chapter 3: The Deal

Rory's mind was racing as she considered Julian's offer. A million dollars was a staggering amount of money, and the promise of her freedom was tantalizing. But she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this deal than met the eye.

"What do you mean by 'freedom'?" Rory asked, her eyes narrowing.

Julian smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I mean that you'll be free to leave the country, to start a new life wherever you choose," he said. "No more looking over your shoulder, no more worrying about the authorities catching up with you."

Rory felt a surge of excitement at the prospect. She'd been living in fear for so long, always looking over her shoulder, waiting for the other shoe to drop. The idea of being free from all that was almost too tempting to resist.

But she knew she couldn't trust Julian. Not yet, anyway.

"What's the catch?" Rory asked, her eyes locked on Julian's.

Julian chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "There's always a catch, isn't there?" he said. "In this case, the catch is that you'll have to do exactly as I say. No questions, no arguments. You'll follow my instructions to the letter, or the deal is off."

Rory felt a shiver run down her spine as she considered Julian's words. She didn't like being told what to do, and she certainly didn't like the idea of being at someone else's mercy.

But the promise of freedom and a million dollars was too enticing to resist.

"Okay," Rory said finally, her voice firm. "I'll do it."

Julian smiled, his eyes glinting with triumph. "Excellent," he said. "I'll send you the details of the job tomorrow. Be ready."

Rory nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation wash over her. What had she just gotten herself into?

As she left the hotel, Rory couldn't shake the feeling that she had made a deal with the devil himself.