“We can go to the police or the FBI—”

“No, Tony, we can’t, not if what Julian says is true.”

“Well, obviously he would be against going to the police—”

As they argue, I feel my headache intensifying. Finally, I can’t take it anymore. “Mom, Dad, please.” I step forward, ignoring the pounding in my temples. “Just come with us for a while. It doesn’t have to be forever. Right, Julian?” I glance at my husband for confirmation.

Julian nods coolly. “Like I said, just until I get this situation straightened out. Hopefully no more than a month or two.”

“A month or two? How exactly will you straighten this out in just a month or two?” my mom asks while my dad stands there, vibrating with tense anger.

“Do you really want to know, Gabriela?” Julian asks softly, and my mom turns even paler.

“No, that’s okay.” She sounds slightly hoarse. Clearing her throat, she asks, “So what do we tell our work? How do we explain such a long vacation on short notice? I mean, it’s really more of a leave of absence—”

“You can tell them the truth: that your daughter suffered a miscarriage and needs you for the next few weeks.” Julian’s harsh words make me flinch. Noticing my reaction, he reaches for me, his fingers curving around my palm as he says to my mom in a softer tone, “Or you can come up with some other story. It’s really up to you.”

“Okay, we’ll do that,” my mom says quietly, looking at us, and when I glance at my dad, I see that the anger has left his face. Instead, he seems to be holding back tears. Catching my gaze, he steps toward me.

“I’m sorry, honey,” he says quietly, his deep voice filled with sorrow. “I didn’t have a chance to say it yet, but I’m so, so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you, Dad,” I whisper, and then I have to turn away so I don’t start crying again.

Immediately, Julian’s arms close around me, bringing me into his embrace. “Tony, Gabriela,” I hear him say softly. His hand rubs soothing circles on my back as I stand there, fighting tears, my face pressed against his chest. “I think it’s best if Nora rests for now. Why don’t the two of you discuss this, and we can talk some more later today? Ideally, I want you and Nora to fly out tomorrow, before Sullivan figures out who we are.”

“Of course,” my mom says quietly. “Come, Tony, we have a lot to do.” And before I can turn around, I hear their footsteps heading out of the room.

When they’re gone, Julian loosens his hold and pulls back to gaze at me. “Nora, baby—”

“I’m okay,” I interrupt, not wanting his pity. The guilt that I managed to push aside for the past hour is back, stronger than ever. “I’m going to go talk to Rosa now.”

Julian studies me for a moment and then steps back, letting me go. “All right, my pet,” he says softly. “Go ahead.”