Page 130 of Locked in Wonderland

“Oh, I’m glad that makes you happy, you fucker.”

The smile vanished. “Have you ever heard of Stockholm syndrome?”

“Sure. Someone gets kidnapped and develops an emotional attachment to their captor.”

Nico said nothing.

I laughed. “You think that’s what’s happening with me? You didn’t kidnap me.”

“No. But it was an emotionally charged situation where you had to rely on me because you had no one else. You have to see the similarities.”

“I don’t have to do anything.”

He shrugged. “You asked for an explanation. I’m giving you one.”

“If you knew you were going to walk away, what was all that about on the boat?”

“What was what about?”

“Don’t play dumb. You were different. Sweeter. More thoughtful.” The answer hit me before he could speak. “That was you saying goodbye.”

He didn’t deny it.

“Fuck you.”

I half expected him to walk away then and there, leaving my bitter words as the last thing we’d ever say to each other. He didn’t. Instead, he turned back to face me. “If I give you some advice, will you take it?”

“Depends on what it is.”

“I don’t think they’ll come after you, but it would be wise to take a few precautions.”

“What sort of precautions?”

“Get out of here as soon as you can. You mentioned leaving tomorrow. Stick to that. Never come back. Change your address. Change your job.”

“I’m probably fired anyway for not showing up.”

“Good. That makes it easier.” He thought for a moment. “Don’t tell anyone what happened there.”

“Nobody?”

“Nobody.”

“What am I supposed to say when people ask where I’ve been? I have friends and family, you know. They’re going to expect some sort of explanation.”

“Use your imagination. Make something up. A midlife crisis—”

“Screw you. I’m not old enough.”

Nico rolled his eyes. “A holiday romance. Say you fell, hit your head, and got amnesia. Anything but the truth.”

“What about when I go to the police?”

He stared at me. “That’s a joke, right?”

“No, it’s not a fucking joke. Not the police here, obviously, because they’re all corrupt. I mean once I get home.”

He was already shaking his head. “Do not go to the police. If you do, they’ll definitely track you down.”