It’s Damiano.
I glare at the screen, letting it ring. Jerk face. Fuck him and his overbearing ways. There was a burglary, and I’ll admit, I was a little freaked out afterward. But that’s why I had an alarm system installed before I went to Mirarosa, and—that reminds me. I should set the alarm.
My phone stops ringing, then immediately begins again.
I stick my tongue out at it and get up to set the house alarm.
DAMIANO
I fucked up. Madison requests space, but if I give it to her, it puts her at risk.
If I don’t give it to her, she is angry. Understandably, I suppose.
“Please call me back, Madison,” I say into the phone. “I am uneasy about you being without protection.”
I set my phone on the couch next to me and wait. I want to try calling a third time, a fourth time. This is the opposite of giving her space. But shouldn’t safety win out over comfort and privacy? I believe it should. I have seen what happens when safety falls behind other concerns.
She doesn’t return my call. I text her, because maybe she’ll at least see my message, even if she’s refusing to talk to me.
Please. I believe you are in danger. If Nove cannot protect you, call Ironwood.
I expect her to shoot back questions about why I think she’s in danger. The truth is, I don’t know. It’s a feeling, I suppose. Or perhaps I have come to care for her so much, I refuse to take any risks with her safety.
Fine.
That’s all she sends back.
I frown at my phone. Fine? It’s better than nothing, but all the same, I would appreciate more of a dialogue.
You will call them tonight? I write.
Yes.
Please let me know when you’ve done it.
Space, Damiano.
I wait for a clarifying message, before realizing that is the clarification. She is through with her communications, and now I must be patient.
I am not a patient person.
MADISON
I’m surprised to get through to Ironwood. It’s almost nine o’clock at night. I would’ve expected their offices to be closed. And yet a friendly receptionist named Marlon takes down my information.
“I’m afraid we won’t be able to have a team start until Tuesday,” Marlon says. “Our extras are on a temporary detail. How long do you expect to require security services?”
“I wish I knew.” I sigh. “Maybe a few days? Just to calm down a few worries. It probably isn’t necessary at all, but I promised my friend I would set this up.”
“Well, since we can’t get someone out there tonight, I could recommend Nove International Operations. They usually contract overseas work, but if they have spare bodyguards?—”
“Thank you, I’m familiar with Nove.” I laugh to myself. “Tuesday will be fine.”
Marlon pauses. “It appears we already have you in our system. Did you recently set up an in-home security system with us?”
“I did.”
“Okay, great. I’ll add this request to your account.”
