POV: Mia
Evening was falling slowly over the city when I pushed open the door of the café where Xavier worked. The smell of roasted coffee greeted me before the sound of the bell. David and I had been talking about this for days. If Santiago is on the loose, Xavier definitely knows.
I scanned the room until I found him behind the counter, wiping cups with an almost calculated calm. I walked over as David ordered two cappuccinos.
—Well, if it isn't my favorite customers,— Xavier said with a lopsided smile. —To what do I owe the honor?—
That smile… as if he knows something we don't want to hear.
—We just wanted some coffee,— I replied, feigning nonchalance.
—And to chat a bit,— David added, leaning on the counter.
Xavier raised an eyebrow. —Chat, huh? Alright. My shift ends in five minutes.—
We sat at a table in the back. When he arrived with his own cup, I noticed it: his eyes had a restless glint, as if he were enjoying a secret.
—So,— he began, —what are your plans for the rest of the week?—
David and I exchanged a glance. —We'd rather hear about yours,— I said. —You've been… restless lately?—
Xavier propped his elbows on the table and laced his fingers. —Restless? I don't think so.—
Of course you are, I thought. Your way of speaking gives you away.
David didn't waste any time. —We know Santiago is around.—
The glint in Xavier's eyes intensified, but his voice remained calm. —And what do you want me to do about it? I'm not his babysitter.—
—But you know where he is,— I insisted.
—Maybe. Maybe not,— he replied with a shrug. —Why the concern?—
Because we're afraid he'll hurt them again, I thought, but I took a deep breath before speaking. —Because Saval and Semiel are our friends. And if Santiago is planning something, we need to know.—
Xavier took a sip of his coffee. —They got themselves into their own mess. I'm just… observing.—
David leaned toward him. —If anything happens to them, you'll share the blame.—
—That sounds like a threat,— Xavier said, smiling with amusement. —But I like how you think.—
It's a game to him, I realized, feeling a knot in my stomach. He enjoys the chaos.
—Listen,— I said firmly. —I'm not looking for a fight. I just want you to know that we won't let Santiago hurt them.—
Xavier tilted his head, assessing me. —What… heartwarming loyalty.—
—It's not loyalty, it's friendship,— I replied.
A brief silence. Then, Xavier let out a low laugh. —Maybe I'll give you a heads-up if something serious happens. Maybe.—
That's something at least, I thought, though it didn't reassure me.
David crossed his arms. —We trust that you will.—
Xavier stood up, leaving a few coins on the table. —Don't trust too much. Chaos has its charm.—
I watched him walk away, the sound of his footsteps fading into the conversations in the café.
—It's like talking to a shadow,— David murmured.
I nodded, looking at my now-cold coffee. Whatever Santiago is planning, Xavier is enjoying it. But if he dares to lay a finger on Saval and Semiel…
I stood up, determined. —We have to warn them. Today.—
David rose with me. —Yes. I'm not going to just stand by and do nothing.—
We stepped out onto the street, the cool night air hitting our faces. The city went about its business, but to me, everything sounded different. Xavier's game could turn into a nightmare. And I don't intend to let it.