Vengeance (Updating Weekly)

Part 22

I completely forgot to upload last week and I didn't even realise until I've logged in now, so here's an extra chapter to make up for it! Sorry guys ❤️

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We spend the rest of the afternoon together, and I eventually join her and Santos for dinner. I expected Santos to kick me out like Catarina complained about before, but that doesn't happen. If anything, he's sympathetic.

"I understand you've been through a lot lately," he says. "But I want you to know that we're all delighted to have you here. I hope it will get easier for you soon."

"Thanks," I smile. "I hope so, too. It can just get overwhelming sometimes."

"I understand," he nods. "Would you feel more comfortable if you had more of your things from home here? We can have your belongings sent over."

"That's okay. I've only really got my clothes. I don't think there's much else."

"Your clothes are already on their way."

"They are?" I didn't know about this.

"Simpson sent them over. They should be here any day now."

"We should still go shopping this week, though!" Catarina adds. "You're definitely due for a fresh wardrobe."

"Sounds good to me," I laugh. Catarina is obsessed with shopping. She is right, though. My winter clothes won't do me much good here, but it'll still be nice to have something from home. I'm sure Simpson included the box of my mum's stuff, too. She knows how important that is to me.

"I have another idea that might help with your decision," Santos continues. "Why don't you spend a few days with the legal team? You can see what it's like and what you'll actually be doing every day."

"Oh, that might actually be good," I nod. I could figure out what my days would be looking like and if I can even do the job at all. Better yet, I can see if I actually enjoy it. If I don't, the decision is much easier. I couldn't stay here if I wasn't working.

"Perfect. I'll let the team know and you can join them tomorrow."

I thank him. It's a good first step. It was definitely a good decision to come here. I've got Catarina for emotional support and Santos for practical solutions. I wouldn't say that Santos and I are close friends. We've never had a one-on-one conversation, but I don't think we need to. He doesn't come across as a particularly warm and friendly guy. He keeps his distance, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care. He just shows it differently. He's a good match for Catarina, who's the total opposite. She's almost overbearing — in the best way possible.

The rest of the dinner is uneventful. I'm not really in the mood to chat, so I leave most of the talking to Catarina and Santos. I'm just glad they let me crash their night. It doesn't totally get my mind off everything, but I'm grateful for the company. We're interrupted during dessert when Atticus shows up in the doorway. He's gotten changed into a suit, but he doesn't look any better than he did this morning. He doesn't just look tired, he looks... flustered

"Sorry to interrupt," he turns to me. "I was just hoping to steal Erin for a second."

"Sure," I nod. I follow him out into the hallway, curious to see what's bothering him. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," he says. His scowl deepens as he takes me in, his eyes scanning my face. "Are you? You look upset."

"I'm fine," I tell him. He can probably tell I've been crying. "It's just been an emotional day."

"We can chat tomorrow if you like."

"No, it's okay. Tell me what's going on."

"We got a response. It just came in — from Vassilis."

"What does it say?"

"It's, uhm..." he hesitates. "It's not nice."

"It's okay. You can tell me:"

He pulls a note out of his jacket pocket. He's reluctant to give it to me, but he does anyway. There are only a few words written on the paper. I can't wait to kill you, it reads. The words shock me. I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't this. I shouldn't be surprised. Of course this is how he'd react.

"I'm sorry," Atticus says.

"It's okay," I respond. "It was a long shot anyway."

I hand the note back to him. I don't want to look at it. I don't want to think about it anymore. I can't let it get to me. I'm too sensitive today. I don't want to be pushed over the edge again, and this might just be the setback I need to get there.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Atticus eyes me intently. He lowers his voice. "Is this about us?"

I shake my head. "It's just about everything,"

"You can talk to me if you like."

"No, it's fine. I don't want to talk about it."

"Are you sure? You know I want to be there for you."

"You should go," I say. I can't confide in him. I can't even accept these feelings. I need to push them away. I've felt too much today. I don't want anymore. Atticus is taken aback by my words. "I'm doing some stuff with the legal team tomorrow, so you should get started on another plan for Vassilis."

"Oh." His expression fills with confusion.

"I'm sorry, Atticus, I just can't handle this right now."

"That's okay," he says, but it doesn't look okay. He looks rejected. "I just wish you would speak to me."

"I will... soon. I promise. I just need to figure things out on my own first. It's all just too much for me right now."

He searches my eyes, but they wouldn't show anything but desperation. I just want this all to end.

"Okay," he nods. "You take all the time you need. You know where to find me if you need me."

Relief washes over me. I'm grateful for his support, but I'm not ready to talk about it yet — about anything. I'm in a bad mood and I still have a headache. Tomorrow will be better. Tomorrow has to be better.