They would have tea from a thermos and talk about life. He taught her the intricacies of their work and helped her get started. Today, Margaret received a splendid order.
She had to drive far outside the city. The man on the phone mentioned that he would pay any amount just to get to the city, so she anticipated decent earnings due to the long distance. Margaret was in a great mood, humming a song as she drove to the customer.
She was already planning where to place the crib, where to buy a stroller at a reasonable price, and how much money she needed to save for all of it. She tried not to think about in-room. Although it was challenging, she fought back the treacherous lump in her throat.
However, her mood quickly dissipated upon arrival. It was a huge country mansion, and there was a grand party going on. The customer was heavily intoxicated, sometimes trying to get into the taxi, and other times shouting that he wouldn’t go anywhere.
After 10 minutes, the homeowner cancelled the order completely. Margaret was extremely disappointed since she had spent both time and money on gasoline without any earnings. But how was it her fault that things turned out this way? Margaret called the owner, explained everything, and asked what she should do.
He instructed her to return to the taxi company. Her mood was at an all-time low, and to make matters worse, the weather had turned bad, pouring down heavy rain. She was halfway back to the city when a vagrant stumbled out of the woods, swaying from side to side, and walked along the road, falling and getting up again.
He was covered in dirt and looked very disheveled, with a face caked in dried blood. Margaret couldn’t drive past him and slammed on the brakes. She decided that if he was drunk, she wouldn’t pick him up.
She pulled her jacket’s hood over her head and rushed out of the car. Approaching the man, she scrutinized him. Hey, are you okay? Can I help you with something? Where are you headed? If it’s to the city, I can give you a lift.
She said. He looked at her with unfocused eyes and mumbled with cracked lips. Help! Immediately, he lost consciousness and slumped to the ground by the roadside, but there was no smell of alcohol on him.
Margaret gently shook the man, urging him to wake up. Please, you need to wake up. I can’t get you to the car by myself.
Come on, like this. Carefully, Margaret managed to get the man into the car, and she drove him to the hospital. On the way, she tried to get some information from him, like who he was and where he came from, but he only mentioned his name was Liam and nothing else.
He groaned in pain. Margaret dropped him off at the hospital, ensured he received medical attention, and even paid for his treatment since he had no identification. As she left, she wished him well, saying, Get better soon.
All the best to you. The girl rushed back to the taxi company, knowing that she was already delayed and Jacob would likely scold her. She had completely forgotten about the hidden camera in the car, but her boss was sitting in his office, watching her every move.
He was furious, and as soon as the taxi driver arrived, he gave her an earful. What do you think you’re doing? You refused to take a customer, wasted my gas, and now you’re picking up homeless people. I’ve lost so much money because of you.
Margaret was close to tears and defended herself. Why are you talking to me like this? On what grounds? I called you. The customer was in no condition to travel, and he cancelled the ride.
As for this poor man, I found him on my way. Was I supposed to leave him to die? Jacob, infuriated, shouted even louder. Well, then you’ll pay from your own pocket for saving a dying man.
I’ll deduct the cost of the gas from your salary and remove your bonus so others don’t get any ideas. Now, go to work. You’ve all gone mad, doing whatever you want.
And don’t forget to clean the car. There’s dirt all over the backseat. How can decent people sit there now? Margaret washed the car and fought with disappointment.
Well, there you have it, trying to do good deeds. I tried to help, and look where it got me. Jacob is such a scoundrel.
He’s got no compassion whatsoever. She barely made it through her shift, returned home tired and sad, and, after a shower, promptly fell asleep. She had no energy left.
But early the next morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door, followed by more banging and voices. A groggy Margaret staggered to answer, thinking to herself, What on earth is going on? Can’t they let me sleep? I live alone, for heaven’s sake. She was stunned when she saw three very well-dressed men at her doorstep.
Two of them appeared to be bodyguards, and the third, a portly, unpleasant elderly man, was clearly the owner. He walked in without an invitation and began, Good morning. Are you Margaret? You saved my son yesterday, picked him up from the road, and took him to the hospital.
I am very grateful to you. Thank you for not letting that man die. I’ve come to thank you personally.
The man placed a plump envelope on a side table. Margaret waved her hands and said, No, there’s no need. I just felt sorry for him.
The poor guy was severely beaten, barely able to walk, dressed in rags. How did he end up there at all? It was clear that the businessman didn’t expect such a question, but he still answered, My son was kidnapped by gangsters, held in a cabin in the woods, but he miraculously managed to escape, and he was trying to make it home. Tell me, did he say anything to you on the way? Margaret shook her head.
He was in terrible pain, moaning, and that’s about it. The man smirked, Alright, it’s time for us to go, but please, take the money. I know your boss scolded you, so consider it compensation for the trouble.
Goodbye. The trio departed, and Margaret rushed to the window. A convoy of expensive cars was parked near her dormitory, she counted five of them.
That was quite something. Margaret counted the money in the envelope. It was a substantial sum by her standards.
She thought to herself, No, something’s not right here. Firstly, they don’t seem at all concerned. No signs of worry or regret about their son’s fate.
Their eyes are cold and calculating. Close relatives don’t behave like this. Secondly, why was he so concerned about whether his son had slipped up and revealed something? It means he has something to hide.
Thirdly, how did this man find out everything about me so quickly? And most importantly, why did he come here? So, these funds are not gratitude at all. It’s payment for my silence. No, I need to go to the hospital again and check on Liam.
Margaret bought some food on her way and headed to the trauma department, where she had left Liam the day before. However, they wouldn’t let her in. She couldn’t understand why.
Why can’t I visit him for a short while? I won’t stay long. I just want to inquire about his health. Please let me in, just for a moment, she implored.
A doctor came down and sternly said, Unfortunately, we cannot allow you to see Liam. He unexpectedly fell into a coma and is currently in the intensive care unit, where access is restricted. I’m sorry.