I watch as she makes a circuit of the garden. She turns and her eyes meet mine. She stares at me for a moment, then turns and walks away. I stay at the window long after she’s gone.
TWENTY-FOUR
Damiano
Nothing happensin my house without me knowing about it. Thanks to the sophisticated security systems I have installed, I'm able to track people's movements via motion sensors and cameras.
Over the past few days I've been watching Violetta. It's how I know she's contemplated running and decided against it. I've seen her checking out windows, doors, the gate at the end of the garden. She's figured out ways to leave and she hasn't. Yet.
Viewing hours of footage of her wandering around the house is also how I know my restless wife comes down to the pool late at night when she thinks everyone else is sleeping. It's her sanctuary and I haven't intruded. Until now.
Tonight I decided enough is enough. We can't go on like this, existing in the same house but drifting past each other like ghosts. So I came down here before her. If she comes, I’ll take it as my opening. If not, I’ll think of something else.
I'm in the water when she walks through the door. I finish my length and look up at her. She's hesitant. It's been six days sinceI forbade her from leaving the house and she's still wary of my intentions.
"Come on in,” I tell her.
She twists her lips to the side as she makes her mind up. Then she unties her robe and lets it fall. She's wearing a dark blue swimsuit. It suits her.
With flawless execution she dives into the pool and powers through the water. She swims to the far end, tumble turns and reaches me in seconds. She does this several times before coming to a stop. Resting her arms on the edge of the pool, she examines me in the low amber light.
"I didn't realize you enjoyed midnight swims."
"It's two a.m."
She smiles tightly. "You know what I mean."
"I couldn't sleep.” That’s not entirely true.
"Conscience troubling you?" Her tone is curious, not confrontational.
"Is yours?" I return.
"I have nothing to feel guilty over."
"Nor do I."
She frowns as she mulls that over.
"Tell me about the Martelli situation," she says. "Any progress?"
"Anxious to leave, are you?"
The lines around her mouth tighten. "I'd like to know if the threat's still out there."
It would be easy to lie. But whatever future we may have can't be built on lies. I’ve been holding her here under false pretenses for days and I can’t continue. Not with her.
"The threat has been neutralized."
She huffs out a breath. Relief or disbelief, I'm not sure.
"Since when?"
"Since a few days ago."
She works her jaw as she processes this, taking her time. That's something I've come to rely on about Violetta. She thinks before she speaks.
"And you didn't think to tell me?"
