Page 35 of Promises in the Dark

I look between them. “Her fucking husband was trying to sell her off to the Vasilievs like a piece of cattle. She overheard the deal while outside his office on their boat. The only way she saw out was to jump overboard and swim for shore before anyone realized she was gone.” I take a breath. “She made it to land, bought a bus ticket, and spent the last several days trying to get back to New York.”

Mauro signs, But if Garrett lives here, then why did she want to come to New York?

“Because I’m here.” My fingers curl around the leather arm of my chair as I pick a spot on the desk to focus on. Vin has known for a while that I’ve been working on a way to help Charlotte, but I guess now is as good a time as any to tell the others. “I…bumped into Charlotte at the governor’s dinner last fall. At the time, I didn’t know who she was, but I could tell she was very upset about something. I offered her help if she ever needed it and gave her my card.” My grip tightens. “Thanks to Garrett, she didn’t have a phone, so she came to see me in person, figuring I’m her best bet at actual freedom by creating a new identity for her.”

Everyone processes my words, their heads subtly nodding.

“So…” Eli steps toward me. “You’ll create her a new identity today, and then I assume you’ll send her on her way tomorrow?”

“Oh,” Vin begins, his elbows resting on his desk as he steeples his fingers before him. His amusement is evident as the damn sun in the sky. “Here comes the best part.”

I shoot him a look. “She’s not going anywhere.”

Three sets of eyes lock on me.

“What exactly does that mean?” Leo leans forward, forearms resting on his knees.

I stay silent, sending the message loud and clear.

“You can’t be serious,” Leo murmurs.

I abruptly stand, my fingers turning into fists by my sides. “You didn’t see the fresh bruises covering her ribs or the way she flinched like I was about to hit her when I was trying to get a fucking blueberry out of her hair this morning! That son of a bitch tried to break her, leaving only fear in her eyes!” I place my hands on my hips, my head lowering as my jaw tightens. “He has spent years grooming her to fear everything.” I drag a hand over my face before forcing myself to breathe. “She’s in no shape mentally or physically to travel alone. Even Doctor Rose advised she take it easy for a few weeks. So I lied and told her it takes four to six weeks to create a new identity, and while she’s staying with me…” I regard Vin.

He leans back, tapping his knuckles on his desk, his eyes drifting between all of us. “She will be Clara’s nanny.”

Eli’s brows rise. “But you’ve fired every nanny you’ve ever hired. How is this going to be any different?”

“Because she’s different,” I state. “I can’t explain it, but…” My gaze flicks toward the window, my mind replaying the image of Charlotte standing in my kitchen this morning, smiling down at Clara covered in her breakfast. “It’s like Clara gives her a reason to forget everything bad that’s happened to her,” I say quietly. “Even if it’s only for a little while.”

I rub the back of my neck, glancing around the room.

“And after that?” Leo asks. “You’re just going to let her go?”

I nod, my chest tightening. “If that’s what she would like to do, then yes. I’m not going to get in the way of her freedom when that’s all she’s ever wanted.” I drop into a chair, pressing my fingers against my temple. “I won’t be another man who takes away her choices.”

Leo drags his fingers through his hair, studying the floor for a moment before giving a single nod. “We’re here for you, brother. Whatever you need.”

Mauro grunts to gain my attention. Have you told Mom?