I shake my head and follow Mina inside the flat, prepared to apologise and pay my neighbours hush money for the transgression. Except there’s no one to pay. The flat is empty.
Light switches on and both Mina and I yelp as we flatten ourselves to the floor. I keep my eyelids shut, ready to get the beating I fucking deserve, yet no footsteps follow our entrance.
“What the fuck,” I hear Mina say as I right myself. I follow her gaze to the electricity plug down the wall of the living area.
“What is that?” I ask.
“It looks like an automatic light switch.”
My shoulders drop as realisation dawns on me. “Get the other flats open.”
Mina’s smile is downright wicked as she stomps to the the other flat, across from the one we just entered.
Darkness welcomes us as we enter but the light doesn’t switch on this time. Yet, we find the same tool, plugged to the wall. As we do in the other flat on that floor, the one across from mine on the second floor and all three on the first level.
My hands tremble when we make our way into my flat and sit down at the table in silence.
The entire building has been emptied. I doubt Dante had anything to do with it. Actually, I know he didn’t. Just in case, I text him and outright ask. He answers negatively, and I spiral.
It’s one thing to come into my home, take care of me in his weird little way, threaten whoever wants to harm me, and a completely different one to un-house an entire block of flats.
I feel Mina’s gaze on the side of my face. If I look, I’ll see concern. I’m starting to feel it for myself too. This has gone too far. Fear threatens to drown me but I’m stuck, seated at my table with my books open, the words blurring in front of my eyes.
“Have your panties disappear or any weird shit like that?” Mina asks.
“No.”
Though, the thought is far from disgusting. I imagine him stealing the underwear and jerking himself off with them. Gosh, that’s fucked up. But no less fucked up than letting him finger me into oblivion knowing he’s dangerous, obsessed and maybe worse.
“Maybe I need a break,” I admit, both aroused and unsettled by my overactive imagination and the memories. After all he did, this transgression seems like more. Yet, the fear isn’t enough to override the side of my brain that finds excuses for him.
“My family owns a little cabin next to Loch Lomond. Why don’t we go this weekend? Study there, get out of our routine. I think if I’m with you, he won’t come close.”
“Mina?”
“Yes?”
“Are you from the mafia?”
There’s too many things happening all at once today and an overwhelming urge to flee and leave it all behind takes over. I already know what she will say and tears prickle the back of my eyes. She sighs and I blink them shut, willing myself not to cry.
Of course the only friend I make is from the mafia. There’s no escaping your upbringing or Cosa Nostra.
“Which one is it?”
“Which what?” she asks, her voice defeated.
“Which faction?”
“Lucie.”
“Don’t lie to me,” I scream and immediately regret it. I finally face her. Her features hold a heaviness I recognise. I see the same one in the mirror most days. “Please. Tell me. No more lies.”
“I’ve never lied to you.”
“Lying by omission is still lying,” I retort.
“You’re not the only one trying to escape your fate, Loulou. I promise it’s not about you. I’m not from any mafia family you know. And I didn’t know who you were until after we started being friends, I promise you that.”
