There was enough poison in the drink I gave him to kill three men his size. But somehow, it didn’t end him. And I don’t know if I’m truly safe. He looks dead... but there’s something deep inside me telling me he may not be.
I panic.
With the bag on my shoulder, I run to the window and half-fall, half-jump to the ground. My ankle is stabbed by pain, but it’s short-lived, and soon enough I’m back on my feet. My heart pounds as I look for a sign of guards. There’s no one here, except for one figure lurking in the shadows of a large tree.
He approaches me, and I manage a shaky smile of relief. This feels surreal.
“Is it done?” Phoenix asks me, and I manage a nod. “Well done, Tallulah. Well done. Your parents will be so proud. Let’s go. We need to act fast.”
I allow him to lead me off the property, down the many stairs leading to the beach beneath the house.
I’ve known Phoenix for a long time. He works for my father, who has planted him in Xavier’s house. I always knew I could count on him, and it was part of our plan that he’d escort me off the premises without betraying his spying for my father.
We get to the sandy beach where a beaten up boat is waiting. Phoenix helps me, and I clutch the money bag like my life depends on it. Phoenix doesn’t speak, and neither do I. He just starts the boat, and we pull away from shore.
My heart is pounding so hard I’m convinced I’m going to faint.
“You know what to do next, don’t you?” he asks me.
“Yes,” I whisper. “I need to get a cab where you drop me off. And then change rides a few times until I get to a safe space.”
“That’s right, good girl.”
It doesn’t sound right when he calls me that. I only want to hear those words from Xavier’s lips. Even now, I’m still under my guardian’s spell.
The waves splash against the boat. I sit back in silence, contemplating whether I’ve just made a terrible mistake.
Phoenix asked me if it was done, and I told him it was. But I don’t know if Xavier is actually dead.
I shake my head. He is dead. He has to be dead.
Clinging to that thought for the rest of the ride, I only snap out of it what feels like an hour later, when we arrive at a small beach.
“You can walk to town from here,” Phoenix tells me. “About twenty minutes on foot. Then catch a cab, just to take you over the bridge. You’ll be in a different country then. Get a different ride.”
I nod. I’ve gone over this plan a thousand times, and I know what I have to do.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you any clothes or supplies, but it would’ve been too suspicious,” Phoenix continues, motioning for me to get off the boat. I’m still barefoot, and my feet slip on the pier.
I meet Phoenix’s eye, my heart beating fast again.
“Good luck, Tallulah,” he says. “Maybe I’ll see you again. Be safe.”
I nod and walk away, feeling like I’ve left my entire world in ashes back at Xavier’s home. I’m no longer Tallulah Gunn, I’m a new person entirely. And I need to get the hell away from the monster on my trail.
The walk takes a little longer than Phoenix said, and I catch some eyes as I make my way to the small seaside town. No one says anything, though. They must know Xavier lives close-by. They will not question my presence, though I’m sure word will get out later about my escape.
Once I finally make it into town, I locate a small hospital where a bunch of cabs are waiting for customers. I get into the first one in line and shove some money at the driver.
“Drive,” I tell him. “I need to get away from here. There’s more money in it for you. Just be quick about it.”
The old man looks at me in the rearview mirror. I can tell he’s suspicious.
“Please,” I add desperately.
My pleading seems to move him. Though he seems conflicted, he just mutters something in Spanish and puts his food on the gas. Just like that, we’re away.
I settle against the seat, exhaling a breath of relief. Freedom should taste sweeter, but it’s bitter instead, reminding me of what Xavier and I shared.
But maybe he isn’t gone.
I massage my temples. I can’t let myself think that way. Xavier needs to be dead, because if he isn’t, I’m going to die.
And yet I’m still unsure whether my attack was enough to take a man like him out. He’s a beast. An unbeatable monster. I don’t know if a little girl like me is enough to ruin him.