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Deal…that word hit me hard.
“Hello in there.” Oscar put a hand on my shoulder, and I jumped. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, but I’ve been calling you.” I dabbed the tears that were racing down my cheeks. “The car is here.”
“Why?”
“Because,” he offered me a hand, “we need to get out of here and get something to eat.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Well, I am.” His manner had changed, and I found myself standing and following him outside.
Once in the car, he turned to look at me.
“Elenora?”
“Mm?” My heart was heavy, and no matter how hard I tried to push away the feeling, it wouldn’t leave.
“I know things aren’t the way you want them to be, and I know better than anyone what you’ve been through, but if I may…” He looked nervous. “Life is short, and your brother would want you to be happy. Whether that’s with Francesco or someone else, don’t you think it’s time to let someone in?”
I looked away and fought against my usual answer ofno, I knew he was only trying to help, but no one could understand the storm inside me.
“Honestly, Oscar—” I stopped as the car lit up in bright blue flashing light and the driver hit the brakes. “Were you speeding?” I shouted at the driver.
“No, ma’am.”
“Did you miss a traffic sign?”
“No, ma’am. I know these roads very well.” He pulled the paperwork from the dash box and rolled his window down as the police officer approached.
“License and registration.” The officer shone his flashlight over Oscar then me, letting it linger there for a moment.
“What’s the problem, officer?” Oscar leaned forward to shield me from his view.
“Your taillight is out.” He reached for the handle and opened the driver door. “I’d like all three of you to step out.”
“Why?” I suddenly felt nervous.
“Nothing to worry about, ma’am, I just need to make sure you’re all right.”
“I can assure you I am.”
“Just doing my job.”
I rolled my eyes and motioned for Oscar to get out of the car. I followed, scowling at the light rain that had started.
“See, Officer,” I squinted to read his name tag, “Hector, I’m just fine.”
He motioned for his partner to search the car, and after a few minutes the officer seemed satisfied.
“Ma’am, a word, please?” Officer Hector waved at me to step away from Oscar. “I understand the frustration you’re feeling, I really do. I just have to be sure you’re not being held against your will.”
What?
“I’m confused. Where would you get that idea?”
He nodded as though agreeing with something. “You’d be surprised at the things I’ve come across. Sometimes a simple pull-over can uncover people in very dangerous situations. Sometimes the ones in danger are totally blind to it, if you know what I mean.”
“Well, I’m good, really, so if you don’t mind, I’d just like to get to our dinner. We’ve a reservation.”
