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I hold out my hand.
“I have to go. Will you tell everyone I love them?”
“I’ll give them your message. We love you too. Take care, sis.”
Taking the phone from her, I end the call.
She bites her lip and turns her face to the glass wall through which the runways and parked Boeings are visible. I know she’s practicing self-control, trying not to cry. If speaking to her family only serves to make her sad, I’m not sure calling them is a good idea.
A part of me wants to take her in my arms and soothe her, but she’s withdrawing because she doesn’t want me to witness her weakness. Respecting the unspoken wish, I get up and walk to a quiet corner from where I have a visual on her before making another call.
The guard picks up immediately.
“How are things at the new house?” I ask.
“Everything is in order, sir.”
“Have you widened the perimeter of your watch?”
“Yes, sir. We’re keeping an eye on the road and all entry points.”
“Focus on the forest and the surrounding terrain too. If anyone decides to visit on foot, they’re not going to use the road.”
“With respect, sir, no one knows the area surrounding the house is being watched. We’re staying out of view. The terrain is rocky. There’s a very good chance that any unsuspecting visitor will come via the road.”
“Just cover the whole area.”
“Yes, sir,” he says again.
I end the call and pull up the app that’s connected to the cameras I asked Fabien to discreetly install when he redecorated Sophie’s temporary room. There’s one in each room, showing every angle. Sophie and Heidi are in the kitchen, rolling out dough. Sophie is chatting away, her lips constantly moving, but I don’t activate the sound. Knowing they’re safe is the only purpose for now.
“Sophie is happy,” I tell Sabella when I return to my seat. “She’s baking with Heidi.” I don’t mention the cameras. I love her, but I don’t trust her. It’s better not to put all my cards on the table.
“That’s good,” she says, perking up. “I’m looking forward to seeing her.”
My voice holds a warning. “Don’t get too attached to her, bella.”
She gives me a wounded look. “You said you’d try the local school if Mr. Powell signed the deal. Didn’t he?”
“He did. I just don’t want you to harbor false hope or unrealistic expectations.”
“It’ll work out.” She smiles. “You’ll see.”
I also don’t tell her that the plan was always to move Sophie back in with me, regardless of where she goes to school. Why make her hate me more when I can delay it with another couple of weeks?
Chapter
Twenty-One
Sabella
* * *
I’m excited when Angelo drops me off at home in the evening. I missed Sophie. She wormed herself into my heart in a very short space of time. She’s a sweet, innocent, clever little girl. It’s impossible not to fall madly in love with her.
My possessions arrived from South Africa while we were gone. Heidi informs me that she took the liberty of unpacking the boxes, which contained my clothes, books, and a few ornaments. My laptop didn’t turn up. My husband confiscated it. Obviously.
Ryan sends the photos he promised, which Angelo shows me while Heidi makes tea. Brad already grew so much I hardly recognize him. He has thicker blond curls and a dimple in his chubby chin. The older he gets, the more he looks like Ryan. Benjamin Jnr. takes more after Mattie than Jared. With his dark hair and olive skin, he’s just as gorgeous as his mom. Missing out on seeing them grow up makes me sad, but that’s the price I’m paying to keep the rest of my family safe.
