Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 82524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Fifteen feet tall made of smooth, slick stone, with no gaps to climb, and little decorative spikes at the top that gleam. Sharp, I’m betting.
There has to be some way through. I let Hattie chatter on as we walk, pretending I’m taking her around for a simple stroll.
I believe Rafe when he says the outside world is dangerous.
He left me alone six years ago; something must’ve changed for him to drag us into his life now.
But I’m also positive that if I don’t get away soon, I’ll be trapped with him forever.
“Excuse me, ma’am.”
I jump, so lost in my own thoughts that I hadn’t noticed a man approach from the house. He stands a few feet off, watching intently.
This guard’s different from the others. He’s not in all black fatigues. His hair’s long, pulled into a loose half-bun, and white scars cover his left cheek. He has no gun or any obvious weapons.
“We’re just out for a walk,” I say as calmly as I can.
But I don’t like the way this man’s looking at me.
“My name is Nunzio Flores. I’m the captain of Rafe’s guard. I thought I’d introduce myself.”
“Hello, Nunzio.” I nudge Hattie. “Be polite.”
“I’m Harriet. You can call me Hattie.” She holds onto my leg, peering at him.
Nunzio’s expression is hard, like he’s angry about something. He takes another step closer. “You should know, you aren’t allowed down by the wall. It’s for your own safety.”
“Safety? What does he mean, Mommy?”
I ignore Hattie. “I thought it wouldn’t be an issue.”
“I’m telling you it is. Stay near the house where we can see you. I won’t ask again.” Nunzio’s very still and it’s unnerving. My heart races and my mouth goes dry. This is the first time I’ve truly been afraid that someone might hurt us since coming here.
“Okay, we’ll try.”
“Don’t try. Do as you’re told.” He turns his back to me. “Don’t make me say it again, Mrs. Corvino. Every inch of these grounds has cameras, in case you were wondering.”
Nunzio strolls back to the house.
“He’s weird,” Hattie whispers when he’s gone.
“Yeah, baby, but we should listen. Come on, let’s go back.” I hold her hand and steer her toward the house.
That last comment sticks with me.
Cameras are everywhere.
I hadn’t thought about that, but it makes sense.
Enormous, spike-covered walls, multiple armed guards, and surveillance technology.
Dread and terror fill me as Hattie begs me to let her go swimming.
There’s no way I’m getting out of here.
I can’t give up. I can’t roll over and accept this.
But what am I going to do?
How am I going to get my daughter out of this place?
12
RAFE
Iwalk slowly along the wall’s perimeter. Fifty feet away is the pine forest, stretching out into the distance, the empty space from there to here a killing zone for anyone trying to get through.
Theodora walks beside me. Her BMW is parked on the drive back the way we came as we stroll outside the wall. She’s got her phone out and busies herself getting a call set up. Eventually Ignazio’s voice comes through the line, though it’s somewhat scratchy; the service isn’t good in the middle of nowhere.
“—Got news, Don Corvino, and it isn’t news you’ll like.”
“What’s going on?”
“Word came this morning. There’s a problem with the closing documents.”
Theodora stiffens. “Hello, Ignazio, this is Theodora. I don’t think that’s accurate. I made sure everything was settled.”
“I’m only relaying what I’ve been told. The other lawyer, Mark Thurston, called and said he found some discrepancies. We talked about it—“
“Hold on a second. You talked?” Theodora’s eyes narrow. She gets that look when she’s pissed. “This is supposed to be my job.”
“Don’t shoot the messenger now. Mark reached out to me after he couldn’t get ahold of you.”
Theodora’s jaw works. “What did he say, exactly?”
“Oh, it’s the usual story. Permits, names on dotted lines, I don’t know. Sounded like a bunch of deflecting.”
I slow, hands clasped behind my back. “Was he fishing for something?”
“I can’t say for sure, but it’s possible. He mentioned some numbers.”
Theodora looks positively radiant with anger.
“That fucking prick,” she snarls. “We had everything hammered out. The rest is a god damn formality.”
“I agree totally, and yet he’s trying to pull some bullshit.”
“This deal can’t fall through.” I meet Theodora’s gaze and hold it. “There’s too much at stake.”
“I’ll go back to the city now and sort it out.” She curses and starts toward her car. “Ignazio, don’t talk to anyone without me present again, understand?”
“I can’t make promises, but I’ll do my best.”
“Do better than that.” She looks at me. “I’ll handle it.”
“Make sure that you do.”
When Theodora’s on the long drive back, I take the morning to myself. June and Hattie are safely inside; Nunzio’s been updating me on their whereabouts and what they’ve been doing hourly. I use the time to exercise and to clear my head.