They both head upstairs, murmuring goodnights.I stay behind in the kitchen, staring out the window into the dark.The horizon is still black, no sign of dawn.
I press my hand against the cool glass.Somewhere out there, a man who once taught me how to temper chocolate is walking free.Somewhere, he has Belinda…or he knows who does.
And somewhere, the little girl who loves cheeseballs and plays piano like an angel is crying for help I can’t give her.
I close my eyes and make a promise to her, to myself, to the universe that seems intent on testing me again and again…
I will find her.
Even if it means going back to Colombia myself.
Even if it means facing Chef.
Even if it means facing Diego Vega.
Even if it means losing what’s left of my peace.
Because peace isn’t worth anything if I can’t protect the people I love.
The clock ticks softly behind me.Four a.m.The first hints of gray creep into the eastern sky.
A new day.
But not a new start.Not yet.
Not until Belinda is safe.
