THE SELECTED SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

COLD-BLOODED MURDER

Intelligent and cunning, Selena possesses a criminal mindset that enables her to navigate the darkest corners of society with remarkable ease and finesse. Whether it’s a minor task or a grand scheme, she executes each undertaking flawlessly, leaving no room for error—her meticulous attention to detail is her hallmark.

From charming conversations that draw people into her intricate web to elaborate schemes that ensnare even the most astute observers, Selena orchestrates her plans with unparalleled precision, always staying several steps ahead of her unsuspecting peers. Her captivating smile acts like a veil, disarming those around her and allowing her to maneuver through the intricacies of social situations with an effortless grace that leaves everyone around her, even the most skeptical, in awe. Yet, beneath the surface lies a calculating strategist; her motivations remain shrouded in secrecy, as mysterious and profound as the night itself.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the landscape, the true Selena emerged from the shadows, her eyes gleaming with a fierce ambition that burned brighter than any star in the evening sky. Each encounter she orchestrates is merely a game, with her as the master player pulling the strings from behind the scenes. In her world, trust is a currency she chooses not to trade; she understands all too well that vulnerability is a weakness that can lead to her downfall. With every calculated move she makes, she reinforces her status—untouchable and unassailable, a queen reigns supreme in the shadows of her fierce ambition.

Meanwhile, Selena has sworn to accomplish her deadly mission: to eliminate the gubernatorial candidate of Soko State—Professor Kelvin Innocent. "He must die today; nothing will deter this from happening," Selena vowed fiercely to herself, her resolve unwavering as she drove from her well-appointed estate to a meticulously pre-selected location, where she planned to lurk patiently, awaiting her target's arrival.

Dressed to impress, every piece of her attire was a carefully chosen statement meant to command attention and spark intrigue; anyone who saw her and failed to look in her direction surely must have a demon within, for she radiated an undeniable power akin to that of a dazzling sun, captivating all with her striking beauty and enigmatic presence.

Two roads led to Professor Kelvin Innocent's residence, each fraught with its own set of challenges and potential pitfalls. The first road had been cunningly blocked the moment the professor departed for a campaign rally, part of a broader diversion orchestrated by Victor Chuks, a rival with his own ambition intent on thwarting the professor's ascendant campaign. A deceptive road sign had been strategically placed to ensure that no one would question the authenticity of the blockade, while no actual construction was taking place. Selena knew that time was of the essence and that every detail mattered in this intricate game of power, ambition, and predation, understanding that one misstep could unravel her meticulously laid plans.

As a result, every other car and road user was forced to detour, opting for the alternative road where Selena awaited her victim's arrival with conspicuous patience. The day felt unusually warm, and the hum of conversation among the detoured motorists belied the tension simmering beneath the surface, a palpable reminder of the chaos that had disrupted their usual routines. Whispers of annoyance and frustration mingled with the rumble of engines, but little did they know that one among them was silently preparing for an act that would shatter the tranquility of their day.

As the convoy carrying Professor Kelvin Innocent approached the "Y" Junction near his residence, the driver, a seasoned individual well-acquainted with the city’s streets, noticed some anomalies that set off alarm bells in his mind: the customary route to the professor's house was obstructed by a bright orange sign reading, "MEN AT WORK." It stood like an ominous warning, a stark juxtaposition to the otherwise familiar landscape. The vivid color painted an unsettling picture against the backdrop of the serene suburban neighborhood, and its message carried an unsettling weight. Was there any construction taking place when we left for the campaign ground this morning? He wondered, his brow furrowing as he briefly replayed the morning’s events. However, he swiftly dismissed such thoughts from his mind, attributing the inconvenience to typical bureaucratic delays that frequently plagued the city, well known for its eternally unfinished projects and last-minute disruptions.

Yet even as he ignored his instincts, curiosity about the nature of the work being conducted gnawed at him, planting seeds of unease that only grew in the pit of his stomach. Ultimately, he found himself steering the vehicle into reverse, opting to take an alternate, untarred route that wound through lesser-known paths, a decision that seemed innocuous at the time but would soon lead him directly into a carefully laid trap. Unknown to him, danger lurked in the shadows along the way, concealed by the very foliage that made the route seem like a scenic detour.

The second road meandered through a dense thicket of trees, creating a natural canopy that obscured the view ahead, and provided the perfect concealment for Selena. As she parked her sleek black car beneath the sprawling boughs, her heart raced—not out of fear, but with thrilling anticipation of the chaos to come. She double-cited her watch; it was ticking, synchronizing with her determined heartbeat, each tick echoing her resolve and her impatience like the countdown to a long-awaited climax.

"Just a little longer," she whispered, her breath steady and composed despite the fluttering excitement in the pit of her stomach. The air was thick with the scent of pine mingled with the exhilarating hint of adrenaline that coursed through her veins like a potent elixir, invigorating her senses and sharpening her focus. She adjusted her hair in the rearview mirror, ensuring every strand was perfectly in place; glamour would serve as her disguise, a mask that belied her true intentions and transformed her into a vision of allure rather than a harbinger of doom.

Minutes stretched into what felt like hours, and with the descent of the sun, the sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of oranges and purples, casting long shadows that danced around her like restless spirits yearning for freedom. Each hue seemed to deepen the foreboding atmosphere, as the natural beauty around her stood in stark contrast to the darkness of her plans. With each passing vehicle, a surge of impatience washed over her, thickening the anticipation in the atmosphere. Where was he? The subject of her vengeance, the man who had encountered fate, was bound to be on his way, and yet the moments dragged on torturously.

Then, just as the last rays of sunlight began to fade and doubt began to creep in regarding her timing, she spotted it—the unmistakable sleek sedan of Professor Innocent, glistening under the waning sunlight, a vessel of elegance and authority gliding through the thickening dusk. Its polished surface, reflecting the colors of the sky, radiated a striking elegance, a stark contrast to the grim intentions brewing in Selena’s heart. She leaned forward in her seat, her breath hitching, heart pounding, as she mentally prepared for the moment that she had meticulously orchestrated, every detail planned and practiced in her mind like a perfectly rehearsed act. The game was afoot, and there would be no turning back.

Her pulse quickened as she noted the familiar figure within the bustling crowd. The professor, known for his charisma and charm, chuckled in conversation with his campaign manager, completely oblivious to the storm brewing in the shadows. Beneath the surface, anxiety churned in Selena's stomach, a counterpoint to the adrenaline surging in her veins. Her grip tightened around the steering wheel of her sleek, black car, her nails digging into the soft leather as each second ticked closer to the moment she had meticulously trained for.

"This is it," she muttered softly, bracing her resolve, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings churning as she prepared for what lay ahead.

She would not let fear or hesitation take the wheel. Today was destined for bloodshed, a pivotal moment that had been months in the making. As the professor's car approached the intersection, she took a deep breath, allowing the calm to wash over her like a balm soothing her frayed nerves. The time for hesitation was over; she was ready to strike with precision and determination.

"Victory is mine," she assured herself, her lips curving into a smile that held no warmth, only purpose and fierce resolve. With one last glance in the mirror, she prepared herself; the dazzling sun above had become a ruthless diamond, illuminating her intent, while shadows loomed in anticipation. Darkness would prevail today, and she would be its harbinger.

Selena slipped a "GOLD POISON RING" onto one of her fingers, an accessory meticulously designed for this singular purpose. The moment was critical, and every detail had been carefully calculated. Upon stepping out of the car, she approached the hood and began to tamper with its components, creating the illusion of a mechanical malfunction, although, in reality, everything was operating perfectly—just as she had orchestrated.

Her appearance was striking; the gold necklace adorning her neck shimmered in the sunlight, her form-fitting outfit accentuated her natural curves, and her exquisite footwear made her an unparalleled beauty. Selena knew that she was irresistible to any man who might catch her eye, and she intended to wield that power with lethal intent.

When the professor finally approached, he could hardly believe his eyes; for a moment, he pondered whether he was gazing upon a human or an ethereal angel, as she stood framed against the glaring sun.

The professor gestured for his assistant to bring her over, and as if caught in a spell, she soon found herself at his side, enchantingly poised and disarmingly beautiful.

"Hello, beautiful. I spotted you from afar and couldn’t resist introducing myself," the professor said with a warm smile, his eyes glinting with curiosity and admiration. "What seems to be the problem with your car?"

"Good afternoon, my esteemed governor-to-be. I experienced a breakdown on my way back from the campaign ground where you delivered an inspiring, motivational speech," Selena replied, her radiant smile lighting up her face and masking the turmoil beneath.

"I’m so sorry to hear that. Let me call my mechanic to assist you with your car," he offered, genuine concern lacing his voice.

"Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. I’ve already contacted my mechanic, and he’s on his way. I truly appreciate your kindness," she said, her demeanor warm and inviting, like the rays of the sun breaking through a wintry sky.

"You’re welcome!" he replied, a hint of relief mingling with his admiration.

"It’s genuinely heartwarming to see someone with a true interest in the community; I must say that," she added, her words dripping with sincerity that only sharpened the edge of her intent.

"Thank you!" he said, visibly pleased with her compliment, his confidence swelling.

"It’s a joy and a great honor to stand before you," she extended her hand for a handshake, which the professor gladly accepted, feeling as though he were in the presence of someone extraordinary. "Goodbye!" she smiled after their handshake, and with that, they parted ways. Selena returned to her car, her heart racing, fully convinced that her assignment had been accomplished, and the pieces were falling into place just as she had orchestrated.