Chapter Three

Valarie's POV

"You are late," Mr. Danzul said in a husky voice as I approached the dressing room.

"I'm sorry sir” I responded as I put out my hand to key the keys he stretched at me. The expression on his face wasn't good and I couldn't place if he was upset with me coming late or something else had hit him before my arrival.

"There are a ton of customers to be served and look at the time you resume" he said angrily. His tone had changed quickly.

"I'm —I'm sorry sir. I managed to say it again. My mind was still stuck in the message I had read at the boss stop.

I launched my bag on the only desk and ruffled the keys. Then pushed it into the lock. It opened with ease. I took out my uniform and dressed quickly in it.

"This shouldn't be a bad day for me" I prayed silently with my eyes shot.

I quickly picked up the phone and scrolled to the last message I received.

My eyes landed on the heavy words in capital letters.

"YOU CAN'T HIDE"

My heart suddenly began to race again. Hit hard on the walls of my chest. I could feel every bit and hear every bump in my own ears. I placed my hand on the desk and took a deep breath. But it's time it wasn't relieving me of the tension and fear that was lurked in my skin.

"What's the matter?" A voice came booming behind me. I turned around and found Lisa, my newly found friend and colleague. I have only been here a few weeks but she's one of those kind people that I could speak to.

I sighed and shoved the phone coldly to her face.

"What's that?" She asked as she squint her eyes to get a glimpse.

"I can't see anything" she scoffed and took the phone from me.

"Who sent you this".

"I swear I don't know". I responded.

"This is a big threat, you should report it to the police".

"The police? Who would I tell them it's from?"

It doesn't matter, what is important here is your safety".

Urrh—

"Did you have a fight with anyone?" she asked.

I shook my head in response. I couldn't possibly be in a fight with anyone. I mean look at me, pale and hungry looking, my bones looked like they could easily get crushed from one hit into them.

"I don't know".

"Hey—you got to call the cops or I'll do it for you" she threatened.

"What if it's Rambo, or those other men?"

"Who the hell is Rambo?" She asked. She squeezed her nose as she spoke. Waiting for my response.

"He's —a man that I, my brother, owes money".

She let out a short laugh.

"Why would a man your brother owes money come after you? That's insane. I mean if he wants his money your brother should pay for it".

Lisa, Yu don't understand.

"Then make me" she said again searching my face with her large eyes.

"I was sold to him". I said with my head bowed

"Like a collateral?"

"I guess so" I signed.

"Look, he can't come all the way here, you are safe”

She assured me. I nodded but a part of me has bluntly refused to believe the lie she just told me.

"What the heck are you still sitting in here for?" The voice boomed. Too grumpy the words jumped out like water in hot oil. Thick and greasy.

"We are sorry Mr. Danzul". Lisa and I chorused as we raced out of the room.

The day had gone as I predicted. Everything about it seemed off. The customers that came in all seemed like serial killers to me.

I managed to serve them and when it was time for me to go home. I was happy to do that. Finally I will have to board the last bus home. At least I can go back into hiding and that secluded apartment.

"Closing time?" Lisa asked.

"Yes, I have to go home quickly. It's getting late and I do not want to miss the bus.

"Alejandro, but you could pass the night at mine, it's just a few blocks away.

"No thanks". I laughed and looked at her.

"You're just too protective".

"Well, I have too". She said

"I will be fine, Lisa".

I packed up and changed Into my casual wear.

At 7:30pm the city was still a bit busy on this part. I stepped out and began walking towards the bus stop. I paused and turned at the sound of the booths behind me.

"Jeez, girl you're going crazy"

There's no one there, I held my chest and began to hasten my steps. The city that seemed busy suddenly became quieter as I moved forward with each step.

"Why is everywhere suddenly quiet?"  I spoke in my heart as I suddenly began to increase my steps. The sound of my shoes crashing against the tarred road was all I could hear within me

And a few honks could be heard from a distance.

Shadows suddenly began to lurk round the tall buildings and then I sighted a tiny light from a distance at least I could see the far end of the bus stop. My heart came at peace. I rushed my steps, panting and pushing out the heavy air through my nose and mouth.

"Shit, I guess I missed the bus again today". I murmured.

"A man and a woman stood in the same lane. I guess they missed the bus just as I did.

"The next bus will come in an hour” I heard the man say to the lady.

I had hoped at least two people would stay with me for another hour.

A few minutes later a car drove past. I turned left and right, fear crept in my mind again.

Finally, the one hour that seemed like eternity came to an end when the loud hunk of the bus came buzzing through the night, breaking its silence.

I hurried in and took a seat beside an old woman.

"Thank goodness" I muttered.

I had a silent journey home. Too famished to spend one more minute outside I rushed towards the hallway leading to the tiny apartment that is shared with Andrea.

As I walked up the stairs I held my fears in my heart. The only way I knew I was safe was to stop he into the apartment and lock myself in till its morning.

 I slotted in the key and turned the knob. The door opened in a few clicks. Just when I was about to go into the room a hand held the knob. At first I struggled and then I turned round to face the domineering creature before me. They were three in number. Masked in thick black clothes. A handkerchief was placed across my nose and in a split second I passed out.