Page 19 of Nemesync
Books make life feel morehuman.
I settled into the car, and my phone rang abruptly.
“Hello, Miss Dellé, I hope you’re feeling better,” came the deep voice on the other end.
Nikolai…
“Mister Moretti. Much better, thank you. It was just a minor accident. Happens to the best of us you know,” I replied, my voice filled with sarcasm.
Laughter echoed through the screen, “I agree, it happens to the best of us.”
“What’s the occasion for this call Nikolai?”
“I need an answer, Zanae.”
Considering my options, I decided to agree.
What did I have to lose?
My father was long gone, and now, it was all about personal gain, about what I wanted to achieve by myself.
“I’m in.”
I could hear the smile in his voice as he responded.
“Ah, love to hear that. Can I be honest? I’ve heard whispers about the young Dellé and her knack for knives. So, if that’s true, I need you for a mission.”
Blades, my favorite companions.
If he knew why I love blades and knives so much, would he still be excited?
“Why me? You’ve got a horde of men at your disposal. They could do a lot with their guns.”
“Let’s just say I need a woman’s touch, and you happen to be the only one privy to our little project,” he replied cryptically.
“Why are you being so mysterious about something I have to do?”
“Share your current location, and I’ll swing by to tell you all about it.”
“I can’t do it right now, Moretti, I’ve got things on my plate. Important kind of things to do,” I replied, keeping my gaze on the road.
Yes, important things, like buying books, Z.
“Okay, then when you finish up what you’re doing, send me the location?”
I nodded.Zanae, he can’t fucking see you.“Hmm, yeah. That works for me; let’s do that.”
“Perfect, and once again, my apologies for Elijah; he’s not exactly the life of the party.”
How surprising. This puzzle of a man wrapped in an enigma lived rent free in my mind. I couldn’t read a single emotion in him, and the challenge of unraveling him both frustrated and fascinated me. “No problem. I’ll let you know where to find me. Bye.”
Arriving at the bookstore, I stepped out, grabbing my bag and headphones. Today is the day—the best day of the month.
I strode into the bookstore, basket in hand, the scent of ink and paper filling my senses. I walked through the shelves touching the spines and appreciating the peace it brought me. The music playing in my headphones added to the whole experience, transporting me in a world of clarity and serenity I craved so much.
Calm. I loved everything about it.
I concluded my purchases and sent my location to Nikolai before heading back outside. That’s when I noticed a motorcycle parked next to my car. It was odd, considering the parking lotwas eerily empty. I removed my headphones and approached slowly.
