Page 5 of Little Sparrow

They stand too, and I grab the bag on my father's oversized desk before I stroll out the door. My friends follow, handles of the fabric rough in my hand. We will be taking my black Alfa Romeo with us, it’s my favourite of my cars, and I don’t use it often, even though Gabriele will be driving while I contact our connection at the docks. Antonio grabs the keys to his other car so he will be in front of us. My father usually sends Giovanni to drive behind, so when I see him following, I don’t question him.

The drop went smoothly, as I had expected. Quick and easy. I’m getting impatient and plan to speak to the hacker tonight. My father is being too vague, the information too valuable to tell his own son. I clench my fists while Gabriele smoothly drives around a bend, I’m frustrated being stuck in the dark with this, I’m supposed to be next in line and even I don’t know anything. Maybe that bastard Franco is getting his own way.

“What’s on your mind?” He asks from the driver's seat, I blink and realise we are almost home, the tall iron fence surrounding our estate coming into view. I unclench my fists and wipe them on my chinos. I can’t tell him about my plan with the weapon. Out of loyalty he will have to tell my father or he will be at risk of harm if I was ever found out, but he knows something is on my mind, so I need to tell him something less important than the family business.

“There’s a girl I met, we spoke once, but speaking to someone who isn't in our world is refreshing. I’ve just been thinking about her,” I admit with a shrug. I'm technically not lying about what is on my mind, so I don’t feel any guilt.

“A girl? Would I know her?” He slows as we approach the gate, it’s already open from Antonio going through, my leg bounces in my seat.

“No, I doubt it.” I bite the inside of my cheek when he takes a quick peek at me, I really hope he can’t read me that well. I have to force my knee to stop bouncing from the nerves of him finding out more.

“You want her?” He asks as we drive down the long driveway that’s lined with trees up to the house. It’s not that I want her, but I liked speaking to her as a person, a friend I guess.

“She’s an innocent—a cute little blonde. I know I need to leave her alone. It’s just an attraction, and I’m sure it will pass.” My head drops back to my seat. If he tells my father, it doesn’t matter, she won’t have a name, and she won’t have a location. But I trust him with my life.

“Oh, your father definitely won’t approve of even a friendship with her. She could get hurt.” It’s not a question, and he knows how it is here. Eventually, I’ll marry, and some princess will be having my children. Unless my mother can figure something out, but still, I can’t put Rose in that danger.

“Of course he won’t,” I scoff, “She hasn’t grown up in our world, doesn’t know violence. She doesn’t even know who I really am.” I don’t move from the seat when Gabriele stops in front of the garage, Antonio has already pulled in and leans against his car door.

“How is that possible? Everyone knows you?” He looks at me with narrowed eyes, I take too long to answer, but eventually, I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.

“I gave her a fake name, don’t tell a soul about this, not even Antonio. She won’t be around for long. I think it’s just refreshing for someone not to know who I am.” I do trust them equally, but the fewer people who know, the better.

Gabriele looks between each of my eyes, then nods. “I won’t say a word. But you should end this friendship and it’s probably best you don’t fuck her. Girls can get clingy. You don’t need that shit.” I believe he will be loyal. He’s like a brother to me; I’ve known him longer than Antonio.

I open the car door, and we both face each other over the car roof, “Don’t worry, I won’t touch her.” I force a laugh, even though I don't believe those words. I don’t care about one-night stands, I won’t let her become one of those, there is more to her. I want to get to know her. Understand who she is, besides; she might only be part of my imagination, an escape in my mind from fucked up situation. That seems more plausible if I’m honest with myself.

Gabriele’s hand slaps against my back, “Don’t worry brother, it’s all safe with me.”

Chapter four

Rose

London, United Kingdom

Afterthetwohundredthphone call, the echoes of the rings from trying to reach my dad stay in my ears. I tried getting hold of him for over three hours and still nothing, not a single word. He hasn’t done long shifts like this in a long time, not since I got a job. Why is he avoiding me?

My whole life is changing and my dad has answers, but he runs. But what is he running from? I need to confront him, he knows this. It’s probably why he isn’t coming home on time, or even leaves when I’m awake. It’s eight-thirty right now, I’m obsessively watching the clock and trying not to bite my nails.

I’m half tempted to call his work or the police as I pace our living room,deep breaths,I tell myself.He’s fine. I repeat the words like a mantra. I don’t feel anything wrong in my gut, but I also have a lot on my mind.

Finally my phone buzzes in my hand. I sigh in defeat when I read it.

Dad: Hi sweetie, running late. Need to go to a meeting and won’t be home until late. Don’t wait up!

I flop down on our sofa, my head in my hands. He is avoiding speaking to me, is there something wrong with me? Do I need some sort of special doctor? A therapist? No, I’m fine.

My phone vibrates again, a phone call. I check the caller ID, it’s Jenny, a smile tugs at my lips, just what I need; a friend to speak to. I tap the green button and raise it to my ear, but pull it away a few inches at the noise.

“Hey babe, what are you doing?” She shouts down the line before I say anything, there's loud music in the background and naturally I raise my voice so she can hear me too.

“Just at home, alone,” I casually mention, hopeful for some company. I chew on my lower lip while I wait for her to speak. The tick of the clock is getting on my nerves, I have to turn away and hope that if it's out of sight, it’s out of mind.

“Come here! Tom’s having a party and we’re both invited!” She speaks louder with every word.Who’s Tom? My gaze flicks around to the clock again, I smile, plenty of time. If my dad can’t be here to speak to me, then why should I follow his rules. It’s just one night anyway.

“Dress code?” I ask while rushing to my room, opening my wardrobe to flick through all my clothes.

“Whatever the hell you want!” She yells and laughs, “But, I love that baby pink dress on you, the mini one you keep hidden, wear that. I’ll text you the address.” She hangs up and yank the dress off the hanger. Finally I can go out and wear what I want, my dad can’t stop me.

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