Page 50 of Cruel Redemption

“We know you could do more,” his father insisted. “You have people. We know there are people. People who do this kind of stuff.”

I twisted my lips together. “Mrs. Barone, I know you’re tired and you’re stressed. I can’t even imagine the level of stress, but I promise I’m doing what I can do. There are no people.” I smiled. “And Mr. Barone, I hope you understand that if you need more funds for the search, they are yours.”

“Just call us Kyle and Rebecca.” He sounded exasperated. “We didn’t come here for money. We came for help. You have resources.”

I shook my head. “My best resource for you right now is money. Take it Use it.” I glanced at Barbara.

“We wouldn’t know how to use it the way you do,” he argued. “What good is money when we don’t know this city? Please, you have to do more for Enzo.”

“She’s doing everything.” A voice surprised us from behind.

We all turned toward the door when Katya appeared. She pulled a thin wrap over her shoulders, tying it above the baby bump.

“Katya? What are you doing here?” Rebecca crossed the room to her. She glanced at Katya’s stomach, putting both her arms around her. “How are you feeling?”

Katya nodded. Her dark hair had spilled out of the messy bun she fastened before her nap. “I’m okay. The baby’s been kicking. Want to feel?”

“Yes. Of course.” Rebecca’s face lit up. Katya guided her hand to the side of her abdomen.

I felt like the rest of us were intruding on this moment between them. They smiled at each other and Rebecca led Katya to sit with her and Kyle.

“You’re okay?” Rebecca repeated.

“Yes. Tired. I tried to sleep. I don’t think I was very successful, though. The baby kept moving.”

“You’re friends with Ms. Amato?” I could tell Kyle was trying to piece it together.

“Yes,” she admitted. “Can we talk about my brother, please? He didn’t take Enzo. It’s not possible.” Katya stopped. Her attention moved to me. “Where is Luka?”

“Is he here?” Kyle barked.

I put my hands up “No. He’s not here right now. Please just calm down.”

“Calm down? That man is a criminal. There’s a reason he is the only suspect the police have. We are sorry, Katya. We know he’s your brother, but Luka Novikov will face justice for kidnapping our son.”

“I think everyone just needs to take a deep breath,” Barbara interjected. “Maybe get Bella to start cocktail hour early.” She checked the door as if Bella appeared whenever her name was spoken.

“It’s obvious that you two care deeply for your grandchild,” I spoke slowly. The tension had to ease. The temperature in the room needed to cool. “It’s also clear that Enzo and Katya love each other, this baby, and are planning a future as a family. I think we all agree that’s going to be wonderful. We all want and need Enzo home. But I agree with Katya, I know Luka Novikov to be a man of his word. And he is not the one responsible for Enzo’s disappearance. The police are wrong about him. Absolutely wrong.”

“How can you be so sure?” Rebecca pressed. “How do you know?”

The only two people who knew the truth weren’t here. I didn’t know that I could trust the Barones. Their emotions were erratic. Unpredictable. But I had to get them to back off Luka. If not for the future family that was developing.

I exhaled. “Because I was in a business meeting with Luka.” Goddamnit, I didn’t want to tell my story. I never wanted to speak about it again. I looked them in the eyes when I spoke, so I only had to say it once. I chose clear words. Direct words.

“It was a partnership meeting. A personal one. About our future together. Enzo was waiting for me downstairs.”

Rebecca gasped. Katya took her hands to steady her.

I kept going. “We wanted to bring Enzo into the meeting. Luka wants to help Katya and Enzo set up a new life. So I went downstairs to bring him back up. And I was attacked.”

“Oh, Amara,” Katya whispered.

I cut her a nasty stare. I didn’t want sympathy. I didn’t want tears.

“I saw Enzo hauled off. I managed to escape with just a few bruises, and some of my clothes.” I cleared my throat. I stared at Enzo’s parents. “So I know with complete certainty that Luka Novikov would not have attacked your son and me. Not when he wants to marry me.”

The room fell silent.

---