I froze,  I need to get out of here I definitely was not supposed to be hearing this.

They didn't hear me walking over here I'll just go back the way I came. I snuck one last look at Graham, his face was controlled by confliction.

"Face it Graham this job isn't going to take you anywhere. You could thrive in Vile, you'll just rot here."

"What- what do you get out of it mate? Money? Or am I just taking your place in this 'vile'?" He crossed his arms and pushed back his mess of hair.

"I am simply a recruiter my dear boy, retired from vile for five years. Vinny isn't even my real name, however when I saw your potential I knew I had to tell them. And perhaps I make a bit of a commission. But I'm doing this for you, you're just like me at your age.. young full of potential but an orphan abandoned by society.. face it do you really want to be no one your whole life?"

"Poor Graham..." my heart sunk at the thought, "is he really going to go through with this? It's like a criminal organizer right? He could get hurt." I caught myself, "not that I would care if he got hurt, I barely know him!"

I tried to turn away but I just couldn't. It was like a play unraveling before me and I couldn't turn away.

"I just want to hear his answer.. then I'll go."

Graham looked down at the floor his eyes gazing at every inch as if he was looking for a way out,
"I'll do it. Tell them I'm in."

"No!" I sprung out, "Oh crap... I mean Graham don't do this!"

"(Y/N)? What are you doing here? I thought everyone left."

"Graham you know this girl?" Vinny's normally sweet face turned to disgust.

"Of course she plays Violetta!" His eyes softened as they met mine. For a moment I thought that- nevermind.

"Look I don't know what Vile is exactly but it sounds sketchy as heck and I know its not my business but-"

"Thats right its not your business girl. Leave. You didn't see anything. In fact-" he pulled a syringe from out of his pocket, "I better make sure you didn't."

"Crikey! Calm down there mate she didn't mean too. Just let her go." Graham stood in between me and Vinny looking ready to pounce.

"First rule of Vile don't get caught. And don't get all mushy either, its a dog eat dog world Graham you either steal or get stolen from."

I thought my life was about to flash before my eyes. Was I going to die? Right before my big show? Vinny grabbed my arm and shoved me forward. I tried to get my arm away but the kept anxiety rushing to my head like blood on bullet.

I thought Graham was just going to leave me maybe even run. I wouldn't blame him either. I shouldn't have jumped out like that but... I lookee at Graham with these begging eyes I didn't want to see him throw his life away. I just couldn't. Some stupid stupid part of me just couldn't.

"Let. Her. Go. She didn't do anything. I'm the one you want." He grabbed a portrait hanging on the wall and broke off a piece of the wooden frame into a pike, "wouldn't want your face to be messed up in retirement now would we mate?"

"Promise me you'll join Vile now... no further questions and I will."

The hesitation in his eyes seemed to drift away.

"Fine mate. Just get away from her." His gaze sharpened.

I felt the pressure leave my arm as I ran behind Graham. My breath fell short, my head light, but when I looked at him it seemed to.. fade.

"Sorry ya had to deal with that bloke love.. and thanks for caring about my well being. But I suggest you run before he changes his mind."

"Wait Graham... thank you."

"Don't mention it mate. Oh and be safe out there" he winked as my body sprinted out of the hallway. Not really feeling safe until I was home.

I looked out into the darkness of Sydney from my window. The stars looked a little less bright and the world seemed a little more distant. Each car passed like a raindrop, never staying long enough to remember amongst the storm.

The next day Graham and Vinny had disappeared from the rehearsal. The whole crew grew into a stir- neither of them left a notice or an explanation.

I keep quiet thinking that soon Graham would just become another stranger in my mind. But one I would never really forget.

Probably my favorite chapter so far!! We timeskipping first thing next chapter so get ready!! Hope you guys are enjoying the book just as much as I am writing