13. Marcello

Marcello

M y plan has been going smoothly. For a few days now, I've been able to mostly avoid Catalina. And I consider it a feat, seeing that she's been trying to get me alone for another conversation. After the last time, I think I'll pass. Just knowing she's in the house... I'd say that's torture enough.

Luckily, I've also been busy. Since I've gone through all the financial accounts and had compiled a dossier of all the ventures within the Famiglia, I've gotten a better understanding of how it operates, or rather, how it should operate to maximize profit. I've made a few notes and have been working to implement them. I've hired a few accountants and stock market specialists to revise the portfolio and to suggest further investments.

I can't afford to be placid, especially when all eyes are on me. I know Nicolo is just biding his time. Francesco has been monitoring the other branches of the Famiglia and he is updating me daily. We've also paid a few people to keep tabs on the suspicious individuals, and I can't wait to see what they uncover.

It's a little over five in the afternoon when I reach the house. I'd spent the entire day at the hospital with my friend – former friend, that is. Adrian had recovered from his brain injury, and I owed it to him to come clean about my reasons for betraying his confidence. I would have never sold him out if the debt I owed hadn't been that big.

Ten years ago, Valentino had saved my entire world, and in return, I'd agreed to do whatever he asked of me. Who would have thought that my choices would bite me in the ass again? I'd confessed to Adrian my darkest secrets. I didn't want his pity, nor his forgiveness, since I know I don't deserve it. But I wanted him to know that I valued his friendship.

I step inside, about to go to my room. As I'm passing by the living room, I see Venezia standing up, hands on her hips, snickering at someone. I move a little to the right, keeping myself out of sight, and I notice Catalina sitting on the couch opposite Venezia.

"I'd appreciate it if you at least respected my daughter. She is innocent in this." Catalina's voice is calm, yet determined. From my hiding place, I notice she is looking at Venezia straight in the eyes, challenging her.

"Why would I do that? She's your responsibility." Venezia counters.

"Yes, she is my responsibility. But it's also your responsibility to behave like a human being. I don't understand why you always have to throw a fit." Catalina continues, narrowing her eyes at Venezia. "But that's what you want, isn't it? You want to throw child-like tantrums to get attention." She point-blank confronts Venezia, and she pales at the accusation.

"Shut up!" Venezia screams at her. "You know nothing!"

"I see..." Catalina says quietly. "You want attention, don't you? From your brother?"

"Shut up!" Venezia replies, lifting her hands and blocking her ears so she can't hear anything.

"But he doesn't give you any attention, no matter what you do." Catalina stands up and takes a step towards Venezia.

"No... I won't hear what you have to say!" Venezia throws her hands in the air and makes to leave the room.

Catalina moves even faster and in less than a second, her arms come around Venezia and she tugs her forward in a hug.

"It's ok, Venezia." She says, her voice lower than before and I strain to hear.

Catalina pats her back, and Venezia stands still for a few moments. Her hands are still frozen in the air, her body stiff. It's as if she doesn't know how to respond. Catalina's hand goes to her head, and she pats her slowly.

"It's ok to feel that way. But I'm not the enemy. My daughter isn't the enemy. We will not take your brother away from you. I'm your sister now too, you know." Catalina's words seem to be a balm for Venezia because I hear a few stifled sobs. Venezia's hands slowly come down, but still, they're not touching Catalina.

Catalina, seeing that this is working, continues with her soothing voice. Even I, from the sidelines, feel more relaxed just listening to her melodious tone.

"I..." Venezia starts, but before she can continue, she lets out a loud wail. She then sobs her heart out, finally returning Catalina's hug. She cries and cries, and Catalina continues to comfort her.

I feel like I've seen enough, and I try to stealthily leave before I'm seen. I head to my room and close the door. If I didn't already know what Catalina was capable of, now I knew... After how Venezia's treated her these days, I'm amazed she had such patience with her. She's been nothing but lovely. A smile plays on my lips. She's something else... Catalina... Lina.

Sometimes, in the hidden depths of my thoughts, I like to call her Lina, the familiarity of the nickname warming me up. And once again, I wish things were different. Oh, Lina... in another life... maybe.

I shake my head, dispelling the hopeless thoughts, and I go back to work.

The abrupt rattling of the doorknob startles me, causing my brow to furrow in annoyance. I had given Amelia strict instructions not to disturb me while I worked in my study.

After a moment, the rattling stops.

I shake my head and return my focus to the pile of documents on my desk. Our merchandise has been facing obstacles at every entry point, resulting in significant losses. I had made a promise to fix this issue, but now it seems the problem goes beyond just lifting an embargo. I must find a way to compensate for our losses as well.

The mere thought of it elicits a groan from me. This is not my area of expertise, and it's causing me a headache.

As I delve deeper into the numbers, the doorknob begins to move again. But this time, it slowly tilts downwards before the door is pushed open. My gaze shifts to the intruder, a small figure peering through the slightly ajar door.

She seems unsure as she looks at me, her wide eyes filled with curiosity and perhaps a hint of fear.

"Please, come in Claudia," I say with a gentle smile.

She hesitantly steps inside, her posture stiff and self-conscious.

"May I?" The slight wavering in her voice betrays her underlying nerves.

I nod, indicating that it is okay for her to join me.

As she takes a seat and folds her hands in her lap, I can see the weight of her worries resting heavy on her small frame. She seems so mature for her age, especially when she talks with Catalina. But now, in this moment, I can see that she is still just a child, trying to make sense of things far beyond her years.

"What brings you here?" I prompt gently, sensing that she is hesitant to start the conversation.

Truthfully, I haven't interacted much with Claudia before now. I've always felt unsure of how to act around children. But seeing her here now, I am reminded of how much she resembles her mother.

"I..." Claudia begins, lifting her emerald eyes to meet mine. "You don't want us here, do you?" Her words catch me off guard, and a frown creases my brow.

"What do you mean?"

She lowers her gaze, her lashes casting soft shadows on her cheeks. "You always seem to avoid us," she admits quietly. Her observation makes me pause. I hadn't realized she was paying such close attention.

"I'm not," I deny quickly, the lie slipping easily past my lips. "I've just been busy."

"Oh," she whispers, looking down at her fidgeting hands. "I thought..." She starts but ultimately shakes her head.

"You thought what?"

"I thought maybe you were only taking care of us because you had to. Because something happened to mamma and she was afraid...especially after Father Guerra..." Her voice trails off, and I can see the tremble in her lip. My heart aches, wanting to pull her into a comforting embrace. To tell her that no one will ever hurt her again.

But I can't.

"Mamma is trying to protect me, isn't she?" she asks, and I struggle for an answer.

"You don't have to worry about any of that anymore, Claudia. You're safe here. Your mother is safe here," I try my best to placate her.

"But... she's not very happy," she finally says. Is this why she came here?

"What do you mean?"

"You don't like her, do you? That's why you avoid her."

"Did she say that? That I don't like her?" I frown. I didn't realize my actions would be construed like that.

"Not exactly... but she thinks she's imposing on you."

"That's not the case, Claudia. I assure you. I like your mother very much, and just like I told you, I'm not avoiding her, I'm busy with work."

"You like her?" Her eyes widen, and a smile stretches across her face. Shit! Did I fall into a trap?

"Erm... Of course I like her." What else can I tell a ten-year-old?

"Yes, I knew it! Mamma likes you too, you know. I think she was sad because she thought you didn't like her." She jumps from her seat. "I have to tell her."

"Wa..." Wait. I'm a second too late, as she's already run out.

Damn!

This is exactly what I needed. I shake my head ruefully at the thought.

I do like her, and that is the issue. And I like her too much to get close to her. Our arrangement needs to stay as it is. With me as far away from her as possible.

Seeing the direction my thoughts are taking, I distract myself by going over the documents again. The shipment that had been stopped had cost us over two million in lost merchandise. Since the attack, I've postponed other deliveries to figure out an alternative route.

It's even worse because we still don't know for sure if the Irish were behind the attack, or other organizations. The more I look at the figures, the more frustrated I become. I pull out my phone and dial Vlad, hoping he has some additional information regarding the attack.

It rings twice before I hear him.

"I see that wedded bliss is not all they say it is, is it?" he asks ironically, and I have the urge to roll my eyes.

"Have you heard anything about the attack?"

"No. I must give it to them, whoever they are. They've erased their traces. From the outside, it looks like an Irish attack..."

"But?"

"But it doesn't fit. Quinn's been sighted all over New York since then. You'd think after a declaration of war he'd be more careful about where he shows his face."

"I think you forget the guy is a machine. Maybe he's just overconfident?"

"No." Vlad pauses. "He grew up in this lifestyle. He knows exactly what it entails. He knows, especially when to retreat."

"So what are you saying?" I ask, curious to see what Vlad's getting at.

"I have two working hypotheses. Either his father is working by himself, seeing how he's been in hiding since the attack on Agosti, or..."

"Or it's a setup," I say.

"Yes. To make us turn our focus on the Irish. Honestly, at this point we can't discount any option."

"But who would benefit from this? I mean, sure, many would stand to win from an all-out war."

"If Jimenez were alive, I'd say it's his M.O. But now... I need more information for this. I'm trying to get a hold of Quinn, with no bloodshed that is. I'll let you know what that yields."

The heavy wooden door of the study crashes open, causing me to startle and lower the phone from my ear. Catalina bursts in, her usually composed demeanor replaced by pure panic.

"What..." I begin, trying to process the sudden intrusion.

"It's Sisi," she blurts out, her words coming out in a jumble. "Something happened at the convent."

My mind immediately jumps to the worst possibilities, but I force myself to calm down and ask, "What happened?"

"A murder," she says, her eyes wide with terror. "One of the nuns was killed in the chapel." She shakes her head as if trying to rid herself of the gruesome image.

My heart sinks at the news, and I can feel my hands trembling as I try to wrap my head around it. "Who would do something like that?" I mutter aloud.

"Sisi said..." Catalina cuts off, her voice cracking, "She had a C carved on her forehead..."

"When?" I demand, trying to keep my composure despite the chaos swirling inside me.

"They just found her," Catalina replies, and I immediately stand up from my desk.

"You heard that?" I bring the phone back to my ear as Vlad's voice comes through on the other end with a chuckle.

"Oh dear. Another murder in such a holy place? It seems almost poetic."

"I don't have time for your sarcasm, Vlad," I snap, ready to end the call, but he interrupts me.

"I'll meet you there." And just like that, the line goes dead. Typical Vlad.

"Don't worry. I'm going straight there," I assure Catalina, who looks like she's about to break down any moment.

"I'm coming too," she declares firmly.

"Catalina..." I hesitate, knowing how dangerous things could be.

"I'm going," she insists, meeting my gaze with determination. "Sisi is my friend. And if someone got hurt because of me..." She trails off, and I can see the anguish on her face.

I let out a resigned sigh and nod, but make it clear, "You don't leave my side at any moment. Understand?"

"Yes, yes! Thank you!" She nods vigorously, and I motion for her to follow me as we head towards the car.

Pushing the car to its limit, I speed towards Sacre Coeur with Catalina sitting silently beside me. Worry etches deep lines into her face, and I can't help but think about Assisi and the danger she may have been in.

After what happened with Father Guerra, I had begged Mother Superior for extra protection for Assisi within the convent, but my request was swiftly denied. Even my suggestion of hiring a female bodyguard, since men were not allowed inside, fell on deaf ears.

It has only been a few days since the incident, and yet here we are again, rushing to the scene of another possible attack. Vlad's words ring in my head—he had been right, in his own twisted way. It is highly suspicious that two incidents would occur at a holy place like Sacre Coeur, and so close together. Something is not right.

I pull up to the entrance of the convent, parking the car quickly before both Catalina and I exit and make our way towards the security checkpoint. Just before we reach it, I spot Vlad lurking nearby, a sly grin on his face.

With a regal tilt of his head, he greets me, "Marcello," then turns his attention to Catalina. She regards him with curiosity, and I reluctantly introduce them.

"Catalina, this is Vlad," I say, my voice tight with restraint as he takes her hand in his own and shakes it.

"I've heard many things about you," Vlad says smoothly, a small smirk playing on his lips. My fists clench at my sides, barely containing my rage. Just the sight of his hand on hers is enough to make my vision turn red. He notices this and holds it a second longer than necessary, likely to bait me.

"Shall we go inside?" I quickly interject, trying to defuse the tension between us. But Vlad raises an eyebrow at me, knowing full well that he is provoking a reaction.

The security measures are tighter than the last time we were here, but we navigate through them swiftly. As we enter the building, chaos seems to reign supreme. Nuns scurry about in what can only be described as mass hysteria.

"Let me call Sisi," Catalina says as she pulls out her phone and dials my sister's number.

"I didn't know she had a phone," I remark, frowning in surprise.

"I left her mine," Catalina explains before speaking into the phone. "Sisi, we're here... What about the graph? Okay, we'll be right there." She hangs up and turns to both Vlad and me. We nod in unison.

"Lina?" My sister's voice echoes through the hallway as she spots Catalina. With a delighted squeal, she rushes over and throws her arms around her in a tight embrace. "Oh Lina! I've missed you so much!"

"Sisi, are you all right?" Catalina asks with concern as she strokes my sister's hair lovingly. I never realized their bond was so strong.

Assisi nods, then looks at the two of us with a furrowed brow, clearly sensing the tension between Vlad and me.

"Marcello and...?"

As Assisi's narrowed eyes fix on Vlad, he remains utterly unfazed. His easy smile only adds to his charming facade as he introduces himself with a smooth tone. It's a tactic he often employs to appear harmless, but few see through the guise to the predator lurking beneath.

"Vlad. Pleased to meet you."

Vlad extends his hand, but Assisi barely spares him a glance before turning back to Catalina. The tension between them is palpable.

I sneak a glance at Vlad and can't help but smirk as I sense his bruised ego from Assisi's snub. If only I could hi-five my sister for it.

Without skipping a beat, I redirect the conversation back to Assisi.

"Tell us what happened," I urge her gently. She gives me a small, sad smile.

"I don't know all the details either," she admits, "but I was near the chapel when one of the nuns started screaming. I rushed inside and...you'll have to see it for yourselves if Mother Superior will allow it. It's just..." She trails off, shaking her head in disbelief.

"She'll allow it," Vlad interjects confidently, and we all make our way towards the chapel with a sense of foreboding hanging in the air.

There is a crowd outside, and some elderly nuns are trying to keep the others in order. Mother Superior is also outside, looking contrite as she's talking with a priest. Vlad immediately goes to her, and they exchange a few words. Whatever he is saying to her, she doesn't seem pleased. He returns to our side and tells us we can proceed inside.

"You two should stay here," I address Catalina and Assisi, but they both immediately shake their heads. The determination in their eyes is unwavering.

"No," they say in unison.

I let out a frustrated sigh. "I don't think it's something you should see," I add.

"I already saw it," Assisi retorts, her voice firm and resolute.

"And if it concerns me... I need to see it!" Catalina says fiercely, her chin held high as she meets my gaze with defiance.

I turn to Vlad for support, but he just shrugs nonchalantly.

"Fine..." I relent once again, knowing that arguing with them will do no good. Surely it can't be that bad, seeing that Assisi is alright.

We make our way inside, and Catalina immediately links her hand with Assisi's. It's a small gesture, but one that speaks volumes about their bond.

I'm almost tempted to tell them to wait outside, but there's a steely determination on Catalina's features that makes me proud of her. She may be delicate in appearance, but her strength is unmatched.

Shaking myself from my musings, I focus on the task at hand. As we take a few steps further into the room, my heart begins to race and I come to an abrupt stop. The sight before me is more horrifying than I could have ever imagined.

The chapel is designed in a Gothic architectural style, and the altar has an imposing sculpture in relief that is ceiling high. It depicts the scene of Jesus's crucifixion as its central piece. The high vault allows for almost life-sized figurines.

All around Jesus are his mourners, both earthlings and celestial beings. Or at least, that's what I'm assuming the altar would look like on any other day. The entire wall is painted with blood, some areas smeared with child-like handprints.

The body of the nun had been placed in the middle, on top of Jesus's form. The killer had spread her arms out to mimic the position of the crucifixion, while her legs had been secured together with rope.

She was still dressed in her habit, but the cloth had been ripped in the middle, effectively baring her to the entire world. The white of her coif had splatters of blood all over it.

There is a big C on her forehead, carved seemingly with a nail. Maybe even one of the nails that is now holding her secure to the wall. Her mouth is half-open, her tongue cut. I can't see well from this distance, but I'm suddenly curious to see if she has any teeth left.

I step closer.

The nun's entire torso had been cut open; her organs taken out. Instead, they were laid on the altar table as offerings. The heart was placed on a silver plate.

To the right, a medium-sized cross had the intestines wrapped around its indentations like a serpent. The lungs were next, all cut into small pieces next to a chalice full of red liquid — blood. I have to wonder if this is supposed to emulate the Eucharist.

I hear a gasp behind me. Catalina brings up her hand to her mouth as she looks in disbelief at the scene in front of her.

"Who would do this...?" she whispers.

Assisi is studying the nun's form, her gaze intent on the hollow in her chest cavity.

Vlad is a few steps behind us, keeping a moderate distance. I can see he's trying very hard to avoid staring at the blood.

Why did he even come?

"This looks eerily similar to what happened to Father Guerra," Assisi comments, pointing at the body. "His insides had also been tampered with. Well, not in this manner, but quite similar."

"But who would do that? We still don't know who dug up Father Guerra and put him in the graph..." Catalina shakes her head. "And why?" She steps closer. "Why the C?" Catalina is focusing on the nun's face when Assisi narrows her eyes.

"Wait..." She goes towards the altar and stops right in front of the body.

"Assisi, what are you doing?" I ask.

"I think I saw something glint in there..." She frowns and looks closer, almost sticking her head inside the nun's stomach.

"Assisi," I repeat, and I hear someone groan.

Vlad.

Assisi raises her hand and inserts it into the body, her nose scrunching up in concentration. She explores the contents of the cavity, as if searching for something hidden within its depths.

"For God's sake, Sisi!" Catalina's eyes widen. "What are you doing?" She makes to go closer to my sister, but I put a hand up to stop her.

"Assisi?"

"Damnation!" she says. Her hand resurfaces and her fist is full of something.

She stalks towards the altar table, her steps heavy and purposeful. With a sudden release, she unclenches her fist, and a cascade of bloody teeth spills out onto the crisp white tablecloth with sickening thuds.

I recoil in horror at the sight, my eyes wide with shock and disbelief. My gaze shifts to Vlad, who stands beside me, his expression mirroring my own dread.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a silk handkerchief, carefully dabbing at the beads of sweat on his forehead before stepping closer.

"Well, well. This is quite an unexpected development." His voice is laced with curiosity as he leans down to examine the teeth before recoiling in disgust.

Assisi rolls her eyes at his dramatic reaction and returns her attention to the body, unfazed by the gruesome display on the table.

"There's something else. I couldn't get it before." She inserts her hand again and rummages through the contents of the nun's stomach.

It's funny how Vlad's looking at her in half-awe, half-distaste.

"Here!" Assisi exclaims, and she withdraws a crumpled piece of material.

She puts it on the table, and we all gather around to analyze it.

"It's vellum... mayhap human vellum," Vlad comments, taking a knife and tossing it around to get a better look. There is some sort of writing on it, and Vlad reluctantly uses his handkerchief to wipe the blood off it.

" Paying for the sins of others ," I read out loud, and Catalina gasps.

"It's because of me, isn't it? Whoever is doing this, it's because of what I did..." A tear makes its way down her cheek, and I wish I could just lift my hand and wipe it.

"Catalina," I say, trying to figure out how to tell her it might not be her they're after, but me.

"Whose skin is this?" Assisi asks as she gets a closer look. "Is it hers?" She points to the nun.

"Probably not," I say and grimace at my own words. It's simply how this person works.

She frowns.

"How are you so sure?"

"Because whoever did this," I start and take a deep breath, turning to look at Catalina, "is not targeting you."

"What do you mean?" she asks, her voice a mere whisper.

"This," Vlad brandishes his knife towards the nun's face and the C marring her features, "is the mark of a serial killer. The C by itself could have pointed to you," he turns to Catalina, "but the teeth confirm it's a serial killer we've been looking for."

"What...?" Assisi asks, tilting her head, as if in disbelief.

"Let me get this," she starts. I'm once again amazed by her composure throughout all of this. "You are saying that the person who killed our Sister is a serial killer? Then what about Father Guerra? I don't believe it's a coincidence these things happened almost within a week of each other."

Assisi's hand reaches up to massage her forehead, smearing the blood on her skin. She winces as the pain shoots through her head, but she tries to ignore it.

Vlad's intense gaze is fixated on Assisi's face, his eyes tracing every tiny trail of blood with a mix of morbid fascination. In just two quick strides, he is standing right in front of her.

"Vlad!" I bark out, my heart racing with worry. Will he lose control? Will he hurt her?

But Vlad remains silent, his entire being focused on the red spots on Assisi's face.

I mouth to Assisi, "Don't move," fearing that any sudden movement might trigger Vlad's volatile emotions. The last time he had one of his episodes... it hadn't ended well.

Her eyes widen in surprise, but she gives a slow nod, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Vlad's usually expressive eyes are now vacant as he tilts his head to study my sister's face with an almost otherworldly intensity.

"Vlad!" I call out again, hoping to wake him from whatever trance he's in.

His arm moves up and I'm already in motion, ready to pull him off Assisi.

To my surprise, his hand goes to her forehead, almost tenderly, and he swipes some blood with his fingers. He stares at it for a second before bringing it to his lips. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, enjoying the taste of the blood.

"What...?" Assisi looks stunned as she frowns at Vlad.

"Assisi, come here, but slowly. He might be dangerous."

She looks unconvinced but does as asked, moving herself out of Vlad's grasp. He's still locked away somewhere, his face blank.

"What's wrong with him?" Assisi asks when she reaches my side.

"He's not... normal," I say because that's the only thing that can accurately describe this situation.

"Not... normal?" Assisi repeats, continuing to study Vlad's rigid form.

"Stay here, both of you." I slowly make my way in front of Vlad and snap my fingers in front of him.

"Vlad! Snap out of it!"

He raises his gaze to regard me, narrowing his eyes. He twirls his finger in the air, little specks of blood still on its surface.

"More..." He whispers, and I let out a groan. He won't snap out of it, will he?

Knowing what might happen if he lets himself go, I prepare myself to act. I need to knock him out before he becomes too dangerous. Keeping my eyes on his face, I fold the sleeve on my right hand, already dreading the idea of skin contact.

"Marcello, what are you...?" Assisi takes a step forward and I turn sharply to stop her. Catalina's hand also shoots out to deter Assisi, but she brushes it off.

Fuck!

"Assisi, stay back!" I yell, and I am momentarily distracted by Assisi's movements. In a split second, Vlad leaves my side.

Shit!

His hand is around Assisi's throat, pushing her body into the wall and lifting her off the ground.

"Sisi!" Catalina whimpers, and I'm suddenly afraid.

"Lina, stay back," I tell her, putting myself in front of her.

"But..." She starts.

"No sudden movements. We need to snap him out of it!" I tell her.

"Assisi, are you okay?" I ask her, and I notice that she doesn't seem afraid.

"I'm okay... he's not hurting me," she replies, and I have to frown. He has her up in the air by the throat and he's not hurting her?

"Vlad, I need you to focus, all right? You're hurting my sister right now." I speak each word with determination, trying to break through the hazy fog clouding Vlad's mind. His head tilts to the side, as if he's hearing me but not fully comprehending.

"That's my sister you're holding," I emphasize, knowing that simple language is necessary when dealing with him in this state. It's like he regresses to a non-verbal state.

He pauses for a moment.

"Sister?" He murmurs with a guttural sound.

Yes, he's starting to grasp it.

"Yes, she is my sister. And you are hurting her right now."

His head moves once more, his eyes focusing on Assisi.

"Sister?" He says again, the word coming out breathy and confused. "Sister..."

And then, finally, he releases Assisi from his grip and both Catalina and I breathe a sigh of relief.

But instead of moving away, Vlad collapses to his knees and wraps his arms around Assisi's middle.

He's...hugging her?

"Sister," he repeats, almost in awe.

Assisi looks at me questioningly, but I shake my head, signaling for her to stay put.

Vlad's hold tightens around her as he continues to repeat the same word over and over again.

"Sister," his voice grows more urgent each time.

Assisi's hand slowly descends and she gently pats his back in comfort.

Vlad's breathing quickens and he emits low sounds from deep in his throat.

"It's okay. You're safe here," Assisi coos softly, her words having an immediate effect as Vlad closes his eyes.

"I think he's sleeping," Assisi says after a while, slowly disentangling herself from his grasp. Vlad collapses onto the floor, out cold.

"What was that ?" Assisi asks, but I just shake my head.

How can I explain Vlad without making the currently disemboweled nun seem like child's play?

I'm just relieved things didn't get out of control. I've witnessed Vlad in the throes of his rage before, and all of those episodes had ended with at least a couple of corpses. Whatever clicked in his brain when I'd mentioned that Assisi was my sister must have stopped him from going all berserker on us.

"He..." I try to come up with a plausible explanation, "has some trauma. This must have triggered him." I mean, it's technically true.

Both Assisi and Catalina nod, and I change the subject. Because them finding out more about Vlad would mean finding out more about me...

"Before we leave, I want to ask you something," I tell my sister.

"What?"

"Do you really want to take your vows? If you feel in any way that this life isn't for you, you can tell me. I'm worried about your safety here, and Mother Superior won't let me hire a guard for you."

Assisi's lip trembles for a second, and she lifts her eyes to look at me in wonder.

"You... you're saying..." She stammers. "You're saying I can leave the convent? But where would I go... I..."

"You can come live with us," Catalina interjects, coming towards Assisi. "We'd love to have you, isn't that so, Marcello?"

I nod.

"It's your home too. And you'd be safer there."

"I..." She shakes her head. "Yes, yes, please," her voice is thick with emotion, and she throws herself into Catalina's arms.

"Thank you! I... You do not understand what that means to me," she repeats, and I'm suddenly stunned by her reaction.

"Did you not like it here?" I ask, almost hesitantly.

"It's not that," she starts, but the slow shake of her head belies her words. "I don't think I'm fit to be a nun."

"I think this is the best option. I've always known Sisi wasn't meant for this life," Catalina turns to me, an approving smile playing on her lips.

All this time... It really seems that nothing I do is ever right.

A loud groan resounds in the chapel.

Vlad slowly draws himself to his feet, his eyes unfocused.

"Damn," he curses. He looks as if he's just waking up after a hangover. "What happened?"

"I think you've had your fill of blood for today," I add drily, knowing he will get my meaning.

His features are taut, and he gives me a brisk nod.

"Sorry about that." The transformation is immediate. One moment his jaw is tense, the next a beaming smile appears on his face.

"I'm glad you're fine," Catalina says, while Assisi snorts.

"So what did I miss?" Vlad has the gall to ask, coming around to examine the teeth.

"Are you sure you want to do that, again ?" I raise an eyebrow, but he ignores me.

"We need to find out why Chimera is targeting a convent. Maybe it's..." He turns and looks at Assisi and Catalina, squinting his eyes.

"We'll talk about that later," I tell him tensely. The last thing we need is for them to think a serial killer is after them.

"Did... did you just say Chimera?" Catalina pales, her voice a mere whisper.

"Indeed," Vlad replies and folds his arms across his chest, observing.

Catalina sways on her feet, and Assisi takes her hand, stabilizing her.

"Why?" my sister asks her.

"Nothing..." Catalina shakes her head, but I'm still skeptical. Is it possible she knows about Chimera? But that would be impossible, unless...

"Can we go back?" Catalina doesn't look too well, so I immediately agree.

"What about me?" Sisi asks, as we exit the chapel.

"You're coming with us too."

"But Mother Superior..."

"I'll settle everything with Mother Superior. Go with Catalina to the car and I'll meet you there."

She doesn't look too convinced, but she nods.

"Your sister was right. It's too much of a coincidence that Chimera would show up here," Vlad mentions after they walk away.

"Whoever it is, it's getting too close. And I don't like it."

"Between the Guerras, Chimera, and your own family, I'd say you have your hands full," he chuckles.

"You forgot the Irish," I add drily.

"Right... we'll see about that."