Page 8 of Dark Embers

“I’m hoping I won’t be on my own,” Tara says.

“Tara…” I shake my head realizing what she means. “I don’t know what the fucking bastard told you, but trust me, theyneverleave their wife.”

“What?” Tara gives me a confused look before her brows shoot up. “Oh, no!” She shakes her head emphatically. “I don’t meanhim,” she clarifies. “I was hoping…you’dhelp me.”

“Of course I’ll help you!” Leaning forward I take her hand to give it an encouraging squeeze. “Anything you need.”

“Really?” Tara’s eyes start to mist over. “Because I’m afraid I need a really, really big ask of you.”

“As long as it doesn’t involve murder…”

Tara gives a shaky laugh. “No. Nothing that drastic.” Her eyes meet and hold mine as they grow serious. “Look, Rina. I need to keep this pregnancy a secret—fromeveryone.”

“Including Carla?” My brows shoot up wondering how the fuck my sister is going to stay out of our mother’s sights for the next seven months. Especially since Tara is her favorite and they don’t go a day without talking to each other.

“Especially Mom.” Tara’s look says it all—she means it. “That’s why I need to disappear.”

“Okay…” I’m not sure I’m following her. “How do you need me to help?”

“First I’ll need you to give this to Mom.” She hands me an envelope addressed to Mom and Sabrina. “Read it.”

I open the envelope with shaky hands and read aloud:

Dear Rina and Mom

By the time you get this I’ll be long gone. Don’t ask where because it’s best if neither of you know. I’ve been having an affair with Gavriil Mirochin for many years now and his wife has found out. She wants me gone and I’ve had to leave before she tries to have me killed.

I love you all so much. When or if I can, I will contact you.

Tara

“You want me to give this to Mom!” My disbelief resonates in my voice. “Are you mad? This will kill her.”

“It's the only way, Rina,” Tara tells me.

“Is this true?” My heart is beating like a trapped bird in my chest. “Did Gavriil’s wife find out about the two of you?”

Tara nods but doesn’t elaborate too much about it. “Don’t worry, Gavriil and I have ended the affair.”

“Good!” I breathe a sigh of relief. “Then hopefully his vindictiveRussianwife won’t come after you now that you won’t be fucking her husband.”

“Crude!” Tara admonishes.

“Sorry,” I mumble as my eyes scan the letter once again. “So I’m supposed to take this letter to Mom and tell her that I came home and found it with you nowhere in sight?”

“That’s the plan.” Tara nods. “But there is more.”

Saying nothing I watch her and my gut clenches as my senses go on high alert as I get a feeling I’m not going to like what my sister is about to say.

“Now you know why I have to keep this baby a secret, Rina,” Tara implores. “You’re the only one I can trust and that’s why I need to ask…” She stops and swallows. “I need to ask you to pretend to be the mother of my baby.”

“Huh?” My brows furrow as confusion swirls through me. “What do you mean? Do you want me to tell everyone you’re carrying a baby for me?”

Tara gives an amused snort. “No, that would be insane.” She pulls a face. “I want you to pretend to be pregnant.”

Suddenly I’m choking on my own saliva at her words and trying to splutter out, “What the fuck? Are you insane?”

Tara reaches behind the sofa and lifts up a large plastic bag dumping the contents beside her.

---