Page 113 of Dreadful
Focus.
I try to do just that, and I watch through the glass as one of my greatest enemies sits in front of the man I might’ve accidentally fallen for.
The judge grunts as he settles into the chair. He’s scowling underneath his gray mustache, and he stares at Sever’s reflection in the mirror, watching his movements as he sets aside his cane and grabs a rolling knee walker from the side of the room.
Sever seemingly ignores him as he travels around with his injured leg resting on the walker’s black cushion. He sharpens his razor on a strap of leather before laying both down. Then he sets out the shaving cream and grabs a white apron.
The judge sits up in the chair and glances out the window. “Ah, there he is. Your cousin is right outside, boy. No funny business, right?”
Orazio is indeed right outside the door, albeit he’s not facing the window and he’s on the phone. I don’t know what Sever has planned with that traitor around, but if he leaves Orazio in the room alone with me, he might be down one more shitty family member.
Sever sighs as if he can’t be bothered. “Of course, judge. No ‘funny business.’ My uncle has me on a tight leash…remember?”
The judge grunts and seems to relax at the reminder. “The important thing is thatyouremember.”
“How could I forget? My poor mother is under Claudio’s spell. I’d never do anything to hurt someone who’s innocent in our world.”
“Hmm. You never did apologize for your outburst, though,” the judge points out.
“I meant to talk to you before the musical last night, but my mother was a little protective over both of us, it seems. She doesn’t like conflict.”
“She’s smart for preventing you from making another scene. Your uncle always said you were a slave to your emotions,” the judge grumbles and leans his head back so Sever can drape the white cloth apron over his chest. “It’s a good thing he took the reins after your father died.”
Sever’s jaw tics, but it’s the only sign that the judge’s observation irked him.
“You might be right about that. It seems that Claudio knows best these days.”
“Mhm. He proposed taking us to the winery for the holidays. The hills are supposed to be beautiful with the snow on them.”
“It is, as I recall. I haven’t been there in years, though. Something about my father dying after drinking my uncle’s wine made me not want to go back to the place.”
The judge’s eyebrows furrow up at the ceiling as Sever sharpens his blade against the leather again.
“Shame. Coincidences happen, though. Your mother wouldn’t have married Claudio if she thought something was amiss.”
Sever scoots the knee walker over to the towel warmer in the corner of the room. He removes a thick white hand towel and rides back over to the judge.
“In any case, thank you for coming and letting me make up for my behavior.”
“Icamebecause Orazio said he’d give me a cut and shave on the house. I didn’t realize the two of you would do a bait and switch. No matter, though, I’m due for a good shave, so I might as well hear you out while you give me one.”
“So gracious of you. Here, this will be warm.” Sever drapes the towel over the man’s face, and the steam rises to the ceiling.
“Mmm, this has always been my favorite part of a good shave.”
Sever smirks in the mirror. “Mine too.”
His eyes cut in my direction, and he nods. I know he can’t see through the one-way mirror, but he knows I’m here. My heart leaps in my chest, and I quietly push the metal elevator gate aside. I cringe at the squeaky sound, but as soon as it’s open, I push through the door that separates the elevator from the barbershop and enter the room.
“What’s that? I thought you said we’d be in private, Severino.”
“We are, sir. It’s this old building. It clanks and clambers when you least expect it. Some people think it’s part of the charm, but I swear there’s a ghost here half the time.”
“Nonsense. Silly superstitions.”
“So silly of me.” Sever glares at him through the steamed towel before he juts his chin at the razor lying on top of a towel. His expression is intense, but excitement lights his eyes. I imagine mine look the same. I go to grab the razor, but Sever clears his throat and I glance back. He narrows his eyes at the towel with more dramatic emphasis this time. I frown at him as I pick up the towel, hoping this is what he wants.
Underneath the cloth is the knife mynonnigave me. Gratitude flutters in my chest as I grip the pearl-white handle, and I mouth, “Thank you.” He smiles back at me and nods again, this time indicating for me to come to him. He keeps the towel over the judge’s face and shifts so that I can get beside him and behind the judge.
