CRYPTO: Infidelity (Book 1)

CHAPTER 68: MASS

I looked at the puncture marks in my neck through the mirror the next day. They weren't too bad, but they still stung. I wished I had fought back or been more forceful about not letting him into my apartment. I wished I had listened to Birdie and not opened the door in the first place, but mostly, I regretted not telling Birdie how I really felt about her. Maybe things would've been different if she had known. Maybe she wouldn't have chosen to go with Rockie but would've chosen me instead. I could've protected her. I could've loved her. We could have gotten married and had kids and been happy.

This couldn't be the end. I refused to move on and let Birdie subject herself to that abuse. She was probably just afraid of what would happen if she really did leave him. I had to find a way to get Rockie arrested or even killed, but first, I had to confess my feelings for Birdie. The problem was, I couldn't text her or Rockie might see.

I had the day off so I went to the church Birdie and I used to meet at in hopes that I would see her there. She had told me she went there when she was upset because it reminded her of the good times she had with her family. The problem was, it was Sunday so it was crowded.

"Would you like to come into the chapel? Mass has already started," someone said after seeing me standing around for a while.

"No, thanks," I said. "I'm waiting for someone."

"Okay," he said and kept walking.

I sat at a table so I wouldn't look so lost, but it still felt weird that I was sitting alone at a church while everyone else was inside the auditorium. After an hour, everyone started to come out of the auditorium. I watched to see if Birdie was one of them, but I saw someone else instead: Spiney. He was hard to miss with his bright colors and large size.

I stood up and made my way toward him. I wasn't sure what to call him in public so I just called him 'judge'. "Judge! I didn't expect to see you here."

Spiney looked at me. "And you are?"

I tilted my head. "Crypto."

"Oh, yes. I remember you," he said. "I've been going here for years. Is it your first time?"

"Well, kinda? I haven't actually been to the auditorium," I told him.

"Oh, well you should attend next time. It'll lift your spirits."

"Thanks for the money by the way."

"Don't mention it. I like to give back," he said. "So what are you doing here if you aren't attending Mass? Did you just come to talk to me?"

"No. I had no idea you went here. I was actually... Well, I was just checking the place out. It looks nice both outside and in."

"Right..."

"You know, maybe I will attend next week. I might like it."

"I think you will."

"Is there anyone else I know who goes here?" I asked.

"Couldn't say. I don't know who you know."

"Well, is there any, you know, Family here?"

"Sure. There's Flint. He's the rhino. And Ranger the brown Aussie, and there's Gato the ocelot. Oh, and can't forget about Apollyon the red panda."

"What about Diesel? Does he ever come here?"

"I'd be shocked if he did. He's always too focused on work. One time, I told him to take a vacation. I stopped giving him tasks and he started making up his own tasks to do. That guy just can't take a break."

"Sounds like he needs a girlfriend," I commented.

"Anything outside of work would be good for him. I'm starting to get concerned about him. Have you seen him recently?"

I shook my head.

"He looks like he could collapse at any point. I don't think he's been getting sleep," Spiney said. "Maybe you could help if it's not too much trouble. I know you're busy with your job and all."

"I'd be happy to help!"

"Great, because he seems to have a particular interest in you. So much so that rumors are going around that he likes you."

"Well, we've only met once so I wouldn't get ahead of ourselves."

"You're not dating anyone, are you?"

"...No, sir."

"Good. I'll set up a date for you two."

"Wait. Hold on. You don't mean, like a date. Like the romantic kind?"

"If that makes you uncomfortable, you don't have to do it. We just figured since you're not interested in females..."

"No, it's fine. I wouldn't mind going on a date with him if it gets him out of doing work." I had no interest in going on a date with another guy, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get information out of Diesel. I had been waiting for this moment. I just didn't expect it to play out this way.