An area without surveillance.I could probably get there—if I’m allowed to go outside—but then what?
A phone rings, and Victor retrieves it from a countertop not far from the stove. It was there yesterday when I came into the kitchen too. It probably wouldn’t be difficult toborrow, although it’s probably password-protected. In some ways that’s a relief. I don’t want to steal from Victor.
But an unguarded location.That might be my way out of here.
After a few words with the caller, Victor hands me his phone and disappears without a word.
32
Daniela
“Hello,” I say softly.
I’m sure it’s Antonio or Cristiano. Who else would it be? But I’m polite, in case it’s someone who deserves my respect.
“Good morning.”Antonio.“I trust you slept well?”
God, he’s insufferable.“Considering your disgusting behavior last night, I’m surprised I slept at all. But so sweet of you to ask.”
“Given your impertinence, I assume Victor’s no longer in the room.” He doesn’t raise his voice, but his tone is threatening.
“That’s correct.”
“Abel Huntsman had a stroke last night. The doctors don’t expect him to survive.”
With any luck, he’ll suffer plenty before the devil comes to claim him. I suppose I should extend some sort of condolence, but I can’t bring myself to do it.
“My cousin Rafael is home from school for a day or two. He’s on his way to the house. His room is also on the top floor. It’s in a separate wing, but you might run into him. I didn’t want you to be alarmed to see a stranger up there.”
“Thank you for letting me know about Rafael. He was a young boy the last time I saw him, and I doubt I’d recognize him now.”
“He’ll be joining us for dinner tonight. I want the two of you to have some time to get reacquainted before the wedding.”
The wordweddingmakes me bristle. But I’m grateful not to be alone with Antonio tonight. He’ll be on better behavior if another person’s there—even if that person is named Huntsman.
“What time is dinner?”
“Eight o’clock.”
I half expect him to tell me to take a shower, but he doesn’t—at least not yet.
“Daniela?”
Here it comes.“Yes?”
“Rafael has a lot on his plate, and he doesn’t need anything more. He knows we’re getting married, but he doesn’t know the circumstances under which you’re here, and even if he did, he couldn’t help you.”
Don’t worry. I wouldn’t waste a breath expecting Rafael Huntsman to help me.
“You’d like me to play the adoring fiancée? Is that what you’re getting to?”
Antonio scoffs, and I expect a cutting retort, but there’s only quiet on the other end. I’m starting to learn that he wields both a sharp tongue and looming silence as weapons. I’m not sure which is worse.
“I don’t want any trouble tonight,” he says finally. “Since you love deals so much, I’m going to offer you one.”
Lucky me.I don’t say anything.
“Do you want to hear it?”