Page 117 of Flawed

"We don't know yet."

"What do you mean you don't know?" I accuse.

"Stay calm, Chanel," he advises.

My lips tremble. I blink back tears.

"Tristano is in the emergency room. The Marinos are all there. The wedding has been postponed. I must go. As soon as I find out anything, I'll let you know." He spins to leave.

I reach for his bicep, pleading, "Dad. You have to find her."

"We're going to do everything we can."

"Dad, she's my best friend," I sob.

He tugs me into him. "I know, mon chou. We're going to find her," he claims.

My gut screams he won't.

"Take care of Zara," he orders, then leaves. I go to the window, looking out at the New York skyline, worrying about Pina and what kind of shape she's in. Is she dead or alive?

A long time passes. Zara finally comes out of her room, pulling me out of my trance. She quietly says, "Mom, we have to get going. We're going to be late."

I wipe my cheeks and spin. "We're not going."

She scrunches her face. "What are you talking about? Why not?"

I glance over her, taking in her pink dress and high heels. She's no longer a little girl, and it scares me. What could happen to her?

I sniffle. "You look really nice."

"Mom, please tell me why we're not going."

I point to the couch. "Sit down."

She obeys.

I sit next to her and grab her hand. "Pina and Tristano were in an accident. He's in the emergency room."

Her eyes widen. "What about Aunt Pina?"

I struggle with what to say. I finally decide the truth is best. She'll eventually find out anyway. I inform her, "She was kidnapped."

She pales. "By who?"

My heart hurts so badly, I struggle to breathe. I reply, "The Abruzzos."

Zara gapes then whispers, "What are they going to do to her?"

I fight more tears and tug her into me. I try to sound reassuring, but it sounds flat. I say, "Nothing, honey. She'll be okay. Your grandpa is going to help find her."

Zara sobs into my chest. Her tears stain my dress, and it's a long time before I calm her down. My mind spins about what Pina could be going through the entire time.

My father isn't going to find her.

I retreat from Zara and rise, holding out my hand. "Come on. Let's go over to Grandma's so she isn't alone."

Zara doesn't argue. We're soon in the car and outside my parents' building. I don't know why I came here. But something urged me to.

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