She squeezes my hands.
“I understand vindication and justice. Sometimes that comes in the form of vengeance.”
I wait for her to say more, but she doesn’t.
“Have you always been this philosophical,chiquita?”
“I don’t know that I’d call it philosophical so much as merely practical.”
“Most people would condemn me for what I do.”
“And it would be easy for me to do that, but I also know there are no limits to what I would do to protect my sons. There’s no limit to the violence I’d willingly inflict for their sake. There’re also no limitations to what I would do to protect my parents and extended family, but the visceral need for vengeance isn’t the same as it is when I think about my sons. That’s merely my reaction as someone who prioritizes family. Being trained to exact vengeance isn’t something I would wish upon you or anyone else, but if it’s kill or be killed, then I can’t fault you for doing what you must to survive and to protect your loved ones. There must be thousands of people who rely on you not just in New York, but all over the world.”
“Ellie, did you google me?”
“No, but I told you the other day, I’ve heard of you. I don’t know all the ins and outs of your business, but I know you’re pretty important.”
That’s certainly one way to put it, but I won’t tell her how much of an understatement that is. I kiss her cheek, and she leans against me. It’s a moment of affection I’m not accustomed to. However, I want to grow used to it. I want it to be something I experience every day and not just with anyone. Only Ellie.
We sit silently, just enjoying each other’s company. I sweep my gaze around her living room. The last time I came over, Constantine didn’t bark. He didn’t even get up. He just thumped his tail when I looked at him.
“Where’s Constantine?”
I don’t know the guy at the gate, and her humongous dog isn’t around. I’m glad I didn’t send Carlos away.
“My youngest son, Hunter, has him.”
“He didn’t bark or anything when I came to the door the other night.”
“I said your name and sent him back to his bed before I opened the door. Once he saw it was you, he was fine.”
“Would he normally react if a stranger walked in?”
“He doesn’t bark when someone knocks or the doorbell rings. He goes to the door and waits for me. If I send him to his bed, then he won’t get up unless I tell him to. If I don’t send him away, he’ll sit and wait for my command. If I don’t know who’s on the other side of the door, I usually won’t answer. If I answer, just seeing him is a deterrent. One flick of my hand, and he’ll stand next to me. He gets rid of solicitors before they say anything. But I told you, he’s basically a pacifist. For a biscuit, he’d tell you where all my jewelry is.”
“Do you have an alarm? You didn’t set one the other night, and you haven’t set one tonight.”
“You’ve distracted me with your kisses both times. Enrique, what’s going on? Why are you asking me about my home security?”
“When you called the gate guard, did you recognize his voice or name?”
She stares at me for a moment before looking toward her door. Her expression shutters as she stands. I watch her go to a keypad and punch in a code. She activates her alarm before she grabs her cell phone off the coffee table. I can’t tell what she’s doing, but I think she’s sending a text. She looks at her living room windows before returning her attention to her phone. She’s definitely sending a text now. She locks the screen and puts it face down on the table.
“I didn’t call. I was about to, but I saw the headlights flash from my driveway. I checked, and it was you. I figured you knew the guard, and they let you in.”
“He said you called to say I was coming.”
“Could one of your guys have done it?”
“No. The guard specifically said you let him know.”
Her phone vibrates, but she ignores it. If she sent a text, isn’t she expecting an answer?
“What did he look like? Did you see a name tag? Maybe I know him.”
“His uniform said Mark. He was about five-eleven, sandy-colored hair, with blue eyes. The light above the stable-style door made it easy to see him.”
She shakes her head as her phone vibrates again. This time with a call. She watches me for a moment before grabbing her phone. She slides it unlocked and puts it to her ear.
