PERFECT FLAWS

Concert(1) -Behind the scene

I could barely make out the outline of Carol's grandmother's house in the twilight that I almost missed it. Taking few steps back, I came to a stop in front of the modest bungalow. The zinc roof was dusty brown from rust and the brick walls holding the building were old and unpainted. With it's wooden windows shut, the house was shrouded in darkness, giving it this haunted look that made me want to turn and run. But on the contrary, I drew closer, looking left and right to find the street empty. The only sounds reaching my ears were the continous chirping of crickets and the croaking of mating frogs in the nearby puddle. I hugged myself to keep warm fron the cold evening wind, taking cautious step towards the front door.

What was I going to do when I got there?

Knock and say I was looking for Carol?

That would be putting her in trouble, that is, if she wasn't already in one.

I side stepped, walking down to the side of the house instead. The windows were all shut. Did that mean nobody was home? It's possible she'd already gone for the concert or gone to prepare-

I felt a strong hand pull me from behind, the other clasped over mouth before I could think of shouting. I squirmed and struggled, kicking the air in attempt to break free. The assaulter's grip on the lower part of my torso loosened after dragging me to the back of the house. I was turned roughly to meet the face of the assailant which was kept behind a... mask?

'What are you doing here, Tom?!' A familiar voice hissed in my ears.

Carol?

'Carol?'

'No, a hired killer. Of course it's me!' She lifted the mask off briefly for me to get a glimpse of her face.

Slipping the mask back on, she pulled me along with her as she went.

'You can't be here. We have to leave. Fast.'

'Ou-ch, easy! what was...all that for?' I complained, stumbling as Carol dragged me along as fast as she could-which was really fast.

'I'm sorry, ' Carol replied. 'I just had to be sure it wasn't... nevermind.'

We walked on until we got to the end of the street.

'What about your grandmother? ' I asked as soon as we stopped walking.

'She wouldn't suspect a thing. It's like I never left. ' Came Carol's confident reply. It sounded like her sneak-out plan was much better than the pillow freak I made.

Carol made a strange bird sound and suddenly a sleek jeep rolled to a stop right in front of us. The front door suddenly popped open and a huge man dressed in a black uniform alighted from the car, striding with calculated steps towards the side door and held it open with a graceful bow.

'Woah.' I gasped, my eyes darting from Carol to the SUV in front of us as if to ask for permission to get in.

'After you, Sire.' She said with a smirk, gesturing to the entrance of the opened jeep.

I took slow hesitant steps towards the jeep, looking at Carol for a final confirmation before getting in. She nodded, chuckling quietly as she stepped in after me.

The man in suit got into the car after we did. The engine revved once before zooming off Immediately the door was shut. Near darkness filled the car immediately courtesy the tinted glass, save for the windscreen through which the dim street lights reflected in.

'Sorry for the delay.' Carol said in a very polished accent. My mouth snapped open and Carol gave me an amused look.

'No problem Ma'am.' Replied the Chauffeur. He had a calm voice, which was in contrast with his muscular built. At first glance, he looked like a bouncer with his stoic face and bulky frame. I bet he served for both purposes.