PASSIONS OF CRIME

The Client

Two – The Client

Antonio had gone to sleep at about five, and woke up an hour and a half subsequently. He found that Joanne was not in the bed, much to his surprise because she was a late sleeper of sorts.

He got up and walked to the living room. She was sitting on the dining table, waiting for him to join her at breakfast.

"I'll just freshen up," said he, heading towards the bathroom.

About five minutes later, he joined her at the table.

"So, you sleep any good?" asked he.

"Yes." she answered, "Thanks for that again."

"When'd you wake up?"

"About half an hour ago."

"That early, huh? This storm's been hard on you, hasn't it?"

"No, nothing like that. I woke up because of something, I don't exactly remember what. And you were asleep, so I decided to make us some breakfast in case you got up early."

"That's incredibly nice of you."

"Thank you. By the way, you sleep like a baby."

"Do I?" he laughed.

"Yes!" she exclaimed, "Like a peaceful little baby!"

"Well sleep isn't common for me, so I guess I try to make the most of it."

"Did you know the newspaper didn't come today?" she changed the topic.

"I did not. But it's no surprise."

"I guess. Hey, could you turn on the TV?"

"What for?"

"Just need to see the news. The storm must've cleared by now, right? I mean, it hasn't rained since the morning."

The television flashed on.

"I hate to break it to you," said he after they'd watched it for about ten minutes, "but it looks like the situation's getting worse."

"I mean, come on!" she cried.

"Yep," he opened the curtains, "definitely getting worse."

"What is it?"

"You didn't look out the window did you?"

"I didn't," said she, coming nearer, "why what happened?"

There were clear skies of bright morning sunshine stretched for miles over the city. The rain had seemed to fade away, and the thundering had stopped. Birds were chirping and everything seemed good until the eye travelled just further to notice humongous black clouds heading towards the city at an incredible speed.

"Oh God," cried she, "that looks more horrific than what we had last night."

"I know."

"How long do you think we have before it rains again?" she asked.

"Not more than a few hours," said he, "have they opened up the roads?"

"I don't think so." she said, looking back at the TV, "In fact, they're sealing them right now."

"Goddamn it!" he cried, "How am I supposed to get home?"

There was a phone call. Antonio picked it up before the ring could go off.

"Hey Tony. How are you, man?"