With Things We Can't Have

CHAPTER FIVE

MY SOUL SISTER.
(edited)
12/19/24

I sat in silence throughout the car ride, feeling as if I was trapped in the longest journey of my life. The air was thick with unspoken tension, and Victor hadn't uttered a single word, intensifying my discomfort and anxiety in the cramped space. Every minute felt like an eternity, hanging heavily around us—the kind of silence that could be sliced in two with a knife.

But I knew this wasn't the moment to confront him. I sensed the anger and sadness radiating off him, a storm brewing beneath the surface. I didn't want to set him off, not now, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I would have my say later on. Victor would get an earful when the mission ended—he should have communicated with me. A quick text or a brief call could have kept me in the loop. If only he had done that, I would have hurried back home sooner.

The car finally lurched to a stop in front of the most dilapidated house I had ever seen. The peeling paint and overgrown weeds made me feel queasy, an unpleasant knot forming in my stomach. I grimaced at the sight but pushed myself out of the car, trailing behind Victor, who was already on the front porch, his fists pounding against the weathered door with a determination that startled me.

With each click of my heels against the cracked concrete sidewalk, a jolt of cold air coursed through me, causing chills to race down my spine. I cursed under my breath, realizing too late that I should have grabbed my jacket. The strapless dress I had so carefully chosen for a dinner date felt inappropriate for the bleak weather, leaving me vulnerable to the brisk breeze.

I pulled out my phone, double-checking the address to confirm we were at the correct location. My heart raced as I realized—what on earth was Kendall doing here?

Suddenly, with a mighty crash, Victor's large foot collided with the front door, forcing it open with a startling bang that made me flinch and back away instinctively. The echo of the impact reverberated through the night air, amplifying the already tense atmosphere.

"Victor! You can't just kick in someone's door like that!" I exclaimed, rushing to his side, a sense of urgency drawing me closer. I touched his cold skin to see if he was genuinely alright. He seemed fine, albeit a little wound up. "I'm going to try to call Kendall again," I added, hoping to break through the tension.

Victor pulled away from my touch, stepping over the threshold with a determined stride, his frustration palpable. I followed closely behind him, my fingers fumbling as I dialed Kendall's number. The phone rang and rang until finally, it was picked up. A wave of relief washed over me—thank the Lord!

"Kendall.." My heart began to race, "Kendall! Are you in there?"  My jumbled words pierced the quiet apartment as I followed behind the angry man. 

I nibbled at my bottom lip, nervous about how this situation would unfold... Victor didn't seem too happy, so I hoped whoever was here with Kendall would stay hidden.

Otherwise,  we'll have a murder scene.  I was far from ready... to go to prison.  I'd be lunch meat for the women in prison.

On our way deeper into the house, I looked in the first few rooms. I could hear noises from the other line, but I kept my attention on what was before me.

"H-Hello? Lilan?"  Kendall's voice came out groggy and tired. 

"Oh, thank god it's you!"  I praised the goddesses and gods above.   "Victor and I are here. Where are you?" 

"Here? What are you talking about?"  she spoke softly. From the sounds of it, she was very much not herself. 

Victor's hand came around his body, seized my phone from my fingers, and then grabbed hold of me with his other hand.