Thank you for all the toys and clothes and things you send me every month. When I heard Lucia would see you, I wanted her to give this to you.

Mom told me why you had to go away like you did. She told me the real story of what happened that night. I want you to know that I don’t think Salvatore is still mad at you. I know because sometimes I get up for a drink of water and overhear things. Not that I’m eavesdropping or something. I just overhear by accident. Besides, I think Uncle Salvatore just misses you, and you should know that. No one is mad at you. We all miss you, especially me. Well, maybe Aunt Lucia is a little mad, but she just needs to get to know you like I know you, and the only way she can do that is if you come for visits. You can even stay with us. And maybe I am a little mad too, since you just up and left without saying bye to me. But I’ll forgive you if you come. Promise. Okay?

I love you, Uncle Dominic.

Effie

PS: I hope you like the cookies.

PPS: I got a phone for my 11th birthday. This is my number if you want to call me.

I read the letter twice, memorizing the phone number, the surge of emotion as I heard her little voice through her words breaking my heart but also filling me with hope. How did she not hate me for having up and left? How could she forgive me?

How had I created something so good?

I had to smile at the eavesdropping piece. She was my daughter through and through. And I wondered at the gifts. I sent money monthly. I never sent things, though. Did Isabella buy them and say they were from me? She’d do anything for her daughter. She loved her fiercely. Would she even cover for my lack?

Gia returned from the bathroom and sat down beside me on the bed. I didn’t pull the letter away when her gaze fell on it.

“Will you ever tell her the truth?”

“I don’t know.”

“She loves you. And she has a right to know.”

I folded up the letter and tucked it into my pocket, rising to stand. “She’s safer if my enemies don’t know about her.” I walked over to look out the window at the growing number of cars. “And after tomorrow, I will have enemies.”

Gia came to stand by my side.

“This is only just beginning, Gia.”

The four of us left early the following morning, filling Lucia and Gia in on the way there.

“The agent, do you know his name?” Gia asked.

“David Lazaro. Ring a bell?”

“He was Mateo’s contact.”

“Roman will have found out by now,” I said.