Part Three

Sam cradled the steaming grey mug between the palms of his hands. His head was bent forward letting his eyes disappear behind his shabby fringe. It was on purpose, he was hiding something and he still wanted to keep me in the dark. The men on our sofa sat silently still, I wondered whether they had fallen asleep behind their sunnies. The one on the left scratched his neck making me realize I was staring at them. I quickly moved my gaze back to Sam. He was staring right at me. His face much calmer, but his eyes still emotionally heavy. All of a sudden I felt like I didn't want to know. The burden of knowing seemed too much for even him to bear, how could I cope knowing. No, I didn't want to know. I tried to open my mouth and tell him not to worry and that I didn't need to know. I tried again, but although my brain processed the words, my mouth was clenched shut. My heart was pounding in my throat and I could feel my brain throb with blood.

"Vanessa," his voice was steady but laced with uncertainty. He never used my full name in that tone. He never used my full name full stop. My fingers gripped the sides of my arm tighter, I could feel the full weight of the news before he had even told me. "Vanessa, I'm so sorry." He put down his mug and made his way towards me. I couldn't bare it anymore, I just wanted him to stop. I didn't need to know, but I stood still and mute. His hands were cold as he untightened my grip on myself. "Nessa," his eyes bore into my own and I braced myself for what was coming, "Yani is dead."

Elsewhere, a hooded figure approached a faded blue door. The wood was battered, but held strong when the figure knocked twice. Shuffling could be heard on the other side. That was a good sign, the figure's lips curled into sinister smile. It was time. Stepping back and in one smooth maneouver, the door crashed in under the figure's highly trained kick. The man on the inside was barely dressed. He stood still unable to move. The figure walked in, confident and barely making a sound. Once inside, and in sufficient lighting. The figure let the hood fall and brought her arms up to sweep the hair from her face. Dark brown curls danced from the top of her head framing her large hazel eyes. She smiled. Her lips a supple pink parted to reveal a set of pearly teeth.

Moments passed before She sighed and and shook her head, a small sinister giggle escaping as she did so. "Oh Ben, I finally found you," her voice dripped with honey as she spoke.

"... No.. No, it can't be..." Ben's voice fought its way through the room, barely.