Page 21 of Giovanni the Savage

He composes himself and tucks the napkin in his pocket. “See you some other time.”

I nod and walk away, feeling at least three pairs of eyes on my back.

My boss must have been heaven-sent because she was nowhere to be found when I walked to where she was standing.

I take the opportunity to sneak into the break room.

Thoughts of the footsteps I had heard that night flood my memory as I shut the door behind me. The second I do, my eyes start watering, and the emotions I have tried to keep down resurface. I’m clutching my chest like it’ll help to stop my heavy breaths, and I can feel my legs giving out.

I haven’t gotten another letter since the last one, and I’ve also not felt like I was being followed since then, even though I’ve been on the lookout.

So, why now?

Why are they coming now that it finally feels like everything has been settled? But then again, that’s their motive; they strike when I drop my guard. My chest still feels heavy, and my hands are shaking violently.

Who were those men, and what was their plan? I’m trying not to freak out, and thankfully, I’ll soon be done with work.

The men looked so suspicious, not at first glance, though, and I’m aware giving me the napkin to put my number on was a warning.

“Oh, God,” I whisper as my mouth shakes while clutching my head. I can feel a headache forming, and I don’t have my pills to deal with that right now.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!” I scream while thrashing.

Why does it fucking have to be me?

Dumb question. But one my father could answer, except that he’s six feet deep.

My phone rings in my pocket, reminding me to stop feeling sorry for myself, and I look at the caller ID to see that it’s my brother.

Just as a smile is about to stretch on my face from getting a call from my brother, dread replaces the happiness I usually feel.

I’m too nervous to pick up the call; my hands are sweaty as I slide on the screen.

I clear my throat and summon every ounce of normalcy I can muster before speaking.

“Hey, Lucas,” I greet chirpily, knowing he’ll still figure out something is wrong.

He’s silent for a while. I think the call has ended before I hear heavy breathing from the speakers. Instantly, bile rises to my throat, but I still try to keep calm.

“Lucas?” I call.

“Luna,” he breathes with a cracked voice. “Please, come and …”

Fuck me!

“Lucas, what’s wrong? Say something!” I yell, feeling very panicked.

“Lu … please come, please.”

I can barely hear him from his labored breathing, but I’m still so clueless it’s making me frustrated.

“Lucas,” I call as calmly as possible, hoping to calm him down, too. “Where are you?”

His cries are still ringing in my ears, and I rip off my apron, toss it on a table, and grab my purse. I don’t think about my paycheck when I slip through the emergency exit into the dark alley.

“Where are you, Lucas?” I yell, walking blindly.

The cold is nipping at my bare hands, but it’s nothing compared to the hollow feeling in my chest.

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