Blood and Roses

21 | Satan's Property

~Camila

Angelo peacefully dozes away, cherishing the entire bed, snuggled cozily under the blanket while using all four pillows. His sleep is deep, made evident by the gentle snores reminiscent of an older gentleman. As for me, I have no intention of retiring for the night just yet, as there is an important task at hand, one that concerns Angelo’s well-being.

His day was marred with sadness upon learning about Wayne’s unfortunate circumstances, and my heart softened for him. The emotions he experienced were overwhelming, causing him to shed tears thrice, and express his frustration through a tantrum on the hotel room floor. He even sought solace in a long, cold shower, trying desperately to ease his pain. Despite his attempts to find comfort, the weight of it all drove him to collapse onto the bed, burying his face in the pillow, allowing a few more tears to escape before drifting off into sleep.

And now, you might be curious as to what I plan to do instead of joining Angelo in slumber. My focus lies in tracking down Felix. I intend to confront him, not for personal reasons, but to aid Angelo. My approach will be firm, ensuring that Felix understands the gravity of his actions and feels a sense of unease about the consequences.

With utmost care and efficiency, I adorned myself in Angelo’s cargo pants, a loose-fitting t-shirt, and comfortable sneakers. My hair was neatly tied up in a low ponytail for convenience. Preparing for the night’s mission, I securely placed my phone and some money in my pocket, just in case. Additionally, I equipped my knife, responsibly holstered on my thigh.

Before embarking on my quest, I couldn’t resist leaving a tender kiss on Angelo’s cheek, leaving a reassuring note on the bedside table, promising a swift return. Gently, I exited the hotel room, ensuring the door was locked, and made sure to minimize any disturbance.

Recognizing the need for stealth, I opted not to use the car, as its noise might alert Angelo and raise concerns about my whereabouts. My intention was to find Felix discreetly, and walking seemed the most suitable approach. My vigilance heightened as I surveyed every direction, seeking clues to Felix’s whereabouts. My search took me through dimly lit alleys and deserted areas that were closed for the night. It was my conviction that Felix preferred the cover of darkness, rather than risking exposure during daylight hours, for he had a penchant for engaging in precarious activities under the shroud of night. Felix possessed a cunning nature, and he was adept at blending into the shadows, donning dark attire that enabled him to remain elusive.

With remarkable agility, I navigated through obscure alleyways and desolate establishments, seeking out the eerie and tranquil corners. Soon enough, I stumbled upon an alley illuminated by a single lamp, giving the impression that someone had claimed this spot as their own. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a collection of belongings scattered around: a blanket on the ground, a pillow, empty food wrappers, a stack of wood, a cooler, an opened beer can, and a discarded cigarette. However, to my surprise, there was no sign of any occupants at that moment.

Determined to uncover any clues that might reveal the inhabitant’s identity, I carefully surveyed the surroundings. My steps faltered momentarily when my eyes locked onto a gleaming golden chain resting on the blanket, embellished with a pendant in the shape of a sunflower. It was a necklace that Angelo and I had seen Felix clutching at the bar earlier. The realization dawned upon me; this was Wayne’s necklace, and evidently, this space belonged to Felix. This revelation, however, sparked confusion in me.

Considering that the Inferno Syndicate possessed a concealed and well-guarded sanctuary, the presence of this relatively modest dwelling raised perplexing questions. Had Felix’s leadership within the Syndicate undergone a shift? Did he seek solace here occasionally, perhaps to escape the confines of his position? Or, was all of this deliberately staged to deceive me? Could it be that he anticipated Angelo’s arrival, and this setup was meant to ensnare him instead? Yet, a nagging sense of unease washed over me, suggesting that something was amiss, profoundly so.