She lifts the teacup and takes a sip, and you would never believe for a second that this woman was capable of cold-blooded murder. Then again, if I had the chance, would I do the same to Morgan? I’m not sure if I have it in me, and I swiftly change the subject.
“How did you find Malik?”
“He found me. He was following the trail of Frankie’s disappearance, and it led him to me. He imprisoned me and tortured me for information.”
“Tortured?”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing, and she laughs softly.
“Not that kind of torture, but he has a certain skill in extracting information from his victims, and I wasn’t complaining.”
I shake my head, wondering how Eliza’s story can make mine seem so normal, really.
She leans forward.
“People do terrible things, dangerous things, and acts that in normal life would be considered barbaric. In our world, and I’m including you in that, Tiffany, it’s survival of the fittest. Do unto others before they do the same to you. You will face your judgment day, and I’m guessing you wouldn’t hesitate if it was kill or be killed.”
“You know me better than I know myself—obviously.”
She shrugs. “You’ve come this far, and marriage to a man who lives by the mafia code isn’t for the faint-hearted. You will need to be strong, inside and out, to stand a chance of surviving this world. Which is why I asked you here.”
Time stands still as I prepare myself for something I never considered.
An ulterior motive for getting me here.
Eliza glances around her before whispering, “Malik told me something I think you will find interesting. I have his permission to tell you, and it’s your decision whether you act on it.”
“What did he say?”
I’m so curious and she edges a little closer.
“Visit your mom, Tiffany.”
“Is that it?”
She leans back and shrugs.
“That is his message.”
I say nothing because I wasn’t expecting that. What connection is my mom to Malik Karim and why is it so important that I visit her?
The rest of our visit is spent talking generally, and despite our earlier conversation, I relax in her company. However, when it’s time to leave and I note the guard waiting outside the door, it reminds me of my own imminent test. And yet, for some reason,this visit has helped with that because Eliza has shown me that survival comes at a price.
When I think of Morgan and all the years of abuse, I suffered because of her, my mind is made up. I have a beast walking beside me ready to strike, and if I return to the convent and hide out there, the problem will still be outside waiting for me.
CHAPTER 34
JOSEPH
Ten minutes after Tiffany left, Su Yin was ushered into the house through the back door.
It doesn’t suit my image if she is found to be visiting me because I have a wife now and scandal isn’t something I wish to offer Tiffany as a wedding gift.
Mrs. Harrington, as always, disapproves. I note her tight expression as she announces my guest, and I expect she believes something entirely different goes on in that black room.
It suits me because the truth is way darker than her imagination, and yet Su Yin is the drug I couldn’t give up if I tried.
“Joseph.”
