Page 112 of No Merciful Corruption

“It was by the credenza.” He sits down beside Lettie and smiles. “Here you go.”

Her eyes widen as she takes the camera from him. “No one said you could sit here.”

“Can I?”

“No.”

He remains seated and looks over her shoulder, glancing at each picture as she turns the page. Dad’s camera is nearly as old as I am and we’ll eventually have to replace it. As time passes, it gets harder and harder to find the film needed to take a photo, especially since polaroids are mostly obsolete. But I think we’ll hold on to this piece of him for just a little bit longer.

I join Dahlia and Doña Ana in setting the table while Dimitrio and Beni finish decorating. The balloons and streamers are for Allegra’s entertainment only. She delights in all the excitement and fanfare.

Karina sits back to watch Allegra put the final candles on the cake. She places her hand on Diego’s and gifts him a rare smile.

“What do you want to do today?”

Diego’s gaze remains focused on Allegra, keeping one arm around her so that when she leans forward, she doesn’t lose her balance and fall face first into the cake. “We’re going to Abuelo’s for dinner later.”

“I know. I mean in the meantime.” She tilts her head and the edges of her voice soften with a tenderness I’ve only ever heard her use with him. “We can take a walk through the Quarter and head down to the beach later. Then go to a museum or⁠—”

“I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.” His tone remains neutral. “I’m sure you’ll be busy with work.”

“Don’t be silly, I canceled all my classes today.” She responds eagerly and her grip on his hand tightens. That hand hasn’t moved an inch since she touched it. “Lela and I are completely free.”

“I have a lot of work to do.” Diego finally manages to pull away and readjusts Allegra on his lap. “Don’t trouble yourself.”

I touch Dahlia’s hip and she looks up from the plate she was setting. I jut my chin in their direction and Dahlia casts a glance at the scene unfolding on the other side of the table.

Karina’s hand stills and for a split second, it’s as if she waits for him to return it to her. Arched brows furrowed, she pulls away as well, her confusion evident in the high-pitched lilt of her voice.

“But…we always spend your birthday together. It’s tradition.” Her expression falters but Allegra, sensing the shift between her parents, suddenly loses interest in the candles and looks at her mother. Karina’s shoulders straighten immediately and she forces the smile back on to her face. “I can get us tickets to⁠—”

“Why don’t you see if Jeremy is free this afternoon? That way I can enjoy my birthday with my daughter in peace.”

All noise in the room ceases.

Diego’s words don’t just cut; they’re a massacre, hitting every major artery and Karina bleeds out in seconds. She’s taken aback by the ferocity of his reply; her eyes widen and her lips still as all the color drains from her face. Even Dimitrio and Beni stop what they’re doing to exchange uncomfortable looks in silence.

“Ven, niña,” Doña Ana crosses the room and picks up Allegra. “Vamos a lavarte las manos.”

Allegra gives a little frown as she’s carried out of the room, clueless and confused.

Karina pushes out her chair and murmurs, “I think we need a lighter.”

A whole minute passes before anyone knows what to do with themselves. Mauricio helps Lettie put new film in Dad’s camera and Dimitrio and Beni finish hanging streamers near the windows. Dahlia and I set out enough forks and plates for the ten of us. Once we’re done, she picks up the last few candles Allegra hadn’t put on the cake yet and finishes placing them.

“Ready?” she asks.

My brother doesn’t meet her gaze and gives a curt nod.

“Diego,” she says.

He waits a beat before looking up. I can tell he’s afraid to.

“I know she’s legally your wife and all but if you ever talk to my cousin like that again, I’m taking a sledgehammer to your face and pounding until you look like hamburger meat. Got it?”

His throat works with a swallow as his eyes drop to his lap. This time he bows his head, signaling his understanding.

I dismiss myself and head downstairs to the kitchen where I find Karina in the butler’s pantry. She has her back to me and before I can announce my presence, she throws a cabinet door shut and slams her hands down on the counter. A choked cry leaves her lips and she presses a hand against her mouth to suppress it.