Alejandro
It feels strange saying that’s my father when I know it’s not.
It feels fucking worse when I know he’s on my narrowed list of suspects.
When I look at that picture, I want to rip it down and tear it up. Even if my father isn’t El Diablo, there is still my mother who kept the truth from me.
I return my gaze to Lucia’s pale face and troubled eyes.
She looks away from the picture and back at me.
I’m still trying to figure out what’s up with her, but since I just unloaded some heavy stuff on her, I understand why she looks like that.
I also sort of drew a line between us when I told her I was glad to have met her.
I made us sound temporary. I didn’t want to, but I can’t be more with her, no matter what I feel.
I’m sure she noticed. She wouldn’t have missed the hidden message in my words.
I hope, though, we can continue to be whatever it is we are.
“The house used to have more pictures when my parents lived here,” I say, carrying on the conversation and falling into the shift of subject. “When they died, everything was placed in storage except what you see in this room. This was my father’s office. I imagine he would have hated anybody moving stuff around too much, so my brother and I kept it the same.”
“Oh,” she breathes. “My Dad is like that, too. He doesn’t like his things touched.”
Her voice sounds shaky, more than before. I don’t know if it’s the mention of her father.
“How’s your father?”
“He’s okay.”
My phone rings, cutting off the conversation.
“I gotta get this. Give me a sec.”
“Sure.” She nods.
When I see it’s the hospital calling me, anxiety laces through my veins.
“Alejandro speaking,” I say when I answer.
“Hi, Alejandro. It’s Dr. Moorea. Good news. I just wanted to let you know that Cristiano is awake.”
My God.Finally, some good news.
“Thank you so much. Please tell me I can see him.”
“Yes. I would prefer if you came in the morning as it’s so late, but of course, I can make exceptions on this occasion. He’s asking for you and said to bring Marcus.”
My eyes narrow to slits. “He said that?”
“Yes.”
“We’ll be there in forty-five minutes.”
“See you then.”
“Thanks, Doctor.”