Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 118965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 595(@200wpm)___ 476(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 595(@200wpm)___ 476(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
“You go on,” she says. “Finish what you have to do. I won’t nap long.”
She’s telling me in not so many words she prefers to sleep alone. The rejection stings, but I promised myself I wouldn’t rush her. If she wants space, that’s what I’ll give her. I’ll give her whatever she needs. Which reminds me…
“I have something for you,” I say, cupping her cheek. I want to give her so much more than the things I ordered from Bastia, the essentials she needs for everyday life. But I only bend down and press my lips on her forehead, not wanting to trigger emotions she can’t stand.
Opening the nightstand drawer, I take out the box and hand it to her. “Here.”
She stares at the box while saying with surprise, “An iPhone.”
“It’s the latest model. You can dial anywhere in the world.”
She lifts her head quickly. “What about security?”
“If we need to talk about sensitive subjects, I’ll give you a burner phone.”
“Thanks,” she says, phrasing it like a question.
I don’t say that she’s welcome, because having a reliable means of communication is her right. “You better get some rest before your family arrive.”
“Doesn’t Heidi need help with the preparations?”
“Heidi has everything under control. You’re not allowed to worry about anything.” I brush my knuckles over her cheek. “Your only job is getting well.”
She flashes me a grateful smile as I take the tray and leave her in peace.
Since the kidnapping, I prefer to drive the kids everywhere myself. As I have to fetch them from school at four, I sent three cars to the airport, making sure that two of them were fitted with baby seats. Another car with armed men will follow to keep the convoy safe.
Before leaving, I check on Sabella, who’s sleeping soundly.
On the way, Fabien calls.
“Mr. Russo,” he says. “What’s going on? I’ve just been to the new house to deliver summer clothes, and everything is locked up.”
I grit my teeth. “Sabella moved into the old house.”
“She did?” he asks with a bite of animosity I’m prepared to overlook just because Sabella likes him. “Well, I hope that’s good news.”
My tone is measured. “It is.”
“Then I’ll swing by there to drop off her new outfits.”
“It better wait. Sabella had an accident.”
“What?” he shrieks. “Why didn’t you tell me? Is she all right? What happened?”
“She’s not all right, but she will be. I’ll let you know when’s a good time to come.”
“Please give her my best wishes for a speedy recovery.”
“Will do,” I say, ending the call as I turn into the school parking lot.
The teacher, Mrs. Aravena, accompanies the kids.
My muscles tense as she approaches.
The kids run up to hug me. After loading them into the SUV, I close the door and give her my attention, expecting the worse. Did Sophie cry again? Did the kidnapping reverse all the progress we made?
“Mr. Russo,” she says, leading me a distance out of earshot.
I watch her with apprehension.
She smiles. “I just wanted to tell you that Sophie is doing much better. She’s catching up fast, and she seems a lot happier. You did the right thing to let her bring her dolls to school. She told me today that it’s time for them learn to stay at home alone.” Crossing her arms, she studies me with a perceptive gaze. “Thank you for doing that for her.”
I relax marginally. “Any gratitude due is yours.”
Her smile stretches. Uncrossing her arms, she says, “You’re welcome,” before walking away.
I stare after her for a moment before getting into the car. The kids speak simultaneously, competing for my attention as I start the engine.
“One at a time,” I say.
“I want to tell you first,” Sophie says. “We made clay models today, and Mrs. Aravena said mine was the best. It’s a zombie.”
Guillaume crosses his arms. “I wanted to go first. We’re going to the beach to pick up the plastic next week.”
“Sophie goes first today, and you go first tomorrow, Guillaume,” I say.
They tell me about their day, each speaking louder than the next until I urge them to lower their voices lest they give me a headache or permanent hearing damage. When they’ve each had a turn, I remind them of the visitors we’re expecting, warning them to be on their best behavior.
The city cars I dispatched to the airport are parked in front of the house when we get back. I inhale deeply before getting out of the SUV.
Heidi waits for us on the porch.
“Your teatime snack is ready in the kitchen,” she tells the kids after greeting them. To me, she says, “I sent Sabella’s family up to your room. They must have a lot to talk about.” She adds with a meaningful glance toward the kids, “They can do with some privacy until they’ve caught up.”
Which is code for she’ll keep the kids busy to give Sabella and her family the time they need before the new introductions are made.