Doubts From The Past. Antonio De Vito

first who needs to talk about it.” Sam did not say those words with the intention to flatter Carla; he really needed to understand what was going on in his head.

      In the meantime, the policeman who had got Carla’s phone number was filling out the documents needed for the release.

      “Sam Cary, born on November 18th, 1968 in Colorado...Hey Sam, tomorrow you’ll be 26. Happy birthday.” The policeman revealed unintentionally to Carla the first news she missed about Sam, then he got closer to Sam and added in a low voice:

      “Young man, this girl has a way with men, believe me, and so get a move on if you want to keep her.

      As soon as those last words reached Sam, he suddenly turned his eyes and stared at the policeman as a little cat before jumping to the neck of its prey.

      The policeman was impressed by that look, so he closed the file he had in his hands, he turned and went into the next room silently.

      “Sam, but what’s the matter with that cop?” Carla asked Sam.

      “Maybe he doesn’t feel well, it happens.” Sam said, while rubbing his temples because a big pain in his head was exhausting him.

      Carla looked at him for a moment then she pulled up her shoulders and took the bag to go.

      He was released with no problems, as the complaint against him had not been presented. When they were out of there, they headed for Carla’s home.

      -5-

      Stacie was frantically waiting for Peter, when she heard knocking on the door.

      “At last! I was waiting for you.” Stacie had not yet taken off the feeling of a faithless meeting that was accompanying her since she had invited Peter that morning.

      “I don’t think it’s late. You, rather, you look nervous, really nervous actually. Are you all right?” Peter asked.

      “Yes, I'm sorry but I have yet to get used to the fact that Sam and I are now two people with two completely separate lives.”

      Meanwhile, Peter took off his coat, put the bottle of wine he was holding down and sat in the living room.

      “Look, I would tell you what I think about this story and about Sam in particular but it was you who asked me to not talk about it. Maybe you were not wrong when you asked me to avoid going back on this subject, at least for the moment.” Peter said.

      Stacie smiled, accepted Peter’s proposal and began to put on the table the trial documents. They worked for a long time that night; they just stopped for a pizza at around 10pm and took the opportunity to drink Peter’s wine. It was not a great wine, for her who usually always sought the right one with Sam for every situation, but she was fine with it.

      That evening Stacie discovered with some surprise that, after all, she could begin to live a new relationship, beyond how it would end. She felt the satisfaction in sharing an interest and she thought that Sam and she had never discussed anyone of her causes, although Sam had done her own studies.

      “Stacie, it’s getting late, but I think we gave it our best shot for being the first day of work together.” Peter said.

      “Sure, Peter. It sounds like a good start. Above all, I must thank you because I felt really good tonight. Believe me, after Sam went on, I did not imagine that tonight I would be nearly five hours working and eating pizza with one of my colleagues at my house.” Stacie said.

      “Am I just a colleague to you?” Peter dared.

      “Well, I would say my favorite colleague, but do not add more. I would not spoil the evening.” Stacie had unbalanced beyond what she believed she could do that night.

      “All right, you got it. Then I’ll see you tomorrow. This time, you’d better pay attention to the alarm, though.” Peter said.

      “Once more, thank you for everything.” Stacie greeted.

      Peter went away pleased more of the effect his presence had had on Stacie than for the work done.

      Peter was not one who lived for success but he considered the career functional to achieve his goals. Stacie had always been among them. Unfortunately, he had always had to give it up, because it was not in his nature to fight with another man for a woman.

      As soon as he had heard that Sam and Stacie had discontinued their relationship, Peter had immediately thought this was his chance, and that trial was perfect to stay as long as possible close to Stacie. He knew well that Stacie was not giving up a second her job, so there was no better condition to exploit than that one.

      After Peter left, Stacie tidied roughly the papers and after filling another glass of wine sat on the sofa where she usually liked to think.

      Unlike previous evening, this time she was feeling really good. Stacie was alone now, she could admit it. She had always liked Peter and perhaps that feeling of discomfort she recently felt while dating Sam, it was also due to Peter. Stacie perhaps could not admit to herself that the history between her and Sam was coming to an end because of her but, for this reason, she had dragged Sam in an apathetic relationship. She still could not give an explanation for Sam’s unexpected departure, but she could not stay the whole life looking for the why. Start feeling new sensations for a man without having to suppress them under feelings of guilt was a great good start.

      -6-

      While Sam was in the car with Carla, he thought back to as that cop had changed expression after he had stared at him that way. It was not the first time that a similar episode happened. A few hours before the woman on the bench had the same behavior, and now that cop.

      They were both speechless and their faces turned pale as if they had seen a ghost when Sam had given them his gaze.

      “Hey Sam, what are you thinking? You know you've got some explaining to do about this morning. Not that I want to know your business at all costs, let’s get that clear, but...” Carla broke the tie.

      “You’re right, we don't really know each other and, in fact, I don’t even know why you’re taking me over you, after what happened this morning.” Sam said.

      “Look, maybe I should not do it, but it's what I want. After your phone call and after I got you out of there, I have even more desire to host you. What I mean is that it's getting very interesting right now. In short, now you're not just a simple passer I slammed into the ground on the sidewalk. I hope not to be disappointed.” Carla added.

      “Do you expect me to be a serial killer or something like that? Tell me, do you collect men with twisted personality or anything like that to do a piece or write some kind of documentary?” Sam asked smiling.

      “I see that the color is back in your cheeks, at least. Yes, I do... if you want an answer. A nice serial killer of those you find only in the books, it would not hurt. After all, it is said that there is a murderous mood in each of us.” Carla continued.