Page 44 of Double Edged Hearts
I stare back at him and set the wrench on the work table. I shake my head, and his eyes widen.
“Nothing. I can’t do anything. I’m… I’m not.”
“But Cora, Alex…”
“I’m out if I see her again. Claudius made it clear, and he was right. I’m acting a fool over a woman who doesn’t want me. Eight years, Donny… if we were going to be together, it would have happened already. I need to leave her alone before I do some shit that causes us to lose people we love,” I explain. That’s the reality of the situation that I need to accept.
“But you love her,” Donny states. I shrug.
“It doesn’t matter. It’s her or The Four. I’m choosing The Four.” It’s not like I had the option of her in any event.
“So, that’s it? Alex, something is definitely going on with the feds. That guy Zack was shifty as fuck. I don’t know if he killed their boss, but I’m sure he was involved.”
“We don’t know. That’s the bottom line. We don’t know, and we can’t make any assumptions with a man like Matvey holding threats over our head. Just leave it alone, Donny. It’s over, bro.”
I grab the wrench again and continue working on the bike. He lingers for a few seconds then leaves.
I work for another hour before I head out. There’s one last thing I want to do before I end this.
I need to see Cora, but from afar.
The bridge across from the federal building has a good view of her office. It’s a good spot to watch even though I’m too far away to see her properly.
It’s not the best view to have as my last memory of her, but I’ll take what I can get. Her hair’s down today, just the way I like it. But then I love it however she wears it. The same way I love her.
She glances out the window. I don’t know if she can see me. We’re too far apart to really see each other, but I’m sure from the bike she can tell it’s me. I must look like a stalker. This is it though.
The end.
“Goodbye, Goddess,” I say to the wind and ride away, leaving.
I leave and close the door on the last eight years.
I just hope she’ll be safe.
