Leslie’s inebriation was evident in her flushed cheeks.


    She nced up to see a tall figure standing next to her.


    Her vision swam, and her words stumbled.


    “You… Who might you be?”


    Benny responded not with words but action, pulling up a chair to sit beside her.


    He presented a business card.


    “Should you find yourself in need, give me a call.


    ”


    Leslie’s brow creased as she grasped the edge of the table for bnce, then took the card.


    Just then, the bartender set down a c@@ktail.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    “Miss, your drink.


    ”


    She tossed the card into her purse with a nonchnt flick of her wrist and lifted her ss.


    “Join me,” she invited.


    Benny nodded to the bartender.


    “Another for me, please.


    ”


    Leslie downed her drink quickly.


    She leaned in, squinting at Benny with a scrutinizing gaze.


    “Do you know Matthew? What ties do you share with him? And why offer me aid?”


    After a brief, indifferent nce, Benny epted his drink and touched his ss to hers.


    After a contemtive sip, he said in a resonant tone, “Matthew holds great significance to me.


    ”


    As the alcohol took its toll, Leslie erupted into giggles.


    She peered intently at Benny and probed further, “Significant, is he?


    Just how so? Could it be that you have feelings for Matthew too?”


    Benny swirled the contents of his ss, downed it in one go, set it down, and departed.


    As he turned, a smile yed on his lips, yet it didn’t reach his eyes.


    In his mind, Matthew’s importance was such that he fantasized about his demise.


    Outside, the driver promptly opened the car’s back door for Benny.