Sofia sits and watches some joggers going by as I dial Facuno’s number. “Lopez residence, how can I help?” a woman answers.
“I need to speak to Don Lopez,” I say. “It’s about his daughter.”
“One moment,” she says before she hurries away.
I hear a click and nothing for a moment, and I know someone has picked up another line in the house. I frown as Facuno comes on the line. “Who is this?”
“This line is not secure. Give me your cellphone number,” I say.
“Dominic?” There’s a click on the line as someone hangs up. “Who else was on the line?” he calls through the house. “Here’s my number.”
I put it on another burner phone while he reads it to me. “Get somewhere no one can eavesdrop on you. You have a traitor in your ranks.”
I hang up and give it ten minutes before I dial him again. He answers, sounding furious. “What do you mean there’s a traitor in my house?”
“Bruno,” I say calmly. “He planted a tracking chip on your daughter, we nearly got killed several times because of it, but your daughter is safe now.”
“Call me back in five minutes,” he says before hanging up. I know he’s going to have Bruno detained.
I wait and dial him again after five minutes. “Are you sure?” he asks.
“Positive. Sofia will explain when she sees you,” I say. “Also, one of her friends betrayed her. We got caught because of it. They no longer want to marry Sofia off to Jose. They want to marry her off to another guy so he can execute you and take over your family. Get more guards from my brother, don’t trust anyone.”
“Mother of Mary,” he mutters. “I’ll get it done. What about Sofia? Where is she?”
I walk over to Sofia and put the phone on speaker. “Make it quick, and don’t give away our location.”
“Papa?” she asks, her eyes brimming with tears.
Facuno sounds relieved, “Sofia, my angel. I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“I’m very lucky, Papa. You sent a very brave man to save me.” she looks up at me, and I look away.
“Sofia, I’m going to bring you home, then we’ll decide our next course of action. Listen to Dominic and do as he says, okay?”
“Yes, Papa, I promise,” she says.
I take the phone off speaker and walk away. “I’ll be in touch soon to bring her back. Then I suggest you get yourself and her, back to Argentina as soon as possible.”
“Agreed,” he says, “I will make the arrangements. I will also deal with Bruno and anyone connected to him.”
“While you’re busy with him,” I say, “do me a favor and see if he’s aligned with someone named Carmila.”
“His Goddaughter’s name is Carmila,” Facuno says immediately. “We planted her in New York to keep an eye on Sofia. Why?”
“She betrayed Sofia. It’s how we got caught. He’s definitely the one then,” I sigh. “I’ll speak soon.”
I hang up, break up the phone, and motion to Sofia to follow me. I toss the phone in the trash as we walk.
“Listen, Princess, I got something I have to tell you, and it isn’t going to be nice or easy to hear, okay?”
Sofia looks at me and nods, so I stop walking and turn to her. “Your father knew Carmila. She was sent to New York to keep an eye on you. It’s why she befriended you.”
“But if she works for my father, why would she betray me?” she asks, her questioning eyes seeming to pierce into my soul.
I shake my head. “She was placed there by Bruno. She’s his Goddaughter. I’m really sorry, Sofia.”
Angry tears well up in her eyes, and she shakes her head. “My life is always a lie. I just want an opportunity to make my own life and decisions.”