Page 16 of They Found Us

At first, I think he is going to decline, but he kisses my forehead and promises to be back soon. Once they both leave, I turn my attention to Vanna.

Her face full of smiles and emotion as she looks at my son in my arms. She strokes the top of his head. “He’s absolutely gorgeous.”

“Thank you.” I beam.

“And how are you?” Vanna pulls up a chair at the side of me and takes a seat.

“I’m fine. A little tired but just grateful to be here. Thank you so much for everything you have done for us, Vanna. I don’t dare think what might have happened if you weren’t around.”

“Don’t mention it. We’ve been so worried about you all. We are just glad you are okay.”

There’s a silence for a few moments, and I’m sure Vanna is thinking the same thing I am. So I decide to break the ice.

“It seems you are my sister-in-law. How’s Alex taken the revelation?” I ask and then wonder whether he knew we were here.

“Well, he wouldn’t speak to me about it at first. He needed to get his head around it, I suppose.”

Sounds familiar.

“But we had a long talk last night, and I think he is doing better. Today he seems different. Like a fire has been ignited in him. One I haven’t seen in years.”

“So, you had no idea we were living here?”

“No. But we have a theory. Who arranged for you to come here?”

“Well, Leo, Marco, and Maria, Leo’s mum.”

Vanna smiles. “Maria. She is the one who helped us come here.”

Wow. A million things run through my mind. Flashbacks of our wedding day. The explosions. Saying goodbye to Maria and Marco and getting into the boat. She planned this. She sent her only sons away. She saved them both. She knew they would find each other.

“I can’t get my head around it all,” I admit.

“It’s definitely a story to tell the grandchildren.” Vanna smiles.

“Here, would you like to hold him?”

“Love to.” Vanna beams as I pass her my son. “Have you named him yet? I see his wrist band still says Baby Smith.”

“Not officially. We have a name, but we are keeping it to ourselves for now. I’m sure we will be ready to share it soon.”

Leo

“We need to talk.” Alex’s tone is matter-of-fact as I follow him out of Katie’s room and down the hallway.

“Yes, I have a lot of questions.”

“They will have to wait. We have an issue.” Alex opens a door and looks inside. “In here.” He beckons me into the empty storage room.

“What issue?” My adrenaline picks up, and I know I am not going to like what comes next.

“My contact at the airbase phoned me this morning. They found an unarranged stowaway in the todays cargo plane.”

“Where are they?”

“Being detained until I arrive.”

“I’ll come with you.”

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