Page 40 of Baratta's Darkness

“Gotcha boss”

I start looking for my keys but my next client comes in distracting me with work, the missing keys slipping right out of my mind.

Just when I finish up my third tattoo of the night, a loud banging sound hits the ceiling above us. We all stop what we’re doing and look up. There are more bangs and thumps, it sounds like an elephant is charging through my apartment, followed by a few moments of silence, before my brain kicks in.

“Baratta!” I yell as I run for the back door. As soon as it slams open I see a red truck fishtailing its way out of the back parking lot. I quickly take note of the make and model before running back upstairs.

My door is wide open with my keychain dangling from the lock. Pulling my gun while I enter, I can hear Bleu whining but I don’t go to him. Slowly walking through each room, it looks like a tornado hit inside, art torn off the walls, furniture flipped over and my stalker pictures tossed everywhere.

My bed, where I left Baratta sleeping, is empty. Bleu is locked in my closet. Weirdly. My bathroom looks untouched. That’s where I’m standing when Lily takes my hand, leading me back down to the shop.

“Everyone out!” She calls before we are even inside the door.

“But my Tattoo isn’t complete.” One Customer whines.

“Make an appointment to come back.”

“I don’t want to come back.”

There is no time for this bullshit; I grab the guy by his collar. “You will leave, you will call for an appointment and we won’t charge you anything for the work. If you don’t like it, I will call my brother. You know who he is; now get out of my shop!”

Mad Dog/Clint/ Harold

I was standing outside my girlfriend’s tattoo parlor when she opened. Nobody sees me, I’m invisible. Ghost has been hiding in her apartment up stairs. I wonder if she knows he’s there.

I bet he’s hiding there to try and catch me. “Run, Run as fast you can. You can’t catch the gingerbread man or the Mad Dog.” I laugh to myself.

I’ve been sending her pictures, hoping and praying she sees them. I want her to know I’m watching. I’ll save her from him. That yappy dog is annoying her. Maybe I’ll follow that chick home and take care of it for her.

Knowing my girl won’t go anywhere until the shop closes, I start to walk away when I see Lily drop my Fiona’s keys on the counter.

My heart starts beating rapidly; I can feel it pounding out of my chest. I know now is my chance. No one even notices me walking in the front door, then out again. I look down at the keys in my hand, saying a prayer of thanks.

I run down the street to get my truck, knowing that getting into the apartment will be the easy part but I need my truck to get him away from my love.

Pulling into the parking lot behind her building, I grab my bag from under the seat. It should have everything I need.

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