Untouchable

Chapter 10

Alonso pov
"You messed up the order at table five what's going on Remy,"I question the young Latina woman who casts her gaze downward. She appears to be around eighteen and has undergone training; she ought to know better by this point.

"Sorry, sir, I'm not good with people or public spaces. I swear I tried to prepare, but I just can't," she admits, her accent clear as she fidgets with her fingers. I let out a sigh, "I told you to let me know if you were ready—" "I know, sir, I do, but I wanted to prove to myself that I could work on my communication issues," she responds. Our shifts had ended—well, hers had—but since it was late and she offered to help me clean, I didn't refuse.

As I sip my drink, I realize Remy's voice is becoming more reminiscent of Dean's. Dean, still unsettled, has been incessantly texting me. It doesn't trouble me; I'm relieved he's communicating, yet his mental state concerns me. I ponder why I entangled myself in his stalker predicament instead of advising him to seek official help. But after encountering that man, Demitris, and the flashbacks of that day, my curiosity was piqued. And the old woman—there was something familiar about her gaze. What could it all signify?

Xiao Long, a name that still feels familiar yet so distant. And then there's the situation with Dean; could there be a link? One thing is certain, my feelings about this are complex. "Sir?" I jerk my head up, looking at Remy who now stands beside my seat. "Sorry, I zoned out for a moment," I say to her. Concern flickers across her face, quickly replaced by her usual stoic expression. "Si-" "Can you drop the 'Sir' thing? It makes me feel old," I chide her, and she nods. A quiet apology slips from her lips.

"Regarding what you mentioned earlier, Remy, trust me, I understand the desire to improve oneself for the greater good. I get the urge to change, but no one said it would be easy. That's why we, as humans, are granted time, and time can be such a beautiful thing when used wisely. You move at your own pace, one step at a time, and I promise, once you reach your destination, the outcome will be everything you've ever hoped for." I stand, overshadowing her petite figure.

"Thank you, Alonso."She hesitates before uttering my first name. After exchanging goodbyes, I wish her a safe journey home. I still have some paperwork to complete, and perhaps I'll find time to visit the studio.

I needed a blunt; the stress was overwhelming. A vibration in my pocket alerts me. Retrieving my phone, I see Liyah's name. I swipe to answer, switch to speakerphone, and set it on the table.

"Hello?" I speak as I sign the confirmation agreement. Luby's industry is proposing changes to the shop, and I'm keen to agree. It's time for a new look.

"You can't call? I was worried!"

"I told you I was going out, didn't I so why are you out here bugging?"

She smacks her lips.

"Whatever, just don't have the police knocking at the door talking about you dead or something."

I frown, "Shut cho ass up and get off my phone."

Telling her this I press the end button," I'll be home later alright?"

Before she could respond, I ended the call and slumped back in my seat, my gaze fixed on the dim light overhead. In the distance, sirens wailed, drawing my eyes to the office's side window.

The sound of police or ambulance sirens always filled me with dread. The idea of being inside one of those ambulances terrified me. Yet, given the life I led, I could only hope it wouldn't happen too soon.

Was the incident with Demitris a warning? Or was Xiao Long the harbinger?

I regretted it if Dean was dragged into this mess because of me, but the photos suggested he had been a target long before I came into the picture. I wasn't sure why I cared—maybe it was his apparent vulnerability.