Chapter 14 - The Dawn in East Oak|
By six o'clock in the morning, the rain had stopped, leaving the sky over Lake Michigan painted in brilliant shades of pale pink and cold gold.
Nico walked up the front steps of the main house, his overcoat heavy with damp air, his boots leaving dark water marks on the hardwood floor of the foyer.
Mrs. Gable met him in the hallway, carrying a tray of warm tea.
"They're upstairs, Mr. Valenti," she said gently. "The little girl fell asleep an hour ago. The nanny hasn't slept a wink."
Nico walked up the grand staircase to the guest suite on the second floor.
The door was slightly ajar.
Inside, Josie was sitting on the edge of the large bed, her back resting against the headboard, her arms wrapped tightly around both toddlers as they slept peacefully on either side of her.
A small hallway lamp cast a warm, golden glow across her face.
Nico stood in the doorway, watching them in silence.
Josie opened her eyes, looking up as she heard his footsteps. She didn't speak. She just looked at his face, searching his eyes for the answer.
"Walter won't bother you again," Nico said softly. "Neither will his crew."
Josie let out a long, shuddering breath, resting her forehead against little Leo’s dark hair as silent tears of relief spilled down her cheeks.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Nico stepped into the room, pulling a thick brown envelope from his jacket pocket and setting it on the bedside table.
"There's two hundred thousand in there," Nico said. "And three new passports. A car will be waiting at nine o'clock to take you to the airport. Vermont is quiet this time of year."
Josie looked at the envelope, then up at him, her eyes wide with shock.
"Why are you helping us?" she asked. "You don't know me. You don't owe Eleanor anything."
May you like
Nico reached into his watch pocket and pulled out the worn silver St. Christopher medal, holding it between his thumb and forefinger.
"My father used to say that some debts aren't written on paper," Nico said quietly. "They're written in blood. Your boss tried to save these kids. I'm just finishing the job."
