Keeping The Royal Treaty CHAPTER 6

I tried to keep my head low, trying to hide every inch of my body behind a haystack. Apparently, Hans told me that the only way to leave the house unnoticed is to use another route. 

An old couple, the caretakers, live not far from the estate. They use an old lane to get to Vince’s house, and fortunately, Hans is a close friend of theirs. He said that they’ve invited him for dinner quite a few times, so he knows another way out and to the city. If we take the old lane, it will take us longer to reach the city, but it’s worth the effort. 

I precisely followed Hans’ escape plan and it took me a lot of effort not to be seen by the maids. I don’t know how long I’ve been hiding behind this haystacks, but I can feel my shirt drenched in sweat. 

“Francis,” Hans whispers. 

As soon as I heard my name, I rush my way out. “What took you so long?” I ask.

“I have to make sure I am not being followed,” he said. “Let’s go.”

I followed him to the exit, but as soon as I saw Hans’ car, I stop. It took me a brief moment to react. “What the hell Hans! This is amazing!”

“Indeed, such a beauty, a 1969 Camaro ZL1.”

“This-this cost fortunes!,” I said. “Did you steal this?” 

“I would never do such a thing,” he scoffed, offended that I accuse something impossible. “Get in, it will take us most likely less than an hour to get there.”

I immediately rush to the door and pull the safety belts. Hans slides into the driver seat, starting the engine. “I’m sorry. But where did you get this?” I ask.

“It was actually given to me on my forty-sixth birthday, and of course, I couldn’t say no to this. I have to say, I was quite surprised myself. Who would have thought that Vince could simply give this away?” he said.

“Vince? I’m having a hard time believing that. He’s nothing but a selfish prick,” I object. I’m not convinced at all. Sure, I don’t really know Vince, but there is no doubt that he is an egoistic person. “No don’t answer that. Are you sure its okay? It’s gonna be a long and bumpy ride. I don’t want to damage your car,” I continue.” No, don’t answer that either! We have to go!”

“Calm down Francis, ” he said.

As soon as we left the estate, I look at the rearview mirrors just to verify that no one is following. Hans and I will be in big trouble if one of the brutes notice my absence. 

“Are you worried they might notice your missing?” he asked. I nod my head in response. “Well, if it makes you feel better, sir Vince won’t be home tonight. We’ll be fine, so don’t worry.” He said confidently.

It’s intriguing how he doesn’t look worried at all. He looks calm and collected. I wonder if he ever did this before, it seems like it.

I took a deep breath to ease myself, “That’s good to know. Uhm, do you have any idea where he is?” I ask.

“I believe he will be out of town for a day or two. And stop biting your nails or so help me I am going to chain your hands.”

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop,” I countered. I look at my nails for a second and I immediately hid it under my sleeves. They are short and awful. I had bitten it to the point where I can see the pink ridges of flesh. I do feel guilty and ashamed, but I just couldn’t stop myself.

“There’s something else bothering you, Francis,” he said.

I lean out the window and a sigh escapes my lips. “To tell you the truth, what happened two days ago really scared me. Every time Vince is not around, I can’t help but wonder what he could be doing right now. He could be out there torturing another man, or yet something much worst,” I claimed. 

“I won’t judge you. But you need to know that there will be times when you’ll see worse.”

“I know, and that’s what scares me the most,” I admitted. “Anyways, I’m starving. Can you hear that? My tummy is making that dying whale sound again.”

“Hush, patients,” he said.

Hans is an excellent driver, the way he maneuvers the car when we stop by the light or make a turn. Sad to say, I never had the chance to get a license. I used to have a chauffeur, a very good friend of mine, that escorts me wherever I wish to go.

 As soon as I saw the city lights, I can’t help but feel a little bit of excitement. I know I shouldn’t be here but it’s worth the risk.  

Hans pulled over to the toll road, and the place isn’t too crowded, so it won’t be hard to find a sit. Just thinking a slice of pizza makes my mouth water. I haven’t really eaten anything today, after the talk I had with Vince, I lost my appetite. Right now, I could eat a whole pizza.

As expected, we found a sit shortly. My worries are long gone and I actually feel quite happy. But, again, I spoke too soon.

“Francis,” a familiar voice calls me as soon as we sit down.

I frowned. I immediately turn around, curious why the voice seems too familiar. “Madelyn?,” I choked. “It’s been awhile. How have you been?”

“Really?” she said in a rough voice.

“Yeah, it’s been a long time. I. . .” I was cut off when a slap came across my face. 

The moment I saw her clench her fists, I know it won’t turn out good. “Really?! Don’t play dumb with me Francis. It’s been six months,” she spat. “Oh, God! The moment I saw you walk in that door, I want to strangle you! You haven’t called, or left messages, or. .or . . or anything, you left me with nothing. Yet here you are, pretending like old friends.” 

“Madelyn I. . .”

“For two years that were together, I took our relationship seriously. I tried to give everything you wanted, I sacrificed a lot for you, but it just wasn’t enough. What did I ever do to make you hate me?!”

“Calm down Madelyn, please, let me explain. I’ve never wanted to leave you, but. . . ,”

“Stop it, don’t make excuses.”

“Madelyn I tried but. .”

“Shut up! Just shut up you coward!” she yelled.

Before I had the chance to defend myself, another blow came across my cheek. Everyone stood in silence. Again, I am the center of attention. People looked at me with pity as if I am the most unfortunate person in the world.

I’ve tried to remain calm, but whispers are starting to provoke me “You’re right. I’m not going to stand here and defend myself. I was wrong and I’m sorry. I deserve to be humiliated. But have you ever ask yourself why I left?” I say in a very low voice.

“Why? What did I do to you?” she hissed. The sound of agony is very evident. But I know better than believe her drama.

“Madelyn, I never questioned you nor hated you when you were sleeping with other men behind my back.” I countered, not loud enough to be heard by the audience. 

For a minute, she was speechless, surprised that I knew her dirty little secret. I look her in the eye for the last time, her expression is masked with horror as if she was caught stealing a candy.

I took the initiative to walk away, not wanting to attract more audience. But she’s right, I should have told her sooner. Despite her betrayal, despite her selfishness, she does deserve an explanation. 

The day I saw Madelyn cruising with other men, I have to say, I was not surprised at all. One thing I despise the most is her lies. She can never be honest nor truthful. Although, it was partly my fault. If only I gave her the attention she always wanted, nor the sexual intercourse she was demanding, maybe we had a chance. 

But if you really love a person, learn to wait. I think most would agree.

“That’s really mature of you Francis. I always thought that a man of your age would be exchanging harsh words ’till they run out of breath. I’ve seen quite a few,” Hans said. 

“Not me, there is no point in arguing if…”

Hans stops in his tracks. He turns around and scans the neighborhood as far as his eyes can see.

He grabs me by the arm and starts to walk, but this time, a little bit faster. “We better get going,” he said. There’s only quite a few people in the street, but the way Hans is acting, I knew that something is wrong. He kept looking back as if someone is following us.

“What’s wrong Hans? Are we being followed?” I asked.

“Shit! I’m sorry. Just follow me and I’ll take you to a safe place. You don’t wanna stay here any longer, I won’t guarantee your safety if one of those jackasses pulls a gun,” he said. 

The tension on my back and shoulders seems to intensify, I am anxious about what could possibly happen. Hans walks ahead of me, trying to shield me, prepared to take any impending casualties. He is a gutsy man considering his age, but it dawned me that I should be the one protecting him. 

We were close to Hans’ car, but someone’s already expecting our return, a peculiar man is standing a few feet from Hans’ car, a cigar dangles between his lips. “That was a good show, but damn! I can’t fucking stand drama,” he mocks.  “Although, she’s gorgeous, what a waste,” he adds.

He took a step forward, and by instinct, I took a step backward.”Oi, don’t even think of running away if you don’t want a bullet on your head,” he exclaimed. He can’t possibly pull a gun with people around us.

“I wonder what a stray dog doing on my turf,” he said. “Say, did your master ever told you not to wonder in someone else’s terrain?” He asks.

“We are simply running some errands. Sir Vince is expecting our company. Now, if you’ll excuse us,” Hans replied. 

He laughed.He took another puff of his cigar and the foul scent hangs in the air. Usually, I would be throwing fit if I smell a whiff of that disgusting weed, but not today.”You never changed Hans, your still a fucking buffoon. You think I believe you? It’s stupid to leave you unguarded,” he said. I clench my hands when he fixes his gaze on me, and I can feel my nails dig into my palm. “And you must be Francis. The famous son, yet unfortunate bride of the Cosa Nostra.” 

“James, Francis doesn’t know anything about this matter,” Hans said.

He pauses for what felt like an eternity, his expression is vague. There is something wrong with him. He seems to be irritated, I can’t tell if his on narcotics or some sort of drug. “Let’s cut the crap, Hans. You know very well what I want,” he said dryly. 

Once again he stares at me, but this time, a smirk play across his lips. “Say, I’ll tell you what your fucking husband did,” he said coldly.

I don’t know what he meant, not until I feel the blade sank into my flesh. “Now you know,” he said.

For a minute, my body went numb. A scream tore through me like a shattered glass. And yet another scream, but this time, much worse. Adrenaline coursed through my system as a fight or flight instinct. “I wonder what Vince will say if he sees you with a broken limb,” he sneers. 

“This is nothing compared to what Vince did to my brother,” I heard him say. It isn’t drugs that cause him to act peculiar. It was revenge, hate, and anger. “Get him in the car.”

 The pain is unbearable. I can’t even move, let alone my leg. 

It was then, I realize, the first time I’d wish Vince is here to save us.

_____

Whoa! I know it took me forever to upload and I’m sorry. 

A lot of things happened in one day, poor Francis. All he wanted is freedom. Yet every time he pursues, the more it is taken away from him.

Anyways, it’s the longest chapter I’ve ever written, and it still needs a lot of editing.