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She chuckles. “Anyway. I was going to tell you something too, remember?”
I nod.
“I suppose it doesn’t make much difference now since you’re staying anyway, but it was about Blackwood. Blackwood and your beloved Dante.”
“Shut up.” I kick her with my foot as she giggles.
“Alright, alright! I’ll stop. For now.” She smirks. “Anyway, Blackwood is not exactly like any other town… How much do you know about the… mafia?”
My mouth dries, my brain already conjuring answers to where she’s going with this. “I watchedThe Godfather. I’m basically an expert.”
“Dante’s dad is kind of like Don Vito Corleone. AndDante is the next in line to take over. Except I’m pretty sure he’s been running things for a while now.”
“They’re mafia?”
“The whole family, yes. And most of the town, with small exceptions, works for them. Dante is basically the boss that all the capos around report to. And it’s not just around here. It’s the whole country. They just made Blackwood their base.”
I down the whole glass of wine Mel just refilled. “Fuck, Mel.”
“Someone should. It’s been a while,” she sighs, lightening the mood.
“I’m sure Luca wouldn’t mind.”
She coughs. “Stop. He’d never. I’m like a younger sister to him.”
“Step sister?” I tease.
She swats at me.
I didn’t realise how much I needed this, her, a friend like Mel.
Somehow, by keeping to myself and not staying anywhere long enough, I deprived myself of the most basic thing humans need. A connection. They say you can’t choose your family, but I’m pretty sure Mel and I have just chosen each other.
When we wake up, the bottle of wine is empty. The sun shines through the living room window, casting a golden glow on a new beginning. Because if surviving a psycho guard trying to kill you isn’t a new beginning, then I don’t know what is. And although I came to Blackwood looking for answers, I still didn’t know the right questions to ask. I wasn’t sure what to expect, definitely not a mafia boss first trying to run me out of town, then changing his mind and ensuring I wouldn’t leave. This town,histown, with its greysky, green forest and unruly shores, was feeling more like home than anywhere I’ve ever been before.
And for the first time in my life, I decided to just roll with it. See where the tide takes me.
For once, maybe I wasn’t all alone.
11
ALESSA
When Monday rolls around, I don’t even remember that just a day-and-a-half ago I was running for my life through the woods.
Creepy guard who?
With Mel on the late shift today, I set off to the Black Royale on my own, finding my way up the winding streets of Blackwood. The apartment is less than a fifteen minute walk away, so when it starts to drizzle, I just lift my head up to the sky and let the rain do what it wants. I’m not worried about my clothes since everyone on the floor wears a uniform. My jeans and trainers will have enough time to dry out by the time my shift is over. And the old black jacket covering my white tee has been through much worse than a bit of rain. Since the day I was found in it, it has served me well. I’ve hidden stolen clothes and food inside, used it as a blanket, a pillow, a bag, you name it. Me and the jacket have been through things.
It’s pouring by the time I arrive at the casino and find shelter under the golden awning. The wet strands of my hair are sticking to my face as rivulets of water drip down my front and splosh on the suede material of my Vans. Notthat the extra drops of water make any difference. I’m quite certain if I were to take my trainers off, I’d have enough water in them to make a swimming pool for ants. You’d think I’d make it my priority to get an umbrella after deciding to set up shop in this place, but clearly, that has not been the case.
I could just walk in through the main entrance—since I’m already standing outside—looking like a drowned rat and hoping no one will pay attention to the squelching sounds my shoes will make or the trail of water I’ll leave behind. But the question is, do I really want to risk doing that on my first day back and possibly jeopardise my shiny new position in the process? I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t fire me for breaking the rule of employees not being allowed to use the main entrance, especially since Dante decided I can’t leave town anymore, but I’d rather not risk it. Things are finally working out for me. I have a job that pays really well—even if I’m not sure what the job actually is. I have an apartment I can stay in, and a roommate that doesn’t think clipping her toenails in the living room is acceptable. I’d say I’m winning at life.
And let’s not forget the most important bit. I finally have the chance to start digging more into Blackwood and how I’m connected to it. Because it couldn’t have been a coincidence that the same jacket I was found with had a pocket watch stuck in between a pocket and the lining. A watch that has the town’s name engraved inside. I’ve lived through too many shit situations to believe in coincidences. Everything that happens—happens for a reason. Cause and effect.
Poking a finger through that one hole in my jacket pocket, I take a deep breath and ready myself for a sprint to the staff entrance.
“Alessa.”
