by Rimmy London
“Straighten out, straighten out,” I murmured, finally feeling a satisfying acceleration as we adopted our direct route again. Locking the accelerator in place, Givanni spun around and dropped onto the deck. He caught the two rifles Enrica heaved at him. Setting them on the floor, he reached for mine and loaded it in one swift move. He handed it back without looking up. Risking a glance at our pursuers, I ducked down when they fired again, the side of our boat splintering. Wondering frantically if Enrica or Givanni planned on giving any type of orders I stared back at their faces, surprised at how they both seemed oblivious to the bullet holes our boat had just sustained.
And then their heads suddenly came up in unison, turning together. Swiveling around, I faced front with them. The wind blew the hair out of my face in time to see boats along the horizon - the other horizon. My heart sunk. Where had they come from? I looked helplessly at Givanni, who was squinting ahead, his eyes darting left and right. Jumping to his feet, he abandoned the weapons and took the boat into his control again. Enrica was still frozen, perched with a gun in each hand.
Palm trees bowed and whipped as a helicopter rose from the trees of the growing coastline, looking very much like a military weapon it streaked forward and kept pace with the oncoming wall of boats. At the sight, Enrica threw her guns down. Her hair hung over them and she crouched forward with both hands on the deck. I lowered my gun to the floor, contemplating if it would be better to just jump into the ocean. I wasn’t about to be captured again. Sure, it was still possible we could escape, but when I looked to Givanni his eyes were empty of anything encouraging. He slowed the boat until we were almost stopped. The ocean lifted us with a lazy swell. These new boats didn’t slow. In the time it took me to count their ten boats we suddenly lurched forward again, racing to meet them. I wasn’t sure it was the smartest idea to face the helicopter first.
“Givanni!” I yelled, my panicked voice not carrying an inch. Enrica had looked up with confusion lining her grim face. Even the boats behind us seemed confused as they pursued with less vigor. I waited for Givanni to slow, maybe turn the boat and take up a rifle. The idea that he was going to ram them popped into my head before I could stop it and my heart raced as we jetted forward. As much as I wanted to find something secure to hold on to, I was paralyzed. We were so close. There were only seconds left. I copied Enrica and lifted the rifle to my shoulder.
There was a concussion of air as we flew past the first boat - and then the second. And still, no one fired. I flinched when Enrica touched my shoulder. She cautiously pulled the rifle from my hands, and I shook my head at her relaxed face. What was going on? I fought our momentum to make my way to Givanni. Still, we weaved through the oncoming boats - through their formation. Finally, we spun around so that we were aligned with them and came to a stop. I reached for Givanni’s arm and meant to ask so many questions, but they never came. Nothing was making sense. The men surrounding us were smiling, with Givanni himself grinning like a kid.
The thrumming beat of the helicopter had me covering both ears as it flew directly above us. The nose dipped down with a gun as long as our boat extending out in front of it. A rocket whistled forward and erupted in the water. The closest oncoming boat lifted into the air and capsized, with its cargo flung in all directions. Yells and gunfire sounded as it landed belly up with a loud crunch. I flinched at the gunfire, looking directly into their barrels. But they fell short, a gulf kept wide by the chopper as it hovered out of their reach. With another high-pitched whistle, two more of their boats were overturned.
The remainder of their suddenly small army pulled men out of the water and retreated with gunshots blasting continuously. Firing off another two shots, the helicopter turned over three more boats before it finally dipped and spun around. Shouts and hands lifted into the air, and I looked up to see Senic and Falen practically dangling from the open door with grins stretched across their faces - the pilot bearing a strong resemblance to Max.
Hardly daring to believe it I scanned the surrounding boats but didn’t recognize a solitary face. I felt a smile play at the corner of my mouth - were we actually free? Givanni turned away from the voices that greeted him in dozens. His face was calm and focused, his eyes taking in my face like it was the air in his lungs. I meant to smile, but mostly I just breathed. Inhale. He brushed his hand across my cheek. Exhale. He sighed and glanced around at our small audience,
“I owe you…” he huffed. “Well, the apology of a lifetime I think.” His hand lingered on my skin and I felt some color return to my numb features. “I don’t expect you to forgive me.” I meant to shake my head, but it stayed glued forward. “This isn’t the time, I know,” his laugh was more like a chortle - forced and tight. “We are all in shock. Please believe I was just…” He rubbed a hand across his face. “I’ve never let anyone in like you. Well, not even you - but if I were to…” his breath escaped like he’d been punched, and he gave up whatever explanation was so difficult. “I was trying to protect you.” His lips pressed my cheek with both hands partially tangled in my hair. My head was still too foggy to be surprised. “Please believe that.”
“Givanni!” Falen’s voice was as strong and obtrusive as he was. He landed on deck with a thump. Givanni squeezed my hands and stood to meet him halfway. His words were fluttering inside me, but I couldn’t make sense of them. I watched him talking to Fallen. He looked calm and competent - in charge. Whatever he had said to me seconds earlier was locked away somewhere inside. The boats around us had turned and headed to shore. People were grouped together. They were all ready for whatever came next. I rubbed my hands along my legs, reviving them and trying my best to lock away the shock. It was then that I noticed Enrica watching me. For once there was no frustration or belittling in her expression - only calm.
“It gets easier,” she said. “The shock. Eventually, you are used to glimpsing death. You adapt. You have to.” Her attempt at comfort was so uncustomary that I could only stare back, my mouth slightly open. “I am sorry to have treated you the way I did,” Her voice stumbled on the apology, but she continued. “I only wanted a way out despite the risks to you or anyone. I used you. I have adapted to that as well. To using people. I won’t change. But you - to me, you have changed. You are stronger than I thought.”
Her words seemed to endow me with energy, and I was able to shake off the draining shock that had settled over me so heavily. I smiled at her appreciatively. “Thank you, Enrica.” With a nod and a swish of hair, she left our boat to join the next. Givanni took the controls again, surrounded by a few men I didn’t know. It probably would have been considerate of me to introduce myself, but instead, I retreated to the back of the boat. The calm that filled me was something I hadn’t felt in months. I stretched out on the long row seating, closed my eyes against the sun as it warmed me, and felt gloriously free.
We followed the rest in a line of boats and docked at a quaint shore town. Givanni looped his arm around me and seemed to be holding me against him as we walked. The group chatted and joked up a metal set of stairs and into a whitewashed building attached to the airport. I tried to relax while being trapped in Givanni’s arms, but it was like trying to sleep through Christmas morning. All I could do was force down the pathetic giggle that kept trying to surface.
A few minutes later and we were filing into a small conference room. Givanni gave me a look that said he would rather stay right where he was and left to the front of the room. As much as I was curious to know who and where and what was going on, I stayed along the back wall, distant from the rest, trying hard not to read too much into the last few minutes. That is until someone threw their arm around my shoulder. “You know, the next time you skip the country to rid the world of evil,” Max wrapped me up while he finished. “You’re not allowed to go without me.” I laughed into his coat, but when he leaned back I could see the hurt in his eyes.
“Max, it wasn’t up to me. I was -”
“Hey - I know. I just feel a little useless. Al
most lost my best friend and his best girl in one day.” The stress showed through his smile, even though he was trying to joke it off.
“At least you got to save the day,” I whispered, squeezing his hand. Both our attention turned back to the others. A younger man was talking - apparently the leader of the group who had come to our rescue. ‘Detached but funded,’ he had said, whatever that meant. With light brown hair pulled back into a ponytail and ripped, stonewashed jeans better suited for a cover shoot, it was hard to imagine the man called Jordyn as a government figure. Maybe that was where the ‘detached’ part came from. But if the US had been so savvy to our every move, where were they before this? Why did they wait so long to help? It didn’t sit well with me. Before I could ask, a man with a politician haircut stood. He looked very pleased with himself. Like a little boy who’d taken two cookies when he should have had one. He cleared his throat.
“Now I hope you know that the United States government is indeed proud to be a part of such a successful effort.” The hint of a southern accent fit well, along with the dramatic pause. “And let me assure you we will be there to keep your company, as well as you personally,” he stopped to smile ear to ear at each of us. Enrica coughed. “safe and secure in your future.” Givanni shifted a little, and he wasn’t the only one. All around the room, there were signs of agitation - arms crossing and uncrossing, throats clearing, and the fashionable Jordyn who had spoken before took to pacing the room. Next to me Max laughed, although he kept it quiet. It was clear they had no desire to be present for his speech. Their job was done, the negotiations were another matter. Something they wanted no part of.
The shiny-haired man didn’t seem to notice as he continued with his chest puffed to the sky. “This will be a strong alliance, and no doubt the problems you had in the past will be a thing of the past.” With that, he leaned forward and Givanni shook his hand. Enrica was next, looking a little grudging as she extended her delicate hand. With a satisfied nod, the official stepped through the doorway like it was a threshold to a much greater place. A slight click of the latch and the room was flowing with movement again.
“Sorry to rush, Givanni,” Jordyn could be heard from the back. He nodded at the group around him. “But we won’t be waiting around for another speech.” I made my way up front in time to watch as they clasped hands.
“Thank you doesn’t describe it well, Jordyn, but thank you,” Givanni said. I extended my hand.
“I don’t know how you ever found us,” I breathed, hoping his brown eyes could see my sincerity.
“Well from what I hear, it’s all thanks to you,” Jordyn said, smiling at me through an awkward pause that gave everyone within earshot a chance to catch my eye. He leaned closer and whispered. “Put enough pressure on the right people and they will back you.” He shook his head pleasantly, the act like a compliment. Just then Enrica’s voice rang out and we turned to take in her disdain.
“As wonderful as this might be, I say we go our separate ways.” She looked disgusted as her eyes trailed across the room, taking in the myriad of grey folding chairs. The only flourish was a water dispenser and empty coffee pot atop a battered grey card table. She headed toward the door, but Givanni stepped in her path.
“Enrica, there’s something we need to talk about.” Senic and Falen seemed to solidify to the right and left of Givanni as if it was simply the most comfortable location in the room. “You can go your way,” he said calmly. “But I need to know something before you do.” Hardly waiting through his request, Enrica threw her hands up.
“What is it you need to know?” she shouted impatiently. Givanni took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
“Are you safe? Do you feel safe here?” he asked. Her shoulders dropped. Clearly, she expected a different question. “I know you left Italy for good reason and would hate to put you in a difficult situation after you’ve risked so much.”
“Oh,” she mumbled. “I had thought you… maybe…”
“Were going to refer to how you almost blew up my company?” Givanni cut in. A grin threatened Enrica’s lips and he smiled easily. “No, that wasn’t what I was asking about.” She exhaled, a few strands of hair swishing gracefully from her face.
“Well, then, let me put it this way,” she answered. Givanni nodded, serious again. “While I wouldn’t actually use the word safe... you don’t need to worry about me.” Enrica finished with finality in her voice and leaned forward as a clear indicator that she was done chatting. But no one else moved. “Givanni…” she continued. I felt a twinge of jealousy at the way his name sounded coming from her mouth. The natural dialect complimented it like I never could. “If only I could silence the half of my heart that screams revenge.” For a moment my face flushed at the longing in her voice, and the way she looked at Givanni. But she hardened as she continued. “I hope you know that I think of you as a brother, but you should also know that I take care of myself.” As she walked forward he stepped aside, clearly reluctant.
“Okay,” he breathed, his features a little grim. Enrica stopped and placed her hand on his cheek. But their conversation was over, and after only a few seconds she was gone. I, like the rest of the room, stared at the door long after it had closed.
“Do you think she really has somewhere to go?” I asked hesitantly, trying to picture a lethal beauty like her wandering the streets. Falen smiled his full-tooth grin and patted my shoulder.
“Ah, Miss Loriel, there is no need to worry for Enrica. Of all the foes I have faced in life, I feel she would be more formidable than them all.” His theatrical voice was serious, and Senic nodded in the background before pulling a pack up on one shoulder.
* * *
Before long Max, Givanni, and I had boarded a small jet on the runway. There seemed to be a lot to do in the cockpit, so I sunk into a window seat and watched the world as we lifted into the sky. The world I never knew existed. The one that brought destruction and fear, but also good things.
“Hey,” Givanni sat across the aisle. His smile lifted and fell. I flinched, returning from my thoughts like a child from sleep. I must have been gazing out the window for some time, were nearly level in the sky. Givanni sunk his hands into his pockets and took a breath. “I want you to know that I meant what I said earlier, Loriel.” Glancing over, he only met my eyes for a moment. My lips pressed toward a smile, and suddenly I remembered every word. “You…you need to know that. I just don’t want things to be different between us. I - I hope I didn’t confuse you. I don’t want you to feel…” With another awkward glance in my direction, he had me wondering if his kiss was the problem. Maybe he was worried that I saw it… as a kiss. Which I did. Or, I wanted to. But only if he did.
“Givanni, things between us…” I stopped, my eyes trapped in his. Whatever I said next would be a lie, unless I planned on admitting my feelings. “Will be fine,” I finished. He didn’t look away, and his eyes calmed to resemble the mask I had once known. It was crushing to see, and my breath caught in my throat. He smiled briefly and seemed to escape as quickly as possible, citing commitments to Max. Silence settled in, cold and dark as I watched him leave. Then there was nothing to distract me, and for the rest of the flight, I couldn’t get it off my mind - the fear that I had just crushed my chance with Givanni.
At the sight of dark clouds and palm trees bending in the wind, I felt a little disoriented. It didn’t look like home. When the wheels hit asphalt I wandered to the cockpit, catching glimpses of the storm from each miniature window. Max and Givanni were staring out at the weather as well. The plane taxied forward, and the moment we rocked to a stop the sky rumbled a deep, heaving sigh before releasing sheets of rain. Givanni glanced at Max, who winked and reclined his chair. “Not me,” he yelled over the sound of the storm. “I’m happy to wait for a few days in this plane. These seats are quite comfortable.” I shook my head, hardly able to believe it.
“Are you sure we’re in the right city?” I yelled over the hail that was now bouncing off t
he roof of the plane. Givanni shrugged, his attention not turning from the downpour. Lifting his wrist, he stared for a moment before finally pushing a small button on his watch. The bright glow obediently displayed the time. I raised an eyebrow as he ran one hand through his hair. It was a sign I had come to recognize.
“No way,” I mumbled. There had to be a better time to go charging off the plane. Like maybe tomorrow.
“I’m supposed to meet with Marco…” He glanced back at me and the sentence trailed off as my eyebrow rose a little higher.
“Right now?” I asked, straining to be heard. His head swung back to the flashing sky, and a long vein of lightning appearing like a strobe light in front of us. With another glance at his illuminated watch and a slightly tortured glance at me, he charged off the plane, T-shirt and all. I snatched the largest magazine I could find before rushing down the steps after him. The sports cover acted as my umbrella while I hopped across the largest puddles and sloshed through the small ones. But soon they all seemed to merge into one great lake. With a laugh I jumped over another puddle, knowing full well that I looked ridiculous. I imagined Max chortling behind me.
“Givanni!” I yelled, my laughter not carrying like I’d hoped. His head swung around regardless. Wet hair dripped into his eyes, and his white shirt was plastered mercilessly to his chest. His expression was intense and focused, and nothing like my joking mood. Although he squinted against the rain, his eyes were brilliant spots of color among all the grey. My laughter dropped off like I had choked and I could feel the redness swell in my cheeks. “Nothing,” I wheezed and hurried ahead of him, the pounding in my chest making my hands shake.
