Carbon Monoxide or Chloroform

"I think, working the same company is the same as being under the same roof. So, I guess I must support My colleague because she has taken up the risk of finding evidence to clear her name. She has taken the huge risk to stand up in front of a huge crowd when she knows that every move she makes is being scrutinized by the crowd."

Hearing her words, the reporters stooped their heads low with shame.

Sensing no reaction from the crowd, Alice smirked and moved forward without another word. The crowd was left with their mouths hanging as they watched her retreating.

...

Alice soon made her way to the backstage where a young girl was standing quietly. She looked up when she heard Alice's gradual footsteps echoing through the dark, empty corridor. The girl's face showed nothing but nervousness. She slowly walked up to Alice, "Miss Eddie is waiting for you inside."

"Hmm", Alice nodded and walked up to the nearest door. Then, she pushed open the door and saw that the room was dark. She stepped inside the room but she heard the door click. Alice turned around and realized that the door has been locked. She immediately rushed tho the door and yelled at the top of her lungs, "Hey! Open the door!"

She banged her fists against the door but no one answered. She gave up after repeated attempts and leaned against the door. After some time, she sensed a noise. Very soon, the room started being misty with the release of gas. She realized that it might be carbon monoxide or something. She hurriedly removed her shrug and covered her mouth and nose. If she got late, the conference might start. She hurriedly fished her bag and took out her phone, but banged her other fist on the door again.

"Sh*t, the network had to die right now!"

Neither could she contact Amy nor Eddie. Whatever the gas was being released, carbon monoxide or chloroform, it meant no good to her in any way. And in no way, could she hold any longer. She was already feeling dizzy. Maybe, she was destined to die here and now. But she had to fight till her last breathe. She started banging her fists again but they were already quite sore and the additional force made them bleed.

Alice was panting heavily and her eyelids were already drooping. She slid down her body near the door and her butt hit the cold floor.

...

"The time say 9:15", Eddie looked at her wristwatch, "The conference starts in fifteen minutes. But Alice has not arrived yet."

"Nothing to be worried about", Jake comforted her, "She is precise and she is never late. She is not a child. Maybe she got stuck in traffic. Why don't you call her?"

Eddie had a sinking feeling at the pit of her stomach but called Alice. She called but it said the network was busy. As a result, no one picked up. The sinking feeling in her gut, made Eddie worried, "I somehow feel she is in trouble. I don't feel good about this."