Page 14 of They Found Us
Back in Italy, we had help. A cleaner, a chef, a housekeeper, a gardener. We also had family and friends. Here we have no one.
Alex’s face appears in my mind. He is alive. Anger builds inside of me. The pain and guilt I have suffered for years, blaming myself for his death, when all this time he was alive. And with her. A Martelé. The pain her family has caused. How could he be with such evil?
So many questions. The need for so many answers. Did he know we were here? Is she still working with the Martelé? My protective instincts flare. I need to protect my family. Suddenly I feel very vulnerable. Defenceless. There is only so much I can do to protect the three most precious people in the world. We need security. But there’s nothing like that here. And who would I trust to look after them who could I trust to die for my loved ones? Nobody here. They’re all back in Italy. If word has gotten back to the Martelé that I am alive, they could already be on their way. They may already be here. And one of themis. The distance between myself and my sons feels like a shot in my heart. We all need to be together. Quietly slipping out of Katie’s room, I return the family room. During the short walk, I hear my name being called.
“Leo.”
Instantly recognising his voice, I stop in my tracks, turning to see my brother with the Martelé woman.
“How’s Katie?”
“Do not dare talk about my wife. Leave before I kill you myself.” Turning I continue to my sons.
“Leo, please,” the Martelé begs.
“And you. Stay away from my wife and children.”
“Do not disrespect my wife!” Alex booms.
“Please, it’s fine. He’s upset. Let’s just go.” She takes hold of his arm, trying to pull him away.
“Yes, listen to your wife, Alex.” Alex. The name I treasured, the name we were planning on calling our new son now feels tainted.
“Five minutes, Leo. And then you never have to see us again.”
Taking a deep breath while cracking my neck, I consider his request. The safety of my family is my main concern. “You have one minute.”
Alexs follows me into the family room. I dismiss the nurse, and thankfully my sons are safe and still sound asleep.
“Is my family safe?” I ask as soon as the nurse closes the door.
Alex looks at me quizzically.
“She is Martelé. Are my wife and children safe?”
“Vanna is no longer a Martelé.”
“Does anyone know we are here?”
“Why would anyone know you are here?”
“Just answer the question.”
Alex rubs his jaw with his right hand. A frown mirroring mine crosses his forehead. “Look. I have no idea what is going on with you or where you have been. The suit you are wearing hasme worried.” He sighs and shakes his head a little. “But I have connections at the airbase and all the ports on the island. They keep me informed with any new arrivals or suspicious activity. Other than you and a stowaway who left for three days and returned on a jet, there haven’t been any further updates.”
The fact that he knows I left doesn’t fill me with confidence. But for now, the fact my family isn’t in any immediate danger puts me at ease slightly. “Your minute is up.”
Before Alex can protest, Mark wakes. “Papa?”
“I’m here, son.” Taking him in my arms, I sit down with him on my lap.
“I’ll leave you for now. But I will see you again soon.”
I don’t answer. A response doesn’t come to mind. I hear them both leave, closing the door behind them. My feelings on the situation make me feel like punching a wall. After gathering up my boys’ belongings, I lift Mark with one arm and push the cot with my youngest son back into Katie’s room.
The nurse sets up bed in the corner of the room, and for the next few days, we spend all our time together within those four walls, apart from me nipping home to feed the animals and pick up necessities. Katie, like the strong, amazing woman she is, has been gaining strength each day. She is even breast feeding now, which the nurse says is fantastic after everything she has been through. Mark has been getting lots of attention from the nurses, and I’m enjoying being around my family safe in our bubble.
Until today. When Alex returns and drops a bombshell.
