Alright, you can sit up.”

Vanessa slowly lifted her head and peered out of her window. She appeared smaller somehow, helpless and afraid. It took everything I had not to take her into my arms and promise that everything would be alright. But I knew, at that moment, that if I allowed myself to touch her, I’d never stop.

“I’m sorry. I should have told you about the car sooner.” Vanessa smoothed her hair down and adjusted the black bag in her lap.

“It’s fine. We’re fine. Let’s just take some deep breaths and calm down.” That was for both our benefits, not just hers. The excitement I always felt on a mission was gone. Instead, dread filled every waking moment of this job. Protecting Vanessa wasn’t just a way to make money; it was becoming something more. Something I didn’t want to analyze too closely.

“I didn’t want to interrupt you. It seemed like you guys were talking about some important stuff.” Vanessa looked at me and did that glasses thing again. The sight of it, so mundane and so her, melted me.

“Nothing for you to worry about.” I couldn’t bring myself to tell her how dire Ma’s situation was. I’d been rude to the nurse, I know. Ma was going downhill fast, and it wasn’t the nurse’s fault. We’d known this day would come. I just thought I’d have more time. “Let’s get you graduated!” I put on my best happy face, and she put on her best ‘buying it’ face.

Later that night, at the ceremony, tensions were on high alert. Marco tried to talk to me, to get a run-down of the situation, but I just didn’t have time to talk to him. There was no police presence at the arena. Hell, there wasn’t even a security guard anywhere on site. It was up to Cruz and myself to secure the entire perimeter and keep an eye on Vanessa. That last part was proving nearly impossible with the wardrobe changes, rehearsal walks, and last-minute dress alterations in the private green room.

Marco didn’t seem to get the hint, though. Wherever I was, there he appeared. I fought the urge to push him aside and remind him that his daughter was my only concern. I realized, a little too slowly, what this night must be like for him. His only child graduating college. He’d said so many times, tonight included, how she was just like her mother. I could see that the loss of his wife weighed heavily on his shoulders. He’d seemed to age years in the three weeks I’d been working for him.

“All my dreams,” he was saying as I attempted to keep one ear on him and one on Vanessa’s door. “I had everything at my fingertips, and I squandered it.”

I eyed his thousand-dollar suit and shiny, black-heeled dress shoes. “Doesn’t look like you’ve done too bad for yourself, sir.”

Marco waved a dismissive hand at his clothes. “This? Ah, this stuff means nothing in the grand scheme of things.” He stared at the stage where Vanessa would soon be receiving her diploma. “That,” he added, pointing toward the door where Vanessa was having her dress altered, “that’s the only thing that really matters in my life now.”

“Have you been drinking, Mr. Genovese?”

“Ah,” he sighed, “maybe a little to calm the nerves.”

“Well, I’m gonna need you to focus. Drink some water or something. Maybe some coffee if they have it.” I checked in with Cruz on radio, perimeter check secured.

“I’ve done many things in my life that I’m not proud of Martin. Many, many things. But that girl in there, my little princess, she’s the best part of me. And her dear sweet mother.” Marco crossed himself. “Did I show you my ring?”

“What?” I asked, distracted.

“My ring.” He shoved his hand, wearing a massive platinum ring, in my face. “After my darling Carlotta passed, I had this made. Melted our wedding rings into one. Never to be separated again.” He kissed the ring and placed the hand back in his pocket.

“That’s actually very sweet,” I told him, wondering if I could do something like that with Ma and Pop’s rings.

“I love her still, so much. I only wish I’d made sure she knew while she was live.”

“I’m sure she did.” My eyes wandered toward the entrances, scanning every new face in the crowd.

“I wasn’t the best husband, as I’m sure Vanessa told you. But I loved my wife. The things I did, everyone in the life does, it just is. I wish I’d never met Mr. Amara.”

I couldn’t argue with him. I’d had the same thoughts myself. How could he have put his family in this situation? How could he have stayed in the life, knowing his wife and daughter wanted out? Yet I wasn’t going to berate him here. He was obviously doing enough of that himself. “I’m sure your wife knew you loved her. That’s why she tried to get you to come with her. And Ms. Genovese, Vanessa, knows you love her.” I paused for a moment to listen to Cruz confirm the perimeter check. “You’ve raised a strong, independent woman, and you should be very proud.”

“Headstrong as her mother, she is.”

“Not gonna argue there.”

We both shared a laugh, and I felt some of the sadness lift from the room. Whatever this man had done, it was his cross to bear. It was obvious he loved his wife and daughter more than anything.