Genoa continued to ask Mark questions and he seemed to be on the up and up. Of course, when she really thought about it, how would she know the shadow man or any others that were like her. Every time they were reborn they got a new body and a new life, with a potential for new traits and personalities. She supposed some things remained the same but there was always a chance that for that particular life they didn't.
She had thought about it a lot, off and on, over the years and assumed she would have a feeling, some sort of sense. In her dreams she could feel who they were, feel their essence so to speak. She didn't know how it worked exactly, but when she was with the shadow man, no matter what form he took, she always knew it was him, just as she would know when she was with her love. Her love...vague images of a field crossed her mind. She started to recall her dream from last night. She recalled calling out to him, she knew his name...and yet now she couldn't quite remember it now,
"Sooo what do you want to do?" asked Mark.
She looked at him, realizing she'd just spaced out on him.
"Oh, well...uh," she looked around trying to think. She supposed she could eat but wasn't all that hungry. She rubbed her chin, thinking again of last night, she remembered she wanted to go swimming, "I want to go swimming!"
"We probably shouldn't go out," said Mark adjusting his glasses.
"We wouldn't be. We have a pool," said Genoa. She pointed off towards it even though you couldn't see the pool room, from the front door.
Mark turned his head in surprise, "You have a pool in your apartment?"
"Yes," she said then curiously wondered, "Where did you think it was?"
"I don't know, I guess somewhere else in the building? Some buildings have a community pools or gyms?"
"Well I like to swim a lot, the pool was one of the reasons we bought this place" said Genoa
"Hmm, well I didn't really bring a swim suit?" said Mark.
"You can swim in your clothes." said Genoa. "I do it sometimes."
Mark looked down at his suit; he adjusted his tie and didn't look comfortable. "I don't think I should. I have to go back to work after this."
"So what do you do, in the mail room?"
"I sort and deliver mail throughout the building?" said Mark.
"Well, do you want to sort our mail?" asked Genoa
"What? No." said Mark confused, "Why would I want to?"
"Hmmm. Well you seem eager to get back to work so I thought maybe you could work here?"
He sighed. She could tell he wasn't enjoying himself. After a moment he said, "You can swim and I could just watch I suppose." he shrugged.
"You want to watch me swim?" said Genoa tilting her head.
"Not really but I can," he said. "If that's the only thing you really want to do."
Once again he didn't seem too thrilled to be here. Honestly, she wasn't too thrilled to have Harold run off like this. It was so unusual for him. She couldn't help but think he was lying to her. No she knew he was! But why and was he really at the bank? This needed to be thoroughly 'investigated!' She smiled to herself and Mark looked nervous as he should be. One way or another she was going to get information out of him.
"Okay, MARK!" she said preparing her investigative skills, "I'll go change."
She turned and rushed off to her room, the first thing she needed to do was get him off his game. Make it seem like nothing weird was going on, then she'd ease into the interrogation. She quickly put on her one-piece swimsuit. It was green with white polka dots. It didn't so much look like a swimsuit as it did a dress. When she was all done, she walked back to the front door.
Mark hadn't moved an inch. She waved to him and said, "This way,"
Mark followed her down a long hall and two steps. When they got to the pool room, Geona opened the sliding glass door and gestured to the pool. "There it is!"
Mark carefully stepped into the room and seemed surprised at just how big the pool was. It wasn't a very wide but it was long, and if she wanted, Genoa could turn on something to make the water flow in one direction, for more of a challenge. She didn't feel like doing an intensive work out. She needed to be able to focus on the interrogation. She got in the water and swam a few laps, on her back, stomach and sides. Eventually she swam to one side and began doing stretches as she looked at Mark. He'd chosen to sit in one of their lawn chairs. Harold and her had tried to make the pool look like it was outside.
Genoa kicked her feet in the water as she rested her hands on the edge of the pool. Ever so carefully, she began her questioning. "So Mark, when do you think my brother will be back?"
"Ah, he told me an hour or so?"
Good, good, so far it was in line with what her brother had told her. This proved he knew things and he was willing to be honest with her. "Cool, cool," she said. She swam another lap then came back. Now this was the tricky part, if she asked where Harold had gone, Mark may or may not tell her, but if she pretended she already knew where Harold was, Mark might be open with discussing it. Of course, he might also think she already knew where Harold was and not say, which would be troublesome. She took another lap and then came back, "So" she tried to choose her words carefully, "Do you think he'll-"
"Yes?" said Mark he seemed to have gotten lost in his thoughts. He perked up and she started again.
"Do you think he'll um, sorry still waking up, uh, do you think he'll be at the meeting long?" said Genoa. She was torn between saying bank or meeting. If she said bank and Harold didn't go to the bank, then Mark would totally know that she didn't know. However if she said meeting then maybe he'd elaborate!
"I don't know." said Mark slowly, "An hour or so."
Genoa's eyes widened, "Shit." she curse hitting the water with her hands. She realized she'd just ask the same question but in different way. So when do you think my brother will be back and do you think he'll be at the meeting long? It was all time related.
"Are you okay?" asked Mark. He looked concerned.
She looked at him and then looked way. She couldn't let him realize she'd messed up. She put a smile "Fine. I'm fine" She slowly lowered herself into the water and swam about. Once again she thought about how she could ask where Harold had gone. She thought of how to word her question better. How far was this meeting? ha, ha, she knew where the bank was if it was far it wasn't the bank. She swam back, "Mark. Mark."
"Yes." he said. He'd taken out his phone and was looking through it.
"So how far away was this meeting of his?"
Mark looked put out. He let out a sigh and said, "Honestly, I don't know."
Genoa got frustrated, "Well, what do you know?"
"All I was told, was I'm just supposed to hang out with you and help you if you need anything for an hour or so then go back to work,"
"While my brother does what?" asked Genoa quickly, hoping to have Mark slip up and spill the beans.
"Goes out." Mark shrugged. "I'm sorry, I don't know where."
"Seriously, he didn't tell you?" said Genoa.
"He didn't tell you?" asked Mark shrugging again.
Genoa pulled back suspiciously, thinking maybe he'd caught on to her investigation. Maybe this Mark was a tricky fellow. She lowered herself in to the water watching as he went back to staring at his phone. He didn't put off a tricky aura. He seemed rather...laid back. Maybe he really didn't know where Harold was. Genoa furrowed her brow and then started to float on her back. She had to admit her detective skills weren't sharpened. She supposed she could just call her brother and be like, 'are you really at the bank, prove it, take a selfie' but she needed to prove she could be good and not bother him. Maybe one day he'd let her be on her own again. She smiled at the thought but still gave it one last go.
She stood up in the water and said "Honestly Mark, you don't know where he went?"
Mark let out a sigh, he looked up from his phone and said "All I know is when I came to work this morning, Shara was looking for someone to help her boss. She said I could get fifty bucks to just hang out for an hour or so. I talked with your brother on the phone and he pretty much said the same."
"Hmm, who is this Shara and her boss?"
"Shara," Mark blushed as he said her name again, "She's just uh...well she's a nice secretary. We've talked a few times but, uh, she...uh her boss is some sort of agent, I think."
"Mick?" asked Genoa.
"I guess, he works on the fourteenth floor. I've only been on the fourteenth floor a few times,"
"Hmm," said Genoa mulling it over. Mick's offices had been on the fourteenth floor. She remembered going there once or twice. She started swimming again supposing it all added up. Maybe her brother really was at the bank. She swam a few more laps and then floated on her back for a while. Mark just went back to looking at his phone and things were quiet.
After a while Genoa got out of the pool, deciding she was hungry. She went into the kitchen and started to eat off the plate Harold had set up for her. She didn't get more than a few bites before she heard the front door. She smiled knowing it must be Harold. She quickly ran back to the pool and grabbed a water gun. She filled it with pool water, planning to surprise him.
She quickly rushed back to the front door and got ready to fire but saw he wasn't alone. He was laughing with someone. It was that woman from the other day. Genoa's heart skipped a beat as she realized her brother had been on a date! He'd actually gone out for once! She blushed, feeling embarrassed. She'd given him such a hard time. Why hadn't he just told her he was going on a date...but honestly who goes on a date in the morning? Genoa froze for a second, then thinking better of it tossed the water gun across the room.
She rushed to greet them as Harold shut the front door, "Hello, welcome back!"
Harold said something to the woman before he turned to greet her. He looked at Genoa suspiciously then around the room. He was no doubt looking for Mark. "Is everything okay here?" He asked a little louder then he needed to. She had the impression her brother thought she might have done something to Mark. After a few seconds Mark slowly walked into view. She watched Mark nod to her brother and he seemed relieved as he nodded back, "Good, I'm glad things went well."
"Of course they did!" said Genoa, offended. "What did you think I did to him?"
"I don't know," said Harold chuckling. "Knowing you it could have been anything."
The woman just stood quietly beside her brother, waiting to be introduced. Harold blushed, realizing he'd forgot about her for a second, "Right, uh… Genoa this is Esma, El..Elda."
"Eldro." corrected Esma
"Right sorry." said Harold.
"It's quite alright," she said smiled at him.
"Well Esma, this is my little sister Genoa," said Harold gesturing to Genoa. She wanted to point how she was his only sister. He didn't always have to say she was little.
"Hello Genoa," said Esma, flashing her a smile.
Genoa bit her lip. She didn't know why but she suddenly felt nervous.
"Sorry, she can get shy sometimes," said Harold.
"I'm not shy," said Genoa. "It's nice to meet you,"
"And you," said Esma.
"Uh, can I go now?" asked Mark.
"Oh yeah?" said Harold. Esma and Harold moved away from the door.
"Well it was nice hanging out with you Genoa, have a nice day." said Mark as he passed her.
"Nice meeting you too," said Genoa.
"Thanks for helping me out," said Harold.
As Mark left, Esma asked, "Who is he?"
"A friend," said Harold.
Genoa stared at her brother and then Esma. She tried to figure out how things had gone on their date. "Is Esma a 'friend' too?" asked Genoa, emphasizing friend.
"No!" said Harold, giving Genoa a stern look. "She works for the man that bought all of our paintings."
Genoa gave Harold an innocent look back but it seemed lost on him as he looked to Esma. He had such a big stupid grin on his face, clearly he liked her. If Genoa could see it, then there was no way this Esma didn't. She wondered if Esma was single. She didn't want her brother wasting his time or worse, getting hurt.
"Do you have a boyfriend, Esma?" asked Genoa, it was always best to get straight to the point with these things.
"GENOA!" shouted Harold. He choked on some air and stared coughing. His face began turning beat red.
"WHAT! I'm making conversation! I'm being friendly!" said Genoa.
He looked like he wanted to smack her and she just smiled back at him. Esma giggled. Genoa's stomach dropped. There was something about that giggle that sounded alarm bells in her head.
After a moment Esma said, "It's quite alright, Harold." She touched Harold's arm lovingly and then turned to Genoa. "No Genoa, I do not have a boyfriend! Though your brother is quite handsome."
Harold turned even redder. He was beginning to match his hair color. Genoa shifted her gaze, focusing on Esma even more. She began to feel sick. There was something off about this woman that she hadn't caught before. Esma's eyes flickered as if she caught on to Genoa's uneasiness. She kept her smile on, even though her eyes were different now
"I saw your paintings. You paint so wonderfully." said Esma. There was a hollowness in her words.
"Oh," said Genoa slowly. "What... was... your favorite?"
"The one with all the colors...the rose, I think," said Esma, looking at Harold.
"Yes," said Harold. "She likes painting blue roses,"
Genoa felt something boiling, something pooling in her chest. The longer she looked as Esma, the stronger this feeling became. Esma turned to her and said, "Genoa, I was wondering if my boss could come by and meet you? He would like you to paint him something special, just for him."
"Uh, wait!" said Harold, "I-this is bit soon. We talked about this. I wanted to talk to her alone first." He gave Esma a look like they'd had some conversation before this moment.
Esma quickly said, "Oh right, I forgot just now. I was just so excited to meet her. I'm so so sorry,"
'No you're not' thought Genoa.
Harold was clearly upset. Esma quickly tried to calm him down. It was hard to make out what they were saying. Genoa felt like she was suddenly a million miles away. Like she had fallen into a deep well and all the voices in the room were far...far away. Her brother and Esma continued to talk but all of Genoa's attention was focused on this feeling that kept growing stronger and stronger.
It felt somehow familiar, yes, she'd felt this before, she thought of her dreams from last night once again. She recalled waking by a tree, the woman who'd come to get her, who'd tried to capture her in the hovel at the market. Genoa's eyes shifted as she suddenly understood what she was feeling, without thinking she mumbled "Gigi…"
Esma was looking at Harold. She seemed to have settled things down between them. They were laughing again about something. As soon as Genoa said Esma's name...her true name, Esma made eye contact with her. Genoa gasped. A moment later her brother dropped his hand down on her shoulder, squeezing it. "I'm sure she could make an exception. We just need to talk about it a little more."
"Exception?" said Genoa confused. "For?"
"You don't paint for others normally but you also haven't tried yet." said Harold. He gave her a strange looked. "You paying attention?"
"Uh, yeah," she lied. She couldn't think Gigi...fucking Gigi, was standing right in front of her and her brother. Genoa swallowed hard. Her throat was suddenly bone dry.
"Uh, I hope you don't mind me asking but does your boss often pay this much for a single painting?" asked Harold.
"No, but your sister is a special case. He is quite taken by her talent." said Esma.
"Still, two million dollars is a lot for one painting," said Harold shaking his head.
"Not to him," said Esma with a smile.
Genoa trembled even thought she probably knew the answer to her question, she still asked "Just- Just who is your boss?"
"I think you know." said Esma. She gave Genoa a knowing look followed by a short nod.
"He's one of our neighbors...uh you met him before in the elevator. He bought the penthouse," said Harold. "His name is ah...Jes...Jesep,"
"Jesep Zian," said Esma.
Genoa's heart seized with terror, the elevator man, Jesep Zian was the-THE SHADOW MAN! She'd already met him...she-
Harold looked at her, "You feeling okay, you're trembling?"
"Just a little cold from the pool," Genoa shivered.
"Well go get you're robe," said Harold, taking his hand off her shoulder.
"No, I'm good," she said.
She didn't dare leave them alone now. She knew what Gigi could do. Esma gave Genoa a big smile like she knew what Genoa was thinking. For a moment Genoa and Esma just stared each other down. Genoa tried to think of what she could do...what she should do? She realized she'd spent so much time thinking about how she would find the shadow man and the others that she hadn't considered what she would do once she had.
Esma decided to make a move. She turned to Harold and said, "You know I'm thirsty, might you have something cold I could drink?"
"Oh yeah, let me get you something, uh make yourself comfortable." said Harold. He turned to her "Genoa, would you show her to the living room?"
Genoa glanced at him and he gave her a sharp look to be good before turning to get Esma a drink. When he was gone, neither woman moved. Once he was out of earshot Esma dropped the act. Her face fell flat, "So, Keyoko, how long have you been awake?"
"Keyoko?" said Genoa. That name, her eyes that was her true name. "Keyoko!" said Genoa again.
Esma studied Genoa for a moment. She put her hands on her hips then remarked. "There's something's wrong with you."
"With me?" said Genoa, surprised.
"You know who I am and yet?" said Esma. Without warning she reached out grasping hold of Genoa's head. She tilted her head about from side to side. Then she placed her hands on the center of Genoa's chest. Genoa felt something sharp, painful. It felt like something was stuck between her breasts.
"Hmm," said Esma. "This...isn't good."
"What isn't?" said Genoa. She knew Gigi couldn't be trusted but in this moment her curiosity got the best of her.
"You seem to be stuck, in between." said Esma, "You should really let go."
"Between?" asked Genoa confused. "Let go of what?"
Esma looked Genoa over but didn't answer her. Genoa realized in this moment how little she knew. How little she remembered. The shadow man had taken up nearly all her attention. Esma stared at her for a moment longer then looked over Genoa's shoulder as they heard footsteps. Harold was returning, he'd gotten the drink then gone to the living room. When he didn't see them he decided to come back to the front door.
Esma quickly grasped hold of Genoa' arm as Harold came around the corner with a can of purple soda and paused. He looked curiously at the front door. It was as if he couldn't see them. He looked around then turned and called out, "GENOA, WHERE ARE YOU?"
She wanted to call back to him but Esma painfully squeezed her arm. Her brother scratched his head then walked out of sight. Genoa swallowed as Esma leaned in close and whispered in her ear, "Do you at least recall who the master is?"
"The shadow man," said Genoa, lowering her head.
Esma looked at her, "Urel, yes,"
"Urel." Genoa repeated, it clicked in her head the shadow man's true name was Urel. She closed her eyes, somehow knowing his name made her all the more frightened. Perhaps because it made him all the more real...to have an actual name.
Esma yanked on Genoa's arm until she opened her eyes and looked at her. Esma hissed "You will meet with him!"
"GENOA! WHERE ARE YOU!" shouted Harold. He was still looking for her. "COME ON GENOA! THIS ISN'T FUNNY!"
Genoa's eyes began to water she gasped, "My brother..."
"As long as you understand your place. We won't hurt him, if we don't have to. You do understand your place, right?"
Esma stared her down. Genoa whimpered but said, "Yes! Yes! Just please don't hurt my brother! He doesn't know anything. He just thinks I'm crazy."
"Keep it that way." said Esma. "You will tell your brother you wish to meet with Jesep, TODAY! You will do whatever Jesep wants, without question, and there won't be any trouble!"
Genoa nodded, tears streaming down her face.
"Clean yourself up." said Esma, disgusted. "And stop acting like a child, it's unbecoming,"
Genoa wiped her tears as Harold stormed up to the front door. They just barely moved aside as he whipped it opened and rushed into the entry hall. "GENO-" He saw she wasn't there. He looked absolutely panicked. Genoa's heart sunk to see her brother in such distress.
Esma let go of Genoa's arm and called out, "Harold, were you looking for us?"
Harold turned around and could suddenly see them. He looked confused. He rushed back into the condo and stormed up to Genoa, "Where were you! I looked all over!"
"Oh really?" said Esma calmly. "Genoa was just showing me to the sitting room and I suddenly realized I had another appointment in a few minutes so I have to go. We must have just passed each other."
"HOW," said Harold. He still looked confused.
Esma shrugged, "You have a pretty big place."
Harold looked at Esma. He licked his lips then turned back to Genoa, "Why didn't you answer when I called out for you?"
Genoa answered this herself, "Oh sorry! We got to talking! I had a lot questions about...uh the painting her boss wants. It sounds fun and I want to get started on it."
"Right away!" added Esma. "I told her my boss had a cancellation, so we could do it this afternoon,"
"This afternoon," said Harold, "That's really short notice,"
"I feel like painting today!" said Genoa. She knew she needed to sell this, "Plus, we're between galleries and he offered two million dollars! I don't want to keep him waiting. What if he changes his mind?"
"EH. We- We should discuss this" said Harold
"And you call me crazy! It's two million dollars what is there to discuss." said Genoa throwing her hands in the air. She made her voice go high with excitement, hoping it would mask her fear. "That is so much money for one painting. We could put it in the bank! Maybe even go on vacation, if not get a vacation house."
"I know some lovely places I could recommend," said Esma. "Perhaps we could all go together."
Harold rested his hand on his mouth, looking uncertain. Genoa grabbed onto his arm and pulled. She did her best begging face, "Pleaseee, let me at least find out what he wants! I really want to get started on it. Who knows how long it will take! PLUS how often do we get to meet a fan! THIS IS SOO COOL!"
Harold sighed "I guess...he could drop by for a few minutes."
"GREAT! JUST GREAT!" said Esma clasping her hands. "I'm sorry but I really must go! It was so nice meeting you, Genoa. I'll let Mr. Zian know you'll see him this afternoon. I'll even come back myself." said Esma. She gave Harold a wink and then slinked up to him. She pulled the purple can of soda from his hand and got dangerously close to his lips, "I look forward to seeing you again as well, Harold."
Harold's face turned red once more, "Me too,"
She gave Harold a sultry look then rushed out the door. She walked up to the elevator then pushed the button. She turned as she waited for the elevator to arrive, giving Harold another seductive look. Now that Genoa knew Esma was Gigi, it made her sick. To think she had once admired her beauty. She knew Gigi had the power of illusion, Genoa wondered now what she really looked like. The elevator arrived a few seconds later and Esma got in. Harold waved to her as the doors shut and she waved back.
Once the elevator was gone Harold let out a heavy sigh then closed the front door. "She's great isn't she?"
"Yeah." said Genoa.
He looked at her for a moment and then asked "What did she say to you?"
"What did she say to me?" said Genoa turning away from her brother. "All she had to say was two million dollars, like were gonna turn that down."
"I just don't want to put pressure on you. I know how you can get sometimes, especially with new people" said Harold. She glanced back at him and he looked worried.
"He's not really new." said Genoa, "I've met him before right? I thought he might be the shadow man but I don't think he's is now. Esma is soo….sooo nice and I don't think he'd be friends with someone so nice."
"Hmmm, you really did like her?" said Harold.
"Yeah, cause you really like her," said Genoa. She needed time to think. She needed something to keep Harold busy. "If she's gonna come over a lot, we'd better clean this place up."
Harold looked around then realized they were going to have people over. "Right. And I need to make you a new canvas," said Harold.
"I'm gonna take a shower and get changed," said Genoa.
"Right...right." said Harold sinking into panic mode. She watched him rush off, picking up things as he went.
Genoa stood there for a moment then slowly walked to the bathroom. She locked herself inside and turned on the shower. She considered what her options were... if they should...could run? Maybe if they left right now they could. She saw the shadow looming against the bathroom wall. No, she knew they'd never be able to outrun him even if Harold somehow believed her. Besides, she had made a deal with the shadow to go willingly for the sake of her brother, "Remember," she said to the shadow, "You promised," The shadow raised his hand yes.
Genoa slowly slipped off her swim suit and got into the shower as the hot water hit her she began to break down, madly whimpering to herself. She...she had been waiting for today nearly all her life and now that it was here, she was absolutely terrified. She closed her eyes recalling him squeezing the life out of her. I won't ever let you go! I won't ever let you go! Go…go...go...go...YOU ARE MINE! There was no where she could go...this was her fate.
Grady brought Jesep home and he went up to his bed. He lay down but didn't go to sleep. He watched the monitors closely. He saw Harold return with Esma, the film was slightly distorted but he saw them go inside the condo. A moment later a man came out. Jesep wondered if he had been alone with his Genoa? Just who was this man, he didn't hide his identity? Jesep captured a screen shot of him and had Grady run background.
He continued to watch the screens and Harold came out at one point. He moved quickly and then a moment later turned to go back in. He watched Esma leave and the door to their condo shut. He followed Esma as she came up to his place and got out. He got up wanting to hear how things went. He quickly rushed down the hall but paused seeing Grady hadn't left yet. He hung back and watched Esma approach Grady. He carefully listened as they spoke.
"Will it happen?" asked Grady.
"Yes, this afternoon." said Esma. "But there is something wrong with her?"
"How so?" asked Grady.
"I thought she was awake. she knows me, knows some things...but not everything. I think she's stuck in between. Perhaps from that accident."
"Hmm that would explain some things," said Grady. "We'll want to be careful."
"Yes," said Esma.
"Does she at least understand what is expected of her." asked Grady
"Yes and she will do as she is told," said Esma
"Good," said Grady
Jesep licked his tongue across the top row of his teeth. It would seem they were up to something. He didn't understand everything they were saying but he would in time. He made a mental note to keep an closer eye on them before letting himself be known. He quickly stormed down the stairs and asked, "How did it go?"
"Splendid, she'll meet with you this afternoon." said Esma.
"When!?" asked Jesep, excitedly.
"Any time you want," said Esma
"Would two minutes after noon be presumptuous?" chuckled Jesep.
"Weren't you going to lie down, sir?" said Grady.
"I'm no longer tired," said Jesep.
"Then may I suggest lunch first?" said Grady. "We could ease down after."
"I suppose I could eat," said Jesep. He probably shouldn't appear too eager. "What did you have in mine?"
"There is an up and coming restaurant that has been getting good reviews, Lova. I know how much you enjoy shellfish. I could make arrangements for it to be delivered, perhaps pair it with a red wine, Exra or a Sha-nay"
"Sha nay and I'll have it on the balcony," said Jesep.
"Of course," said Grady.
"Will you be going?" asked Jesep looking at Esma.
"Well, I thought I might stay. I could go with you this afternoon, be a distraction for the brother, perhaps?"
"Perhaps, I myself wouldn't mind a distraction just now," Jesep said smiling at her.
She smiled back and seductively licked her lips. He moved to the balcony and she followed after him. Grady hung back. He watched Esma unbuckled Jesep's pants and take him in her mouth before she turned. He took out his phone but didn't use it right away. Instead, he closed his eyes and hoped once more that this would work. That Genoa would be the catalyst his master needed to return.
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