Page 211 of Caterina
“Yes,” I say.
Lucia’s eyes snap to mine, but I keep my gaze on Sofia.
“There are people outside who shouldn’t be here,” I continue. “But Adrian built this room to keep us safe, and your dad and Uncle Vito and Uncle Nico are right here.”
“And Aunt Cat,” Charlotte says weakly from Lucia’s dress.
My chest tightens.
“Yes,” I say. “And Aunt Cat.”
Sofia nods once, solemn and pale.
I do not know if that was the right answer.
It was the only one I had.
Vito is already at the cabinet Adrian pointed out, opening the rear compartment with the code he gave. The small room fills with the metallic sound of weapons being lifted from cases. Nico moves beside him, his jaw tight, eyes cold.
Nick stays near Lucia, but his attention is on the door, on the black monitors, on the phones in everyone’s hands.
Teresa has her phone pressed to her ear. “Nothing,” she says, pulling it away. “Still no service.”
“Jammer,” Nick says.
Of course.
Because whoever planned this did not come here hoping. They came prepared.
My stomach turns.
I look at the monitors again, black and useless. A minute ago, I saw bodies on my lawn. Adrian’s people. Nick’s security. Intruders in my garden. Someone moving near the rear patio. Someone down near the garage.
Now nothing.
Just black screens and our reflections, pale and distorted in the glass.
Vito checks the weapon in his hands with quick, practiced motions. Nico does the same.
I hate that they know how.
I am grateful that they know how.
“Caterina,” Lucia says softly.
I turn.
She is looking at me in a way that makes something inside me brace.
“You should sit down.”
“No.”
Vito snorts softly. “Good luck.”
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not,” Teresa says. “But none of us are, so keep going.”
