As he steps out of the shower, Strauss gives him a white shirt and blue pajama pants with white clouds, while he decides to wear only gray sweatpants to sleep. — Come closer — Alexander says once they're under the covers. Tadeus obeys, and is greeted with a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek — I never thought you'd be so affectionate — he says.
– Does that make you nervous? — Alexander asks. He pulls back slightly to look at his face — I wish moments like these are just with me, just between us.
— We can keep seeing each other as long as you want. You seem very lonely.
— You're doing this out of charity? — Alexander asks with a smile, but he doesn't really wait for an answer. He just hugs him again, even tighter, resting his chin on Tadeus' head.
During the night, Tadeus finds his bag on the small table in the middle of the living room. He takes out several microphones and decides to place them around the room, just as a precaution, in case it's a possible front for his real house and also a meeting place for illegal activities. Despite searching every room, he doesn't find a single piece of paper with information, not even the electricity or water bills for that house, which seems quite unusual to him, if he's supposed to be staying there at least while they have dates.
When he returns to bed, Strauss seems half asleep and half awake — Stay with me tonight — he says, barely audible, almost like a babble. — I'm not leaving — Tadeus replies.
— Okay, I'll be right there — Tadeus whispers and hangs up.
The next morning, Alexander wakes Tadeus up for breakfast. Once Tadeus is seated with his back against the headboard, Alexander places the wooden tray on his lap. Tadeus sees two plates with eggs, bacon, bread, accompanied by two cups of coffee, and in between them is a plate with strawberries and papaya — It looks delicious — comments Tadeus.
— I don't usually eat breakfast, but I assumed you did — Alexander comments with a smile. At that moment, a ringtone begins to play from somewhere in the room.
— That must be my phone. Where are my clothes? — Tadeus asks. Alexander points to the basket near the bathroom entrance — I have to answer it — he says, going into the bathroom — This is an inconvenient time.
— "Hi, how are you?" That might be better — Gustaph says.
— Sorry, I'm at Alexander's house — Tadeus whispers.
— It's about your father, he wants you to go visit him — Gustaph announces.
— Is something wrong? — Alexander asks when he sees him come out of the bathroom and look for his clothes in the basket.
— I have to go — Tadeus says. He goes over to the bed, gives him a quick kiss, and says before leaving — I liked this.
— Wait! Are you really leaving already? — Alexander asks, but doesn't get an answer.
This time, instead of seeing his father at the mansion, they meet at a restaurant in the city center. He sits at the table between Gustaph and Edwin — What are you doing here?
— Your father recently got a route for the Animal, thanks to a mole — Gustaph says.
— I had to reschedule the flights, but you're leaving for Turkey this week — Edwin says.
— If he could get the information himself, why all this?
— In a way, you've served as a distraction — Gustaph says, placing his hand on Tadeus' shoulder — Even if nothing comes of the microphones, you've done your part.
— I'll only go if you assure me that you'll let Yenedith stay away from that house and your wife's venomous tongue.
— Your sister comes and goes from the house as she pleases. You're the only one complaining — Edwin says.
— The deranged man you are, Edwin — Tadeus says — You keep me on a leash just because you know my sister won't leave without me. One day, I'll carry out all your threats disguised as innocent comments myself.
— What nonsense is this kid spouting now — Edwin says, looking at Gustaph.
— I swear I'll jump off a bridge or hang myself from your balcony if you don't let the three of us out of your life after this trip — Tadeus says, looking him straight in the eyes. Edwin remains silent, unsure what to say, and lets Tadeus go before telling Gustaph that he had to accompany him on the trip.
The hours pass slowly in the Singer mansion as Yenedith helps her brother pack his suitcases for his trip — Is anyone going with you? — she asks.
— I suppose so, I don't know — he says.
— But you're not sure about this. Don't go.
— He threatened to hurt Grandma. I can't allow that.
— I don't like this at all — Yenedith says. Her brother gives her a tight hug to comfort her.
— I'll be okay — he assures her — I'll call you every day, I promise.
That same day and the next, Tadeus avoided leaving the mansion to spend more time with his sister and support her during her short visits to the hospital to see her friend in a coma. When the time came, a vehicle arrived to pick him up. As he got into the car, he saw that there were three other men with him. He confirmed his suspicion when he saw them board the plane with him in the same row.