Page 44 of Merciless Oath

“Lenny,” I say softly so as not to startle her. “Can we talk?”

She nods and sits down at the kitchen table. Her tear-streaked face makes me want to burn down the entire world, but I need to focus on one thing at a time.Safety first.

“I don’t think this house is safe,” I start. She nods, agreeing with me. “I don’t think this city is safe, actually.”

“Do you think I should go back to California?” Her voice cracks with fear and emotion. “It’s selfish, I know, but I don’t want to leave you.”

“I don’t think leaving is the best idea either,” I agree, and her eyes snap to mine, shocked. “I need you close, so that I can keep you safe. I can’t help if you’re on the other side of the country.”

“So, what do you have in mind?”

“My friend Rafael lives out in the countryside,” I start, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice. “I think we should pick Matilda up from the airport and head out there, maybe for the weekend. At least while they amp up security here and clean up the mess.”

She stares thoughtfully into her cup, considering it. I can see the wheels spinning, the battle between leaving her family and keeping Matilda safe raging on.

“Rafael Romano?” she finally asks. I nod, terrified to speak when she’s actually considering my plan.

She lets out a deep, heavy breath that seems to re-focus her and takes a big gulp of coffee.

“Okay, that might be a good idea,” she finally concedes. “I’m assuming he’s got a state-of-the-art security system, considering who he is. But only for the weekend, right?”

“We’ll be safe there,” I answer, skirting around her last question.It’s not lying if I just don’t answer, right?

“What am I going to tell Matilda?”

“Just tell her we’re visiting friends in the country.” I smile, elated that she agreed. “They have a baby girl, and tons of farm animals and big, beautiful gardens. She’ll have fun.”

“No,” she says slowly, refusing to meet my eyes. “I mean, about you?”

I suck in a breath, holding it deep in my chest. This is the first time we’ve ever even slightly broached the subject, and I don’t want to push her too far. Inside, my mind is screaming, “Tell her I’m her father!”

“Whatever you decide, I support you,” I finally manage to say. “We can tell her the truth. Or if you don’t think that’s the right thing to do, we’ll say I’m an old friend.”

“An old friend.” She smiles, pacified for the moment.

“A dear, old friend,” I agree, trying to push the hurt away.

One day, Matilda will know I’m her father. And I’ll be the best goddamn father she could have to make up for these lost years.

But not today. Today, all that matters is getting my girls to safety.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Valentina

With shaking hands,I pack a small duffle bag of Matilda’s winter clothing. I have absolutely nothing left of my own, but Enzo assures me we can stop and pick up a few things.

I dig around in the front hall closet for a pair of sturdier winter boots while Enzo and Luigi discuss the plan.

“You’re sure this location is secure?” I hear Luigi’s rough voice float from the kitchen.

“More secure than anywhere in the city,” Enzo confidently confirms. “Luigi, look… I know you don’t like me, but we have the same end goal right now. To keep Matilda and Valentina safe.”

Silence echoes from the kitchen, and I pause in my rifling, holding my breath.

“You’re right,” Luigi acknowledges. I let go of the breath, and my hands land on an old pair of hiking boots I’d shoved back there.Perfect.

I slip them on and breeze into the kitchen like I wasn’t just eavesdropping on their conversation. Never in my life did I think I’d see Enzo and Uncle Luigi sitting at the same table, quietly sipping coffee.

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