Chapter 25
-Jianna-
**2007**
I let James follow me for a couple more days. I let him watch me work. Thinking that I'm none the wiser. That was hard to do. He wasn't very discreet at times.
I was on my way to Madrid when the train stopped over a town in the countryside of Spain. The conductor said that we were going to be there for about 2 hours so I decided to find the closest restaurant and have lunch.
As I walked down the streets of the quaint little town, James seemed to be lagging. I didn't mind though. It gave me a chance to explore on my own. I stumbled upon a small, family-owned restaurant with a bright yellow sign that read *"La Cocina de la Familia"*. It looked like the perfect spot to have a nice, quiet lunch.
I walked in, and the smell of fresh herbs and spices hit me. I could see the kitchen staff busy at work, preparing dishes that made my mouth water. I found a table by the window and took a seat. James sat down a couple of tables behind me and I heard him order and a beer. I could tell he was still watching me closely, but I tried to ignore it. I've gotten used to him at this point.
The waiter brought me a menu and I browsed through it, trying to decide what to order. I settled on a plate of paella and a glass of red wine. James ordered a steak. I was tempted to send him a glass of wine. I hated drinking alone. Unfortunately, it comes with the territory.
As we waited for our food, I couldn't help but glance over at James. He was handsome, in a rugged sort of way. His dark hair was slightly messy, and his stubble gave him a dangerous edge. But I couldn't let myself get distracted by him. I had a job to do, and he was just there. I don't even know why he hasn't killed me yet. It's been two weeks, I don't know what he's waiting for.
Our food arrived, and I dug into my paella. It was delicious, the flavors bursting in my mouth. I savored every bite, enjoying the moment of peace before I had to get back to work. The next couple of days are going to be the last peaceful days I'm going to have in a while. Might as well enjoy it.
When I finished my meal, I asked for the check and asked the server to call in the chef for me. The server bowed and went to the kitchen. He came out a couple of minutes late followed by a big, Spanish man.
*"¿Estuvo todo bien señorita?*" he asked looking worried. He thought that I called him in because I had a complaint. I chuckled.
*"¡Todo fue fantástico! Sólo quería agradecerte por la comida.* The meal was amazing! Thank you!" I beamed at him and he sighed in relief. He gave a hearty laugh.
*"¡Me asustaste por un segundo señorita!*" he laughed.
"I didn't mean to scare you *hermano*! I just wanted to let you know that your food is amazing! *Gracias*!" I stood up and hugged him.
"¡Muchas gracias señorita! Please come back soon." he gave me a huge bear hug back.
I left the restaurant and took the scenic route back to the train station. I have time. I walked down the streets, I couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic. Spain was always one of my favorite places to visit. The sun was shining, and the breeze blew gently through my hair. It was perfect. I never take jobs in Spain. I never want to taint it.
I arrived back at the train station and sat down on a bench, waiting for the train to leave. My phone rang and I picked up. Always on the first ring or else they get suspicious.
"SÌ?" I answered.
"Where are you?" said the voice. I know that voice. It's the last voice I want to hear.
"I'm on a break Papa. I told you this." I said. Of course, he would forget. Or he didn't and just doesn't care. He never does especially if he needs something.
"*Rosso* I need you to come back. I have a job for you." he sounded angry.
"But Papa..." I tried to plead. I'm so tired of this shit.
"NOW *ROSSO*!" and I hear the line click.
I buried my face in my hand and muffled a scream. I'm so done with this life. I want out. I want out now. But the only way out was in a bodybag and I knew it. I stole a glance at James and he looked like he wanted to come and console me. Stay away. I don't deserve to be consoled. But looking at him gave me an idea. And it's the only way I can get out.
I quickly gathered my things and made my way back to the train. Once aboard, I searched for an empty compartment and settled in. I needed to think. Papa's constant demands were suffocating me. I couldn't take it anymore. I needed a way out, and I knew that James was my ticket to freedom. If I execute this right, no one would know what I've done.
**Next stop, Madrid. Próxima parada, Madrid.**
I got off the train and headed straight to the convent which is at the border of Madrid. It's mostly the countryside so I can have my peace there. It's Saturday so I know the kids that the nuns have taken in are going for a field trip in the city to get their essentials for the week. Perfect. Hopefully, I'm not too late and left already.
When I entered the old building, I saw the children being loaded in the van. Right on time.
"*Hola*!" I yelled from the gate.
I see some of the children look my way and their faces light up like the Fourth of July.
"JIANNA'S HERE! JIANNA!!!" they hollered. I love these kids. I was in their place once.
"Are you leaving without me?" I was still yelling as I got closer to them.
Sister Elisabeta came around the corner and looked at me sternly. Mother Superior never likes it when I get loud. I grinned when I saw her shake her head and smile.
"Always getting the children riled up," she said in mock disappointment. She held out her arms to hug me. I always feel so safe here. She hugged me and kissed me on the cheek.
"Welcome home *querida mia*," she said softly. She saw the bruises on my arm and looked at me. She's the only one who knows what I do.
"Go inside and talk to *Padre Oliveros*." she hates when I come home knowing that I just finished a job.
"No Mother Superior. I would like to come with you and the children. Please. I want to do something nice for them." I pleaded. If she's not going to let me go with them, my plan would be useless.
"Very well. But you're speaking with Padre Oliveros when we get back. Understood?" she said. I knew she wouldn't be able to say no.
I rode the van with them and the children were telling me (all at the same time I might add) what they had been up to and that made me forget about all the things I've done and am about to do.
It was a 45-minute drive from the convent to the city center where they usually shop. We parked the van and the kids got off one by one. I knew James was setting up something on the rooftop. I saw him go in the adjacent building and unless he's a lawyer or a real estate agent, he's there for their roof access.
I knew he was ordered to eliminate me today according to the bug I planted in his backpack when I did recon in his room in Berlin.
I took the kids shopping and had them buy whatever they wanted, with Sister Elisabeta's permission of course.
When we entered the last shop, I was getting impatient about when James was going to pull the trigger. I waited in shop after shop after shop. I even lingered by the windows so he can get a clear shot. Nothing. I told Sister Elisabeta that I had business in the city and would follow them back shortly. She furrowed her brows and was about to say something but stopped herself.
"Children, say goodbye to Jianna. She'll meet us back at the church," she said ushering the children back to the van. I was saying goodbye to the children when one of the youngest ones came up to me and showed me something. She wouldn't stop talking.
"Not right now James." I thought. "Let them leave."
I knelt and hugged her. "I'll see you later *niñita*." she outstretched her tiny arms again for another hug and of course, I can't say no.
I watched them leave and put in the earpiece for James' bug. I heard him arguing with other men about not being able to pull the trigger. "Dammit James. You get a conscience now?" I heard one of the men telling him that he has an hour to run until he gets chased down.
I waited until I knew he was out of the building and I made sure he saw me go in the alleyway. I knew he was not too far behind.
Let's go, James. Let's do this.