Even if it means bringing them into darkness.
Because at least in this darkness, they'll be safe.
And maybe, just maybe, they can be the light that keeps me from losing myself completely.
Chapter 32: Isabella
The market is crowded today.
It's been a week since Ciro came. A week of silence, of waiting, of trying to pretend everything is normal while my heart races every time I hear a car on the road.
But today is market day, and we need food. And Elena has been cooped up at the farm too long, asking about Lupo constantly, her mood getting darker with each day he's not here.
I brought her to the market to see people, to feel normal, to give her something to think about besides "when is Daddy coming home." We're at the vegetable stall when I hear her squeal.
"Mama! The baby chicks! Can I go see them?"
I turn to look. The farmer who sells eggs has brought a crate of chicks, fluffy yellow things peeping loudly. Elena is already tugging at my hand.
"Stay where I can see you," I tell her, like I always do.
"I will!" She's already running, her braid bouncing.
I watch her crouch beside the crate, her face lighting up with delight. The farmer, an older woman I've bought from before, smiles and says something to her. Elena giggles.
I turn back to the vegetables, picking through tomatoes. Trying to spend Lupo's money carefully, like Ciro said. Not too much. Not too little. Just enough to seem normal.
The burner phone is in my pocket. I touch it occasionally, making sure it's still there. Emergency use only.
I've been so tempted to call. Just to hear his voice. To know he's okay. To tell him how much Elena misses him.
But I don't. Because Ciro's warning was clear. Every contact is a risk. I carry the phone and wait.
I'm putting tomatoes in my basket when I sense it, that prickling awareness that something is wrong. I look up. Two men are standing near the chick crate. Near Elena.
They're not from around here. I know everyone in this market, at least by sight. These men are strangers. Well-dressed for a farm market. Dark suits, despite the heat.
And they're watching Elena.
I drop the tomatoes and move fast, pushing through the crowd. "Elena!"
She looks up, smiling, still oblivious. "Mama, look! This one is..."
One of the men moves closer. Crouches down beside her like he's interested in the chicks too.
"Elena, come here. Now." My voice is sharp enough that she stands up, confused.
But the man stands too. And now the second man is there, cutting off her path to me.
"Signora." The first man's voice is quiet, calm. "Please don't make a scene."
I reach for my pocket, for the phone...
"I wouldn't." The second man shifts slightly and I see the outline of a gun under his jacket. "Your daughter is right here. Many people around. It would be unfortunate if something happened."
My hand freezes in my pocket.
Elena is looking between us, starting to look scared. "Mama?"
