Page 8 of Encircled in Darkness
There was no explanation and with the torn-up contract sitting next to the check, I had to wonder... was I finally free of Victor or was this another game by a powerful man to destroy me? And how did he already have this when even I hadn’t known my contract would be renegotiated tonight?
Who the hell was James?
Chapter 3
Amaya
Life had never beeneasy for Natalia and me, but she was always the one to see the bright side of any situation. I was more of a realist, understanding that people would use you for what they needed and rarely stuck around once they got what they wanted. Having learned that hard lesson after being used a few times, I chose truth in the darkness, over the artificial light. I wasn’t sure if James was too good to be true and holding the check in my hand made him appear that way.
I worried he would be worse than Victor until he sent me an email, reminding me to deposit the check into my account two days after he left me alone and confused at my doorstep. There was no more to the message and I stared at the computer half the day, trying to get the nerve up to respond. After sending an okay in return,lame and evasive, I drove my junker to the bank and cashed the check.
Using the money wisely, I paid four months forward on Natalia, managed to get my landlord to agree to a reduction in rent if I paid six months in advance, and stocked my cabinets with all the delicious foods I had deprived myself of since Natalia’s attack. There was money left over to put away for a rainy day, and hopefully I could maintain myself until Victor returned.
I worried who James was that he already knew my cell number and researched the name on the check. James Flannery, I learned, was a computer guru who could probably find out anything he wanted, anywhere, anytime.
I read articles about how he had sold his software to the government for a hefty payday almost two years ago and soon realized he could buy and sell Victor with his eyes closed. They mentioned his business partner, Devlin Callahan, and something about that name scratched at a memory in the back of my head. Shaking off the name association with the Flats ‘bogeyman’, I read everything I could about him, hoping to understand what made him tick.
There was no mention of a social life anywhere, but that meant nothing. I had no real social life, and the parties I went to wouldn’t be spoken about.Ever. Besides, with his reported skills, he could erase any evidence of himself with little effort, I assumed.
It was going on the start of the third week since James had handed me that check and a torn-up contract, essentially freeing me from the responsibilities I’d been carrying. I hadn’t received any further communication from him or instructions on when and where to meet him. I was growing antsy, worried that his demands would be too much, and I would have to give back the money I had already spent.
I got a job as a waitress at a local tavern, hoping to put extra money away so maybe one day, I could support Natalia without selling my soul. The owner, Hayden, was extremely nice to me and the bartender, Allie, promised to show me the ropes. I explained about my sister and the occasional out-of-town business I attended a few times a month. He promised to work with my schedule, and I quickly ducked behind the counter to learn how to serve drinks.
Falcon’s Tavern wasn’t anything special, and the customers were from every walk of life. From frat boys, to constructions workers, to a quiet group of businessmen, the tavern seemed to cater to everyone. I worked hard, hustling drinks and pocketing tips as the patrons ebbed and flowed into the tavern. Hayden started me on the early afternoon shift and by the following week, he moved me to evenings and weekends, promising better tips.
It was my second Saturday night shift and the place was packed with happy patrons, all in a good mood from the afternoon’s festivities. There was some kind of fair and food event at the lake that seemed to make everyone collectively thirsty. I was busier than I had ever been, and it felt good to be useful, working for my own money.
Natalia wouldn’t let me work after we moved out, insisting that one of us needed a good education. Shoving another five-dollar bill into my apron as I cleared the glasses and stacked them on my tray, I vowed I would continue my education, even if it was one class online at a time.
Sidestepping the people filling the empty booth, I asked. “What can I get you?”
“Two pitchers of Falcon’s Ale.” The man replied as he slid into the booth, his eyes running up my legs, stopping at my short shorts.
“Coming right up.” I cheerfully replied and carefully carried the tray of dirty dishes to the sidebar.
“Two pitchers of Falcon’s Ale and two glasses.” I said to Allie as Hayden took the dirty glasses with a smile and walked into the kitchen.
