I duck behind a large olive urn into a room with an open door when I hear footsteps approaching.
A guard walks past without looking in my direction, and I wait until he disappears around the corner, then continue moving.
The garden door is at the end of the hallway and I can see the sunrise through the frosted window there—it feels like hope.
My pulse pounds in my ears as Sofia shifts in my arms and makes a small sound, but I bounce her gently and whisper for her to stay asleep.
By now, I can taste freedom.
I can almost picture the look on Dante's face when the authorities arrive to question him on why I was held captive here.
I'm almost giddy inside.
I reach the door and push it open and cold morning air rushes in.
The garden is chilly, almost frosted over.
Stone pathways wind between olive trees and rosemary shrubs.
A fountain sits in the center, but it’s been shut off for winter already.
The gate I'm aiming for is on the far side, barely visible through the branches.
I step outside and pull the door closed behind me.
Then I run.
The pathways are slippery with dew.
My feet slide on the stones, but I keep moving.
Sofia wakes up and lifts her head.
"Mama, where are we going?" she asks.
"Shh,Tesoro. We're leaving."
"But I'm scared."
"I know. Just hold on tight."
I round the fountain and head toward the gate.
It's so close.
Maybe fifty feet away.
I can see the latch from here.
If I can just reach it, we can get through and find help.
Someone on the street will call the police.
We can get away from Dante and this villa and everything that's happened.
Then the alarm sounds.
The shrill wail cuts through the morning like a knife.
