Early the following morning, I went to a shop nearby to pick up basics for Lina to wear until we were allowed into her apartment to get her things. I now sat across the table from her while she and I listened to the phone ring at Sofia and Raphael’s house. Raphael hadn’t told Sofia anything. That was apparent from the way she answered the phone, from the small talk she exchanged with Lina. From her surprise at hearing me with her.

“I’m confused, I thought you were in New York City, Damon? Is it my pregnancy brain that’s got this wrong?”

“I am in New York City. There’s nothing wrong with your brain. But I’ve kept something from you that I shouldn’t have,” I said.

“It’s not his fault,” Lina chimed in.

“What’s going on?” Sofia asked. I heard Raphael in the background, and we listened quietly, not quite hearing the whole conversation but parts of it, especially the part when she asked him how long he’d known and why he hadn’t told her.

“It’s not Raphael’s fault either, Sofia. It’s mine. I swore Damon to secrecy. Blackmailed him, really, into keeping my secret.”

“Are you okay, Lina?”

I heard the concern in Sofia’s tone.

Tears welled in Lina’s eyes, and the tip of her nose reddened like it always did when she was about to cry. But she drew in a deep breath and sat up straighter.

“I am. Now. Raphael, can you hear me too?”

“Yes,” my brother answered.

“I’m sorry I made you lie to Sofia.”

“You didn’t make me do anything I didn’t choose to do, Lina. I don’t like it, but it was for the best. I’m glad you’re coming clean now,” Raphael replied.

“Have the police been out there yet?”

“Police?” Sofia asked.

“Yes,” Raphael answered. “They found the journal and took it. I’d guess it’s either in the FBI’s hands or close to it by now.”

“What journal?”

Lina explained to Sofia how she’d kept one piece of evidence that was too damning to their grandfather. Sofia listened in silence.

“That’s one of the reasons I came to New York City. It was all I could think about, that journal, what it said inside. The name Grandfather mentioned: Markov. So, I found him. I needed to see him for myself. Make some sense of things.”

Lina told her the whole long, sordid story, and Sofia listened in silence. When Lina stopped talking, silence hung in the air until I cleared my throat.

“I was hoping I could take care of it, of her,” I said.

“You did,” Lina said.

“I was almost too late,” I said.

Lina lowered her lashes, and when she didn’t give away the details of that final night, I didn’t press her to.

“What’s going to happen now?” Sofia asked, her voice tight.

“I’ve hired Lewis to defend her, if it comes to that. He’ll be present as she’s questioned,” Raphael answered.

“They can’t arrest you. You were sixteen,” Sofia said to Lina.

“I don’t think that’s what they want,” Lina said. “I just want to be sure Grandfather isn’t in more trouble.”

“He made that trouble. That trouble had nothing to do with you!” Sofia snapped. “You made it yours.”

“He’s our grandfather,” Lina said softly.

“And look what he’s done. Destroying our legacy wasn’t enough. He nearly got you—” she broke off.

Lina wiped her eyes as Raphael came on the line.

“When are you bringing her back home, brother?”

I looked at Lina. “That’s up to her, once she gets the all clear from the FBI.” I wouldn’t drag her anywhere, wouldn’t force it. That was how she’d gotten into this mess. It was one of the first things she’d said to me. Everyone did everything for her own good. Me too. “I’ll be here with her, though. She won’t leave my sight until this is resolved.”

“I’m not allowed to fly,” Sofia said quietly, sniffling. “I wish I could be there with you, Lina.”

“You belong there, Sofia,” Lina said. “You have to think about the babies. You’re still not finding out if they’re boys or girls?”

“The way they kick, I’m sure at least one will be a soccer player,” Sofia said.

Lina smiled, her first authentic smile in a long time. “I can’t wait to meet them,” Lina said.

“Me either,” Sofia replied.

The cell phone Maxx had given Lina rang. She looked at it, then at me.

“We have to go,” I said. “We’ll call again later.”

“Damon?” Raphael said.

I picked up the phone, disabling the Speaker option. “Yes?”

“You and I need to talk.”

I’d told him about the dead man.

“Let me take care of Lina first.”

“All right. If you need anything else—”

“I won’t hesitate.”

We hung up. I turned to Lina, who nodded her head and told the person on the other line she’d see them in an hour. She then hung up.

“It’s Maxx. I can get into the apartment to pick up my things.”

Her relief showed on her face.

“I appreciate the clothes you bought me, but honestly, you dress me like a nun.”

I smiled. “I’m not used to buying women’s clothing.” I’d picked up a knee-length skirt and an oversize sweater. What I’d paid attention to were the undergarments: a lacy pair of panties and matching bra.

“And they have the journal. They’re running some tests on it now, I guess, comparing it to the evidence they already had. Maxx will be here in forty-five minutes. He’ll take me to the apartment, then to their offices for more questions. I should probably call Mr. Lewis.”

“I think that’s a good idea.”

“I don’t have anything to hide, Damon.”

“I know that, but he knows the law. It can only help you to have him there.”

“Can you come with me?”

“I was planning on it, but I’m glad you asked.”

She smiled and picked up the attorney’s card. “I’ll give Mr. Lewis a call.”

“I need to head downstairs to talk to Father Leonard.”

Lina nodded, and I turned to leave, glad we’d called Sofia and Raphael, my mind full of what I needed to do now.

Father Leonard stood sweeping the church floor when I walked in. I had a feeling he’d been waiting for me.

“Damon,” he said, setting the broom aside and walking toward me.

“Father.” From when I’d first met Father Leonard, he wasn’t what I’d expected. I had a feeling, though, that Gavin had put great thought into sending me here to him rather than anywhere else.

“I was just finishing up,” he said. “Thought I’d get a cup of coffee. Would you care to join me?”

“Yes.”

We walked out of the church and to the coffee shop down the street. They’d come to know us there and greeted us warmly. We ordered our usual drinks and took a table at the back. Father Leonard studied me, his gaze honest and intelligent.

“How is she?” he asked. He had to know Lina was with me.

“Better.”

“I’m glad.”

The waitress arrived with our coffees, set them down, and left.

“And how are you?”

“Better too.” I sipped my cappuccino, and he picked his up to sip. We sat in silence for a few moments, but it felt right. Father Leonard had a calm about him, always had. Like he was perfectly comfortable in his skin.

“Gavin is a clever old man, you know. He has a keen eye. Did with me too.”

“Was he at seminary at the same time as you?”

“Yes, although he wasn’t dean then. More a mentor and a friend. He made sure I understood there was no sin in…sowing my wild oats before I decided to take the final step. At least, for me, it was that. I have a feeling it’s different for you.”

I held his inquisitive, sure gaze and felt sure myself. In fact, I had no doubts for the first time in a long time. “I love her.”

He nodded, smiled. “When will you let Gavin know you’re leaving seminary?”

* * *

I accompanied Lina to her apartment. The FBI had been thorough in their search, even floorboards and cupboards had been torn up. What they hoped to find I wasn’t sure. Lina didn’t say what she felt at seeing this, but I had a feeling she’d never been at home here. Not with Sergei, not with Alexi. She packed up her personal things, stuffed three duffel bags full, while Maxx looked on, arms folded across his chest. We then drove to his office, where she’d be questioned again. Mr. Lewis met us there, and at Lina’s insistence, I was allowed to enter with her.

“The journal is authentic,” Maxx said. “And it proves the Markov’s connection to your grandfather.”

“What will happen to him? My grandfather, I mean?”

“He’s cooperating with us,” Maxx said, seemingly annoyed about it. “He’ll cut a deal to turn over Sergei.”

“What sort of deal?” I asked.

“One where he won’t earn additional jail time.”

“What can he tell you?” Lina asked.

“I can’t divulge much, but Sergei Markov was hoping to take a piece of the Italian market by driving out the Italian mobs. Your grandfather had connections.”

“But that’s only Sergei? What will happen to Alexi?”

“We’ll use this to make sure Sergei turns over evidence on his son.”

“Will he do that?” Lina asked.

Maxx sat back and looked at us in turn. “Both men are guilty of many things. If I can put them both away for thirty years, I’ll take it over putting one away for fifty and letting the other go free.”

“Is Lina safe?” I asked.

“That’s one thing I need to talk to you about. We’d like you to testify against Alexi Markov. Tell the jury you were essentially held against your will, put up for auction. Give them an idea of how that evening went. Sergei and Alexi aren’t the only two we’re prosecuting. We picked up several others during the raid. Several others who were willing to buy the use of you without your consent.”

Lina’s face paled. I took her hand and squeezed it. “You won’t intimidate her into testifying,” I told Maxx.

“No,” Lina said. “Those people…they’re horrible. The things I saw them do…” she shook her head, then faced Maxx again. “But that night, they wore masks. I won’t be able to identify who bid on me.”

“That won’t matter as much as you telling us and the jury your experience, painting the picture. Both that night and the other night when you served drinks.”

“And what about her safety?” I asked. “Wouldn’t this be putting a target on her back?”

“You’ll be staying at the residence where I picked you up?” Maxx asked.

She turned to me and I answered. “Yes.”

“I’ll have two men stationed outside,” he said.

“Do I have to testify?” she asked Lewis.

“They can always subpoena you, but I hope they wouldn’t, considering your safety is in question.” That last part was said to Maxx.

“I wouldn’t want to subpoena you if I didn’t have to,” Maxx said. “You have means to get out of the country, a home to go to. I’d prefer a cooperative and willing witness rather than a flight risk.”

“Are you threatening my client?”

“What if…can I go back to Italy? I’d like to see my sister,” Lina asked. “If I agree, I mean.”

“Lina, you’re not testifying,” I said.

Maxx ignored me. “You’re not under arrest. And if you’re a cooperating witness, I don’t see why not, although protection there is out of my control.”

“She doesn’t need your protection,” I rebuked.

“With all due respect, one man may not be enough for the Markov army,” Maxx said.

That night flashed before my eyes. “With all due respect, where the fuck were you and your men when Markov ordered her gang raped?” I asked through clenched teeth, remembering the intensity and the emotions of that night, the physical strength that had come from it.

The attorney cleared his throat as Maxx and I stared each other down.

“I’m sure you both mean well,” Lewis said.

Maxx took in a deep breath and leaned back in his seat, blinking.

“My brother and I have resources. I’ll keep her safe.”

“Ms. Guardia, I’d like you to consider testifying. Think it over. Decide for yourself. You can put these people away or let them free to hurt others.”

“Isn’t that your job?” I asked him, standing. “Let’s go.”

Maxx sucked in a heavy breath.

“Lina, let’s go.”

Lewis and Lina rose. I took Lina’s hand as we walked out of the office and straight out of the building.