Chapter 5: The Scarlet Book

I step into the grand, empty mansion, throw my shoes aside, and sink into a chair as my mind fills with thoughts. I've already called Ruth to let her know she can come over early.

I'm tormented; it's a lot of information for just a few days. My grandmother, my parents, the house... it all feels overwhelming, and I have a sinking feeling that uncovering the true problem won't be pleasant. On the other hand, this man who bursts into my life—who I don't even know—fills me with a sense of dread. It's as if his eyes and his very being express some inner wickedness, but I also feel... attraction? Oh no, Emma, not that!

James is playing with me, but what troubles me most is not knowing which of these worries weighs heavier on me. His presence is erratic, appearing and disappearing without warning. And now he's talking about a pact. My grandmother made a pact, but with whom? I've never heard anything about this in my family. And why did he say I belong to him?

I am nobody's property, yet the certainty with which he said it paralyzes me. I have to face reality or prolong this suffering and uncertainty. I need answers; I can't let this consume me.

I'll search the old books in the house; perhaps I'll find a clue. I head to the large shelf where family memories and important documents are kept, but all I find are old photographs and novels.

"Ow!" I shout as suddenly a wooden box falls on my right foot. The pain is unbearable. I bend down to inspect its contents.

A pile of papers spills onto the floor. But something immediately catches my attention. A dusty scarlet book peeks out at me. I open it, shaking off the thick layer of dust; I can't see much—the pages are torn, as if they've been ripped out.

Some have strange drawings and letters I can't decipher. In the center is a sheet missing half of it, but it's the only one that can be read. It has a very black ink inscription that says:

"Blood for Wealth."

As those words cross my mind, nausea rises in my stomach. The atmosphere grows heavy, my vision blurs, and all I can see is darkness.

It's as if the living room of my house has transformed into a massive tunnel. Despair and fear immediately wrap around me, but the nausea intensifies. Suddenly, a strange figure appears before my eyes; I can't define what it is or its appearance—it's all too dark. As the silhouette approaches, I feel my strength fading.

A harsh blow, like a slap, sends me crashing backward onto the floor. The disgust in my stomach finally erupts into a dark blood vomit; clots keep pouring from my throat. Each heave sends a jolt of pain through my stomach. I can't move or do anything but vomit while the sinister figure looms.

I hear the doorbell, echoing like a distant sound. But in a moment, there's nothing. The room remains as it was, with no traces of blood or the horrid apparition; only the nausea and metallic taste remind me of the dreadful moment.

Once again, I hear the doorbell and rise, dazed, pressing my stomach as I make my way to the door.

"Chubby!" Ruth calls out.

"Come in," I say, trying to suppress the nausea in my throat.

"Hey, you don't look so good."

"It's just nausea," I reply, attempting to hide my internal torment. "I'll go to the bathroom and be right back."

I rush to the bathroom to wash my mouth, desperate to rid myself of the unbearable taste.

"Blood for wealth?" This doesn't sound good at all. And this vision, it's clear it was real; I still taste blood in my mouth. This is darker than I imagined.

Then, I remember the ancient scarlet book; I left it in the living room, and it won't get lost there, but I don't want to touch it again.

I think of Ruth and return to the entryway where I left her. She's chatting away, subtly circling the topic; it's clear she wants to know more but doesn't dare to ask me directly.

"Okay, Ruth, what do you want to know?" I say, fixing my gaze on her as I tilt my head.

"Well... whatever you want to tell me; I just want you to talk a bit. You can't keep everything to yourself; it's not good for you." She pulls out a cigarette and lights it.

"By the way, that strange man from last night, the one you had dinner with today—who is he?" She takes a drag from her cigarette.

"Ruth, you know how hard it is for me to talk about my problems, but well..." I pause and take a deep breath. "That man is the one claiming my property. He'll be here sitting next week—"

Ruth's mouth drops open, her eyes wide.

"Girl, that man is scary but he looks good! Is he in the mafia or something?" Her offhand comment makes me laugh. She, as always, has this ability to find humor in everything, no matter how painful it is.

"Ruth! Be serious, don't start," I order, suppressing a smile. She works magic; she always brightens everyone's spirits.

"Well, do you have any way to claim this luxury?" she says, glancing around.

"Yes, but it's expensive. The man from yesterday, James Audrey, is very powerful, and I don't have the money for that," I say, closing my eyes and rubbing my face.

"I have a lawyer for you, and I know you'll say you don't have money, but at least it can be discussed; maybe he can guide you," she says without pausing and puts out her cigarette.

"Who would be the angel who wouldn't charge? That doesn't exist, Ruth," I say, staring at the floor.

"Ryan!" she exclaims suddenly.

"What? You're not talking about that crazy singer from the bar, are you?" I say, astonished.

"Yes, that one," she says, turning serious.

"Oh, really? He sings at night, then in the morning covers his tattoo with a suit, takes out his earring, and goes to settle legal matters?" I joke sarcastically. But Ruth doesn't smile; she looks at me seriously.

"Exactly as you describe him, he's a musician and a lawyer," she says as she stands up. She gives me a pat on the shoulder and heads for a drink.

I take a deep breath. What situation am I in right now, dealing with horrible dreams and this strange vision that makes me question my mental state, along with the recent loss of my family and financial troubles that will lead me to seek help from a singer-lawyer? I can hardly wait to see what tomorrow will bring...