49. Daniela

It’s day ten when I receive the message from Cristiano: He needs you. Call Lucas for details.

I haven’t heard a peep from Antonio in ten days.

The time hasn’t passed quickly. It’s inched forward second by second. On day one, I comforted a grief-stricken Samantha. On day two, I broke the news to Valentina, who sobbed in my arms. On days five, six, and seven, I demanded Lucas answer every goddamn question I asked.

But there hasn’t been a single day where I haven’t been wallowing in sorrow as I waited for news. Not a single hour that I haven’t mourned Antonio’s absence. Not a moment where I haven’t longed to ease his pain. Every tick of the clock makes me more frantic for him.

Imagine how dire things must be for Cristiano to ask you to come?I give myself only a moment to dwell on Antonio’s emotional state before I call Lucas.

“I received a message from Cristiano asking me to come. He said to contact you.”

“Yeah.”

One small word, laden with misgivings. That’s all it takes for me to know he doesn’t agree with Cristiano.

“Lucas, I’m just going to say this once. Antonio needs me, and I’m going. Today. I need you to tell me how that’s going to happen.”

He huffs. “First, I want you to know what you’re up against. They’re on a no-frills barge in the middle of the ocean. A storm has been forecast. Antonio’s not in a good frame of mind. Every time they find a body that’s not Lydia’s, he sinks deeper into the dark. He refuses to come home without her body.” He draws a shaky breath and blows it out. “My best guess is that he won’t be happy to see you.”

That would be my best guess, too.I shut my eyes tight. Oh, Antonio.

“I get the picture. How soon can I leave?”

“An hour. The plane is being fueled. It’ll take you to a helicopter that will take you out to the barge. Pack light, dress warm, wear rubber-soled shoes. Bring an extra pair, if you have them, and rain gear.”

A storm has been forecast. He needs you. Two simple sentences, each loaded with emotion that pits my love for Valentina against my love for Antonio. A mother always chooses her child. Always. Not this time.

I knew this moment was coming. I’ve been waiting for a signal from Cristiano. “Lucas?”

“What?”

“I don’t expect a problem, but I prepared a custody agreement in case something should happen to Antonio and me. It’s informal, but it’s been notarized and signed. Victor witnessed it. I’ve left it in our closet in the lockbox. If anything should happen, Rafael is to have custody of Valentina.”

He’s quiet for a moment. “Does Rafael know?”

“I’ve never talked with him about it, and he’s still up north and unreachable. Although I’m saying it again—I don’t agree with not telling him about the plane crash. He was very close to Lydia.”

“That’s not our decision to make.” He pauses for a beat. “You don’t need to do this, Daniela. When Antonio’s finished licking his wounds, he’ll come home. He’ll leave on his own timeline, whether you’re there or not.”

“I have to go, Lucas. I know how to reach him in the dark, but at some point, he might sink so deep it’ll be impossible to drag him out. I won’t let that happen. I’m going, and I will bring him back with me.”

“We’ll do everything in our power to keep both you and Antonio from harm. But if something unexpected happens, your wishes regarding Valentina will be carried out. I’ll see to it myself.”