Page 122 of Queen’s Gambit

“Poison! Stairs! Jesus Christ, Ana…why didn’t you tell me any of this?”

My heart was beating out of control, and I had to sit down.

“We were so close to our escape plan, and I didn’t want to worry you. I just needed to stay strong until they left for their holiday. Why rock the boat before we were ready?”

“Because she tried to kill you, that’s why,” I growled, trying to rein in my anger.

I was terrified and furious that she hadn’t told me, but yelling at Ana wasn’t going to help anything.

“I’m sorry. I’m not angry at you. I just wish you told me. Our plan doesn’t matter when your lives are at risk.” I ran my hand through my hair and closed my eyes. “I love you, Ana.”

She sniffled on the other end of the line.

Fuck.

“I know, Eddie. I’m sorry. Maybe I’ve got more of my father’s stubbornness than I realized,” she said, and I chuckled.

“Oh, I know you do. But it’s just one of the reasons why I love you so much. Are you safe now?”

“Yes, I’m at Mom’s retreat with her, all of my guards, and Frida.”

“Okay, good. I’ll finish making the arrangements and message you with the time to meet me. We’re going to get you out of there, Ana. You and Lilya are finally coming home.”

“There’s something else,” she said, and I held my breath.

“What?”

“I’m struggling with the businesses. I wanted so badly to take care of everything on my own, but….” Ana sighed. “Without drawing from my trust, I only have enough to pay the guards, other employees, and Frida for a month. I need your help.”

“Ana, you do know that it’s not a weakness to ask for help?”

“It’s not that…okay, it’s not just that. I wanted to prove I could do this and beat my father. I let the wheels fall off, Eddie.”

She sounded so disheartened, and I hated it. She really had worked her ass off to pave her own path.

“No, they’re just a little wobbly and need some tightening. I’ll help you get them back on track. You can take over once you’re settled. I’ve got you, Ana, always.”

She stifled a sob. “Why are you always so perfect? I love you so much, Eddie. Before you go, someone wants to say hi.” I heard Ana open a door.

“Hey there, baby, do you want to talk to Eddie?”

“Yes,” came Lilya’s squeal. Her enthusiasm was completely infectious and made my heart swell.

“Hi, Lilya, I hear you’re coming for a visit. Are you excited to see the dolphins again?”

“Yes, and turtles, and the…parr…parr….”

“Parrotfish?”

“Yes.”

Lilya was so far advanced for her age and could talk my ear off. I loved sitting with her while she told me all the new things she’d learned. Our favorite activity was reading. The books she liked best were always two and three years above her age level. She made my heart sing.

“I’m excited to take you,” I said and then she chatted on happily about everything she’d done the past week. “Guess where else I’m going to take you,” I asked, and she hummed as she thought.

“The ice cream store?”

I laughed. “Yes, but that’s not the surprise. It’s so much better than an ice cream store. It’s this magical place where all the stories of dragons and princesses come to life. It’s called a library.”