I leave Bruno's room with the contract folded in my jacket pocket.
The idea came to me last night. A toddler solved my housekeeper problem. The irony isn't lost on me.
The contract is straightforward. Temporary household manager position. Two months, covering Giulia's absence. Salary generous enough to make Kristen's eyes widen, but not so ridiculous she'll think we're buying her. Health insurance for her and Lily.
The only complication is housing.
Giulia lives on the compound. The position was designed for someone with round-the-clock access. But Kristen Thomas isn't going to agree to move here with her daughter.
So I made adjustments.
Daily transportation. A car will pick her up each morning and return her every evening. It adds complexity. More logistics, more security concerns, more variables I'll need to monitor. But it's the only way she'll say yes.
If she says yes.
I head toward the main entrance.
"Nico."
I stop at the sound of Nora's voice.
She's coming down the east corridor.
"Nora," I say, keeping my voice neutral.
She falls into step beside me as I continue toward the door.
"It's really kind," Nora says. "What you're doing for Kristen."
I stop walking. Turn to face her. "Kind?"
She doesn't flinch at my tone. Some months ago, she would have. Back when I discovered who she really was. Nora O'Sullivan. Daughter of Connor O'Sullivan, lieutenant in the Boston Irish mob. The same Irish families we'd been at war with.
She showed up as Pietro's secretary with a fake identity and a desperate need to disappear. I found out the truth eventually. I always find out the truth.
The confrontation was... unpleasant.
"Kind isn't a word people use for me," I tell her now.
Nora's green eyes meet mine without wavering. "Maybe they should."
I think about the first time I watched Pietro look at her.
I didn't understand it then. I'm not sure I understand it now.
But I know they're in love.
Real love. The kind that makes people do stupid, reckless, dangerous things. The kind that made Pietro marry an Irish mobprincess and dare anyone to challenge him. The kind that made Nora choose this family over her own blood.
I don't trust love.
But I respect it in others.
Kristen
I've cleaned the apartment three times.
Not that it helps. The water stain on the ceiling still looks like a map of a country I can't name.
