Page 94 of Victorious Vice

God, both of these women have been through so much.

“Has she been able to move by herself today?”

Daniela crosses the room and takes Serena’s hand. “Yes, she can walk, but it’s difficult. She’s going to require a lot of physical therapy to strengthen her bones.”

I’m not sure how much a physical therapist can do for an eighty-year-old woman who’s been kept in captivity for God knows how long, but we can hope.

Phyllis stops at the open door, and behind her stands a young woman wearing dark jeans and light-pink scrubs.

“This is Renée Erickson,” Phyllis says. “The nurse.”

“It’s good to meet you, Mr. Gallo,” Renée says, holding her hand out.

I shake her hand quickly. “This is your charge. Serena.”

Renée enters the room and walks to Serena’s chair. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Serena.” She holds out her hand, and Serena takes it in her bony one.

“You look like a lovely young woman,” Serena says, “but I don’t need nursing care.”

“Well, I’m here, and my services are being paid for,” Renée says cheerily, “so let’s get to know each other.”

Serena cracks a small smile. “I’d like that. I won’t say no to company.”

“Why don’t I get the two of you a snack?” Phyllis says.

“That would be great, Phyllis,” Daniela says. “Thank you.”

Phyllis leaves, and I make sure that Renée is situated well with Serena. Then I nod to Daniela. “I have some business to attend to in my office. That’s where I’ll be if you need me.”

“Thank you. I understand.”

I haven’t yet told Mario that Serena is here. I was able to get her home without Mario knowing. My first call is to my attorney.

“Morgan and Fort,” the receptionist says.

“Hello, this is Vincent Gallo Junior. I’m calling for Brian Morgan.”

“Of course, Mr. Gallo. One moment please.”

I hear her typing and pressing buttons on the phone, and then the ringer goes again.

“Vinnie,” Brian Morgan says into the phone.

“Hi, Brian.”

“What can I do for you? I’m not sure why you’re calling a divorce attorney.”

“There’s a simple answer to that. I need a divorce.”

“What?”

“Actually, an annulment would be my preference. I’ve only been married for about two weeks, and the marriage hasn’t been consummated. She’s not yet eighteen.”

“Please tell me she’s at least seventeen.”

“She is, and we were married in Colombia with her father’s permission. She’s not an American citizen. But as I said, the marriage hasn’t been consummated, and it won’t be consummated. It was all part of a…deal.”

“Understood. I won’t ask too many questions. The less I know about any of your deals, the better.” I hear papers shuffling and keys clacking in the background. “Here’s the deal. In Texas, there are several potential grounds for getting an annulment. The key point is the non-consummation of the marriage. In Texas, that alone is a solid ground for annulment. Since you’re telling me that you haven’t had a sexual relationship with your wife since the marriage, we can use this as the primary basis for your annulment request.”

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