Chapter 35: A Sound
Orely
I settled down at the kitchen table with a few magazines for a change of scene. It is almost ten o'clock and the weather is fine, with the birds singing happily. I head for the coffee machine to brew myself a cup before finally getting carried away with my reading and research. Sitting with my steaming mug, the pages filled with bright magazine images are already scattered across the table. I am looking for cream jars with innovative designs for my creations, and I can tell you that I am spoiled for choice, each one more appealing than the last.
My mind is overflowing with energy and ideas, analyzing and taking notes for my new fragrance collection, and without realizing it, the hours are flying by at breakneck speed. By the time I take a sip of my coffee, it is already cold, which brings me out of my concentration as I imagine the colors and textures that will go so well together.
"Damn! There is nothing more disappointing than swallowing a coffee like that!"
I am going to prepare myself a new cup while taking a quick glance at my tulips through the window, when suddenly, I hear a strange noise, like a branch cracking underfoot, interrupting my urge to go make some coffee. Intrigued, I stop and walk slowly towards the window, leaving my mug on the table.
"My God, not again of what I am thinking!" I murmured, my heart beating a little faster.
My garden, which I love and which is usually peaceful, makes me feel a mysterious presence. Who could it be? Please let it be my mother, who went to the market this morning. I squinted my eyes, trying to make out where the noise was coming from. The bees dance around the flowers and the leaves of the trees in the pleasant little breeze. Then, with a furtive movement, something attracts my attention. I see men in black, hiding in the weeds.
No! Not that! That is what I was afraid of, another kidnapping attempt!" I whispered, my hands trembling.
Without losing any time, I sneak out the back door and hide in my workshop. Luckily, no one has seen me and I run as fast as I can. I grab the little key I usually leave in the flowerpot by the stairs. Panic-stricken, I take refuge in the corner of a wall near the sofas and pull out my phone to text my mother that the house is surrounded by armed men, not to go home just yet, at least for the time being.
I can tell you that I am terrified and don't know what to do, so I stare at the floor. The idea of calling Santiago comes to mind and just as I am about to do so, I hear a slight creak from the door followed by footsteps. My heart drums in my chest and I feel a hand patting my shoulder. It is Santiago. Ah, what a relief, but how did he know I was in danger? This is the third time he has come to save me.
"Why don't you tell me the reason once and for all!" I shout as he starts the car.
"Okay, first of all, calm down because I am driving. You don't want us to end up in a ravine. You think I like playing hide-and-seek with you? "
I say nothing and only tears come to my eyes. Why do they want to kill me?
"It is better that I disappear." I declared without thinking.
All of a sudden he stops the car and unbuckles his seatbelt.
"Don't talk nonsense, you are letting yourself be carried away by anger and fear." He says in a soft voice as he cuts the engine.
"Why are they so keen to get rid of me?" I sniffle, like a child crying his eyes out.
"For that, I will make sure we find out together, all right? Don't cry, as long as I am here, you have nothing to fear. I will give you my word."
Out of the blue, his phone rings and he picks it up to answer it. His tone is firm and the conversation brief. He lets me know that my mother is home and in good hands with the men protecting her. I breathe a sigh of relief that she is out of danger. But I am still annoyed by everything that happens to me, but I keep quiet. Santiago does not say anything either, just buckles up and starts the car.
After more than an hour's drive, we find ourselves in front of a large building in a remote part of town. As we enter, we are greeted by a huge, sober and enveloping entrance hall. You instantly feel the warmth at the heart of simplicity. The apartment he told me about earlier is not as small as it looks, and just as luxurious. I must say, Mr. Hero has good taste. I would say the space is both elegant and comfortable, measuring around one hundred and twenty square meters. The white-painted walls feature a number of contemporary works of art, creating a chic, refined atmosphere.
As it is almost late afternoon, outside light from the large bay windows illuminates the living room, which is furnished with velvet sofas and a glass coffee table. For a touch of elegance and comfort, there is nothing nicer than a soft, plush rug. The silver carpet brings a modern touch to this living space.
"Would you like something to drink?" asks Santiago, snapping me out of my reflections.
"Some fresh water."
He takes off his jacket, places his keys and sunglasses on the table, and heads towards the fridge. Even though I am angry, I can't help but admire this handsome man, a dream body that makes me lose all my self-control.
"Take it easy and make yourself comfortable. This is our place. When we are calmer, we will talk again. For now, I will make a call so that we can get something to eat. How about some pizza?” He asks, handing me a glass of water.