headquarters today so I went straight to his home. His grandmother lives with him so I’m sure there’s someone who will open the door for me and can lend me his car without exerting too much effort in threatening that playboy.

    I smirk and crosses my arms as I pressed the doorbell. Minutes passed but no one open the gate so I impatiently press the doorbell multiple times until it finally opened. I scratch my nose because of irritation before I plaster a little smile.

    “Good morning!” I greeted and kiss her cheeks.

    “Oh my! Is that you, Berille? I’m glad to see you here again! Come, come inside” she said and escorted me going inside their house. She’s Matilda, Edward’s grandmother. She knew who and what I am that’s why we are close. She even knew how impatient I am so sometimes she intentionally keeps me waiting. Edward introduced me and Helen to her the first time we went to his house to plan something about our mission. Matilda was nice. She treat us like her own granddaughters.

    “You should have visit me sooner. I was alone in this big empty house and I have no one to talk to aside from my plants” she said rolling her eyes and motion me to sit on the couch “Why did you come alone? Where’s Edward and Helen? I missed that bitch.”

    I laugh the way she addresses Helen as bitch. She’s already seventy-two but she still act like on our age. As what she always say, her physical appearance may change but not her mind. She’s still mentally young.

    “You know that work requires a lot of time right? We are all busy, Matilda. And actually the reason why I went here today is because I have a favor to ask you” I said sincerely and hold her hand.

    “Oh, okay dear, what is it?” she asked while looking straight into my eyes.

    “I need your grandson’s car” I answered straight to the point “You see, I have an event to attend this evening and the only way I can enter the venue is to have a car. So if you can help me a bit, maybe you can lend me one of his keys.” I explained.

    “And oh before I forgot, I need a fast and amazing one” I added and wink at her.

    She smiled at me “Is that all? Come, follow me” she said as she stood up from sitting beside me “But I’m a little disappointed Berille. You only visit me when you need me”

    Disappointment was evident on her voice. I didn’t bother to reply since I know she’s stating a fact. It’s really been a while since I visited her. But as what I said, I’ve been quite busy this past few months.

    “You should come often. I’m freaking bored here” she said again and open the white door in front of us. “Bring me some cookies next time okay? Nothing can really beat the taste of your cookies. I can’t even imitate it and that frustrates me.”

    I confidently smiled at her “That’s my secret recipe, Matilda. I intentionally made it unique so no one can imitate what I’m doing. And don’t worry, as soon as I finish my new mission, I will bring you some.”

    “That’s good to hear. Don’t forget also my new set of books okay?” she said laughing.

    I nodded to her and laugh a little. Matilda loves my baked cookies, that’s why she always ask me to bake for her. Aside from that, she’s kinda spoiled with books from me and Helen. She’s a bookish, like the woman I met in coffee shop—wait, why am I thinking about her?

    I shook my head and look at Matilda. She’s standing in front of me with her one hand on her chin.

    “What are you thinking, Matilda?” I asked and walk beside her. She is looking at the keys on the drawer.

    “I was just thinking what car I will lend you. Something fast and amazing, huh. There are a lot of fast cars here, but not as amazing as this” she said and showed me a black key.

    I smiled and was about to get it when she close her palm and hid it.

    My forehead creased in confusion “Why? Is there a problem?”

    “Actually Berille, this is the newest car that Edward bought with his latest salary. I think he haven’t even tried to ride this car. I can lend you this but in return I will receive an earful complains from him after.”

    “Don’t you worry Matilda, I will talk to him tomorrow. You just have to do what I will tell you” I said and face her “First, act like nothing happened. Second, if ever he figured out that his newest baby is missing, tell him that Agent Snow, a junior ace from the field team gave you an order to use Edward’s car. Third, if he still complain and act rudely to you, kick his ass out of this house and tell him to meet me tomorrow, exactly eight in the morning. You can do that, right?”

    “Well, of course. I wouldn’t be his grandma for nothing”

    I smirk at her “Yes, you’re a grandma Matilda”

    She rolled her eyes and slap my arm “Don’t call me grandma, kiddo. You’re really a tease sometimes. What’s your plan now? You’re into different missions but never in different relationships. Seriously? Your life sucks and definitely boring. When I was on your age, I’ve got myself a lot of fans and men. Enjoy your beauty Berille! It’s not as if it will lasts forever”

    Here we go again for this topic. Seriously? Why do people around me always tell me to find someone? I’m only twenty-four. I’m  still on the calendar days so there’s no need to rush me.

    “Do you know what more sucks than my boring life, Matilda? It’s finding a stone just to have something to smash your head with” I answered boringly.

    “You’re not in love but you’re being poetic. One more metaphorical word from you and I will definitely think you are somewhat heartbroken” she said and laugh “But that would be impossible anyway. Here, catch this!”

    She throw the key towards me so I catch it immediately “Yes! Thanks Matilda. I owe you one today”

    “Don’t mention it. Do you want to see what it looks like or do you want to have some snacks first?”

    I glance at my wristwatch first before answering “I think I need to see it now. I still have a lot of things to prepare for the event and I need to test drive the car. I know some basics but I’m totally clueless when it comes to luxurious car.”

    “Tsk, I already told you not to store all your money on the bank. Buy yourself a car. It’s a necessity for an agent like you, Berille. But if you don’t want to, I suggest that you buy a motorcycle. It’s more convenient to use in traffic”

    “I prefer taxi, Matilda” I simply answered and walk going to their huge garage. I’ve been here a lot of times that’s why I’m familiar with every corner of this house. I’ve seen all the incredible rooms here and I think what I love the most is their billiard room, not only because I’m fond with playing billiard but the room is very huge, neat and quiet. I love peaceful places where I can think and sleep.

    “Wow!” I exclaimed in amazement when I saw the line-up of different cars. The last time I went here, his cars were only around ten. Now, he filled this huge garage with different type of cars. It was lined-up not in brand but in different colors. He was really a filthy rich guy.

    “You can call that Edward’s collection, Berille”

    I look at her with a creasing forehead. I really pity those who have a collection like this. They are wasting their money for displaying such luxury. As if he can ride it all the whole week or month. If I were him, I will sell all of these and stick to one car only since it’s a necessity for us like Matilda said.

    “What’s with your reaction?” Matilda asked and went near me “You cannot blame my grandson, Berille. His parents didn’t spoil him before that’s why he’s the one spoiling himself now that he has his own money.”

    I shrugged my shoulder. Alright, I can’t blame them though.

    I just look at the smart key I’m holding and press the unlocked button. A car just a five step away from me made a loud noise.

    I walk straight to where it is and my jaw dropped literally the moment I saw what it looks like. My goodness, it’s a freaking hot car! It’s a shiny red sports car which has a two seats and enclosed wheels. Its headlights are on making this car looks more aesthetic to my eyes.

    I touch the hood of the car with my fingertip. I’m sure Edward will be really furious when he found out that I’m the one who will try first this awesome car. I smirk mentally with the idea of him getting jealous with me just because I used his car first.

    “What do you think?” Matilda asked while wiggling her brows up and down to me.

    “I like it.” I answered honestly and smiled a little. I opened the door and it amaze me more by just looking at its interior. I can’t say anything bad to this car. This is really majestic! I bet this costs millions or perhaps billions of money.

    “I told you this is the most amazing car that he bought. Well aside from the vintage cars that I often use”

    I look at Matilda and pursed my lips “Thank you for letting me use this. Just one night and I’ll surely bring it back without scratches”

    “That’s good then” she replied smiling “Have a safe ride kiddo. Don’t forget my cookies and books next time okay?”

    I nodded my head to her. She don’t need to remind me about that. I’ll certainly bake a lot of delicious cookies for her.

    I enter the car and sit on the driver’s seat. It’s comfortable to ride on.

    Once again, I look at Matilda’s direction who’s now busy watching me ignorantly trying this car.

    “See you next time” I said and wink at her. I close the door and put my seatbelt before pressing the power start button “It’s time to show me what you’ve got baby”

    I leaned on my seat when I heard the nice sound of the engine getting started. I hold the steering wheel and press the horn twice before I step on to the gas pedal and maneuver the car. Maybe the reason why most of people buy cars like this is because it’s amazing to ride on. It’s very comfortable and smooth to use in fast race. You will totally feel secure once you take your sit here.

    I test drive the car around the city and it took me hours before I got home. I almost even forgot to fill the tank with gas so I went to a nearby gas station first.

    I exhaustedly lay on my bed without removing my shoes and changing my clothes. Without thinking about anything, I close my eyes slowly and drifted into sleep.

    It’s already four in the afternoon when I woke up so I immediately make myself a food. When I’m finished eating my late lunch, I put my plate on the sink and I didn’t bother to wash it since I’m getting late for the event. I took a quick bath and put my clothes on.

    I look at myself on the full length mirror inside my room and fix my leather jacket. I’m wearing a black skinny high waist jeans, partnered with a sleeveless croptop and a red leather jacket. I’m also wearing my black boots and my black pearl earrings. While my long red hair is on high ponytail today.

    I grab my small backpack and put inside my cell phone, wallet, black gloves, laptop, earpiece, mouthpiece and an invitation card which I get from one of my source who should be the one participating to the race in my place. When I’m done, I went to my garage and drive the car fast going to the venue of the event. It’s not around the city but in one of the provinces in South.

    It is passed seven in the evening when I got to the venue. Even when you’re outside the premises, you can still hear the roaring sound of the people. They are cheering for their bets. I parked the car and walk going inside but two big men blocked my way.

    “Where’s your pass?” one of the two asked me. I raised my eyebrow before I gave them my invitation card.

    “You’re one of the racers?” he asked again after looking at my invitation.

    “Yes” I answered and rolled my eyes.

    They look at me from head to toe before smirking. They look like a bouncer in a suit. The one in my right is around six feet and two inches. He’s wearing a black suit and an earpiece. The one on my left is taller than the first one. He is around six feet and four inches. His eyes are smaller and fiercer. He’s not talking or asking me anything but he looks like a very observant person. He’s wearing a navy blue suit and an earpiece as well. And I don’t have to ask them if they have guns since it is obviously needed for precautionary measures.

    “You should go inside that door” the one in my right said pointing to the door on the left side “It is where the racers are”

    He handed me again my invitation card. But before I could even hold it, he said something again.

    “Be careful. Weakling is not allowed there. You may die but you can’t back out.”

    I shrug my shoulders and grab the invitation card “Then you’re not allowed there” I said nonchalantly and walk going to the left side. I even heard him cussing and telling me how arrogant I am.

    There are four big men and a woman guarding the door so without letting them to ask me again, I automatically give them my invitation card. Someone scanned it fast before nodding.

    The woman walk in front of me with a serious expression on her face.

    “Raise your arms” she commanded and so I did. She checked every corner of my body if I was hiding a gun or any deadly weapon. Good thing I didn’t bring my small gun with me. I know this will happen so I left it at home. I can do physical combat if ever Eliza Lim will attack me inside. And besides, I brought with me my new high-tech cell phone which can turn as a dagger.

    I was shocked when I feel the woman hands on my butt and currently squeezing it. I immediately push her and look at her angrily. What the fuck is her problem?

    She smirk at me and nodded also.

    “You can now go inside” she said and opened the door for me.

    Before I went inside, I step on her foot hard. She cussed and jump repeatedly that made me laugh mentally. Serves you right, pervert.

    She slammed the door hard on my back that created a loud noise. Some people inside look at my direction. They are looking at me with a creasing forehead. I guess this event doesn’t care about gender. I can’t say whether the number of men here is larger than the number of women since I can see different faces of women inside. They are pretty brave to join in this kind of competition huh.

    I took the seat in front and watch what is now happening. There are lights everywhere so it isn’t so much dark here. The whole venue is like a big arena with a race track in the middle. There are separated bleachers in the side. A bleacher for VIP’s I guess, a bleacher for racers, a bleacher for watchers and a bleacher for those who can place their bets. If you can’t fully see what was happening in the race track, there’s a big screen in the middle showing up close the race track.

    “You’re a new racer?” the girl on my left ask while looking at me. “You’re the only new face here.”

    She’s beautiful, no doubt. I think she’s only on my age. She was wearing a tight jeans and a silver blouse, top with a black leather jacket. She has curly blonde hair which I think suit her well.

    “Not really. I compete in America and Europe before. I only moved here months ago and compete first with smaller drag race competitions. So technically, this is the first biggest drag race I joined here in Asia” I lied and watch the different cars moving in the race track.

    “Oh, that’s why” she said “I thought you’re a beginner”

    Well, you’re absolutely right. But you don’t have to know about that.

    “I must warned you then that people around us are not an easy competitor” she added.

    I look at her again with a cold expression “I know”

    She laughed at me and place her hand over her chin “You’re interesting. In what round will you play?”

    I scratch my nose. She’s being nosy.

    “Fifth round” I simply answered. There are six rounds in this competition according to the information I received. In each round, there are different players. One racer, one game only. Whoever wins on the first to fifth round will received two million in cash. Now, for the final round which is the sixth round, the racers who won the first to fifth round will compete again with each other. Whoever wins at that time will be the lucky winner of his or her choice of car.

    Therefore, I should win first the fifth round.

    “Oh, too bad, I’m on the third round” she said and pouted.

    I look away and didn’t bother to reply anything to her. I just watch while listening to the loud cheering of people. The first round is almost done and obviously the black sports car will win. The gap between the first and second car is not that far but I think the first in line right now will win.

    “You’re a bit cold, aren’t you?” the girl beside me asked again. Can’t she just shut up her mouth? She’s too noisy.

    “And snobbed” she added.

    “Not really” I answered boringly.

    Oh, what the hell?

    I saw the fourth car changed lane and start bumping the third car going to the side. It surely created a big scratch to the side of the car. The third car couldn’t move fast since he was pushed to the side. Are there no rules here? Or racing is really like this?

    “There are no rules here”

    I look at the girl who just answered the question on my mind. She is looking at me intently while her face are over her palm.

    “I’ve got your attention” she said and smiled from ear to ear.

    I mentally rolled my eyes “What?”

    “You can do everything you want here. You can pick your own car, drive as fast as you can, bump someone’s car, and even not wearing helmet. Rules are not allowed here. And like what everyone says, you may die but you cannot back out”

    I’m doomed. I’m not worried about dying but I’m worried about Edward’s sports car. I even told Matilda that I won’t put a scratch on it.

    I smack my forehead with my palm.

    I just remove my hand on my face when I heard they announced the first round winner. And I was shocked to see that the white sports car won. It is the second in line a while ago. What the fuck happened in just a minute? I guess I don’t have a good hunch when it comes to racing.

    “Evil slayed it again. She’s really a monster in drag racing” the girl beside me commented.

    “Evil?”

    She look at me “Yes, Evil. One of the greatest racer here in the country”

    “Evil is her name?” I asked confused. She just laugh at my reaction and slightly slap my arm.

    “Silly. You really don’t know her. She’s famous here so I wonder why you don’t know anything about her especially her name” she said and wiggle her eyebrows.

    “So why Evil?”

    “Evil comes from her name. Eliza Via Lim, Evil for short. E for Eliza, VI for Via and L for Lim. Some said she’s literally Evil, especially when it comes to racing. She was cold, rude and fierce”

    I immediately look at her intently when I heard my target’s name. So I’m right, Eliza Lim is really here. I smirk. I’m only one step away from her.