Page 119 of Roman

“Well, Effie has blown that shit out of the water.”

“I agree, she loves you. So does Vi. But Effie has been through a lot of trauma lately. Give her time to find her feet. Keep being patient.” He paused, taking a sip of his coffee. “As much as that is killing you.”

I nodded, flipping the pen in my hand in agitation.

“Where is she?” Aldo asked. “Vi said she might see her later but was unsure if the plans were certain.”

I explained about the date and that Effie was at the cemetery.

“I wanted to go with her, but she wanted to be alone.” I huffed a breath. “I was wondering about going anyway. Alex sent a text they had left. I was thinking about being there when she was done. Giving her the privacy she wanted but staying close if she needed me.”

“I think that is a great idea. Show her you’ll be there for her. That she can rely on you.”

I frowned. “Do you think that is part of the problem? She doesn’t know I’d do anything for her?”

Aldo shrugged. “I’m sure she is trying to figure it all out. Go. I’ll cover the floor. Wait for her. Take her somewhere lovely and buy her lunch. Hold her hand. Be there for her if she cries. As strong as Vi is, she needs that sometimes.” He smiled fondly. “I like being the one there for her.”

I stood. “Good idea.”

I stopped by the computer room and in minutes knew where the plot was located in the cemetery. Downstairs, I got flowers for Effie. I would give them to her after she was done.

In the car, that restlessness continued. The day felt ominous. It had to be the continuing weather. The dark, gloomy skies were beginning to get to me. That had to be it.

My phone rang and I hit speaker. “Aldo.”

“Roman,” he said, his voice panicked. “Fuck, where are you?”

His voice made me anxious. Aldo never panicked. “We’re almost to the cemetery. What the fuck is wrong?”

“Gregory Santini called. Fucking Timothy lied. He’s hooked up with Marianne. She got to him. She isn’t dead, Roman. She’s here in Niagara Falls. Timothy is with her—his tracker went off. Gregory was calling us to warn you.”

“Speed up!” I yelled at my driver. “I need to get there now!”

“I’m on my way with men, Roman.”

I hung up. By the time he got there, this would be over.

Ralph stepped on the gas, the car lurching forward so quickly I was flung back in my seat. I grabbed the gun always with me in the car and checked the chamber. I called Alex, roaring in frustration when the call went unanswered. I tried Effie’s number, only to have it go to voice mail.

I shut my eyes, tamping down my panic. If Marianne got to Effie before I could stop her, I had no idea what would happen. I needed to get to my wife. To save her.

If I didn’t⁠—

I couldn’t finish that thought.

I would. I would rescue my wife, and this time when Marianne was dead, she would stay that way.

I would make sure of it.

EFFIE

I was stunned. Marianne walked toward me, her face drawn up in a sneer. “Not happy to see me, little sister?” she asked, sarcasm evident in her voice.

“You-you’re dead.”

“Ah, the rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated.” She grinned, the action making her look evil. “I should know. I started the rumors.”

“Why?” I asked.