The Maid
The Maid
Orely
As I make my way to the worktop to pour myself a glass of the lemon water he is brought to my attention, Teresa approaches me.
"Let me serve you, ma'am."
She is friendly after seeing Octavio, who arrives in the kitchen at the same time. I leave her to it and thank her curtly, pivoting to leave the room. Maybe she noticed the sudden change in my behavior and I don't care! A few minutes later, Leopoldo comes to join me in the living room, informing me that everything is in place and that all the men are mobilized, including Octavio, who has also been suspicious of Teresa's attitude since this morning. She is always distracted and does everything wrong. He tried to inform the other right-hand man, Alvaro, before he left with Santi. But in the rush to leave this morning, Octavio himself forgot to contact Alvaro. We talk in a low voice and I ask what I should do then. He tells me not to do anything, but to remain vigilant in case Teresa decides to take action if she suspects anything.
Yeah, that guy was right. You never know, I had already been abducted twice, and besides, what is she doing now that we're chatting here at the salon. Leopoldo goes and sees what she is up to, when I spot a pistol at the back of his jeans. I am terrified of how this scenario will turn out with this maid.
Without warning, the living room door suddenly swings open, making me jump onto the couch, clutching my empty glass.
×××
Santiago
On hearing Leopoldo's explanation of what Orely had said on the phone, my blood boils because she may be in danger again. I ask the pilot to make sure I get to Italy as quickly as possible. As soon as we touch down on the runway, I climb straight into the armored car that's been waiting for me for a while. I don't hold still for the whole journey, and in a jiffy as we arrive at our destination, I open the door of the house abruptly, seeing Orely on the sofa, eyes wide open, his empty glass in his hands.
My gaze is dark, like a deserted street corner, with no street lamp to light the night. The tension is there, heavy, as if time had stopped waiting for a storm. Just as I turn my head, Leopoldo enters the room, grabbing the spy by the arm, face petrified with wide eyes, incredulous at the turn of events. She had not seen the unmasking coming, and the fear was clearly visible on her features.
Without wasting any time, Alvaro rushed in, ready to help. Still looking like a madman, with determination, he rushes towards Leopoldo, helping him calmly and confidently, aware of the fragility of the situation.
"Take her away from here!" I ordered in a firm voice, my gaze fixed on my two right arms.
I beckoned to them, insisting that I would deal with the matter personally as usual, but not in Orely's presence. They know it would complicate matters and the impact of this dangerous game the maid wanted to play.
Without missing a beat, I turn and run to Orely. She is standing there, looking worried, her eyes full of questions.
"Are you all right?" I ask, my voice softening, filled with genuine concern.
"You made it! You managed to be there.. I was so scared."
"Come here, calm down, I am here now. Don't worry, it is over. I did my best to get home and be with you."
I let out a sigh of relief when she says she is fine and I take her in my arms, pressing her against me, trying to comfort her to calm her down.
×××
A couple of hours later..
The twilight begins to fade. I set off to join my two allies after calming Orely, who was finally able to fall asleep. Restless as a nuclear bomb, I felt the urgent need to understand the servant's intentions. The anguish that had plagued me for hours slowly faded, replaced by a fierce determination. I make my way rapidly through the forest, which, although usually welcoming, now seems darker and more threatening. The rustling of leaves and crackling of branches beneath my feet sound like warnings. I continue on to an abandoned hut where I spot Alvaro waving at me. The outline of the structure, barely visible, is a landmark of secrets and conspiracies, between the tall trees. The door, half hung on its hinges, hints at the darkness inside.
A light breeze kicks up particles of dust, and I stare at the entrance to the cabin in disgust, thinking what role this cleaning lady was playing in my home, especially if Orely had not intercepted her in time, what would have happened? The heavy silence of the forest motivates me even more and finally, taking a deep breath, I push open the door, which opens with a sinister creak. Inside, the darkness seems almost tangible. I can make out the silhouettes of my allies, leaning against a wall, their faces as cold as metal. I approach them, and we form a trio, meeting in a conspiratorial ocular whisper.
I feel a surge of adrenaline as I watch this traitor from a distance. Every beat of my heart represents the blow I would like to strike her, amplifying the tension in the air. This meeting is no accident, it is the result of a carefully orchestrated plan, and I am determined to make her talk. My eyes scrutinize her every move for clues, for signs that might betray her true intentions. I prepare myself for every eventuality, aware that every bit of information counts. Scenarios take shape in my mind, but I stay focused, gathering my thoughts and emotions, ready to uncover my intentions before she can act. The tension is palpable, for she is as cunning as she is dangerous, but I am about to find out.
"Let's get started, little one." I affirm in a slightly louder voice, as I walk towards Teresa, her face as crumpled as a piece of paper ready to be tossed in the garbage can, trembling with fear where only my footsteps echo in the room.