Innocent as Sin

60

Castillo del Cielo

Sunday

Elena watched Bertone’s face go from laughing to murderous seconds after he picked up the phone. When he looked like that, she feared for her children.

“Come, Miranda,” Elena said quickly. She scooped up the little girl and retreated beyond Bertone’s reach. “Poppa’s busy.”

A torrent of gutter Russian spilled out of Bertone.

“But he said he’d-” began Miranda.

“Later, sweet,” Elena cut in. She kissed her daughter’s pouting lips. “You can teach Momma your game now.”

“You know how to play.”

“But I don’t know how to beat you at it.”

Miranda’s dark eyes brightened. “Won’t teach you.”

“I’ll tickle you until you do.”

Miranda giggled and snuggled against her mother. “You smell good.”

Elena nuzzled the girl’s hair as she carried her to the door. “You’re wearing the same perfume.”

“I smell good, too.”

“The best,” Elena said, carrying her out of the room. “The best-smelling little girl ever.”

Bertone shut the door behind Elena.

And locked it.

“Again,” Bertone said into the phone. “Tell me how you lost a quarter of a billion dollars.”