†Alfred Solomons†

The first time Alfie Solomons crossed paths with her was at a dock, at night, with a shipment they both wanted.

—“Get out of here, Solomons, or I’ll take more than just the boxes.” —she said, lighting a cigarette without taking her eyes off him.

—“Oh, my love… always with sweet threats. But don’t be fooled, I don’t play fair.”

What followed were months of confrontations: ambushes in alleyways, arguments in bars, chases that ended with her escaping just when Alfie thought he had her. And, although they were enemies, there was something between them: an uneasy spark, an attraction disguised as insults.

On one occasion, he trapped her against a wall, his hand holding hers. —“I’m going to give you a chance… give up.” —“And lose the fun of seeing you frustrated? Not a chance.” Alfie growled, but he didn't hit her. He never did. She always managed to escape.

Until the day of the accident. A messenger arrived panting at his office. —“Solomons… the girl… another side ran her over… she’s in the hospital.”

Alfie didn't think; he simply dropped everything and got in the car. The drive seemed endless. When he entered the room, she was lying down, her arm in a cast and a bandage over her ribs. Seeing him, she raised an eyebrow. —“What? Did you come to make fun of me?”

He closed the door calmly, but his voice was tense. —“If I wanted to make fun of you, my love, I’d send you flowers with a sarcastic note. I’m here because… damn it, I’m not going to let anyone else touch you.”

She tried to joke. —“Jealous? I thought you wanted to see me fall.”

“Don’t get things mixed up. If someone takes you down, it’ll be me… not those bastards.” He stepped closer, his eyes locked on hers. “And if you ever get in the way of their damn cars again, I swear…”

—“What? Are you going to lock me up?” —she said, smiling painfully.

—“Yes. And this time I won’t let you escape, my love.”

There was a heavy silence. He placed a bag on the table: freshly baked bread and his favorite dessert. —“Eat. And don’t argue… you’re still alive, and that’s all that matters to me now.”