Golden Angel might look like a sweetie, but when she bared her sharp canines, even the toughest bullies were frightened. Plus, I had a gun in my purse, a perfectly sized Beretta that I’d purchased all by myself during my second semester.
I headed down the sidewalk, marveling at how the Eiffel Tower looked at night. I’d always loved the iconic landmark, equating it as so many others to the city of love.
At least that’s what I’d hoped.
How silly of me to carry the whimsical notion with me after seeing firsthand that the concept that love conquered all was sheer bullshit. My parents certainly didn’t love each other, the arranged marriage a condition required by both families. That hadn’t meant either one of them had softened over the years.
I’d overheard my mother sharing with someone over the phone that she was just waiting for my father to drop dead so she could live her life the way she wanted.
I’d used her hatred of everything as another push to get the hell out. While I had one more year to go in school, I was no fool. I’d researched several universities in the United States I could transfer to if necessary. If my father made no mention of family obligation during the week I was home, then I’d be more hopeful at being able to graduate.
Maybe that’s why I was so on edge, the anxiety of what I’d face disheartening. But in the years of being gone, I’d grown even more certain I could face whatever was necessary. I’d still get what I wanted no matter what I had to do.
I’d change my identity just like it was possible Kazimir had done. I’d gleaned certain information from my father. I’d track down people who could help me. What I wouldn’t do was to place my trust in anyone.
Not a single soul.
Not even if Kazimir jumped in front of me right here and right now.
A car zoomed by, going entirely too fast just as I made the turn onto the street of my apartment.
There was always some noise in the city from music coming from an apartment window to traffic sounds, laughter and even tears. Paris was a city of angels and devils, all vying for their place in the world. Good and evil meshed together from one street to another, people of all ages, languages and religions mixing. There was so much to see and do that I could spend a lifetime exploring this one city alone and never grow bored.
And I’d done a great deal of exploring already, at least within a wide radius of my apartment. I knew every sight and expected sound, which was why when I heard a coin being dropped onto the sidewalk behind me, my hackles were raised. I didn’t stop nor did I turn around, and Golden was also on higher alert.
She pulled at the leash until I tugged only once, whispering to her in Italian to keep quiet.
Holding my breath and with my hearing keen enough, I noticed footsteps, albeit the person was trying to be as quiet as I was. I tugged my shoulder bag directly in front of me. The motherfucker wasn’t going to get everything that was dear to me.
With my nerves on edge, I whispered directions to my baby.
Thank God the sweet fur baby knew several languages. I passed the set of walk-up stairs leading to my apartment, rounding the corner of the building and jogging as silently as possible toward an alleyway a building down from the apartment where I knew there were several hiding places.
Golden Angel didn’t fight me, but her single growl drove me further on edge. She wasn’t a happy girl, but not only because we were being chased. She wanted to explore and make friends.
Now, of all times when a mugging was about to be committed. I ducked into the alleyway, immediately heading for a dumpster to hide behind. Crouching down, I wrapped my arm around Golden Angel and remained completely silent.
The footsteps became more prominent and wouldn’t you know it, the bastard stopped right in front of the opening to the alley. With my finger across my lips, I made certain Golden knew what I was doing. She was an amazing dog, her comprehension of not only the English languages but my self-taught sign language special.
And potentially lifesaving.
The bastard was on the phone, but I was unable to understand what he was saying given he was mumbling. After giving my baby a quick look, I glanced around the edge of the dumpster. The person was standing with his back to me. I memorized what he was wearing, including clunky boots that had a silver toe. Before I could pick up a single word, the call was suddenly ended and I jerked back, holding my breath. Whoever had been stalking me lingered in the alleyway for a few more seconds before walking off with more briskness to his steps.
Exhaling, all I needed to do was head back the way I came or through the alley to the back steps of the apartment.
Instead, I wanted to get a single look to see if I could identify the possible assailant even from behind.
When I leaned my head past the corner of the building, I could no longer see him. Backing away, I knew it was important to get inside as soon as possible.
“Come on, baby. Let’s go.” We chose to go through the alley, running not jogging just in case the bastard was looking for me. I was careful before bounding onto the sidewalk, my keys already in my hand.
Once inside the secure building, I threw myself against the wall across from the mailboxes. The poor guy hadn’t done anything overt. Maybe I was just nervous from thinking Kazimir had popped back into my life.
Maybe there were spies chasing him. I laughed to myself before heading to the elevator. I’d had enough exercise for the day.
Golden sat on her haunches, staring up at me as she did often, but when she put her paw on my leg, I could sense she wanted to tell me something. “What is it, baby?”
Woof.
