“Until Abel is caught.” It’s not a complete lie. I am worried about what Abel might do to Mercedes. He had no qualms about having Santiago dragged before The Tribunal and accused of the crimes Abel himself committed while his pregnant wife lay in a coma. I don’t doubt he’d hurt Mercedes in any way he could. But Abel’s been in Tribunal custody for about two months now. He can’t get to her to hurt her physically. But she doesn’t know that.

We arrive to a candlelit event at the IVI compound. The night is mild, so people are milling about outdoors as well as indoors, and as I guide Mercedes through the entrance, I feel the tightening of her muscles beneath my touch. She’s steeling herself.

“I wasn’t sure you were going to make it!” a woman’s voice calls out as I hand Mercedes a flute of champagne. It’s Vivien and beside her are her two friends, Giordana and Dulce. I don’t remember any of their last names.

The three of them cross the courtyard drawing much attention as they sway their hips. They’re dressed to kill with not much left to the imagination. They all glance at me, gazes skirting over me, devious smiles curling their pretty mouths. They’re good looking, but this kind of woman has never attracted me.

“I wouldn’t miss your birthday, Viv!” Mercedes says loudly as they air-kiss and lightly hug each other. “You are the pioneer, after all. Leading our little group into the next stage of life.”

“I’d hardly call twenty-six the next stage. Besides, you’re just a year behind me.”’

“A year is a year. I’ll take it. Oh! Before I forget.” Mercedes reaches into her clutch and hands the woman a small Tiffany box. “Happy Birthday.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t have,” Vivien says but greedily opens it to find a silver bracelet with baubles hanging from it. “It’s gorgeous! Thank you.” They air-kiss again, and I wonder how she stands it.

“You’re welcome. They’re from Judge and me.” Mercedes tucks her arm into mine.

“Well, well,” Dulce says. “So is it official?” She raises her eyebrows.

“Not yet. Not with all that’s going on,” Mercedes says, lowering her voice. I want to shake her. “My sister-in-law…”

“Oh, I know. We heard. How is dear Ivy?”

“The same.”

“You haven’t been to see her. Why not?” Giordana asks, and I wonder if Mercedes hears the note of cruelty in her voice. She’s clearly too surprised by the question, though. I see that on her face. “My sister volunteers at the hospital. She knows all the comings and goings.”

Fucking bitch.

“Well, I’m sure she missed Mercedes’s visits then. You know how the De La Rosas keep odd hours,” I say.