Page 94 of The Arrogant's Surrender

“Then we can meet when I get back to the States?”

“Yes, we can. I just need to get organized because, you know, with two little kids, things can get a bit hectic.” I take a deep breath to gather the courage for what I’m about to say next. “Do you think you’ll be back in time for the trial of the men who killed Moses? I’d think you’d want to see them being punished.”

“I’m not sure yet, but I’ll keep in touch from now on. I’ve got to go.”

As soon as she hangs up, I collapse onto the floor in the hallway, shaking so hard I’m afraid I might be having a heart attack.

“Brooklyn, for God’s sake, what’s happened?”

“Get Zeus, Mom. I can’t talk on the phone right now. Tell him we need to get out of here. The woman who was just on the phone with me is the same one they think ordered those men to break into our house: Enya, or rather, Shelley Edward.”

“They’re not going back to daycare until she’s caught,” Zeus says.

The entire Kostanidis family is gathered at my brother-in-law’s house. As soon as he heard about the phone call, Zeus hadus pack our bags, and another half-dozen security guards joined ours to bring us here.

Normally, I’d resent anyone making decisions about my kids, because they’re still getting used to me again and I don’t want them seeing anyone else as the head of the house. But right now, if they told me I’d have to hop on one foot for the rest of my life to ensure Silas and Soraya’s safety, I wouldn’t hesitate.

“Do you think she’s already in the United States?” I ask.

“I believe so. In fact, she might even suspect that we already know her identity. The phone call could’ve been a test or even a warning—a way to indirectly tell you she’s close. Either way, it was smart of Athanasios to have your phone switched to one from Odin. That way, we know the call was monitored. I’m going to call my cousin.”

The babies are upstairs with Eleanor, so I don’t have to pretend to be strong when I’m not. I feel dizzy, nauseous, and I put my head between my knees to keep from passing out.

“Brooklyn, are you okay?” Madison asks, her voice full of concern.

“I don’t know. I feel dizzy.”

“I’m going to call Athanasios,” my sister says.

“No,” I protest.

“I already did,” Hades says. “He’s in surgery. I asked him to come here as soon as he can.”

“That’s not necessary—” I begin, but Zeus interrupts me:

“He has the right to know what’s happened, Brooklyn. If I were in his shoes, I’d go crazy if I were left out.”

I feel too weak to argue again.

“Can one of you take her to the bedroom? I’m going to call the neurologist who’s been handling her case. It might be a relapse,” Madison says.

“I’m fine.”

“Leave it to me.” Ares comes over and scoops me up in his arms, ignoring what I said.

“I’m not sick. I’m just really freaking out.”

“Don’t argue, Brooklyn. Don’t you get it yet? It won’t make any difference. In the end, we’re going to take care of you anyway.”

I doze off and wake up between nightmares, hearing that woman’s voice telling me she would’ve taken care of my children while I was in a coma. Mixed with that, I see, like a movie playing over and over, the image of Moses dying.

I know the doctor came in to examine me. I vaguely remember him taking my blood pressure, asking me a few questions, and then giving me a pill to help me relax.

When I finally wake up fully, it’s already evening, and I’m startled to realize someone is sitting on the bed, watching me.

I try to sit up, but suddenly, the lamp lights up the room.

“Shhh . . . It’s me. I didn’t want to wake you.”

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