The car ride was silent. Sergio drove, while I sat stiffly in the passenger seat. I stared out the window, watching the scenery change from city streets to long stretches of beach. The salty air was fresh, but I couldn't enjoy it.
"You're quiet," he said, breaking the silence.
I didn't look at him. "Do you expect me to be cheerful?"
He chuckled. "Cheerful? No. Obedient? Yes."
I clenched my fists.
He smirked.
The car rolled to a stop. I glanced around. The beach was private, untouched, stretching far and wide. A few of Sergio's men were already there. Some stood near a wooden bar, while others sat under large umbrellas, talking and laughing like this was some casual gathering.
I frowned. "Lunch… at the beach?"
Sergio opened his door and stepped out. "You sound disappointed."
"I was expecting a restaurant."
"The one prepared by your dad or what?"
"This guy always switches so fast" I thought to myself.
A man walked around the car and opened my door. A man in a dark suit stood nearby, waiting. I hesitated, but staying in the car wasn't an option.
I stepped out, my bare feet sinking into the warm sand. It was soft and comforting.
Sergio placed his hand on my lower back, his grip firm. "Don't wander."
I stiffened but didn't move away.
He leaned closer. "Unless you want me to drag you back in front of everyone."
I swallowed hard. "You're impossible."
He laughed. "And you're predictable."
We walked toward a shaded area where a long wooden table was set up. It was covered with grilled seafood, roasted meat, and fresh fruit. The sight made my stomach twist, not with hunger, but with unease, I never ate seafood.
The men stopped talking when we arrived. Their eyes flicked to me, then back to Sergio. Some looked amused. Others curious.
"She's here," one of them muttered.
"About time," another said, smirking.
I stiffened. Sergio ignored them and pulled out a chair. "Sit."
I hesitated.
His smirk deepened. "Would you rather sit on my lap?"
I shot him a glare before dropping into the chair.
Sergio sat beside me, lighting a cigarette. He took a slow drag, then exhaled. "Eat."
"I'm not hungry."
He flicked his cigarette ash into an empty glass. "Eat, Claire."
I sighed and reached for a piece of grilled shrimp. It smelled good, but my stomach was still twisted in knots. I forced myself to take a bite.
Sergio watched me. "See? Not so hard."
One of his men, a tall guy with a scar down his cheek, leaned closer. "So, this is her?"
Sergio took another drag of his cigarette. "Obviously."
The man smirked. "She looks… delicate."
I set my fork down. "You talk about me like I'm not here."
His smirk widened. "That's because you don't belong here."
Sergio's gaze flicked to him, sharp and warning. "Shut up, Lorenzo."
Lorenzo raised his hands in mock surrender. "Just saying."
I shifted in my seat. The men went back to talking, but I could still feel their eyes on me. I wasn't safe here. Not really.
I reached for my drink. As I did, someone brushed past my chair. A man who was talking with Lorenzo before, short, with dark hair and piercing eyes. He moved quickly, barely drawing attention.
Something slipped into my bag.
I froze.
What just happen?
I glanced around. No one seemed to notice. My heart pounded as I casually pulled my bag onto my lap, pretending to adjust the strap. I slid my hand inside and felt a small folded paper.
I kept my expression neutral as I slowly pulled it out beneath the table.
My stomach clenched when I saw the handwriting.
My daughter, this is your only chance. Read carefully. Follow the plan. Trust no one. Dad
The air left my lungs.
I read it again. And again.
Mr Parker? This couldn't be real.
I swallowed hard and slipped the note back into my bag. My fingers trembled. My father had disappeared from my life a while ago… hadn't he?
I stole a glance at Sergio. He was talking to Lorenzo, his expression bored. He had no idea.
I forced myself to take a deep breath. I couldn't react. Not here. Not now.
"Something wrong?" Sergio asked suddenly.
I looked up, forcing a smile. "No."
His dark eyes studied me. "You sure?"
I nodded. "Yeah. Just… tired."
He smirked. "You'll sleep when I say you can."
I clenched my jaw. "Of course."
His smirk widened, but he didn't push.
I needed to read the rest of the note, I couldn't contain my curiosity.
But how?
As if sensing my thoughts, Sergio leaned closer. "You're thinking about something."
I swallowed. "Not really."
His fingers traced the rim of his glass. "You're not a very good liar, claire."
I forced a chuckle. "And you're not very good company."
He laughed. "Fair enough."
I glanced at the water while I rack my empty head for an idea.
An idea formed in my head.
"Sergio?" I said, trying to sound casual.
He raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"
"Can I go for a walk?"
His expression didn't change, but I saw the way his fingers tensed around his cigarette. "Why?"
"I need some air."
He studied me for a long moment. Then, to my surprise, he leaned back. "Fine. But don't go far."
I nodded quickly, standing before he could change his mind. I grabbed my bag, forcing myself to walk slowly toward the shoreline.
The moment I was far enough, I pulled the note out again.
My hands shook as I unfolded it completely.
*****Tomorrow night. Midnight. There's a boat waiting. Be ready, someone is going to help you from inside. Trust the process.*****
I swallowed hard.
Tomorrow night.
Escape.
My chest tightened, but I felt happy a little bit.
I could get out of here.
But could I really?
And more importantly… How did my father manage to have men in midst of Sergio's men?
"Ahh"
I got startled immediately I turned.
"What's that you were staring at?"
I heard Sergio's dominating voice echoed in my head.
"Noth...nothing sir."
"Sir?"
"Umm…..I'm not feeling too well, I usually don't eat seafood but you forced me to have a taste and right now I'm about throwing up.....And I had….."
"Shut the fuck up."
He said slowly but his voice carried a dangerous aura at that moment, I was afraid he might have discovered the paper with me.
"You're uttering gibberish. Now look at me carefully and place the paper in my palm."
"What….what paper?" I stammered.
"You don't want me taking it forcefully right? Now be a good girl."
I took a few steps back, but he seemed to have lost his patience. He dragged my bag from me and he effortlessly pulled out the paper.
At that instant, I new I was cooked just from the way he stared at me with side eyes as he glanced through the paper.
"So this is what you do?" He smiled through his teeth.
"What?" I got a little bit confused, he should be furious but he was smiling.
"You journal all these while you're alone?" He squeezed the paper inside my bag back while he threw the bag at me.
I let out a huge sigh, seems he picked out the wrong paper.
The universe seems to be on my side today, he had picked out the paper I wrote the things that happened the previous day.
"Why where you hiding it though?" He asked suspiciously.
"I….didn't want you to see it."
"Pathetic."