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Hey guys! So, this is the next part of the story "Her Guilty Conscience". I am posting it a bit earlier than I intended to. I would suggest to read the previous parts before reading this. Also, pls share your opinion about this story. Hope that you all enjoy the story and pls pardon my errors. Happy Reading!

Ps. Happy Christmas to y'all!!!! And a Very Happy New Year too!!!! Hope 2025 works out well for all. (A bit early for the wishes ik, but anyways.............)

Previous Episode ~

Her Guilty Conscience

Episode 4 Job and Jitters

Flashbacks :

“Hey Audrey ! Two beers at table 2! HURRY UP!”

Balancing two big jugs of beer, Audrey shuffled among the crammed tables and served them at the table present at one of the corner of the dingy restaurant. She immediately retreated back to the counter without another glance at the customers of that particular table - Two menacing men with tattooes covering all over their arms and piercings and rings that gleamed under the feeble light of the restaurant. Audrey wiped her sweats as she sat down for a while looking at the tables for any more orders.

It has already been almost a month of her working at the restaurant. The restaurant present at the further and darker part of the city was a common rendezvous of the local goons and other several dangerous people during the nights. The morning shifts comparatively were less frightening with less crowds and filled with people with normal common lives. Meanwhile, the evening shifts usually included visits of several tough and intimidating men who would have good long chats upon drinks and some snacks. Audrey naturally preferred the morning shifts but sometimes had to work at nights too. During those shifts she would always be on her guard with a Swiss knife tucked into her apron. She felt relieved that she could at least give a fight using her boxing skills in case things go south.

The loud and cruel-some guffaws of the two men whom she just served filled the little space of the eatery. Audrey was covered by goosebumps. Her mind lingers in the memories of the risky conversation she had with her brother just after he returned from his trip, three weeks ago.

“The experiments that they showed us were splendid. We were awestruck by Mr. Brown’s expertise in handling those instruments. And you won’t even believe……” The excited boy animatedly talked about his outing to his sister and aunt.

Mrs. Thomson listened to his blabbering, while not understanding half of the things he spoke. On the other hand, the young girl, just nodded with a smile, while her mind was distracted somewhere else. Anytime, now, he would shift the conversation to her new job.

“And he even didn’t let me ask about it. He reminded me of Audrey……”

What if he reacts aggressively again?

“Audrey? You follow me?”

What if he makes her leave the job? No, what will she do then? She needs cash in a short time. Joy is still in college and after that, she would be going to London for atleast three months. She is counting on her to gather half of the start up amount by her return. If she is to leave the job, how would she -

“Audrey? AUDREY??!!”

She jerked out of her trance to find both Lucas and Mrs. Thomson worriedly looking at her.

“Where are you lost, sis? Here, you go. I was talking of the gift I brought for you.” He extended a little Swiss knife toward her. “Saw it in a shop there. Don’t worry, John paid for it after losing a bet with me.” He chuckled at the memory as Audrey slowly took the small weapon from him.

But Mrs. Thomson continued looking at her and tentatively asked her, “Is everything alright, love? You had been deadly quiet for a while?”

Audrey shook her head and replied, “Nothing, aunt. Just tired, I guess”

Lucas took a sit beside her and said, “Take care of you health, sis. Here, have some of Aunt's delicious turnovers. Oh! And that reminds me…..” He took a bite of the pie Mrs. Thomson had prepared for him. Audrey held her breathe, knowing what he was going to say.

He looked towards her and spoke, “What about your job? All I had heard was that you were interviewed by some creepy lady and surprisingly, were hired. How is it going now? Tell me all about it. Is the restaurant near my school? I can drop by sometimes, then.”

Audrey swallowed her nervousness and replied quietly, “Its going good. The pay is all right. I work as a waitress and sometimes as the cashier too…….”

“That’s great, then! Where is it located?”

“Its….uh…..” She hesitated, fumbling with her fingers, “Its in Ether’s Road. In the central part.”

Lucas’ bright smile dropped a bit hearing her answer as he stopped chewing and looked at Audrey with wide eyes.

“In the Ether’s Road? But - but isn’t that place the hot pot of trouble and crimes.” He asked with wide eyes, looking from Audrey to Mrs. Thomson.

“Yes, it is.” She replied calmly, taking a deep breathe while the old lady grew anxious.

“So? You still took the job at that place, knowing the availing dangers? Look I am not blaming or questioning your decision, its just-." Lucas said softly as he slowly held his sister’s hands.

“I know.” Said Audrey, gathering courage and looking into his eyes. “You are just looking out for me. I appreciate your concerns. But most of the things that we hear about that place are just the exaggerated version of the real picture. Yes, there are a number of criminals and gangs residing there but at the same time, it is also a residence of many normal and respected people. Moreover, the business is quiet and peaceful, with people coming in for a hearty meals and drinks. I even noticed many business tycoons arriving there for some hushed meetings while being heavily dressed to avoid recognition. Its just the late night shifts…….. Most of the tables would be filled by men who give out scary and dark aura. It does fill me with shivers and goosebumps but nothing actually happened during the last two weeks. They just eat and drink and leave. Mostly not caring of the surroundings and the other irrelevant people........"

Lucas still seemed unconvinced by her recital when Mrs Thomson poked in, “Oh, Lucas dearie! Stop being so worried. I too was apprehensive when she told me about that place and I insisted to pick her up the next day." She suddenly coughed a bit. "Sorry. This cough is getting worse.......*ahem* Where was I? Oh, yes! When I arrived, I was surprised! It was not as half bad as I thought. Yes, those grubby men did look menacing but they didn't intend to do any harm They were more interested in their own conversations.”

“You went there too? Well, I do believe in what you guys are telling me. But still those men can be unpredictable, Audrey. What if they hurt you? Or do something else?”

“That they won’t” Audrey replied, confidently, “You remember about the creepy owner, Carla when I first told you about my interview? Well, at first I thought her to be rough and up to no good. But instead she is the complete opposite. She is such a sweetheart. She made sure of my safety all the times, knowing I am not used to the rough environments. She navigated me through the tasks the first two days and watched upon me like an hidden guardian. Yes, she is rude but her intentions are pure. She knew that I won’t be ready for a rash crowd and took time to train me to handle them. And besides, she seems to have a way with the risky crowd.”

Lucas nodded and asked, “And the other staff? How are they towards you?”

“Well, its just me, another girl and two men. The lady, Susan is a relative of Carla and was jobless until she was offered this job by her aunt. She is friendly and takes Carla's role of looking after me as an older sister in her absence. I don’t know much about Josh. I had minimal interactions with him .He too doesn’t bother much about anything else other than his work in the kitchen and never ever joined us if we staff have a round of drinks together sometimes. On the other hand, Will is friendly. He is actually from the Martin's Plaza. You know, the place where Aunt Margaret lives. He has to work three jobs to provide for his little family. Poor guy. ”

Lucas slowly nodded his head, taking in the whole information. He glanced at Audrey and said, “Hmmm......... Though that place sounds pretty much normal, I can’t help but feel anxious for you, Audrey. However may the people be, threat and danger are always lurking in the corner of that area. The number of crimes reported there is truly concerning.”

“I know, brother” Audrey said affectionately, as she reached over to hold his hand, “Just five months more, I need to save a little more money to start that business with Joy. Also, I need to wait for her to return from London after settling some official matters. You remember, don't you, her granny who lived there? She recently passed away last month and left a sum of money for her. She said she will be engaging that money in our business start up. Its a meagre sum but atleast we got some funds. In the meantime, I have to do this job to gather the remaining money for the tools and rent. And it isn't that bad, at least I can easily take care of the household expanses and pay for your school too. If you demand that I should start looking for another job, I already did but…….there was none for a college dropout like me. Moreover, I can manage this. Don’t forget. I used to be in the boxing club in college. I can at least knock down some jaws and bones in case something really happens.”

With a long sigh, Lucas slowly said, “I just want you to be safe. And I trust you.” He gleamed at his dear sister. “Anyways, this serious discussion has made me hungry. How about dinner? And yes, I demand another apple pie, Aunt. Oh! I just missed your cooking. None of those camp food can be compared to the most basic of your meals…….”

He kept on praising Mrs. Thomson’s cooking while the old lady lowly chucked while shaking her head. Audrey, on the other hand was at ease for her brother’s approval of working at the doubtful environment. But she does know that she really need to be quick on her feet all the time there. She may have assured Lucas but she herself couldn’t shrug off an eeriness at that diner.

“HEY, GIRL! I AM CALLING YOU!!”

Audrey was quickly pulled out of her trance as she realised the men had been calling for a while. She rushed at her table with a tender smile.

“Yes? Do you guys want to order something else?” She politely asked, trying her best to ignore the burning glares and uncomfortable gazes of the men.

“Yes, another round of beer and make it fast, girl!” One of the men snapped at her.

She ran back to the kitchen and prepared the beer.

“Those men have been drinking since the last two hours.” Susan said as she at the other end of the small room prepared a tray full of fries and ketchup. “That must be their fourth round.”

"Fifth exactly. I am starting to wonder how are they not dumb drunk yet.” Audrey replied as she lifted the bulky glasses.

“Oh, they are professional drinkers. I don’t think they would stop till they hit ten.”

“Well, I am glad that there aren’t much crowd tonight. With Will out of station and Josh on leave, I think we would have gone nuts serving, preparing the orders and working at the register simultaneously.”

“I agree. You better hurry now with the beers. And be careful, can’t have you in trouble now, can we?” She winked at her.

Audrey rolled her eyes as she walked out of the room. Yes, Susan often jokes about her being fragile and ignorant of the rough side of life after learning the fact that she was from the outskirts, the residence of the well to do and respected people. It amused Susan whenever Audrey pointed out things which were strange in her eyes, yet so common in that area. Yet along with the jokes, Audrey knows she often keeps a close eye on her, especially in the night shifts. And thats what encourages her to go on with those shifts.

Just as Audrey placed the glasses on the table, the tiny bell at the door rang. She turned to find a man entering, his face hidden beneath a black bucket hat and the collar of his long coat turned up. He was tall, with a well-built frame that seemed to fill the room. What caught Audrey’s attention most, though, was the dark, mysterious aura that surrounded him. He moved with a quiet confidence, like someone who was used to being noticed without trying. As he stepped into the room, Audrey noticed the men at the nearby table shift uncomfortably in their seats, eyes darting nervously toward him, even trembling slightly. It was as if his presence unsettled them in a way Audrey couldn’t quite place. Without a second glance at anyone, the man walked toward the secluded booths in the back, disappearing into the shadows as Susan quickly followed, notepad in hand.

After a while, those bluffy men stumbled out of the restaurant after paying for the dozen of beer they had gulped. Audrey let out a huge sigh and just as she was about to retire to the kitchen to have a break, the bell chimed again, announcing the arrival of yet another customer. She turned to welcome the customer with a polite smile which soon turned into a wide exited grin as her tired eyes brightened up upon seeing the very familiar person.

“Surprise!!! I was just returning from the library. Thought to drop by and meet you. ” Said her brother, while placing her bag down on a chair and pulling her into a hug. Releasing her, he looked around the place acting his best to be nonchalant and merely curious. But Audrey knew better. He came to check on her since it was the first time she was working in a night shift after his return. After his scrutiny, he looked at her and gave a sheepish smile looking at her stern face.

“Why are you looking at me like that? I ain’t gonna rob or something.”

Shaking her head, she replied, “If you are done inspecting my workplace, mind taking a sit and ordering something?”

“Oh, yes, yes ma’am!” He hastily sat at the nearest table and took the menu. “Uh! I will take the cheese hamburger and a diet coke.”

“Ok. Your hamburger will be ready in twenty minutes and I am not gonna give you any cold drinks yet. You recently recovered from a fever.” She said while walking towards the kitchen, ignoring the poor boy’s whines.

But as soon as she entered the room and started on assembling the hamburger, Susan ran in from the door and hastily prepared a club sandwich. She placed it on a tray and gave it to Audrey.

“Audrey, be a darling and take this to Booth 3 while I go down the basement to bring a bottle of rum!”

She dashed out of the door as Audrey slowly walked into the other part of the eatery. She had never been into this part since it was generally occupied by the notorious gangs for their secret meetings. Will and Susan were the ones who would uswally wait in that part. She took a deep breathe. She only has to keep this tray on the table and walk back. Susan can handle the rest.

She walked into the room and spotted the only occupied booth in the hall. There was the mysterious man whom she saw entering the restaurant earlier and another thin and scrawny man sitting across him. She walked towards the table and put down the sandwich and was just about to escape when the man spoke.

"Hey," he said. His voice was low and smooth with a bit of a teasing edge."I haven't seen you around before. You new here?"

Audrey glanced at him quickly, her nerves rising. "Yeah, just started," she muttered, trying to avoid eye contact. He had taken off his coat and hat. She could see his features now. His face was sharp and chiseled, with high cheekbones that gave him a slightly angular look. His soft blond hair locks fell over his forehead just enough to shadow his piercing blue eyes. Had she met him anywhere other than this place, she would have been sure of him being a model or even a young respectable businessman.

The corner of the man’s lips lifted a bit when he found her staring at him. He raised an eyebrow, his gaze scanning her with a casual, almost lazy interest. "Hmm... Carla got a pretty one this time, huh?" he said with a small smirk. The other man lowly chuckled but one glance from him shut him up.

Audrey’s stomach tightened at the way his eyes scrutinised her. Trying to keep an unbothered demeanour, she curtly answered. “Excuse me, but do you have something else to order? I have other works to tend too” she replied, her words curt as she coldly looked at him, trying to suppress her growing nervousness.

The man’s smirk deepened, his eyes glinting with amusement. "A hard worker, huh?" He leaned back slightly, “What’s your name, sweetheart? Or are you too busy to share?”

Before Audrey could respond, the sound of footsteps interrupted the moment. Susan appeared in the doorway, holding a bottle of rum, and her eyes flicked from the two men to Audrey.

“Two women at table 1. Hurry!”

It was a welcomed interruption. She gladly walked towards the exit without another glance, releasing a deep breathe. In the kitchen, she immediately peeked at the restaurant. No one other than Lucas. Susan deliberately made that excuse to send her out, not that she was complaining. The man did manage to give her goosebumps.

After a few moments, she heard footsteps outside the door. The blond man again wrapped in his dark long coat and hat walked out, followed by the other meek man. She could see Lucas giving a curious glance at their retreating backs, probably surprised to find such ordinary people instead of huge and scary musclemen. Chuckling, she went back to the finished burger and placed them non a tray when the door opened and in came a worried Susan.

“What was Tyler talking about with you?” Looking at Audrey’s confused expression, she asked again, “The blond one with blue eyes?”

“Oh, Mr. Mysterio? Nothing that important. Just messing with me, asking me my name and stuff……” she shrugged, folding a napkin.

Susan moved towards her and held her shoulders, “Audrey, look….” She let out a sigh, and spoke slowly, carefully choosing her words. “Listen, the men who choose to dine in the secluded booths don’t just come here to eat. They don’t just sit and chat. They’re trouble, and trouble follows them wherever they go. So, do your best to stay out of their sight and remain unnoticed……… Especially, from Tyler. Keep to yourself, do your job, and stay clear of any unnecessary attention.”

“Yes, I tried to do that but he - “

“Yes, I know. I sensed your discomfort. And that’s why I am telling you. Most of the people coming here late at night are shady. And the people going in there for having some hushed conversations are just bad news. Thus, be on your guard while going in there.”

Audrey nodded to her whispered warnings. She was anyway careful during these tensed shifts, trying her best to keep off the malicious crowd but now hearing to Susan’s words, she planned to avoid that hall like plague.

Although Audrey was caught off guard by Susan’s sudden warning, she knew that Susan was only trying to look out for her. Unlike Audrey, Susan loved the dangerous, mysterious atmosphere of the diner. She was an adventurous young woman who had learned to navigate the shady crowd with ease after being in that area for a long while. While Audrey was careful to keep her distance from the dangerous shadows, Susan seemed to thrive in it, enjoying the thrill of testing boundaries. Audrey couldn’t help but feel warm and appreciative of Susan’s caring side, even if she didn’t always understand her carefree attitude.

Clearing her throat, Susan turned towards the dishes, humming a tune under her breathes as she transparently tried to lighten the tense air in the kitchen. Audrey too chose to return to the hamburger to save the girl from being embarassed. She picked up the tray and walked out to the pouting boy whose eyes brightened up at the arrival of his dear sister.

“Here you go, sir. Your cheese hamburger.”

With a gleeful nod, he pounced upon the fast food and started shoving it in his mouth messily. Audrey laughed softly and sat across him.

“Its delicious! My complements to the chef!!!”

“Complements accepted!!!!”

After swallowing a few bites, he looked at her and asked, “Aren’t you gonna eat? I mean you anyway had to make dinner at home, now that Aunt is bedridden. But since we are already at the eatery, we can have the food here itself."

Before Audrey could reply, Susan came out with two trays of fish and chips, another hamburger and two cokes. “Dinner is served!!!" She chirped happily, "Well, it almost midnight and since there's no one else coming in, I would say that's the end of tonight's business. ”

Noticing Lucas’ puzzled look, Audrey quickly introduced Susan and Lucas.

“Here, you go another burger to fill your tummy. Don't worry the meals are on me.”

“Thanks.” Lucas said, giving a polite smile.

“So, you are Audrey’s overprotective brother.” She said, trying to start a conversation. “Honestly, I imagined you to be more muscular. But your cute, so no complaints.”

Audrey rolled her eyes as Lucas choked on his burger, his face turning bright red.

“Yeah, real cute,” she said, grinning. “Wait till you manage to swallow that without looking like a tomato. Then maybe Susan will have second thoughts about your adorableness.”

Susan snickered. Lucas flushed an even deeper shade of red and awkwardly shifted in his seat. He muttered to Susan through a mouthful of food, his cheeks puffing up like a chipmunk, “Thanks, I think.”

"Alright, alright, enough teasing," Audrey said, leaning over to ruffle Lucas's hair. "He’s already had his fair share of embarrassing moments for the day.”

And thus, their light hearted conversation continued throughout the meal, with Susan and Audrey occasionally teasing poor Lucas.

"You sure, you can go all alone? We can drop you." Audrey asked as they closed and locked up the restaurant. Lucas managed to grab a cab for them while Susan announced that she would be staying at Carla's tonight.

"Yeah, its just in the next lane. Just a short ten minutes walk. Now stop being a worry wart and go!"

"Okay, then. Walk carefully. Thanks for the meal. See you tomorrow. Bye!"

"Ciao, girlie!" Replied Susan, disappearing into the darkness.

"She seemed nice. And this place is pretty much normal too." Said Lucas, as they both walked towards the vehicle.

" What? You expected some musclemen, bodybuilders and wrestlers to crowd here? Told you so, its nice. And about Susan." She replied, as they entered the vehicle. "She, being ten years older, plays the role of the elder sister I didn't know I needed. She really is sweet and kind. But don't tell her that else she would break your jaws."

"Ouch! Okay, I change my opinion. She is violent!"

"I agree. Oh! By the way, lets make a detour at the pharmacy. Some of Aunt's pills just finished yesterday. "

"Aye, aye, captain!" He replied, jokingly and addressed the driver. "You heard the lady! Drive away!~~~"

The cab drove away, filled with the sibling's laughter. On the other hand, the engine of another black car rose to life. The car which was silently parked at the other side of the road had the windows tinted black, concealing the man sitting inside.

"They just came out, boss..............They drove away.............. Should I follow till the destination or - ?" The man spoke with a drawling voice and waited for an answer. Receiving an order, he nodded and instantly, drove along the street following his target..............

Her!

-Aurora

To Be Continued.........

Next Episode ~

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Hey guys!!! Thank you veerrryyy much for providing soo much love to my stories and poems, especially 'Assassin'!! Thank you for supporting me, it means a lot.

As a thank you, here’s a teaser from the upcoming episode of 'Her Guilty Conscience' ! I’d love to hear what you think so far—drop your thoughts, theories, or questions in the comments, or feel free to message me directly! Happy Reading!!! And THANK YOU AGAIN, GUYS!!!!!!💕💕

Her Guilty Conscience : Teaser

......................."Hey," he said. His voice was low and smooth with a bit of a teasing edge."I haven't seen you around before. You new here?"

Audrey glanced at him quickly, her nerves rising. "Yeah, just joined recently," she muttered, trying to avoid eye contact. He had now taken off his coat and hat. She could see his features now. His face was sharp and chiseled, with high cheekbones that gave him a slightly angular look. His soft blond hair locks fell over his forehead just enough to shadow his piercing blue eyes. Had she met him anywhere other than this place, she would have been sure of him being a model or even a young respectable businessman.

The man’s smirk deepened, his eyes glinting with amusement. "A hard worker, huh?" He leaned back slightly, “What’s your name, sweetheart? Or are you too busy to share?”.............................

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*ahem* Thats all for now!!! Stay tuned for the next episode coming soon~~~

-Aurora

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