Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
“I’m glad he didn’t try.”
“He was a big softie, but I’m glad he didn’t try too.” She peeks at me, and her face hardens. “You’re serious about my daughter, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am.”
“And you really aren’t like your father?”
“I will die before I ever hurt Karine.” I mean it too. I’d rather cut off my own hand than ever lay a finger on her in a way she doesn’t like.
“I believe you.”
That’s enough for me. I touch her hand and she nods at me with a pained smile. I stand and walk away as my men take over, gently transitioning her into a wheelchair. I can tell she’s in a lot of pain, but she doesn’t make much noise as we carry her down the steps and push her out to the waiting cars.
A doctor’s in the back of the van. The same doctor as before.
“Quieter this time,” he mutters to me as we get Miriam loaded in the back.
Chapter 40
Karine
Ican’t bring myself to leave my mother’s side. Even though she’s asleep again and made it clear that I don’t need to hang around, I still won’t leave her.
She’s been through so much, and a lot of it was my fault.
But she’s back now just like Valentin promised. When he wheeled her into the mansion early this morning, that was the happiest moment of my life. I cried like a big, joyous baby, and clung onto her hand like I’d never get to see her again.
“How’s she doing?” Valentin asks later that day. I know he’s been busy with the war. From what I heard, Arsen called and said his father was livid about what happened with Miriam.
“It’s hard to tell. She doesn’t want to complain, but she’s exhausted from the trip down here, and she’s still in a lot of pain.”
“The doctor will help manage that. She won’t leave my sight again, I can promise you that. I’ll make sure she has the best care possible right here at home.”
“Thank you, Valentin. You don’t know how much that means to me.”
He takes my hand in his and holds it tight. “I know this is going to be hard, but I need you for something.”
“Anything. You know that.”
“Arsen’s coming to Philadelphia and he wants you at the meeting.”
I hesitate and glance back at Mama. “You’re right, it won’t be easy leaving her right now.”
“I’ll post guards. Nobody will get anywhere near this room until you come back.”
“I know that.” I shift my weight and lean forward. “It’s just, I felt so powerless when she was gone, you know? I want to sit right here and make sure she’s safe.”
“You couldn’t have done anything for her last time.”
“But at least I would’ve been there.”
He pulls me back and leans down to kiss my cheek. “You’re strong, but nobody is that strong. Let me be here for you.”
I nod to myself. I knew this was coming. I had hoped I’d get a day or two without any interruptions, but things are moving fast now, and I can’t slow them down just because I’m worried about my mom.
I want to live up to Valentin’s idea of me.
“When will Arsen be here?” I ask and lean my head against my husband’s shoulder.
“He’s on the road now. I can give you two more hours with your mother, and then I need you.”
“Then I’ll see you in two hours.”
Rittenhouse Park is one of the most famous and busiest open spaces in the whole city. It’s a series of concentric rings around a central fountain. Grass, some trees, but mostly walking paths and benches. Enormous downtown skyscrapers blot out the pink-and-blue sunset. Nearby, a busker plays guitar, and a couple of guys juggle bowling pins back and forth.
Arsen’s sitting on a bench already, just like last time. Except now, he’s on Valentin’s home turf, in his home city, and half the people in the park right now are related to the Bratva in some way. All of them are armed and ready.
“How’s she doing?” Arsen asks when I sit down beside him. Valentin sits on my other side. Just like our first meeting.
“Good, actually. She’s been asleep but the doctor says your people took good care of her. I’m grateful for that much.”
Arsen looks away. “Don’t thank the kidnappers,” he says.
“You came a long way for this conversation. What’s going on?”
I can tell he’s bothered. Last meeting, back in Baltimore, he seemed totally calm and self-possessed. It was almost impressive the way he handled that extremely stressful moment.
But right now, he can’t seem to sit still. He’s fidgeting and agitated, and I suspect that’s a very bad sign.
“My father suspects something,” he says and gives me a hard look. “It’s only a matter of time before he starts purging everyone that knew about your mother’s whereabouts.”
“Including you?” Valentin asks.