“Good. I wasn’t sure you’d call.”
“I wasn’t sure I would, either.”
She laughs softly. “Honesty. I appreciate that.”
“Dr. Heller said you wanted to talk to me.”
“I did. I do.” There’s a pause. “I wanted to make sure you were alright. After everything that happened.”
“I’m fine.”
“Are you? My son can be very intense.”
I bristle. “He cares about me.”
“I’m sure he does. In his own way.” Another pause. “Has he told you what he plans to do with me?”
“He said he wants to keep you away from his family.”
“By any means necessary, I’m sure.”
“He’s scared, Natalia. You hurt him.”
“I know I did.” She sighs. “And I’ve regretted it every day since.”
“Then why did you do it?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Everything with your family seems to be complicated.”
She laughs again. “You’re not wrong about that.”
I take a breath. “I read your husband’s journal. About the tumor.”
“Then you know the truth.”
“I didn’t kill him, Olivia. The drugs did. The tumor did. I was trying to save him.”
I close my eyes. “I want to believe you. But I don’t know if I can.”
“That’s fair.” She exhales somberly, as if gathering her thoughts. “What if I told you I could prove it? That I have medical records, doctors’ statements, evidence that everything I’m saying is true?”
That gives me pause. “Why didn’t you show Stefan before?”
“He wouldn’t have believed me. He was too angry and hurt. He’d already made up his mind about what happened.”
“And you think he’ll believe it now?”
“No. But maybe you can help me show him.”
I open my eyes. “How?”
“Let me talk to him. Face to face. With you there as a mediator.”
“He’ll never agree to that.”
“Then convince him. You’re the only person he trusts.”
