Page 14 of Secrets, Lies and Love

“Not me—it’s Elina who wants lots of babies in the family.”

I smile when I think of how typical that is of my cousin’s Greek wife. She is a wonderful woman and has infinite patience with children, both her own and others.

“So, about Harper, is that true? Did we run over a saint? And what the hell did a girl like her come to New York to do? Inland Kansas, you say? Nothing could be more different from Manhattan.”

“To answer your first question, it’s simple. She must have come to try her hand at life, like so many others. Living the American dream in the literal sense.” He says it sardonically because we both know that vulnerable young people can do very badly here, depending on who crosses their path.

“I’ll help her get home.”

“Maybe that’s not what she wants. After all, she’s only been here for a short time.”

“She just needs the right incentive. I’ll give her some sort of compensation for the hit-and-run and send her to Kansas on a first-class flight.”

“Did she really not have any serious injuries?”

“No. I spoke to the doctor on the phone this morning, and he told me that the girl is fine. I ordered a lawyer to accompany her when the detective went to take her statement as soon as she woke up. When she’s discharged, I will transfer a good amount to her so that she doesn’t return to her homeland sad. Problem solved.”

“What if she doesn’t want to go?”

“I don’t believe that will happen. She was wearing simple clothes, actually quite shabby, and the suitcase zipper was already breaking. The girl is in dire straits and clearly needs help.”

“Who carries a suitcase in the middle of Manhattan?”

“Exactly. I think she was already leaving. In fact, I’ll be doing her a favor.”

“She may see you as someone who is killing her dreams, not a savior.”

“Not if she’s smart. You are very pessimistic. I’m trying to be positive in this shitty situation.”

“I’m not pessimistic. I’m a realist with cynical tendencies. It’s different.”

“Tendencies? We’re all suspicious as hell.”

“Yes, I can’t deny it.” He remains silent for a few seconds before speaking again: “Let me know how this whole story ends. If there’s anything we can do for the girl...”

“Like what?”

“If she doesn’t want to leave, I can get her a job at one of my companies.”

“I could do that too,” I reply—God knows why.

“But that didn’t even cross your mind. You just wanted to send her away as quickly as possible. What I’m trying to tell you is: listen to what she wants. Don’t jump to conclusions. From what I’ve gathered, I don’t think she wants to go back to Kansas. There’s nothing waiting for her there except a stepmother who can’t seem to stand her and a stepsister who is a monster in a skirt.”

“I’m not responsible for her. I intend to treat her fairly, but our connection will end as soon as I’m sure she is well and has enough money to support herself for a while.”

“Good. I’ll ask Elina to visit her. She’ll definitely find a place in the Association for the girl.”

“Why bother?”

“Because I have a lot of flaws, but I try to be fair. Her life story is fucked up, apparently. Your girl is lonely and hopeless and trying to change her future. There’s nothing disreputable about Harper’s past, or I would have found out. Maybe she’s just fucking unlucky and only needs a chance.”

Even after I hang up, I keep thinking about what he said. Odin can be even more suspicious than the rest of us, with the exception of Hades, of course.

Why the hell are you so worried about the girl who got run over?

Anderson visited her earlier today and seems enchanted by the girl. He told me she’s sweet and humble.

I get up, put on my suit blazer, and leave my office.

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