Chapter 13

His hand moved rapidly as he tried to formulate as many words as possible.

James listened without really hearing anything and watched his hands with scattered thoughts.

-Well, fuck, won't you answer me a fucking question?

-No - he answered.

Peter snorted angrily. He grabbed his coat and started to put it on. He stopped short.

- Sometimes you have to ask for help, James. You shouldn't hide everything.

- Nothing's wrong, don't worry. Besides, do you think I'd be calm if my life or Portia's were in danger?

- Of course you would, I know you. You can fool Rose, Luna, Portia, but not me. Besides, do you think I'm going to buy the story that that woman made peace again? I guess you don't remember that I was there during all that shit too.

- Then you know I can take care of myself and I wouldn't let anything happen to Portia for the world. Don't be incredulous.

James ducked his head, placed both hands on his face and for a moment as he closed his eyes, he felt tired. He ignored the feeling and got up from his seat to pick up his phone.

Peter was still standing there staring at him. He spoke.

- I've got to go. Just...call me if things get out of hand.

He nodded in response and after watching Peter's back turn away, he relaxed his shoulders.

Oh, God.

He was.

So.

Tired.

If he didn't have Portia, he'd probably give Angelica everything. Whatever she asked for; money, his life, someone else's life. He didn't know.

His thoughts were interrupted by Luna, who entered through the archway that connected to the entrance.

-James, we'll take Portia to get her things.

-Where? -he asked. He had forgotten.

- To the hairdresser and her dance outfit is ready.

-Luke will go with you. It's all paid for- he said, looking back at his cell phone.

-It's okay. I was thinking I could take advantage of the day and give Portia some watercolors. Do you know any art places around here?

-Uh...quite a few. Ask Luke to guide you. How much do you need?

- Nothing, it's a gift from me.

James snorted.

-Let me pay for it.

-No, no. I want to.

He shrugged his shoulders. It was a nice gesture.

-Okay, just make sure you don't buy anything toxic or permanent. I don't want her inhaling anything dangerous.

She nodded. She started to walk away when he spoke again.

- What time do you plan to go?

- In half an hour.

-Good.

-Are you going somewhere? - She asked curiously.

-Maybe to the office, why? - He answered and looked at her. She ignored the question.

-It's okay.

Luna left the place not without giving him a strange look first.

James knew he was acting weird, but there was nothing he could do. He didn't have to explain anything. Telling the reason for his discomfort would only further involve anyone who would listen.

He left the room and went to the kitchen. He walked to the refrigerator and took out some things. So much coffee was making him sick.

He opened the pot of jam and with a knife spread it on one of the pieces of toast Rose had left on the counter. His mouth watered and he couldn't believe it was four o'clock in the afternoon and that was his first meal.

He brought the toast to his mouth and bit into it. Would the jam be expired?

His taste buds turned bitter and he quickly went over to the garbage can. He spat out what little he had put in his mouth and with surprise brought the toast close to his nose.

Being only a few millimeters away, he pushed it away completely. He cursed to himself. He quickly picked up his phone and dialed.

It wasn't long before that familiar voice answered.

-Hi, sweetheart.

-I'll kill you.

-I'm sorry?

-You try to bring any crap into my house again and I'll kill you. -He said angrily.

He heard a laugh.

-What are you talking about?

-You know what I'm talking about- he exclaimed loudly as he threw a punch at the counter.

-I don't understand you. I think you're getting confused, James. Just like in the old days. -She said slowly.

He laughed wryly.

-You want to go back to the old days? That didn't end well for you.

-It's not...

-Listen to me carefully, okay?

-Yes?

Luna poked her head around the doorway. James didn't notice.

-If you keep trying to mess with my family, me, or anyone or anywhere that has anything to do with me, you can swear I'll come after you and make you pay for everything with my own hands. You will not mess with my life, Angelica. You will not touch anyone. You know who I am, who I was and the things I was capable of doing in my past and I can confirm to you that I am not afraid to do them again. So right now you will go to your fucking desk, get your stuff out and leave my building. I'll be there in an hour and I don't want to find you or anything to do with you. You're fired.

-What will you do to me, James? Will you kill me? You know it doesn't scare me. Don't you feel anything for old times' sake?

-You have one hour. If I see you again, you'll pay for all the damage you could cause with every fiber of your body.

Luna's eyes widened in surprise at that comment.

Angelica sighed through the phone. She was scared, but she wouldn't show it.

-I missed your voice, James. That voice you put on when your real form speaks. So dark, so capable of betraying anyone, of betraying anyone. You will understand my fury, what I want to make you feel. You owe me, even if it costs me my life. I will ruin you and take away everything you love, like you did me.

-I want to see you try.

-That's the way you underestimate me? - he asked mockingly.

-You're smart, you know what to do, what's good for you. - He looked at his watch -You have an hour. Don't make me turn you into a sigh.

Luna stepped away from the doorway with disheveled thoughts. She was surprised and frightened.

Why did she feel something bad was happening, was Portia in danger?

James came out of the kitchen. He saw Luna and with a sly smile asked:

-Oh, are you leaving already?

-Yes, I...

- Don't touch anything in the refrigerator or cupboard. Tell Rose to throw everything out. Sealed packages, jars, drinks. Everything.

-It's okay. Are you going somewhere?

-I don't know.

-Oh, right. I... we're going.

-Okay.

-Perfect. Um...thank you. -She said and smiled.

James nodded as he walked away and disappeared down the stairs.