Free Clockwork Romance by Andy Mandela Page A

afternoon so I wouldn’t have to worry about doing it at night, the time when all the bums of the city carelessly walk throughout streets and alleys merely getting in the way and on people’s nerves. The backpack is in my bedroom. It was a dark blue color, which would appear black to someone walking in the night. And someone walking with luggage in the dark either looks homeless or suspicious. This isn’t Europe, so it’s not like I’ll appear like a backpacker wandering around looking for a youth hostel. And I don’t look like the homeless type. But I don’t think anybody will pay me any mind. Not where I’m going. The lake is completely secluded at this time. Only the sound of crickets inhabit the area now.
    It’s time for me to go. I throw on the backpack and head for my car, of course not forgetting to bring my protection. Having it on me just makes me feel safer. It takes me about fifteen minutes to get there, but I don’t go all the way there. The less the number of cars there the better. I park in the parking lot of a grocery store, which lies at an intersection. The store faces the direction I will be walking. It isn’t busy, so it shouldn’t be a problem walking to the lake unnoticed. Another added plus, there are no streetlights leading to the lake, so it wouldn’t be wise for someone to drive there at night with a couple of busted headlights. The road is about a half mile until it reaches the lake. Actually, the road curves right, but there is a dirt road that continues straight. That’s where I’m going.
    But right now, I’m just sitting in my car. One of the risks of this job is that I could be killed at any moment. It’s not an idea you want at the top of your head before going in, but normally, I wouldn’t be scared. I think it might be because I feel like I’ve got nothing to lose. But now I am scared. Because now I do have something to lose. Her name is Karina. Karina. I don’t want to lose her. I know I haven’t really known her for that long, but it feels so much longer.
    There are people waiting for me at the other end of that dark road. And I know that I have to go there. I just try to make it go by as fast as possible. I get out of the car, bringing my backpack with me. I’m walking. And walking, and walking. Luckily, I have the moon shedding some light so I can at least see where I’m going. I switch from the actual road to the dirt road. Images in the distance are fuzzy, but I think I can make out a car. No lights are on of course, and the closer I get, the surer I am about what is there. Closer and closer I get, while my hands are almost sweating at the tension. My heart’s beating a little faster as well. I should be used to this.
    I think of Karina again. Even though it’s dark out, I can see her beautiful smile clear as day.
    I’ve reached it. I lift up the unlocked trunk, which was as they said it would be. I placed the backpack inside, and immediately shut it. I can see the pavilion and the trash can. I just have to go there, walk back to my car, and ultimately be relieved. That’s all I can think about as I make my way to the trash can. A few more steps, then bingo. Just as promised, I can feel the backpack that was left for me. I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to sift through trash to get it. I take it out, then put it on. I feel so tense, I can barely hear the crickets chirping. But I can hear something else as well. Footsteps. They’re getting closer. I slowly reach for my gun, when I hear, “Excuse me.” The man who the voice belonged to was tall and wearing a suit. I wouldn’t figure him to be a bum.
    “Who are you?” I ask.
    “I’m an associate of Roman Leone. Can we offer you a ride?” He sounded harmless. But I just want to get the hell out of here. Whether or not it saves time is not my concern. I don’t feel like getting into a car filled with I don’t know how many mobsters.
    “No thanks. I think I’ll be fine walking on my own,” I