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Whatever I expected from him, it is not those words. At most, I expected a new lead. A new city to start scouring. I blink a couple of times to hide my shock, ducking down into the water and drifting backwards for a beat or two. Then I turn and make my way to the stepladder at the side of the pool, taking my time while I climb out and head over to reach for another pristine white towel.
Only when I have one towel draped over my shoulders and another around my hips do I turn and look at the messenger. His face is pale, his eyes glittering with excitement. He knows how much this means to me, and I hate that he knows.
My mouth thins. “Byher, you mean…”
“Yes, sir. Bia… I mean… Mrs. Agosti. Your wife. I think we’ve found your wife.”
“Where?”
“Cleveland, Boss.”
The location does not compute. It seems so random; senseless almost. I can understand her crossing the border into Canada, or heading south or over toward the West Coast. Even disappearing into a nearby city like New York with its endless opportunities to hide among the populace.
“And you know this…how?”
“The firm you hired got a tip-off about a fake name she may have used. I’m not sure where the tip came from. They sent someone out to investigate and wanted confirmation they had the right woman before taking any action. They sent this.”
When he holds out his cell for me to view, his hand trembles so hard I can barely focus on the screen. No matter. I recognize the contents of the photo on display. A matching set of rings—engagement and wedding—sit on what looks like a cheap bathroom countertop. I placed those rings on Bianca’s long and delicate finger at our wedding several months ago.
My heart jolts, the faster-than-usual tick pounding all the way up into my throat. I adjust the towel around my neck.
She kept her wedding ring set. Why would she keep her rings?
Of all the places I thought my men would find her, Cleveland was not on the list of possibilities.
“Yes.” I give the messenger a curt nod. “They are hers. Get me Danelli. I want him in my office in one hour.”
“Yes, sir.” He scurries off to do my bidding, already dialling a number on his cell as he rushes toward the roof terrace exit.
I raise my chin, tilting back my head and closing my eyes. The heat of the day will likely kick in soon. Summer in Boston can be hot and cloying, but up here on the roof terrace, above the constant bustle of the city below, the early morning breeze still holds a pleasant hint of coolness.
Thoughts whirl as I catalogue options for action. My wife will be brought back within days. Hours, if I have my way. And I always do. Then the fun will begin.
Excitement pools in my belly. The excitement of a successful hunt.
Bianca, my love. My betrayer. You will not get away from me again.
3
“If you are swept off your feet, it’s time to get on your knees.”
Fred Beck
Aria
For the firsttime since I arrived in Cleveland, happiness settles my mind.I am safe.The mantra repeats over and over in my head as Nita and I share stories about the discomfort of being pregnant, and our hopes and dreams for our new babies once they arrive in this world.
She’s having a boy. She found out at one of her scans, but I’ve chosen not to find out. It seems more exciting that way. And it isn’t like I have the budget to go out and get a bunch of blue- or pink-themed baby goods.
I am safe. My baby is safe. We will survive this.
And now I have a new friend to help stave off the loneliness.
Laughing with Nita over apple pie and ice cream felt unfamiliar, but there is a lightness in my thoughts and a bounce in my step as I head back to my apartment. I lift my face to enjoy the warmth of the afternoon sun. When I enter my building, I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time.
Life as I knew it before Rio is long gone. My life as Rio’s wife—even though I know he loved me and I feel as if I will never breathe properly again without him—is over.
It is time to move on. And maybe my friendship with Nita will help me do that. Our next obstetric appointments are lined up to match, one after the other, and she has suggested we go for a walk at a nearby park afterward, providing it isn’t too hot.
