Chapter 23

Sarah looked at James neutrally. He just kept smiling.

"Why is it that every time I'm with you, you smile?" she asked.

"Because I'm happy when I see you back."

Sarah laughed.

"I'm afraid you won't see me anymore." she expressed kindly. James snorted.

"You're leaving again?"

"I never came back," she confessed as he stroked her cheek.

"And what is this really?"

Sarah sighed.

"Let your soul be at ease. Please."

"What do you mean?"

"It's time to move on. I'm with you and Portia. I'll always be there."

"I...Sarah..."

"Do what you have to do." she smiled. Instantly, she started to walk away.

No. No. He had to get her back. He tried to hold her but it was useless, her figure disappeared.

And it was all over. James opened his eyes. Sweat was pouring down his forehead rapidly. His labored breathing made his chest ache and the tachycardia made his heart feel like a rock. He was hyperventilating. He tried to calm herself, though his fluttering heart prevented him from doing so.

- Luna - he uttered as soon as he could speak.

He felt his chest tighten as his desperation became apparent. He quickly got up from the bed as best he could. He had to make his presence known, he needed help.

He grabbed his phone and quickly tried to call Luna.

One ring, two, three...she didn't pick up. She must have had it turned off.

He felt an extremely strong pain in his chest. This couldn't be happening. He always managed to control his attacks well, why not now?

He picked up an object from the modular and threw it hard against the ground. Taking another, he smashed it to pieces.

He needed to be heard.

***

-What happened to dad? -Portia asked as Luna drove her back home.

-Nothing serious, honey. Don't worry, okay?

Portia's eyes were a little red, for the sight of her father lying on the floor, completely unconscious, almost lifeless, had been horrible.

Arriving home, Luna left the child with Rose and quickly returned to the hospital.

The doctor had said that James would not endure another attack of such severity. His heart had really been affected, and if he had stayed only 10 minutes longer, this might not be the same story.

Luna's phone started ringing. She picked it up immediately. She answered.

-Hello?

- So James had a stroke, huh?

-Excuse me?

-Is he back with his seizures? Oh, honey, I remember all the stress he had on his body. It's not easy to go through life after you've killed, you know? - she said as she gave a soft laugh.

-What are you talking about?

- Don't you know anything about him?

Luna frowned.

-Stop it. No one cares what you say, your words won't change anything. I know who James is and I don't care about your stupid rumors. Leave it there. And don't call me again.

-Okay. Tell him Angelica says hi.

He hung up.

Luna was stunned. Angelica? The same Angelica James had threatened? This was interesting. She left her phone on vibrate and put it in her purse.

She looked carefully at James. How many secrets could that man be keeping?

-Miss .... Scaloni? - called the tall man in the white coat. It was the doctor.

-Yes? - she asked. The doctor looked at her carefully.

- Well, everything is perfect. I mean, beyond what has already been said, he just need to take care of himself. Panic attacks and this kind of cardiovascular accidents are not light. He'll be able to leave in the morning.

-Okay. Do you know how I can help you if he has another attack?