Dishonorable

“Is my sister here?”

Maria said something, but I didn’t understand so Nicola translated.

“No. She left with Damon earlier. She said she would be back by dinnertime.”

“With Damon?” I guess she’d been waiting for me. “Did she leave me a note or anything?”

“No, sorry. She said to let you sleep.”

“Okay. Thanks.” Charlie chose that moment to come back into the house, yapping in excitement when he saw me. Eric followed behind him, looking irritated. “Where’s Raphael?”

“He left for a meeting,” Nicola said.

So I was on my own. Well, on my own with Eric.

“If you want to go anywhere, I’m to take you,” Eric said.

“I’m fine. Thanks.”

After making myself a cup of coffee, I walked outside. Charlie followed. The fields were quiet, not another person in sight as far as I could see. I walked toward the vineyard with my coffee, enjoying the sun, the quiet all around me, disappointed that Lina had left but glad she had. She only had a few days left, and it was good that Damon was here and he could show her around. But what would I do all day? Staying here, rattling around the house, just made me feel isolated, even more alone. I wondered if I’d ever settle in. Ever call it home.

I drew my phone out of my pocket and dialed Lina, but it went directly to voice mail. I left her a message and told her to have fun, then tried Damon’s phone. His, too, went to voice mail.

I then did something else. Something I knew Raphael would not approve of. But if he was busy with his meetings and expected me to stay here alone all day and just let everything happen around me, well, he had another thing coming. I had to remember that no matter what had happened between us, this man carried a lot of baggage. Physical abuse as a child, most likely accompanied by emotional and mental abuse. Murder—even if it was self-defense. Prison.

No matter what he did, no matter how much I wanted things to be good, no matter how much I needed to believe that demons could be banished, I needed to remember the reality of things. And his hand squeezing my throat this morning, well, that was reality.

I touched my neck, which felt tender. Bruises had already begun to form, and I decided I wouldn’t cover them up. He should see what he was capable of. They all should.

Scrolling through my cell phone, I found my grandfather’s number. He was the only one who answered on the second ring.

“This is Marcus Guardia,” he said formally.

I rolled my eyes. He had to know it was me. He’d see my name on the display. “It’s Sofia,” I said.

“Good morning, Sofia.”

“Good morning, Grandfather.”

An awkward moment. “This is a surprise. A pleasant one.”

“I…” What was I doing? “I need to see you.”

“All right. I’m just getting ready to leave for the winery. Would you care to join me? Have a look at it yourself?”

“The winery?” I had never been to it. Neither had Lina. Over the years, my grandfather had taken trips there, but he’d never brought us along. “Yes.”

“I can pick you up in about forty-five minutes, if you like?”

I glanced behind me at the house but didn’t see Eric. “Yes, please. I’ll be waiting by the gate.”

“I’ll see you in a little bit. And Sofia,” he said just as I was about to disconnect the call. “I’m glad you called.”

I didn’t have a response apart from a good-bye, and we hung up. I returned to the kitchen, already knowing what I’d tell Eric to ensure he wouldn’t follow me. As for Raphael, I risked his rage, but I had no choice. I needed to talk to my grandfather about Lina. About Moriarty. I needed to get things out in the open and be finished with it.

Forty-five minutes later, Charlie and I stood at the gate alone. A sedan came toward us down the dusty road, pulling to a stop at the gates. My grandfather opened the back door and stepped out at the same time as the driver, and I climbed into the car with Charlie on my lap.

“What is that?” he asked, a clear look of distaste on his face.

I scratched behind Charlie’s ear and held him on my lap. “It’s a puppy, Grandfather. His name is Charlie.”

“Does he have to join us?”

“Yes.”

He didn’t argue with me but gave me a resigned look. The driver closed the door, and we were off.

“No one to wave you off? Where is your sister?”

“Resting,” I lied. I knew he wouldn’t like knowing Lina was in enemy hands. Although Damon was hardly the enemy. Maybe he was my only ally. Funny how, just a few hours ago, I’d been thinking Raphael was my ally.

“And Raphael?”

“Meetings.”

“Does he know you’re with me?”