Saving Mariam

Mariam quickened her pace to the car that was parked outside the company. Her heart was racing and her face was drawn with fear. She opened the door and gingerly slid into the backseat, where a stranger was already sitting. Her nerves were frayed, and she was uncertain of what to expect from this unknown person.

Mariam turned to the stranger, doing her best to keep her voice steady despite the fear that was coursing through her. "What are you doing here?" she asked, attempting to mask her anxiety.

The man smiled, his face betraying his sinister intentions. "I'm here for what you owe me," he said in a dangerously quiet voice, his eyes fixed on her with a predatory gaze.

"You know we agreed to be discreet," Mariam said, her voice taut with anger. "This is a business environment, and you shouldn't be here."

"Well, if you had returned my calls, I wouldn't have had to pay you a visit," the stranger retorted, his voice calm and collected. His gaze held Mariam's, the intensity in his eyes co