Page 88 of Letters From Victor

She looked away, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the inky sky swallowed the water. The wind picked up, sending a chill through the thin fabric of my shirt. Barbara shivered.

“Darling,” I said softly, but she didn’t respond.

Her silence was heavy. I moved closer, attempting to take her hand, but she crossed her arms over her chest, hugging herself.

“If you didn’t want to know…”

She shook her head. “No, no. I asked.”

The waves lapped closer to our feet, their cold fingers stretching up the shore. I watched as a foam-tipped surge kissed Barbara’s toes. She didn’t flinch.

She blew out a quick breath and looked up at me. “Are you in danger? Are we?”

I took her by the shoulders and pulled her body hard against mine. “We’re safe, Barbara. I have good people working for me. Trust me.”

Her eyes searched mine, desperate for certainty. “You can’t promise that,” she whispered.

I stroked her hair, my fingers tangling in the windblown strands. “I can, and I do.”

She swallowed, clearly not convinced.

“There’s something else,” I said, bracing for her reaction. “I bought you a gun to keep at the house. Just in case.”

Her eyes flashed with anger, and her body went rigid. “Victor, no. Absolutely not.”

“It’s just a precaution. I’d feel better knowing you and Frankie are protected.”

“Protected from what?” she demanded, stepping back from me. “You just said we’re safe.”

“You are,” I insisted.

“No, Victor,” she said, shaking her head vehemently. “I don’t want a gun in my house. Frankie’s just a child—it’s too dangerous.”

“Barbara,” I started, but she was already turning away, heading back toward the stairs. I caught up and took her arm—gentle but resolute. “No one knows where you are, and they have no reason to come looking. But until this thing with Kowalski blows over, I need to know you’re safe. That’s all.”

She hesitated, exhaling sharply. “Victor,” she said, her voice calmer but still resistant. “I don’t even know how to fire a gun.”

“It’s not that complicated. Point and shoot, like in the movies.”

She turned to face me, searching my eyes for some reprieve, some concession. I gave none.

“I’ll teach you how to use it,” I said evenly. “Chances are you won’t ever have to, and it’ll just collect dust. But I need to know you have the means to protect yourself when I’m not there. This is nonnegotiable, Barbara.”

She bit her lower lip as the wind tossed her hair into a wild halo. For a moment, I thought she might cry, but she was stronger than that. Stronger than even she knew.

“Fine,” she said at last, her voice resigned. “But I’m only taking it because you insist.”

“I do insist.” I brushed my lips against hers. “And now I’ll sleep at night knowing no one can take you from me.”

34

BARBARA

Gino sped up and whipped by my house.

“What on earth, Gino? Take me home.”

He shook his head. “There was another car in the driveway. Mr. Cardello was very clear. I’m only to drop you off if it’s safe.”

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