It took less than 24 hours for the phone to ring. I sat on the couch, hugging my knees as it rang on the coffee table. I let it ring twice before reaching over and pressing the accept button. There was no caller ID or phone number to let me know who it was. But I had a clue. I held the phone to my ear, waiting for a voice to float through.

"Hello?"

" . So glad of you to follow instructions."

It was Totomaru on the other side.

"What do you want?"

"The boss has a task for you. He wants you to pay a visit to Mavis's park. You know where that is right?"

I nodded even though he couldn't see me.

"Yes, I do."

"Good. Once you're there you will find a bench on the south side. There will be a black duffel bag underneath it. Take that home with you. Don't open it until you are home."

"What's inside?"

"You'll know more once you get it. Now be a good girl and go to the park."

The line clicked off. I tossed the phone on the other side of the couch. I leaned my head back and let out a breath. What was I doing? I can't believe I let him find me again. It's been about four or five years since I last heard of him. As far as I knew, he was in prison for embezzling or something like that. I got up off the couch and stretched. I tucked my phone into my shorts and headed to leave. I might as well get this over with. slipping on my shoes and throwing my coat on, I headed to the park. Luckily it wasn't raining but the sky did look grey.

Mavis Park was quite lovely. Sitting in the northern part of the magnolia, past the cathedral, it was spacious with green grass, various trees, and the most magnificent flowers blooming there.

At the entrance, stood a large fountain with a statue of Mavis herself. Many find themselves entranced by her. As if she could wield magic, many families flock to this location.

There has been more than one time that I myself came here, hoping to find clarity in her presence. As if she was able to fill my heart with needed answers.

I bypassed the statue, ashamed of how Mavis looked at me. And quickened my steps to the bench I was told to find. A man in an everyday suit sat on the worn, wooden bench. His hat was worn low on his brow, and he seemed to be reading the newspaper. His fingertips reached and adjusted his brim but I knew it was a silent signal in pleasantries. Next to him on the bench was a small black bag. It resembled something he might bring to work at the office.

I casually walked to the bench and sat at the far end, trying to make it look like two strangers sharing a bench. I pulled out my personal phone and began to fiddle with it. Checking for any messages or missed calls. A few moments passed by before the man folded his newspaper and shoved it into his coat. He stood, fixing his hat, and exited the park.

I gave it a few more moments before collecting the bag and making my way home. It's been a while since someone gave me a drop.

"So what are you going to do?"

I ran my hands through my mane for what felt like the hundredth time in an hour. I did another lap in my kitchen.

"I don't fucking know Lily. What should I do?"

He took a sip of the scotch I poured. Between the two glasses on the table, mine was still full. I was too anxious to drink. I kept replaying the conversation in my head from earlier. What was I to do? As a citizen, I feel like I should help the Feds, but on the other hand, how could I spy and give info about a woman I was romantically seeing?

But, I guess we weren't seeing each other. Not anymore.

"Were you guys even together? I mean besides the sex?"

I stopped and looked at my best friend.

"Get out of my head."

He raised his eyebrows at me. "I'm only stating the facts that we know. Which quite frankly, isn't a lot. It seems like you only know her name and what type of panties she wears."

I growled at him. "Shut up. It wasn't like that."

"Then tell me what it was."

"I don't know!" My voice echoed off the kitchen. "I don't know. I wanted more. I wanted more than just sex. Yes, there was some intimacy. But I wanted the whole thing. The waking up together and going to bed together. Sharing a bathroom in the morning and arguing over dishes and watching dumb tv. Her getting mad cause I can't see the difference between tan and taupe and what color to paint the walls of our new house. Me having to drive a van to lug our brats around that looked like her and have her smile. I want it all Lil. I want to live. I've been alive but I haven't started living until her."

My breathing speeded up and I ran my hands through my hair. I didn't know what to do with myself. I felt so overwhelmed. I need to punch something. Do something. Anything to make me stop feeling this way.

"God damn it."

I grabbed my full glass. Fisting it in my hands, I threw it as hard as I could against the nearest wall. It briefly reminded me of that night she told me about her whole other life.

"GOD DAMN IT," I roared.

I absently heard Lily getting up from his seat and coming around the bar top to stand in front of me. My eyes locked with his. And I searched for something. Anything to pull me out of this hole I was in. I gripped his forearms and he matched my stance. Ready to either catch me or brace against my punch. Everything hurt as I tightened my hold and scrunched my eyes tight. I just wanted this feeling to end.

"Why didn't she want me, Lil?" I shook my head. "Why didn't she want what I was prepared to give her?"

Lilly said nothing for a few moments.

"Do you have your answer," he asked quietly.

I stood myself up. Taking a few deep breaths, I settled myself.

"I'm gonna figure out who she is."

My heels clicked against the cobblestone as I rounded the corner. Of course, the outfit had a dress very similar to what I was wearing when I first met him. He always had the nerve to make things more flamboyant than they needed to be. It was quiet. Stray cars passed by, bathing me in light before shrouding me in darkness.

I made it up another block before turning into the alley. A lone red light flared from the wall and a heavy metal door sat beneath it. A small rectangular hole was etched into the door. I knocked and it slid open revealing hard-pressed eyes. I made eye contact, steeling my face, and waited for the turn of the lock and swing of hinges.

The rectangular hole closed shut and the door itself opened. I took a depth breath and steady myself before walking inside. The security didn't say anything but nodded his head towards a set of stairs leading further into the building. I held on as I climbed down the twisting flights. More red lights illuminated my path. When I reached the last landing, a lone door stood before me. The door opened as I walked towards it and closed gently when I crossed the threshold.

The smell of smoke and cheap perfume surrounded me. And the sound of jazz filled my ears. I headed closer to the music and walked into the main part of the lounge. It was only illuminated by red lights. A small band played in the furthest corner and the rest of the space was filled with various booths and tables. A bar lined the right wall with waitresses in barely any clothing carrying drinks. Multiple guards made rounds around the room, watching carefully for anyone who may be too much intoxicated and getting out of hand.

A figure loomed behind me. I looked out of the corner of my eye to see Totomaru dressed in a white button-down and black slacks. I'm surprised he owned actual clothes. His hand cupped my arm, pulling me with him.

"Boss wants to see you."

I didn't answer because answering meant you had a right to refuse.

He brought me around the outer edge of the room, leading me between staff and customers alike. I could hear his laugh before I even got to the table. I closed off my fear. Locking it in a small box in the back of my mind.

"Ah. Look who finally decided to show up."

Jose looked about the same as the last time i saw him many years ago. He seemed a little more thin and frail but the look in his eye hadn't changed for a second. He always wanted power and respect, and he would do anything he could to get it.

He stood, holding a cigar in one hand, and made his way over to me. He donned his normal purple suit. Gods I wished he would change it. I can't take people seriously who wear that color for enjoyment.

He circled me, trying to look for any weakness.

"My, my, little Levy. You sure have grown since the last time I saw you. You have definitely shaped out into a more womanly figure."

I tried not to shiver as his hand ran across my shoulder and down my back.

"Have you been good while I was out?"

I rolled my eyes but didn't say anything.

He sat down in the leather booth but pulled on my hand making me end up in his lap. I tried to not move as I could feel his hard-on through his pants. Gross.

His hand rested on my bare thigh.

"Ah, I remember now. This dress almost looks like the one you wore when we first met. All tight and revealing. You really did give me a show. I wonder if everything underneath still looks the same."

I grabbed his hand before it could move. "You wanted to talk; talk."

He chuckled. His smoky breath passed my face. I hated cigars.

"So impatient. I supposed we should get business out of the way before we have fun. I've called you here for the fact that you still owe me. You thought you could escape once I was in jail but guess again. I still had my eyes on you the entire time. Don't forget I was the one that dragged you out of that hole. I was the one that made sure you graduated on time with high honors. I was the one that took care of your financial situation. Yes, you have a brain and are smart and cunning, but you still needed help. And I took pity on you and gave you what you needed to grow. Don't forget your roots."

"What do you want?"

"I want back what I'm owed. With interest. You can do it however you want but if I find out you are slacking then I will take matters into my own hands."

His hand grasped my chin, the cigar smoke burning my eyes.

"I have my own people little Levy. These rooms back here are where they work. If you can't get what I want then you will be working for me. You will use every part of you for however long it takes. Do you understand?"

He held me so tightly I couldn't move.

"Yes. I understand."

"Good girl." He released my jaw and lightly patted my cheek.

"Now run along. Unless you wanna stay and play?"

I stood, walking as strong and as tall as I could. I made it up the stairs and out into the cool air. I staggered and lean on the cool brick in the alley. I took in gulps of air as I tried to not puke my guts out. I pulled out my phone and sent a text before I made my way home.

The game is on.