Dead Breath
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Tom got out after hearing her words.
“You know, this place should have called “The bottom of Las Vegas”.” Mireya gloomily looked at the old motel building.
“All right, Lady.” Tom approached her. “The fairy tale is over. Accept the reality as it is.”
“I’m suggesting an option better – creating your own reality.” Mireya winked.
“I don’t mind and I’m ready to help you. But a little later.”
In the motel, its hall they were met by a man about 45-50 years old with mixed tattoos on his hands and a yin-yang pendant around his neck, he was more like a western movie character – he had a checkered blue shirt, worn torn jeans and cowboy boots. It took only a few hours, Mireya noticed her photo with the inscription “WANTED” at his desk, and that man, of course, recognized her, but did not even think to call the police. They got two rooms on the second floor, but until it got dark they settled in Mireya’s room.
Two double beds, TV, refrigerator, microwave, bathroom, and night lamps surrounded them. “Not bad for 50 bucks.” Mireya thought and closed the curtains.
“Okay.” Tom sat on the edge of one of the bed, locking the doors. “The good news is we can hide here for as long as you want because that guy is not interested in working with the police. But the bad news is… you’re already on the wanted list, it makes you more vulnerable.”
“Well, fine. It’s like being on sight.” Mireya leaned her elbows on the wall.
“Yes, but maybe there are answers in Leandra’s apartment, which the cops will not find for anything.”
Mireya looked at him. “Are you kidding? Damn, you do know where her apartment is, Tom?”
“Relax…” Tom exhaled. “Yes, I do know. But we will go there at night when there will be more people on the streets.”
“We will break the door?”
“No. Leandra was my brother’s girlfriend and… Let’s say, for example she invited us there and hypothetically I could make a mold of her key. Sometimes I had no money and then come easy prey.”
“You robbed her?”
“I have tried.” Tom grinned. “There was nothing for that… But I was there only a couple of times.”
“Why did you say that the cops would not find it?”
“Leandra did not live there officially. As you know, there are more illegal immigrants in this city and quite a few landlords don’t even ask names – they just ask for money ahead.”
“But what could she do…” Mireya was interrupted by another call from Leandra. Taking the phone, she apologized to Tom and went out into the corridor. “What should I hear now?” She accepted the call.
“You didn’t listen to me again! And you should leave before it’s too late!” Leandra spoke against a background of some noise, reminiscent of traffic. “Believe me, I know him better than you.”
Mireya smiled involuntarily. That day when she Leandra tried to push Mireya away from the next guy who was, as she said with dark inclinations. It seems that this guy was named Bill or something like that, who was an employee of a car service and was firmly on drugs.
“I’m like your guardian angel, Mireya.” Leandra continued. “You should always listen to my words. Believe me I will always take care of you.”
Mireya disconnected the phone and panting, went down the wall. Leandra never told her these words… Then who the hell just spoke to her? Installation of voice? Or was it really Leandra?
Chapter 4
“We are leaving! Immediately!” Leandra screamed.
Mireya looked around – she was standing in the middle of the hotel room, the walls and some furniture were in the embrace of a flame; outside there was the sound of a fire alarm.
“I can’t leave!” Mireya shouted back at her. “They will find me!”
“No, they will not! But you can hide alone, but I could not!” Leandra smiled and walked closer. “There are not many people you can trust, Mireya. Give me the opportunity to be your true friend, whom I used to be. It’s all because of that damn Los Angeles.”
“What?” Mireya retreated.
“Run!”
The fire burned it down…
Mireya opened her eyes. She slept in her room of the motel “The heart of Las Vegas”; no fire, no Leandra. She was alone.
Mireya got up. Tom was obviously in his room; the night lamp was on. She went to the window and looked at the street – it was already night, Tom’s car was gone. “What the heck?” She said and took her backpack with her stuff, she ran out.
That “Cowboy” was still in the hall of the motel, drinking coffee from a mug with the cover of Back to the Future 3 Movie and reading a book.
“Sorry?” Mireya approached him. “I was here with a guy; do you know when he left the motel?”
Cowboy turned the page. “About three hours ago, Miss. But he said that he will return.”
“Yes…?” Mireya ran her hand over the tangled hair. “He did not say when exactly?”
Cowboy shrugged his shoulders. “He didn’t. And I didn’t ask.”
“I understood. Thank you.” Mireya came out; slightly cool night air made her finally clear her thoughts, there was parked one more car. Someone was inside and looking at her…
“Hey!” She came closer. “What the hell are you…?” She didn’t have time to finish her words before the car moved from the spot and disappeared under her enchanted gaze in the midnight darkness.
Another car…
Mireya turned around – Tom.
“Hello, Lady.” He stopped in front of her and lowered the glass of the passenger seat. “Let’s ride?”
Mireya raised her eyebrows.
“To Leandra’s apartment. I promised we will visit there tonight. Or have you changed your mind?”
“No way.” Mireya got into the car. “Are we going?”
Tom nodded and pressed the gas.
“I think I’m getting paranoia.” Mireya blurted out.
“Huh?” Tom a little distracted, but looked at the road.
“When I got out of the motel, there was a car; there was a man inside of it. I didn’t see his face, but he looked directly at me. When I approached him to ask what was the matter, he just drove away. And I did not see the car plate numbers.”