Page 71 of A Second Dawn

I sense all their eyes on me, but I’m looking at Ian. His gaze is scrutinizing, and I struggle to maintain eye contact.

Pointing at Ade, who’s sitting next to me, I continue. “Aiden works for a security company who’s helped me leave Europe. They put me on a cruise ship to Canada, which is where I met Claudette. Aiden and his boss had worked out a plan for me to settle in Atlanta, but when we arrived in Halifax, Tiero was waiting for me, and we were forced to change plans. Claudette suggested coming here.”

I let out a long breath and when Ian doesn’t say anything, I’m compelled to keep going and be completely upfront with him. He seems like someone who appreciates total honesty.

“We escaped Tiero’s men in Halifax, and there has been no sign of them since. But I won’t lie. He swore to always find me, and won’t give up his search for me anytime soon. To make matters more complicated, I’m pregnant with his child, but he doesn’t know about the baby.

“If I stay, there’s danger in harboring me. You have created such a wonderful space. I don’t want to bring harm to anybody here.”

Silence fills the room. I dare not breathe.

Aiden moves his arm to my back, rubbing it soothingly.

I look from Ian to the girls, their attention unwavering on the one who holds the power over our immediate future.

The minutes tick by with their own excruciating patience.

Why is it that when you’re having fun time always seems to fly and in angst-filled moments like these it morphs into pure torture?

Finally he speaks.

“I appreciate your honesty and your concern. You got yourself into a lot of trouble. Did you know who he was when you met?”

“No, of course not,” I scoff. “A car tried to run him over. I happened to be there, pulling him out of harm’s way. He pursued me afterward, but I had no idea who he was. He only revealed that after he kidnapped me.

“I want nothing to do with his world, and I’ll do everything in my power to keep my child away from it.”

His eyes once more study me with a penetrating gaze that stretches time. I hold my breath as we engage in this silent confrontation. The weight of his scrutiny hangs heavy in the air, laden with a mix of curiosity, assessment, and a hint of judgment.

As the seconds trickle by, his gaze remains unyielding. It’s as if he possesses an innate power to peer into the depths of my thoughts, to unravel the intricacies of my inner world.

Then a subtle change in his expression betrays the conclusion he has reached. The intensity of his gaze softens, replaced by a flicker of understanding or resolve.

Though no words are spoken, a weight lifts from my shoulders.

“The chances of this Mafia man finding you here are low. We will be snowed in soon, making it impossible for anyone to get here. You are safe with us and welcome to stay for however long is needed.

“We will inform the others tonight after dinner. They have a right to know, but I don’t anticipate any dramas. Everyone staying here is able and equipped to defend themselves. It’s to stay safe against wild animals, but if we have to, we will fend off intruders.”

His gaze travels from me to Aiden. “We will sit down this afternoon and work out a contingency plan should this man find Ella here against all odds. For now, I have an appointment in town I need to keep. Make yourselves at home.”

With that he stands and heads for the door. I stop him before he can reach it and throw my arms around him.

“Thank you. Thank you so much.”

He pats my back awkwardly, not used to exuberant displays of gratitude. Though, living with Miriam and being friends with Claudette this shouldn’t be unusual for him.

With Ian gone, us girls jump up and down in celebration, while Ade watches us, amused.

I’m out of breath quickly doing this. It must be the altitude, I can’t be that unfit. Coming to a halt in front of Ade, I throw my arms around him and hold him close.

“I guess we’re set for a little while,” I say into his shoulder.

“At least until spring,” he replies, pulling me closer.

Does that mean he’s going to stay?

My heart now races for a different reason; and it has nothing to do with the altitude.

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