She calls her brother and Ivy almost daily. She asks to listen to the baby coo. Asks questions about how Ivy is doing. How the baby is doing. What it’s like to feed her. To hold her. She has sent countless presents for the baby. Two full wardrobes and enough toys to stock a shop. But she has only seen Elena three more times since she first met her.

I disagree with Santiago on this. He should give her more of himself, more of them. But he keeps her on the outside, and she is abundantly clear of the fact.

Mercedes is napping before dinner, and I don’t tell her when I pay a visit to the De La Rosa Manor. Calling would be easier, but I can’t risk her overhearing my conversation with her brother. Santiago and I settle into his office after a brief visit with Ivy. She’s still skittish around me and won’t be alone in a room with me. I understand even though I try to be as innocuous as possible.

“She will learn you are no threat to her,” Santiago tells me as he pours us each a scotch.

“I understand. It will take time.”

“I heard the night with Clifton Phillips was not quite a success.” He says it with a small grin.

“I didn’t think it would be. He’s a child. Neither capable nor worthy of Mercedes.”

“You’ve gotten to know my sister well. Better than I, perhaps.”

“She is different, Santiago. You should get to know this true Mercedes.”

“In time. The courtesan’s brother… has there been any word on his location?”

“No. Nothing. He’s all but disappeared. I have the houses of both Solana and Georgie under surveillance as well as their shops. My home is secure. No one will get to Mercedes there. And I, or should I say she, hasn’t received any more threatening texts on the old phone.”

“Which is worrying.”

“Agree.”

“And she still doesn’t know about him?”

“I haven’t told her. I thought it would be best.”

“And this Ezra Moore, you trust him?”

“I do. He’ll find him. He has resources and will use them.”

“Good.”

“How is your brother?” I told Santiago about the attack on him but left out the part where Mercedes was concerned.

“Recovering, according to Ezra. I will pay him a visit soon.”

“And he’ll return to the house?”

“We’ll see.”

“What happened between you two? There’s bad blood. I can smell it, Judge.”

“It’s hardly worth discussing. Not when Hildebrand is looking for blood himself.”

“Fucking asshole.”