Santiago opens the armoire, and from a drawer, he tosses me one of his shirts. “Put this on. Yours is ruined.” My bloodstained shirt lies on the floor. I pick it up and drop it in the trash can then put on his shirt. We’re about the same size.

“How much did you tell Mercedes?” I ask him.

“Nothing. She doesn’t know what the Vicarius clause is.”

“Good.”

“She should know what you did for her.”

“I think she’s learned her lesson, don’t you? No need to burden her with more guilt.”

He watches me still, and I wonder if it’s my guilt he sees. “We talked, my sister and me. And we will heal. I know that for sure now.”

“I’m glad.” But does this mean he’ll take her back now? Take her from me? “If you’ll lend me a car, I’d like to get home. I’ll have Raul bring it back tomorrow.”

“Why don’t you stay? Get some sleep.”

I shake my head. “I’d like to get home.” To her.

“I’ll drive you.”

27

Judge

The dense oaks filter sunlight along the drive toward the Montgomery house. I watch the mammoth building come into view and am reminded of the night I brought Mercedes here so many months ago. So much has happened since then. So much has changed.

“Alright?” Santiago asks as he pulls to a stop before the front entrance.

I blink and turn to my friend. Would he be that if he knew what I’ve done? Would he forgive me? I try for a smile, my betrayal a stone in my gut.

“Thank you,” I say.

“I believe it is us who owe you the thanks.” He touches my shoulder lightly, but I still feel it as if he were gripping hard. I think this is the extent of Santiago showing his emotions. And he’s come a long way. “Get some sleep.”

“You too.” I open the door and climb the stairs to the front entrance as Santiago drives away. But before I even reach it, Paolo pulls it open, and Lois comes running out after him, their faces dark with fatigue and worry.

My heart instantly drops to my stomach.

“We’ve been trying to call you. Where have you been?” Lois asks, too emotional to say more. Paolo lays a hand on her arm, and she quiets.

“What is it?” I ask, instinctively looking up to my bedroom window, realizing my phone is still switched off and in my briefcase.

Paolo takes a breath in, then turns to Lois. “Go inside. Make coffee.”

She nods, wringing her hands, but seems grateful to be away and have something to do.

“What the fuck is going on?”

“Mercedes is gone.”

“Gone? What? How?”