“I can’t kill him. It’ll risk my position as the next boss. But you could. With inside help, to get him alone, vulnerable… you could do it.”
I finished my last mouthful, making Sofia’s brother wait. Finally, once I finished chewing, I put down my fork leisurely and smiled at him.
“Now you’re speaking my language, Renato De Sanctis.”
He smiled at me. “Call me Ren.”
“Ren. I think we’re going to get along just fine.”
24
SOFIA
Leo held his homework in his little hands and frowned at one of his assignments. He’d been keeping up with his homework well. The kid was a good student. I was pretty sure he was better than either of his parents had been. He was a natural.
Now, I was waiting around for the doctor before visiting hours were over. The night with Nikolai had been a few days ago. I hadn’t called him. I didn’t know what to think. Nowadays, I was good at putting things out of my head and continuing on, even if I was in turmoil inside.
“Ms. Rossi?” Dr. Evans materialized out of nowhere, as if my thoughts had summoned her. “Let’s talk in my office.”
I left Chiara to finish Leo’s homework with him and followed the doctor.
She shut the door and sat. Her expression was solemn, and my heart immediately clenched at the sight.
“What’s wrong? Is it something with Leo?”
“No. He’s perfectly healthy, no infections, clear results from all major indicators. He is ready for the operation.”
“But?”
The doctor sighed, looking regretful.
“It’s the donor, isn’t it? They’ve changed their minds, haven’t they?”
She nodded slowly. “Apparently, a close call playing football got them thinking they should keep all their organs, just in case they need a back-up one day. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. You did everything you could. That’s just life, isn’t it.” I dashed an errant tear away. “When can he come home, then?”
“Since he’s here, let’s finish up his dialysis. There are a couple of tests left. I think we should do them. You never know. Maybe we’ll find someone else tomorrow.”
I took a deep breath. Nikolai’s face filled my mind. I nodded slowly. “Okay, let’s prepare, since we’ve come so far.”
“I know this isn’t the result you were looking for, and I’m sorry.”
* * *
I arrangedwith the hospital to pick Leo up in the morning. I stumbled out of the waiting room and into a long corridor. My head was spinning. Hard hands closed around my shoulders. I realized that someone was speaking to me. I blinked up at the voice.
“Sophie, are you all right?” Edward Sloane bent over me, looking concerned.
“I’m fine. Why would you think I wasn’t?” My voice felt like it came from very far away.
“You’re crying.”
I brought a hand to my cheek and wiped the wetness away. Oh, so I was.
“Let me take you home.”
“No, it’s okay,” I started. My thoughts felt jumbled. The thought of the donor played again and again in my head. He’d changed his mind and ruined a life. He’d changed his mind.