Chapter 5 - The Suitcase by the Door
Her suitcase was open on the bed.
I stood in the doorway.
“You're leaving.”
Julieta folded a sweater.
“Yes.”
“Because of Regina?”
She looked at me.
“Because of you.”
Fair.
I entered slowly.
“I deserve that.”
“Yes.”
“Where will you go?”
“My sister lives in Milwaukee.”
“And the twins?”
Her hands stopped.
“That isn't fair.”
“I know.”
“They're your children.”
“I know.”
“They need you.”
“I know.”
She zipped the suitcase.
I watched.
“I don't want you to stay because they need you.”
Julieta looked at me.
“Then why?”
“Because I want the opportunity to make this right.”
She almost smiled.
“Men like you always want opportunities.”
“Usually I take them.”
“And now?”
“I'm asking.”
That surprised her.
I continued.
“You were accused of attacking Regina. I never investigated.”
“No.”
“You warned us about someone near the nursery. I ignored you.”
“Yes.”
“I humiliated you.”
“Yes.”
“You really enjoy that word.”
“You earned it.”
I nodded.
“Probably.”
She finally smiled.
Barely.
It disappeared quickly.
“I can't work here if I'm afraid of you.”
“You shouldn't.”
“I mean it.”
“So do I.”
I took an envelope from my jacket.
She stared at it.
“What is that?”
“Your contract.”
“I don't want severance.”
“It isn't severance.”
I placed it on the dresser.
“New terms. Higher salary. Private living quarters. Full authority over the children's daily care. And you report directly to me.”
She opened it.
Her eyebrows rose.
“This salary is ridiculous.”
“Marco said the same thing.”
“You doubled it.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because apparently competent people cost money.”
That earned another tiny smile.
Then she found the final page.
Her expression changed.
“What is this?”
“A written apology.”
“You wrote an apology into my employment contract?”
“Yes.”
“That might be the strangest thing you've ever done.”
“You haven't known me long enough.”
She read quietly.
Then looked up.
“This says you acknowledge making false accusations against me.”
“Yes.”
“And that you accept responsibility.”
“Yes.”
“And that you won't use threats against household staff.”
I cleared my throat.
“Marco added that.”
“Smart man.”
“He's becoming annoying.”
Julieta closed the folder.
“I'm still leaving tonight.”
My stomach dropped.
“But I'll think about coming back.”
That was more than I deserved.
The twins cried when she left.
So did I.
Not where anyone could see.
Except Marco.
He stood beside me at the front window.
“You crying?”
“No.”
“You are.”
“Marco.”
“Right. Terrifying crime boss.”
“Go away.”
Three days passed.
Regina was charged after investigators connected her financial records to Kowalski's operation.
Kowalski was arrested after a joint investigation tied him to extortion, financial crimes, and the attempted breach of my estate.
I gave investigators everything.
Names.
Accounts.
Records.
Enough information to ensure neither of them came near my family again.
Then I did something even harder.
I stayed home.
Noah and Gianna had breakfast with me.
I learned Noah hated bananas unless they were sliced.
Gianna threw oatmeal when annoyed.
I learned their afternoon nap started at one, not two.
I learned Gianna said “Mama” whenever she saw Catherine's photograph.
The first time it happened, I froze.
Noah pointed too.
“Mama.”
I sat on the nursery floor between them.
“Yes.”
I picked up Catherine's photograph.
“That's your mama.”
Gianna touched the glass.
I didn't hide my tears.
Not anymore.
The doorbell rang downstairs.
Marco answered it.
A minute later, he appeared in the doorway.
“Visitor.”
“Who?”
He smiled.
“Someone with a suitcase.”
I stood so fast Gianna laughed.
May you like
Julieta was waiting downstairs.
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