Chapter 2
On Christmas morning, Sebastian was tying his tie when his phone rang.
"Mr. Zayas... they... they found my place... They threw red paint on my door... I'm so scared..." Violeta sobbed on the other end of the line.
Sebastian's face went dark. "Did you call 911? Are you safe right now?"
"I did... The cops said they'd increase patrols... but I'm still so scared..." Violeta sniffled. "Mr. Zayas... I'm so sorry to bother you on Christmas Day... but I really don't know anyone here..."
"Send me the address. I'm on my way." Sebastian hung up and looked at me. "Sue, something came up with Violeta. I need to go."
"It's Christmas," I said.
"I know." He checked his watch. "Head over to your parents' place. I'll handle this and meet you there soon."
"How soon?" I asked.
"Sue!" His voice sharpened. "Someone's safety is at risk here. This is serious."
Last year, he asked a month in advance what my parents adored.
My dad loved coffee, so he got some premium Blue Mountain beans. My mom had bad knees, so he bought her those expensive heated braces.
At dinner, he peeled shrimp for me, poured drinks for my dad, and listened to my mom's stories.
My mom said, "Sebastian, Sue is stubborn. Be patient with her."
Sebastian smiled, "Nancy, Sue is the best woman in the world. I'm the lucky one."
That day, sunlight poured through the windows. He took photos of my parents, arm around my shoulder. "From now on, we'll come home every Christmas."
"Don't wait up. Tell your parents I'm sorry," Sebastian said on the phone.
*****
My mom blinked when she opened the door. "Where's Sebastian?"
"He had something urgent at work," I said, handing her the gifts.
My dad made a face. "It's Christmas. What's more important than being with family?"
"Dad." I forced a smile. "He didn't want to. It's serious."
Dinner was flat. My dad barely talked. My mom kept piling food on my plate. "Eat more. You're getting thin."
Afterward, I went to my dad's study to find him a book. My hand hit something at the bottom of an old bookshelf.
It was a charm I'd carved myself years ago. The leather cord was frayed and broken.
It was Sebastian's thirtieth birthday that year. I'd stayed up three nights working on it. He said he'd wear it forever.
At 8 p.m., Sebastian pulled up to get me.
"All sorted?" I asked.
"Yeah. They caught the guy. It was a supplier with outstanding invoices." He rubbed his temples. "Violeta's totally freaked out. I had Derek put her up in a hotel for a few days."
I didn't respond. The car's GPS screen lit up, and I glanced at it.
The recent destinations showed his family's estate. He'd told me once that place was sacred. It was their roots and anchor. Outsiders weren't welcome there.
When we got married, he said, "Sue, someday, that's our home."
"How's the old estate doing?" I asked, looking out the window.
His hands tightened on the wheel. "Why do you ask?"
"I'm just wondering. You mentioned the roof needed repair."
"Oh, it was fixed." His tone was casual. "Violeta's studio is there now. I check in sometimes. It's about work stuff. I'm worried she doesn't know how to maintain an old property."
His words were seamless, leaving no gap to question. I didn't say anything.
He turned to me, asking, "Sue, are you really mad today?"
"No," I said.
He frowned, his tone earnest, "Don't shut me out. Just speak your mind. My involvement with Violeta is a matter of responsibility. Her project is critical to our corporate image. Any misstep could be costly. You understand that, right?"
"I understand," I said, unbuckling my seatbelt. "I'm tired. I'm heading up."
Sebastian didn't come to bed till midnight. When he lay down, I had my back to him.
He let out a soft sigh, his hand settling on my waist. "In a couple of days, I promise, I'll keep you company."
I stared at the dark, my phone screen glowing. My attorney replied: [Ms. Tucker, I received your request and suggest we schedule a meeting. Please prepare the following documents...]