How To Hide A Body

Epilogue

Silence. I waited in silence. Hopeful silence, maybe, waiting for someone to move. Magnus didn't move, neither did Rachel or Cléo.

"Is he dead?" Bart asked me, sitting up, grunting slightly, clutching his chest, where the bullet had embedded itself in the bulletproof vest. I choked on tears as an answer. Then he saw Cléo. "Sol, call an ambulance." I burst into tears again. I hurt people. I get paid to hurt people. Sometimes I hurt people just for kicks. I get in the middle of their lives. In the middle of love, happiness, adventure. I had done so much damage. All because of one coward who now lay dead before me. The lovers' blood joined. A nouveau Romeo and Juliet. A Tragedy, but one which would have to remain anonymous. 

"What the hell are you crying about?! He's dead! And so is the traitor! But we need to help Cléo! Now!" Bart yelled at me, making me jump. My hands trembled as I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone. As I saw the screen flash, I let it go and it clattered to the floor. Bart reassuringly put his hand on my shoulder and called an ambulance. Cléo grunted. Then he hugged me and did not let me go until we saw the glow of red and blue lights flash through the windows. 

***

We knew that shots were going to be fired. Bart knew he was probably going to be the target. He also knew, that if he 'died', people would believe that I was vulnerable (because, you know, internalised misogyny) and would let their guard down, allowing Bart a better chance of killing them. Cléo originally had promised that she was not going to go inside because she did not want to play a part in violence but she had decided against it. Therefore, Bart had donned a bulletproof vest and had promised that he would jump in front of any bullet for me, despite me saying that that idea was less heroic as it was stupid, because if he had time to jump in front of it, I would have had time to move. But, it never had come to that and, instead, Cléo had been shot. So had Rachel. So had Magnus. But, for the first time in my whole career, I had received emotional wounds, or, what my therapist (I know, Cléo made me go) calls it, emotional 'trauma'. Of course, she doesn't know the truth. Only that I had been in caught in some crossfire which involved my girlfriend and best friend. Textbook emotional trauma. 

It's been three weeks since the 'emotional trauma'. Cléo is still in the hospital, but, don't worry,  she's perfectly fine. She was moved to a private and the nicest hospital room, which might as well have been called a suite (room 578 on the sixth floor with a wonderful view of Salzburg), as the staff had instantly fallen in love with her kindness and her generosity. It just goes to show how different we are. 

But, I have changed. I mean, I still prefer to go on vacation for free and not use actual money on expensive things (I am not a peasant), but I will give my seat up for a pregnant lady, donate my old clothes and I will pick up ice blocks I have dropped instead of kicking them under the fridge (which is more than any of you can say). I have improved in the way that I am still going to hell but God would still pat me on the back for trying. But, I still remain in villainy. I mean, I have to. It's what I am good at. I can't escape it. 

I came home one day after bringing Cléo flowers at the hospital and checked my e-mails. The first e-mail sent 22 hours ago,  I saw had no subject but came from an all too familiar e-mail address. 

Fake.emailgmail.at

Hello, Solange

I thought that e-mail address might get your attention. I know you hoped that this wild ride was over. So did I. It has taken from your time and your energy. But, it has also taken from my time and my energy. I'm going to need your help with something. And, I have so much information on you and your friends, it makes me giddy. 

Anyways, if you don't respond within 24 hours, well, something may happen to your precious Cléo, in room 578 on the sixth floor of Salzburg Hospital. I have someone keeping a very close eye on her, you see. I have friends in the nursing field, oh and as do you! I could get him into lots of trouble. He's a naughty little boy. 

If you haven't understood the message yet, you're being blackmailed. Again. AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Well, I'm not sure if this time you will get away so easily.  Magnus had too much information on me. I want to disappear. I need you, and you need me to keep you a secret. 

much love, 

XOXO

Jean.