June put the third load of washing through the machine, took out the first load from the dryer, and then loaded the dryer with the second load. Grateful neither had many clothes to wash; it was the towels and sheets that often took up most of June’s time. June found Inferno’s bedding often had a burnt smell to them, although nothing had ever gone up in flames. But this meant June washed them more often during the week, especially when the burnt odour escaped Inferno’s room and irritated her. June took the warm sheets into the living room and sat down in front of the television.
Inferno left early that morning, as she always did. What she did or where she went June still did not know. June often considered asking but always in the back of her mind realised it would be better if she didn’t. But the fact Inferno returned home early afternoon and lazed around the apartment gave June the impression Inferno wasn’t working hard.
With the two mobile phones still not in use, June wondered if all work for super villains had been put on hold until after the completion of the international investigation. The more June thought about the internal workings of countries and government organisations, the more complicated it became. The logistics messed with her mind when June made any attempt to understand it.
The constant stream of news regarding Special’s dominated the television stations and if there were no news items featured, advertisements ran to promote the control of Special’s. Very few publicly defended the Special’s and those that did were often shot down viciously. However, one person whose voice gave support to Special’s was Sir William Montague. Sir William, of English descent, was true to his fight for the rights of all human beings. He sort better management of the handling of Special’s and fiercely demanded protection of all children. He became one of the few people June looked up to and in her time with Inferno had closely followed.
Inferno never had much to say about Sir William or any other who might help their cause.
“It’s true he has done some good for Special’s but I’ve found people like that always have an ulterior motive.” Inferno had told her.
June dismissed her comment. Any time Sir William appeared on the television June made sure to stop what she was doing and listen to what he had to say. The world needed more people like him.
Back in her room to remade her bed, June admired her surroundings. The plain room she first moved into now adorned many items of colour. Unlike the rest of the apartment, June’s room contained an assortment of many things. Framed posters of her favourite idols, hat stand covered in scarves and hats and her collection of miniature teddy bears. Although careful when spending her money, June couldn’t help but spoil herself a little. There were often items that caught June’s eye, which she did not refuse to buy, like her ever-growing miniature teddy bear collection.
Now into her sixth month working with Inferno, June was well on her way to saving for her operation. She had another appointment with her doctor in the coming weeks and June was confident they would begin discussing arrangements. The excitement she experienced every time she thought about it bubbled over. Being able to feel and see real breasts, rather than the paddle bra she wore, sometimes made her cry. So strong was June’s desire to be a woman, and knowing it almost within reach, gave her immense hope for her future.
In the kitchen, June quietly sang to herself while preparing lunch. When the door to the apartment open and Inferno walked in, June momentarily became confused. Inferno never returned home for lunch, and when Inferno sat at the table without a word, June made lunch for her. She liked the responsibility of looking after Inferno–in a platonic way. Not that June would say they were friends. Their relationship was still a matter of employer and employee, but the fact they lived together and accepted each other well, pleased June.
With thoughts of the investigation still on the forefront of June’s mind, she asked Inferno about it, as she placed both lunches on the table and sat down.
“The international investigation you mentioned, how long before it’s completed. And has it already started?”
Inferno took the sandwich June made for her and ate without replying. June became anxious and started her sandwich, not sure if Inferno would reply. Inferno did but only after she finished eating.
“The investigation has been ongoing for several years now. At different stages of the investigation they target certain areas, looking at different aspects Special’s have in the community. They’re currently investigating profiteering from organised crimes that provide little or no benefit and have proven to be harmful to those involved.”
“Like selling a phone number but never providing a service the caller believes they’ve paid for.” June asked.
“What I’m doing is insignificant in the scheme of things. I’m only selling a phone number. I’m not promising anything in return. Those who pay for the number assume it’s available for their needs. While the investigation is underway, it’s easier to dispose of the service until after it’s complete. This way you won’t be identified or come under anyone’s radar.”
The sudden realisation she might be tracked and monitored because of the mobile phones, made June grateful Inferno watched out for her.
“There wouldn’t have been a need to give up the two phones if I wasn’t here?” June asked.
“You looked like you needed the break.”
“You’re protecting me?” June asked.
“Let’s say I have a vested interest in you.”
“A vested interest. In what way?” June asked.
“For starters, no more takeaway food.”
This amused June, but asked again, “What else?”
“The company.”
June nodded, “And, is there something else I should know?”
“Is that a phone ringing?”
Briefly, June thought Inferno was attempting to brush her off before hearing the ringing of a mobile coming from her bedroom. June stood and returned to her room to retrieve it. For the first time the unofficial phone sounded out, taking June by surprise.
She answered the call, asking for the caller’s details, as she opened the diary to record the message.
“Message is - Kingsley.”
“Kingsley. Is that all,” June asked?
“I’ll take that,” Inferno said from beside June.
June had not heard Inferno follow her into her bedroom as she handed the phone over to her.
“Kingsley,” Inferno said to the caller.
She listened as she left the room and June hesitantly followed her out.
In the living room, Inferno paced in front of the large windows, as June continued to watch her.
“I understand. I’ll see you then.”
Inferno hung up and upon seeing June, handed the mobile back to her.
“I’ll be out of town again for a few days. Try keeping to the apartment if you can. Don’t go too far.”
“Can I visit The Tailor?”
Inferno gave June’s question some thought.
“That should be fine but stay away from the bar or any public place.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
“There may be a possible breach in security and my position compromised. If that proves to be the case, we must move quickly. Don’t worry too much about your belongings; they’ll be taken care off. Keep on you a change of clothes at all times and any personal items you might need it you have to move fast. If I contact you, do exactly as I tell you, do you understand?”
There was no panic in Inferno’s voice. She gave clear instructions but the severity of her words impacted June.
“Yes.”
June’s anxiety grew as to her concern for Inferno.
“Will you be alright?” June asked.
Inferno laughed. Like the matter of urgency wasn’t in any way important.
“I can look after myself. June, there will be times when we will have to move. I’m not sorry I got you involved. I need you. I hope you will understand one day why I did what I did.”
June frown, confused.
“Don’t worry too much now. I promise I’ll make sure you are protected.”
“How will I contact you, if I need to?” June asked.
“The Tailor will know who to contact.”
“But what if I can’t get to The Tailor? Shouldn’t I know?”
“It’s not that I don’t trust you, June. But there are things you are better off not knowing. If something happens someone will be in contact.”
About to question again, Inferno lifted her hand to stop her.
“I need to get ready. Visit only The Tailor until I get back. If all goes well, there won’t be a need to move, and my position here is still safe. But you need to understand there is a possibility things could change at a moments notice. Think about what I have said about your power June, there may come a day when you will need it.”
June nodded, too afraid to speak again.
Inferno returned to her bedroom as June returned the mobile phone back next to the other.
Once more doubt began to grow inside June. Had she made a mistake trusting Inferno? With a shake of her head June pushed down her fears. Inferno had promised to protect her. June had to trust she would.
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