The Ruthless Nice Guy

An Unexpected Event

"The moment you've all been waiting for.." Announced the compere.
Stunned silence filled the huge auditorium of 'Ocean Palace', one of the greatest hotels in all of the world. Countless hotshots and business magnates sat at round tables, dressed in their best, sipping at the finest of all drinks. Everyday was an extravagant one at the Ocean Palace.

But the finest moment of the day was yet to come. The whole crowd was frozen still as the compere continued, "I present to you, TOM OSWALD!" Cheers and screams exploded all around which then reduced to murmurs. The whole auditorium was dark, except for a spotlight that shined through the red curtains of the stage.

A silhouette of a lean man seated on a stool was visible. Slow Jazzy​ music began to play as the curtains split away to reveal the handsome figure of Tom. His face gleaming like the moon in the dark sky. He rose from his stool and began singing in the most melodious voice. A young man of 30 years, Tom had already accumulated enough wealth for all his life. He was the heart throb for many girls because of his looks and his amazing voice.

Little else was known about him. He was a singer by profession and had resorted to singing since his parents orphaned him at the tender age of ten. He was raised by his single aunt who was murdered mysteriously 10 years later. Despite all of the unfortunate incidents, he grew up to be very kind and well mannered. He was in fact referred to as an 'ideal man' by many.

Owing to his personality and amazing voice, it wasn't very hard for him to come up. He became successful in a very short while. He was always very grateful to his aunt for introducing him to Mr. Jenkins, who became his ticket to fame.

Mr. Jenkins was a man in his fifties, who eventually became rich enough to buy the Ocean Palace. He was earlier the manager for Tom's shows and now takes care of the hotel while Tom became independent.

The whole crowd was mesmerized by the performance given by Tom. All their faces filled with awe, except for one. One face among the crowd had a serious look. A face of doubt and curiosity. A face that showed immense concentration and paid close attention to every step that Tom took.

The face of Jessica Gartner. She was 28 years old and of a fair complexion and lean figure. She had her hair tied in a bun atop her head and wore a black off shoulder dress that matched the color of her hair. She stared at Tom's appearance while sipping her glass of wine.

The show got over and the whole crowd rose to their feet, applauding in unison. Jessica searched for Tom but the people formed a blind between her and Tom. As the crowd dispersed, Jessica felt a tug at her arm. Before she could react a soft voice whispered in her ear "Keep your voice down and slowly walk with me. I mean no harm. This place isn't safe for us to talk."

Immediately recognising the voice, Jessica began walking, the man directing her from behind. They went into a small room which appeared to be Tom's green room. Jessica turned on hearing the door shut. She saw the man that spoke to her, now removing a mask he was wearing.

"Pardon me if I scared you in any way. But if it weren't for this mask I'd never have been able to setup this meeting. You can talk now. We're safe and undisturbed here." Said Tom as he put away the mask.
Stunned in silence, Jessica thought as she stared in surprise, ''He looks more handsome in person.''

Tom broke the silence, "Well if you aren't going to talk then I will. I brought you here because I caught you staring at me while I sung. Plus I found you incredibly attractive too. So we can talk now I guess."

Jessica continued to stare at him trying to make sense of the words that fell out of his mouth. "Well, if you've noticed, I've stopped singing already. You can stop staring because it's already very awkward in here." Smiled Tom again.

Jessica came to her senses now and laughed. "Hi" She tried to say, but her voice ceased to come out.

Tom pulled a chair and made her sit down after which he himself sat down on another. "Let's make this easier. We'll meet tomorrow at the Park Cafe and talk over a cup of coffee. Maybe then you'll actually talk? You can go for now but I'd really like to know you better."

Jessica nodded in agreement and began walking out the door. "Tomorrow, 4 PM, Park Cafe. Be there. I'll be waiting." Shouted Tom as she left the room.

Jessica was still lost in deep thought. "How did he notice me among all the people in the crowd? Why did he take me away from the crowd despite there being many other girls who were more attractive and more into him than me?"

"Why was he so nice to me though? I though he was a murderer. I don't think murderers are always that nice. Was he faking it? Does he know who I am?"

She reached all the way back to her apartment and went into her bedroom. She released the bun of hair atop her head from the knot and threw the band into a small draw beside her bed. The draw had a gun in it and an identity card that said
Central Detective Squad
Jessica Gartner
Chief Detective
She went on to change into her night wear and crawled into her bed, thinking of the big day to come as she dozed off to sleep.