In Hell We Dance

Found

One last touch of Connor's card and I salute the cab driver farewell. I watch him turn the corner, disappearing down the hill. Connor's fancy-ass neighbourhood overlooks the city, like some straight-up LA shit. And I thought the cities here were all flat.

Probably should return the card now. If he was checking his bank statements, he'd see someone's been a naughty boy. But he hasn't. He's scared as shit right now and it's my fault. Always my fault. But this fine night, I'll hold him and I won't let go. I need him to hold me together. I'll be an emotional wreck when our lips don't touch. Who knows when's the next time that'll happen? If it'll happen.

Can't think like that. Things are shit. But I can come back from this. I've come back from worse. Hey, I almost shot my old man. I'd say hopping it on the next flight to see my family ain't so bad. Not with all things considered.

I sniff, eyes following the swaying palm tree in the musky late afternoon air, before finally I reach the gate. Last time I was here, Connor let us in, but I don't know the code. I back up, wondering if I can climb over without impaling myself when I hear the whir of an engine behind me. My instincts kick in, the animal I've always been, and I make for the nearest bush, flattening myself, watching.

It's a fancy jet black beauty, but the woman who leans out the window to enter the code is unfamiliar. Too young to be Connor's mum. Blonde. Tanned. Looks Greek? I spy Oscar in the passenger seat, all fancy in suit and tie—a uniform, and then it clicks. School's out, and this must be Ani, their maid.

Ducking her head back in, the car sits as the gates slide open mechanically, I inch closer, waiting for my chance. As soon as the car has made it halfway through, I spring from my hiding spot, keeping my head low, and I duck next to the wall, peering my head round the corner. The gates start to close. Fast.

I leap around and slide myself in, feeling the brush of air and tasting the tang of metal just before the clink behind me, and a buzz sings through my body. I made it.

Resisting a celebratory fist in the air, I remember where I am and I duck down again, keeping to the side, hiding behind whatever I can. Tree, hedge. Even a lavish-looking fountain.

The car pulls into the garage, and once the sliding door shuts them out of sight, I sprint for the front door. What else was I expecting? Locked. Keeping calm, I remember the side path, and I head through the arch backed by tall hedges and along the red-brick path, round to the garden. I find myself admiring the crystal blue pool water when I realise how exposed I am and I jog quickly to take cover against a wall. I dare a glance through the window beside me, and see Ani looking directly my way.

Swearing, I duck my head back, squeezing my eyes shut, praying to God she didn't see me. Five seconds pass. Ten...

Phew. She ain't coming. Too damn close man!

I wait a full minute before trying again, and this time I can't see her. I scan the entire kitchen, but it's empty. Trying the door, I sigh as it opens without trouble, and step in, my mission clear. I'm almost to the hallway when a metallic clink of cutlery on a plate jars against my teeth. I stop, jerking my head left.

Oscar's staring at me, wide-eyed, one hand against the countertop, the other clutching a jar of jam. Our eyes are locked for too damn long when I find the strength to break our deadlock, remembering Connor.

I take a step forward, anticipating. Sure enough, the kid opens his mouth to scream, and I break the distance, clamping my hand over his mouth. I spin him around so I have him in a kind of headlock, but I'm careful not to put any pressure on him. I keep my mouth close to his ear, whispering.

"Easy, kid. Not here to hurt you. I'm Connor's..." I sigh. Why lie? "Boyfriend." I feel Oscar stiffen. Cause he found out his brother's gay, or because he thinks I'm a dirty liar? Can't say. "Now you may have a hard time believing it, but I love him, kay? He's the best thing I got, and cause of my fuck-up, I have to say goodbye to all that.