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For the first time since I took off, I dare look behind me.
Nothing.
All appears normal.
I’m in the center of Monza now, and tourist and locals go about their day. The atmosphere is relaxed, and a buzz of excitement hangs in the air.
I spot a park bench and sit down, my heart beating frantically. I rest my forearms on my thighs for support while my chest is heaving uncontrollably with the effort to draw in much-needed air. Sweat is pouring off me, drenching my clothes.
Surprisingly, my mind is sharp and focused. I’ve mentally prepared for this moment.
I can do this.
The loose plan I had formed in my head emerges.
I touch the inside pocket of my running shorts. Thank God, the credit card I take with me everywhere is still there.
Step number one, get as much cash as possible.
Step number two, find a disguise.
Step number three, get the hell out of Monza.
Easy, right?
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Ella
Itroyallysucksbeingable to only get two-hundred-and-fifty euros from an ATM at a time.
After my first withdrawal, I spot a clothing store and run in to change into a maxi dress with ballerina shoes. I also buy another two summer dresses and two large hats, dark oversized sunglasses, a wallet, and a nice-looking bag that can be turned inside out for a different look. I have the salesclerk put my purchases in it, and ask her for a garbage bag to put my wet exercise gear and running shoes in. I toss those in a dumpster in an alley behind the shop, not wanting them being found.
Collecting more cash from four more teller machines along the way, I spot a hairdresser who has wigs displayed in the window. Perfect, it’s exactly what I need.
I enter as a blonde with long hair and come out as a brunette with shoulder-length locks. For peace of mind, I also purchased an auburn bob style wig and a black one with long hair.
It’s challenging not to look constantly over my shoulder. Sofia’s words come to mind.The trick to a successful escape is to make it look like you’re not escaping.
Blending in is the motto.
So I slow down my walk, scanning the streets constantly, stopping at every ATM I see.
Eight of them later, I have just a little over three-thousand-one-hundred euros in cash and debate with myself whether to hang onto the card for emergencies or give it and the pin to a homeless person and encourage them to withdraw money all over town. It probably won’t take Tiero long to work out it’s not me, but it might buy me precious time. It could be the difference between succeeding this time or failing again.
But what if I run out of money?
No, I better hang onto it.
I need to get to the train station. At this stage, I think it’s my best ticket out of here. The ladies at the hairdresser were most helpful and gave me a map of the city, which I’m now trying to follow. Trying being the operative word.
I’ve taken a wrong turn already twice. Rhia would laugh at me if she were here.
Rhia… I have to get in touch with her. She’d have to have figured out by now that things aren’t what they seem.
Shit, what if Tiero confronts her? Have I put her in danger?
I’ll have plenty of time to contemplate this and everything else later. Now the priority is to get the hell out of here.
