- 1 day ago
💖(telegram@linkeex)
the godfather's bloody betrayal dailymotion
the godfather's bloody betrayal dailymotion
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:06On our third anniversary, I activated my plan to fake my own death.
00:00:16At dinner, he told his men in Italian.
00:00:22He never knew I understood every single word.
00:00:25As the Mafia Don's trophy wife, I had long discovered his mistress and the high heel she deliberately left in
00:00:30my home.
00:00:31I refused to endure it any longer.
00:00:33Ten days from now, only the gun he custom, made for me and a pool of blood, will remain on
00:00:38the seaside cliff.
00:00:40Don, those 99 times you said you loved me, I don't want them anymore.
00:00:46I was standing in the corridor outside the private dining room when I dialed the number.
00:00:51Project Ash, initiate now.
00:00:53The male voice on the other end was calm and steady.
00:00:56Received.
00:00:56The faked death protocol is ready to go.
00:00:58In ten days, you'll vanish from everyone's world.
00:01:01I ended the call, pried out the SIM card, and dropped it into the wastebasket beside the wall.
00:01:05From inside the room came a roar of laughter, familiar enough to turn my stomach.
00:01:09That was Dante Moretti, my husband.
00:01:11The godfather of the most powerful Mafia family on the East Coast, surrounded by his loyal and oblivious men.
00:01:17Tonight was our third wedding anniversary.
00:01:19He had rented out the entire restaurant, the most expensive champagne, the most dishonest smiles.
00:01:24A performance called Love, staged entirely for my benefit.
00:01:28I pushed open the door and walked in, wearing the same smile I always wore.
00:01:32Finished your call?
00:01:33Dante sat at the head of the long table and reached out to me.
00:01:36I crossed the room and placed my hand in his.
00:01:38He pulled me into his lap in one smooth motion, one arm circling my waist.
00:01:42Tender and practiced, the kind of gesture that now made me want to be sick.
00:01:46All done.
00:01:47The cleaning service confirmed they'll send someone to the apartment tomorrow.
00:01:50Dante nodded and turned back to his underboss, resuming a conversation in Italian.
00:01:55Fast, clipped, thick with a Sicilian accent.
00:01:57The private language of his bloodline, and the wall they'd always used to keep me out.
00:02:01I smiled along and took a sip of wine.
00:02:03I had taught myself Italian over the past three years.
00:02:06Dante didn't know that.
00:02:07He thought I only spoke English.
00:02:09His men thought so too.
00:02:13That was Dante's cousin, Luca, second, in command.
00:02:16Another man, Cesare, grinned.
00:02:18Già qui? Dante sta arrivando stasera.
00:02:22Non posso incolpare il capo.
00:02:24Tieni uno rispettabile a casa, ti è un'izzitante sul lato.
00:02:27Tieni su giù.
00:02:28Sua moglie è proprio lì.
00:02:34C.S. Air turned to me, switching to English, his eyes testing the water.
00:02:38Vivian, good wine.
00:02:39I smiled and nodded.
00:02:40Very good.
00:02:41My gaze perfectly clear.
00:02:43They exchanged a look and cut back to Italian.
00:02:47Non capisci una parola.
00:02:48Rilasciati.
00:02:49Dante, davvero non le lo diresti.
00:02:51E se lo scopri...
00:02:51Dante finally spoke, his tone easy and indifferent.
00:02:55Cosa è da scoprire?
00:02:56È mia.
00:02:57Sarà sempre mia.
00:02:58Ho bisogno di lei dove deve essere, facendo quello che dovrebbe fare.
00:03:01Il resto non ha nulla a che avere con le.
00:03:03I felt his hand give my waist a light.
00:03:05Absent-minded pet.
00:03:06The way you'd sue the pet.
00:03:07Besides, he continued in Italian.
00:03:09Lei è così brava, non farà danni.
00:03:11Low laughter rippled around the table.
00:03:14I looked down at the dark red liquid in my glass.
00:03:16Three years of marriage, and they had always looked at me that way.
00:03:19Pity threaded through contempt.
00:03:21I was the godfather's wife, and had no real power.
00:03:23I was his companion, and nothing more than a prop.
00:03:26What they didn't know was that the most dangerous hunter is the one who looks the most harmless.
00:03:29I set my glass down, and stood up from Dante's lap.
00:03:33Tired?
00:03:33He looked up at me.
00:03:34I'll head home.
00:03:36I'll have someone drive you.
00:03:37No need.
00:03:38I'll call a car.
00:03:39I picked up my bag, and walked toward the door.
00:03:42As I pulled it open, I heard someone say one last thing in Italian behind me.
00:03:48I let the door close behind me.
00:03:49I knew everything.
00:03:51I knew who Scarlett was.
00:03:53I knew that woman had been living in the apartment.
00:03:55Dante bought her for the past month.
00:03:57I knew the entire family had been laughing behind my back, calling me a fool who couldn't
00:04:01see what was in front of her.
00:04:02But I wouldn't cry.
00:04:04I wouldn't rage.
00:04:05I wouldn't ask him a single question.
00:04:07Ten days from now, they would all believe I was dead.
00:04:10And Dante Moretti would spend the rest of his life remembering every word he said tonight.
00:04:32I walked out of that building, like a ghost.
00:04:36A cab idled at the curb.
00:04:37I pulled open the door and gave the address.
00:04:40Thirty minutes later, I was standing in the living room of our penthouse apartment.
00:04:44Our home.
00:04:45That was what Dante called it when he bought this place.
00:04:48The air inside was thick with his present cigars.
00:04:51Whiskey.
00:04:52The particular aftershave he wore.
00:04:54I used to find that smell comforting.
00:04:58Now it made my skin crawl.
00:05:00I started packing.
00:05:02The bedroom first.
00:05:05On the nightstand sat the only photo of us together.
00:05:08The one taken on the yacht.
00:05:10He had his arm around me.
00:05:11And I was laughing so hard my eyes were nearly shut.
00:05:14That was two years ago.
00:05:16He had just been made godfather.
00:05:18And all of New York's underworld was saying his name.
00:05:20He'd had too much to drink that day.
00:05:22Held me close.
00:05:24And swore to god I was the only woman he would ever love.
00:05:27I picked up the frame, opened the back, and slid the photo out.
00:05:32Then I tore it in her.
00:05:33His half went into the trash bag.
00:05:35My half I held in my fist.
00:05:37Into the walk-in closet.
00:05:38I opened the jewelry cabinet.
00:05:40Everything he had ever given me was in there.
00:05:42A diamond bracelet.
00:05:44A third anniversary gift.
00:05:45Ruby earrings.
00:05:47Bought last Christmas.
00:05:48A necklace he'd had custom made.
00:05:50The pendant engraved with my initials.
00:05:53One by one, I took them out.
00:05:55One by one, I dropped them in.
00:05:57The clothes, too.
00:05:58He'd always said I looked best in the red dress.
00:06:00Made me wear it to every family gathering.
00:06:03The fur coat he'd draped over my shoulders himself.
00:06:06Claimed he'd brought it back from Milan.
00:06:08And the bags Hermes Chanel, limited editions from boutiques around the world, ferried back
00:06:12by his men.
00:06:13All of it, into the bag.
00:06:16When the bag was full, I dragged it to the elevator, rode down, and heaved it into the dumpster.
00:06:24Back in the apartment, I poured a whiskey.
00:06:26The liquor burned down my throat and made my eyes sting.
00:06:30I moved to the window, and looked out over New York.
00:06:34This city was everywhere his.
00:06:36The casino below.
00:06:38The container terminal at the port.
00:06:40The weapons depot in Brooklyn.
00:06:42He sat at the center of all of it, controlling everything.
00:06:45Including what I used to be.
00:06:48That night, three years ago, came flooding back.
00:06:51I had been in New York for only three months.
00:06:55Running an errand for a friend at one of the dock warehouses.
00:06:59Then gunshots.
00:07:00I didn't even understand what was happening.
00:07:15I just knew someone was yanking me backward by the arm.
00:07:18It was Dante.
00:07:19I didn't know who he was yet.
00:07:21All I knew was that he shoved me into a corner.
00:07:23And put himself between me and the bullets.
00:07:26One of those bullets punched through his shoulder.
00:07:28His blood splattered warm across my face.
00:07:30He kept firing.
00:07:32One arm around me, the other shooting back.
00:07:35Shouting at his men to break through.
00:07:37He pinned me so tightly I couldn't move.
00:07:39And all I could hear was his heartbeat.
00:07:41Fast and hard.
00:07:42Like a drum.
00:07:43Then he collapsed against me.
00:07:45I was soaked in blood, and I thought he was dead.
00:07:47He looked up at me with what remained of his breath.
00:07:50And his mouth pulled into something that wasn't quite a smile.
00:07:54You're okay.
00:07:56That's what matters.
00:08:00I got him to the hospital.
00:08:10I got him to the hospital.
00:08:17Six hours of surgery.
00:08:21When he came around, the first thing he did was ask if I was hurt.
00:08:25I put flowers on his nightstand.
00:08:27And asked him why he had saved me.
00:08:29He took my hand and pressed his lips to the back of it.
00:08:32Because you're the only person I've ever wanted to protect.
00:08:37After he was discharged, he pursued me for three months.
00:08:40I said no, and he stood outside my building and waited.
00:08:43One day it poured, and he stood there for three hours.
00:08:46Eventually I went downstairs and dragged him inside.
00:08:49He was soaked through.
00:08:50But he grinned like a kid.
00:08:52You finally let me in.
00:08:54He sent flowers every day.
00:08:56Picked me up from work every day.
00:08:58Said he loved me every day.
00:09:00I turned him down 99 times.
00:09:03On the 100th, he proposed.
00:09:06He went down on one knee.
00:09:07Those hands that could take a life at a thousand yards were shaking as they held the ring.
00:09:11I had never seen him like that.
00:09:14The youngest godfather in New York Mafia history.
00:09:17A man who killed without blinking.
00:09:19Kneeling in front of me.
00:09:21And barely able to form words.
00:09:23Marry me.
00:09:24He said.
00:09:25I'll spend my life shielding you with mine.
00:09:28I said yes.
00:09:29The day he left the hospital, he held me, and whispered against my ear.
00:09:34You're my only weakness, and my armor.
00:09:38I thought that was an eternal vow.
00:09:40My phone buzzed.
00:09:48I thought that was an eternal vow.
00:09:50My phone buzzed.
00:09:51I picked it up and opened the recording I had copied.
00:09:54Dante's call last night, from inside Scarlet's apartment.
00:09:57I pressed play.
00:09:59You like it.
00:10:00His voice, low and graveled.
00:10:02Scarlet's laugh.
00:10:03I love it.
00:10:04Dante, does your wife know you're like this?
00:10:07Don't bring her up.
00:10:09Why not?
00:10:09Isn't she your one and only?
00:10:12Dante laughed.
00:10:13A laugh I had never heard from him.
00:10:15Relaxed.
00:10:16Unguarded.
00:10:19She's the one I keep at home.
00:10:20You're the one who lets me breathe.
00:10:22Different things.
00:10:24How different?
00:10:26She'll always be my wife.
00:10:28But you?
00:10:29His voice dropped.
00:10:31You make me want to let go.
00:10:33You're not afraid she'll find out.
00:10:35Her.
00:10:36She'll never find out.
00:10:38And even if she did, what could she do?
00:10:42She couldn't survive without me.
00:10:45The recording kept going.
00:10:47I didn't want to hear any more.
00:10:49The man who had taken a bullet for me.
00:10:52The man who had stood in the rain waiting for me to say yes.
00:10:55The man who told me I was his armor.
00:10:58That man was lying.
00:10:59In another woman's bed.
00:11:02I set the phone on the table.
00:11:04My fingers brushed something cold.
00:11:06The engagement ring.
00:11:07Three years on my hand.
00:11:09Taken off only just now.
00:11:10I walked to the window.
00:11:15And threw it out.
00:11:16The man who had shielded me with his body.
00:11:18The man who had called me his only one.
00:11:20The man who had made me believe in love.
00:11:22He had changed.
00:11:23Or maybe he had always been this way.
00:11:25And I was only seeing it clearly now.
00:11:31The man who had called me his only one.
00:12:00The next afternoon at two.
00:12:02Dante's car pulled up in front of the building.
00:12:04When I got in.
00:12:05He leaned over out of habit.
00:12:06And pressed a kiss to my cheek.
00:12:08I pulled back.
00:12:09He went still.
00:12:11I caught the flash of hurt in his eyes.
00:12:12Which struck me as almost funny.
00:12:14He was the one who had betrayed me first.
00:12:16And here he was.
00:12:18Genuinely wounded.
00:12:19Nothing's wrong.
00:12:20I said.
00:12:21Just a bit of a headache.
00:12:22He relaxed.
00:12:24I want to show you something.
00:12:25You'll see when we get there.
00:12:27He said.
00:12:29He held my hand the entire ride.
00:12:30Thumb brushing slow circles across my knuckles.
00:12:33His habitual small gesture.
00:12:34I used to think it was intimacy.
00:12:36Now it just felt like irony.
00:12:39The car turned into a warehouse.
00:12:40Wound between rows of cargo containers.
00:12:43And stopped in front of a steel door.
00:12:45The door opened onto a staircase that led two flights down.
00:12:49And then the space opened up into something unexpected.
00:12:52An underground shooting range.
00:12:54Twenty or so people were already there.
00:12:55The core of the family.
00:12:57Luca.
00:12:58Gacisere.
00:12:58A handful of district captains whose names I had never bothered to learn.
00:13:02They all stopped talking.
00:13:03When we walked in.
00:13:05Dante led me forward by the hand.
00:13:07His grip warm and tight.
00:13:09Cesare called out.
00:13:10Boss.
00:13:11Heard the delivery came in.
00:13:12Let's see it.
00:13:13Dante ignored him.
00:13:15And brought me to the long table in the center of the range.
00:13:18A black metal case sat on the table.
00:13:20Solid craftsmanship.
00:13:22Copper banded at the corners.
00:13:23He let go of my hand.
00:13:25And entered the code.
00:13:26A click.
00:13:27The lid opened.
00:13:30Inside.
00:13:30Lay a gun.
00:13:32Silver.
00:13:32Small and elegant.
00:13:34The grip inlaid with dark filigree that caught the light in tiny scattered glints.
00:13:38Dante lifted it out.
00:13:39And turned to face me.
00:13:41Come here.
00:13:51I walked over.
00:13:53Every eye in the room was on me.
00:13:55He placed the gun in my hands.
00:13:58The curve of the grip settled perfectly against my palm.
00:14:01The weight was right too.
00:14:02A little lighter than what I trained with before.
00:14:05I tested the trigger.
00:14:06The pull was just right.
00:14:08No need to force it.
00:14:09He had memorized the size of my hands.
00:14:11Remembered the grip I preferred.
00:14:12Knew exactly how heavy.
00:14:14I liked a gun to be.
00:14:15He had brought me here many times over the past three years.
00:14:18Every session side by side, shot by shot.
00:14:20Until we had built something like fluency in each other's habits.
00:14:23He kept a record of all of them.
00:14:24Custom made to your specifications.
00:14:26He said.
00:14:27Right handed grip.
00:14:28Barrel rifled one degree left.
00:14:30The best gunsmith in Italy.
00:14:32Handmade.
00:14:33Three months in the making.
00:14:35There isn't another one like it in the world.
00:14:37I looked down.
00:14:39Along the grip, etched in fine flowing script, were two letters.
00:14:42VR.
00:14:43My initials.
00:14:45The room erupted.
00:14:47The boss never gave a woman a gun before and it's custom.
00:14:50I've been with him ten years.
00:14:51I've never got this treatment.
00:14:55Viviana, do you know what this thing is worth?
00:14:57You could buy a Manhattan apartment with that money.
00:15:00Dante smiled and raised one hand.
00:15:02The room quieted.
00:15:03That gun is yours.
00:15:05He said.
00:15:05Not loud.
00:15:06But the whole range could hear him.
00:15:08Nobody touches it without my permission.
00:15:11Are we clear?
00:15:12I looked up at him.
00:15:14There was a smile in his eyes.
00:15:15But something else beneath it.
00:15:17That possessiveness of his.
00:15:18The pride of claiming ownership in front of everyone he commanded.
00:15:21Clear.
00:15:22I said.
00:15:24He nodded.
00:15:25Satisfied.
00:15:25Then he stepped behind me.
00:15:27Closed his hands over mine.
00:15:28And we held the gun together.
00:15:30His chest was against my back.
00:15:33Warm.
00:15:33Three years ago.
00:15:35This would have made my pulse race.
00:15:37Now all I can think about.
00:15:38Is the recording from last night.
00:15:40Does he press himself against her the same way?
00:15:43Speak in that low, gentle voice into her ear?
00:15:47Line up the sights.
00:15:48Aim for center.
00:15:50Ten rings.
00:15:51When the magazine ran dry.
00:15:52I turned to face him.
00:15:54I turned to face him.
00:16:01His eyes were full of pride.
00:16:02The kind that says I trained her myself.
00:16:05He pulled me into him.
00:16:06And bent his head to kiss my hair.
00:16:08I breathed in the smell of him.
00:16:09And could only think about how that same smell had clung to another woman last night.
00:16:14The others were already clamoring.
00:16:16To go drinking.
00:16:17Dante walked out with his arm around me.
00:16:19The district captains trailing behind.
00:16:21Still debating my last few shots.
00:16:23We were at the warehouse entrance when his phone rang.
00:16:26He glanced at the screen.
00:16:28And his expression shifted.
00:16:30Just for a moment.
00:16:30But I saw it.
00:16:31That pleased, loosened look.
00:16:33Instantly suppressed.
00:16:34Replaced by something carefully arranged to look like concern.
00:16:37Yeah.
00:16:38He listened for a few seconds.
00:16:41Got it.
00:16:42I'm on my way.
00:16:43He ended the call and looked at me.
00:16:46His face carried that specific blend of apology and urgency he wore so well.
00:16:51Vivian.
00:16:52There's a problem down at the port.
00:16:53I have to go handle it.
00:16:55Cesar will take you home.
00:16:57I didn't tell him I'd heard Scarlet's voice in the background.
00:17:01God.
00:17:02He was good.
00:17:05Come on.
00:17:06I'll drive you.
00:17:06Cesar stepped forward.
00:17:07I followed him to the other car.
00:17:10Before I got in, I glanced back.
00:17:15At the corner, a red sports car was parked with its lights on.
00:17:18A Porsche, new model.
00:17:20I couldn't make out the face inside, but I could see the long blonde hair.
00:17:24Scarlet's car.
00:17:25I had seen it once before, last week on Dante's phone.
00:17:27Scarlet had sent him a photo of herself leaning against the hood, smiling with a caption that
00:17:31read,
00:17:32Come pick me up.
00:17:33He wasn't going to the port.
00:17:34That shipment had arrived three days ago.
00:17:37Luca had reported last night that everything was fine.
00:17:40He was going to her.
00:17:42Three months ago, Scarlet had appeared in his life.
00:17:45He had been commissioning custom gifts for me while texting her, memorizing my shooting
00:17:49habits while figuring out how to get her into bed.
00:17:52I almost laughed at that.
00:17:53What was I laughing at?
00:17:54At how certain he was, I didn't know.
00:17:56At how convincing his performance had been.
00:17:59Or at myself, knowing everything perfectly, and still feeling it like a punch to the chest
00:18:03when I saw that red car.
00:18:12The elevator doors opened.
00:18:14I walked into the apartment.
00:18:16Everything looked exactly as I'd left it.
00:18:18But something felt off the moment I stepped through the door.
00:18:21The air had changed.
00:18:24A trace of perfume.
00:18:26Faint, but real.
00:18:28Sweet and cloying.
00:18:29With a floral undertone.
00:18:32Not mine.
00:18:33I had never worn anything like that.
00:18:35I went into the bedroom.
00:18:38I had left in a hurry that morning.
00:18:40The comforter shoved aside.
00:18:42Pillows askew.
00:18:43Now the bedding was smooth.
00:18:44Both pillows set neatly side by side.
00:18:47The corners tucked.
00:18:49Someone had been here.
00:18:50Someone had come into my bedroom.
00:18:52And touched my bed.
00:18:53I checked the wardrobe.
00:18:56All my clothes were hanging where I'd left them.
00:18:58Undisturbed.
00:18:59I exhaled.
00:19:01And was about to turn away when something caught the edge of my vision.
00:19:04On the innermost shelf.
00:19:06A single high heel.
00:19:08Red stiletto.
00:19:09The vamp glittering with rhinestones.
00:19:12Not my size.
00:19:14Not my style.
00:19:15I had never owned anything like it.
00:19:17She had left it here.
00:19:18On purpose.
00:19:19This apartment was Dante's private ground.
00:19:22In three years, I had never seen a single family member set foot inside without being invited.
00:19:28Even Luca called ahead and waited at the door.
00:19:31Cicere only ever delivered things to the lobby downstairs.
00:19:34Anyone else didn't even come into the building.
00:19:37And yet someone had been inside.
00:19:39A woman.
00:19:40Wearing perfume I would never wear.
00:19:42Shoes I would never own.
00:19:43And she had made herself at home in my bed.
00:19:54I picked up my phone and almost called Dante.
00:19:57Then I didn't.
00:19:58What would I even say?
00:19:59Did you bring another woman here?
00:20:02He would say no.
00:20:03He'd say I was imagining things.
00:20:05He'd say that must be the cleaning lady's perfume.
00:20:07He would perform it flawlessly.
00:20:09He always did.
00:20:10The nausea rose again.
00:20:13She had been here.
00:20:14Maybe yesterday.
00:20:15Maybe this very afternoon.
00:20:17I went to the guest room and closed the door.
00:20:19It smelled faintly of dust.
00:20:21No one had slept here in a long time.
00:20:23But it was better than the bedroom.
00:20:25No perfume.
00:20:26No sign of anyone.
00:20:27I lay down and stared at the ceiling.
00:20:30My phone buzzed.
00:20:31A message from Dante.
00:20:33Asleep already?
00:20:34I looked at those two words.
00:20:35And tried to picture where he was when he sent them.
00:20:38In his car?
00:20:39In her apartment?
00:20:40Just out of her bed?
00:20:42I typed back.
00:20:43Yes.
00:20:44His call came through immediately.
00:20:46I watched his name on the screen.
00:20:48Hesitated two seconds.
00:20:50Picked up.
00:20:51You're asleep and you still answered?
00:20:53There was a smile in his voice.
00:20:55You woke me up.
00:20:56I miss you.
00:20:57He said.
00:20:58I'll definitely come home early tomorrow to be with you.
00:21:01I closed my eyes.
00:21:02Okay.
00:21:03He would come home.
00:21:04Wearing her perfume.
00:21:05Maybe with a mark on his neck.
00:21:07With that gentle face of his.
00:21:09Telling me he had missed me.
00:21:11And I.
00:21:12Would pretend I had no idea.
00:21:22When I came downstairs the next morning.
00:21:24Dante was already at the table.
00:21:26He stood up when he saw me and crossed the room to hold me.
00:21:35Got back late last night.
00:21:37Hope I didn't disturb you.
00:21:38No.
00:21:39I said.
00:21:39I slept soundly.
00:21:43He walked me to the table and pulled out my chair.
00:21:48The coffee was hot.
00:21:49The toast was golden.
00:21:51He had buttered it himself and set it on my plate.
00:21:54Three years every time he came home late the next morning looked like this.
00:21:58Attentive solicitous.
00:21:59Walking on eggshells.
00:22:02Only this time it was more than usual.
00:22:05Guilt from cheating maybe.
00:22:06Or the sense that I'd noticed something.
00:22:08I didn't care which.
00:22:13Get the situation sorted out last night?
00:22:16I asked.
00:22:16Yeah.
00:22:17That shipment at the port was a headache but we handled it.
00:22:21I nodded and took a bite of toast.
00:22:24He watched me eat.
00:22:25His fingers tapped lightly on the table.
00:22:27That was his nervous habit.
00:22:29Three years of watching him.
00:22:30I could read it easily.
00:22:32Vivian.
00:22:32He began.
00:22:33I want to make it up to you.
00:22:35I looked up.
00:22:37I've been neglecting you lately.
00:22:39Too much going on.
00:22:40This weekend?
00:22:42Let's go to the island.
00:22:43Just the two of us.
00:22:45He covered my hand with his expression, doing something careful and deliberate.
00:22:50I have a surprise for you.
00:22:58That small island off Long Island, he'd bought it two years ago.
00:23:02We had only been twice and neither time for more than a day.
00:23:06A surprise?
00:23:07I said.
00:23:07You'll love it.
00:23:08He squeezed my hand.
00:23:09I promise.
00:23:11I looked at the expectation in his eyes.
00:23:14He thought I knew nothing.
00:23:15He thought a weekend getaway could patch over every late night he'd clocked lately.
00:23:19All right.
00:23:20I said.
00:23:21He smiled and leaned in to kiss me.
00:23:23I closed my eyes behind them.
00:23:25The red stiletto.
00:23:26The cloying perfume.
00:23:28The particular way he had smelled when he came home last night.
00:23:33I had a great deal to do in the next three days.
00:23:36On the first night, Dante drank.
00:23:38He had always had a good head for liquor, but he drank heavily that evening.
00:23:41Maybe guilt.
00:23:42Maybe shame.
00:23:43I didn't care about his reasons.
00:23:45I only needed him drunk.
00:23:47When he was out sprawled across the bed, I took his phone, lifted his right hand, and
00:23:51pressed his thumb to the screen.
00:23:53Unlocked.
00:23:56I pulled up the documents I needed signed.
00:23:58One by one.
00:23:59Asset transfer paperwork I had spent the last few days preparing.
00:24:03More than enough to live on after I disappeared.
00:24:06I went back to the bedroom.
00:24:08He was half conscious, mumbling something.
00:24:13Dante, I need your signature on a few things.
00:24:16I said softly.
00:24:17Sign what?
00:24:18He murmured.
00:24:21For the company.
00:24:23Luca said it's urgent.
00:24:24He nodded.
00:24:25I eased him upright and put a pen in his hand.
00:24:28Without looking at a single page, he signed wherever I pointed.
00:24:33When the last signature was done, he dropped back against the pillow and was fully out.
00:24:38I stood at the edge of the bed looking at him.
00:24:41Three years I had loved that face.
00:24:43That face had smiled at me, cried in front of me, made promises to me.
00:24:47Last night it had been pressed against another woman's neck.
00:24:51No matter.
00:24:52This island trip would be my best opportunity.
00:24:55Two days from now, gone for good.
00:24:59Goodbye, Dante.
00:25:12Saturday night, 8 o'clock.
00:25:14Two suitcases stood side by side in the entryway.
00:25:17The boat to the island left first thing tomorrow morning.
00:25:20I was packed and ready.
00:25:22Dante was on the sofa taking a call.
00:25:24His voice kept deliberately low.
00:25:26But I was in the kitchen doorway pouring a glass of water.
00:25:29And I caught the last few words anyway.
00:25:32Got it.
00:25:33I'm coming now.
00:25:34He hung up and came to find me.
00:25:38Wearing the expression I knew far too well.
00:25:41Apologetic, urgent.
00:25:42And underneath it, that almost invisible guilt.
00:25:48He laid his hand on my shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.
00:25:53Vivian, I have to step out and handle something.
00:25:56I looked at him over the rim of my glass and said nothing.
00:25:59There's an emergency at the port.
00:26:01I have to go myself.
00:26:05We're leaving for the island first thing tomorrow morning.
00:26:07I said.
00:26:08I know.
00:26:09I'll deal with it and come straight to the island.
00:26:12You go ahead with the boat.
00:26:14But I'll be there a few hours behind you.
00:26:16Liar.
00:26:16I looked at his eyes.
00:26:17Gray-blue.
00:26:18Beautiful.
00:26:19Right now they carried a flicker of evasion.
00:26:21But mostly that uncompromising certainty.
00:26:23The look of a man who has already made his choice and is merely informing you of it.
00:26:28But I wanted to try one last time.
00:26:30For the sake of my three years.
00:26:32To give him one final chance.
00:26:34Can't someone else go?
00:26:36Luca or Seseza?
00:26:38I heard something in my own voice.
00:26:40A plea I hadn't intended to let through.
00:26:42Something crossed his face.
00:26:44Quick, but I saw it.
00:26:45Luca's in Brooklyn dealing with something else.
00:26:48Chazari can't handle this one.
00:26:49He smiled.
00:26:50That soothing, coaxing smile.
00:26:52His hand came up to touch my face.
00:26:57Business stuff.
00:26:58You wouldn't understand it.
00:27:03It'll only be a few hours.
00:27:05I promise I'll spend all day with you tomorrow.
00:27:19I held his gaze for several seconds.
00:27:22His eyes slid sideways for just a moment.
00:27:24Then came back to me.
00:27:25I mean it.
00:27:27I promise.
00:27:29That's what you said last night, too.
00:27:32Last chance, Dante.
00:27:33He exhaled and reached out to hold me.
00:27:36I stepped back.
00:27:37His arms stayed open in the air between us.
00:27:40This one is a real emergency.
00:27:42That cargo run?
00:27:43Something's gone wrong with the shipment.
00:27:45If I don't deal with it tonight, the losses will be significant.
00:27:47What cargo?
00:27:52Just the port job.
00:27:54You know the one.
00:27:55I didn't.
00:27:56He had never told me the details of his business.
00:27:59He always said not to worry.
00:28:00Now he was using it as an excuse, knowing I had nothing to push back with.
00:28:04I nodded.
00:28:05Go ahead, then.
00:28:07He visibly relaxed.
00:28:08A smile broke across his face.
00:28:10He stepped forward and pulled me in.
00:28:13Thank you for understanding.
00:28:14I swear tomorrow is all yours.
00:28:17Anything you want on the island will do it.
00:28:21His chin rested on top of my head.
00:28:22His hand moved in slow, familiar circles on my back.
00:28:25He had done this thousands of times, over three years.
00:28:28I used to think it was comfort.
00:28:29Now it felt like a courtesy.
00:28:34I love you.
00:28:35Wait for me.
00:28:36He said.
00:28:39He walked past me, picked up his coat from the entryway, and pushed through the door.
00:28:49I went to the window and looked down.
00:28:51His black sedan was at the curb, the driver already holding the rear door open.
00:28:55And at the corner, under the street lamp, the red sports car was parked and waiting.
00:29:00I couldn't tell from here whether someone was inside, but I knew there was.
00:29:03That car was waiting for him.
00:29:04For her.
00:29:05He wasn't going to the port.
00:29:17I could picture it.
00:29:18He would get out of his car.
00:29:19She would come forward to meet him.
00:29:21He would pull her into his arms.
00:29:25I watched his sedan pull away.
00:29:27Then I watched the red car follow it and vanish.
00:29:34Then I went to the bedroom and took out the gun he had given me.
00:29:40I drove to the cliffs at the shore.
00:29:45The eastern tip of Long Island below.
00:29:47Black rocks and open sea.
00:29:49No one came here at night.
00:29:51Just the wind and the sound of waves beating against the reef, over and over.
00:29:55I parked at the roadside and walked to the edge with the gun.
00:29:58The wind was fierce enough to whip my hair across my face.
00:30:01All I could hear was the water.
00:30:02Far away and close at once, like another world.
00:30:06I crouched down, took out the bag of blood I'd brought,
00:30:08and poured it over the gun and across the rocks around it.
00:30:13I stood, stepped back, studied the scene.
00:30:16Then I drew the gun, and fired once, into the open air.
00:30:18Bang.
00:30:19The casing landed in the blood.
00:30:20I dropped the gun beside it.
00:30:22It struck the stone and left a dent on the barrel.
00:30:24Gun blood.
00:30:25Casing.
00:30:25It looked like someone had come here to end their life and gone over the edge.
00:30:29The ash team would make sure everything else was perfect.
00:30:32By morning someone would find it, the police would be called.
00:30:35He would be notified.
00:30:36I stood there a moment longer, looking at what I'd left behind.
00:30:38Then I turned and walked back to the car.
00:30:40I didn't look back.
00:30:51At three in the morning, I pulled into the airport parking structure,
00:30:54grabbed my bags, and walked into the terminal.
00:30:57I found the check-in counter.
00:30:59Good evening.
00:31:00A one-way ticket to Zurich.
00:31:02The agent glanced at my passport and tapped at her keyboard.
00:31:05Miss Phoenix, your flight departs at six.
00:31:08You can check your luggage now.
00:31:11Yes.
00:31:12Have a pleasant journey.
00:31:17I took the boarding pass and walked toward security.
00:31:20My phone was still in my pocket.
00:31:22I took it out and dropped it into the trash on my way through.
00:31:26Goodbye, Dante.
00:31:27Goodbye to your world of lies and deceit.
00:31:38The plane began to taxi, then it accelerated and lifted off.
00:31:41New York shrank below the window.
00:31:43The towers, the streets.
00:31:45The places I had lived for three years.
00:31:47The world that belonged to Dante Moretti.
00:31:49In ten hours I would wake up in another country.
00:31:51No Dante.
00:31:52No Scarlet.
00:31:53No lies.
00:31:54No betrayal.
00:31:54He would spend the rest of his life remembering that the night he chose to leave, his wife
00:31:58had walked to the sea and never come back.
00:32:00The next morning at ten, Dante's boat docked at the pier of the private island.
00:32:04The sun was strong, the water a brilliant blue.
00:32:06Dante jumped off the bow.
00:32:08Bodyguards behind him.
00:32:09A bunch of white roses in his hand.
00:32:10He'd had them flown in for Manhattan the night before.
00:32:13She here yet?
00:32:14He asked.
00:32:14The steward who came to meet him.
00:32:16The steward's face was wrong.
00:32:17Sir, Miss Vivian hasn't arrived.
00:32:19Dante frowned.
00:32:21Hasn't arrived.
00:32:22The boat left at eight.
00:32:22The pier reports she never boarded.
00:32:24He pulled out.
00:32:25His phone and called her.
00:32:26Switched off.
00:32:27Called again.
00:32:28Still switched off.
00:32:29Send someone to check the apartment.
00:32:30He said it to the bodyguard behind him and kept walking toward the villa.
00:32:34She'd overslept, probably.
00:32:35Missed the boat.
00:32:36Let her phone die.
00:32:37He kept telling himself things.
00:32:39Like that as he walked.
00:32:40The villa was on the eastern bluffs.
00:32:42Of the island three stories white floor to ceiling windows facing the sea.
00:32:46Dante pushed inside.
00:32:48The living room was empty.
00:32:50On the table sat a bottle of wine and two glasses.
00:32:53He had asked someone to set that up.
00:32:55He'd been planning to sit here with her tonight and watch the sun go down.
00:33:00His phone rang.
00:33:05Sir, no one at the apartment.
00:33:07But we found something at the shore.
00:33:10What shore?
00:33:10Be specific.
00:33:12Two seconds of silence on the line.
00:33:13The bluffs on the eastern end of Long Island.
00:33:16You should come see this yourself.
00:33:17Three hours later, Dante stood at the edge of those cliffs.
00:33:20The sun had shifted west.
00:33:22The sea wind tore at his hair.
00:33:24He looked down at what lay on the rocks.
00:33:26A gun, silver.
00:33:27The grip engraved with VR.
00:33:28The one he had given her.
00:33:30The stones around the gun were stained.
00:33:31Dark red brown.
00:33:32Dried now.
00:33:38A white silk scarf soaked through, had blown into the scrub at the edge.
00:33:42He crouched and reached for the gun.
00:33:43The instant.
00:33:44His fingers touched the metal.
00:33:46His entire body went rigid.
00:33:48Sir.
00:33:49The bodyguard behind him said.
00:33:51We received a report this morning.
00:33:54Someone spotted blood at the base of the cliffs.
00:33:56The coast guard is conducting a search.
00:33:58Dante said nothing.
00:33:59He stared at the gun.
00:34:00At the blood.
00:34:01At the scarf.
00:34:02She had been here last night.
00:34:03With his gun.
00:34:04He saw it in his mind.
00:34:06The moment he'd left the apartment.
00:34:07She had been standing at the window looking down at the street.
00:34:10When he'd settled into the car, had he glanced back?
00:34:13He hadn't.
00:34:14He had told his driver to take.
00:34:16Him straight to Scarlet's.
00:34:18Sir.
00:34:18The bodyguard's voice came.
00:34:20From far away.
00:34:21Dante stood up.
00:34:23Turned and walked toward the car.
00:34:24Moving fast.
00:34:25Sir.
00:34:25Where to?
00:34:27The island.
00:34:30Now.
00:34:31It was nearly six by the time the boat reached the island again.
00:34:35The sun was sinking, turning the water red.
00:34:37Dante went through.
00:34:38The villa room by room.
00:34:39Bedroom empty.
00:34:40Her luggage gone.
00:34:42Bathroom.
00:34:42Her skincare things gone.
00:34:44Wardrobe.
00:34:45Her clothes.
00:34:46All gone.
00:34:46He stood in the middle of the empty wardrobe.
00:34:49And looked at the bare racks.
00:34:51Three months ago, when he'd commissioned the gun.
00:34:53She had smiled and said thank you.
00:34:54Two weeks ago, he had brought her to the shooting range.
00:34:57And she had fired ten rings.
00:34:59And he had told everyone in the room, she is mine.
00:35:01Last night when he left, she had been standing at the window.
00:35:04Watching the street below, he had assumed she would be there.
00:35:07When he got back, he went to the living room and grabbed his cracked phone.
00:35:11Luca.
00:35:11I need you to check everything.
00:35:12Every airline, every exit record.
00:35:14Her credit cards, bank accounts.
00:35:15Anyone she's been in contact with recently.
00:35:18Boss.
00:35:19What happened?
00:35:22She's gone.
00:35:28Who?
00:35:31Vivian.
00:35:32He hung up and hurled the phone at the wall.
00:35:34It bounced off and landed on the floor.
00:35:36Screen shattered.
00:35:37The bodyguard stood in the doorway and didn't dare come in.
00:35:40Dante moved to the window and stared out at the sea.
00:35:42The sky was going dark.
00:35:44Waves beat against the rocks below.
00:35:46She had stood at the sea last night.
00:35:47Alone.
00:35:48With that gun.
00:35:49His phone buzzed from the corner.
00:35:50Luca calling back.
00:35:51He walked over and picked it up.
00:35:53The screen was cracked, but still worked.
00:35:55Boss.
00:35:56Nothing.
00:35:57No records of anything.
00:35:59Luca, her credit card went dark after yesterday.
00:36:01Her bank account transferred two million dollars to an anonymous account in Switzerland.
00:36:06No airline has any record of her leaving.
00:36:09What do you mean, no record?
00:36:12Could be a fake ID.
00:36:14If she'd been planning this ahead of time.
00:36:16Luca didn't finish the sentence.
00:36:18Dante ended the call.
00:36:19He went to the bedroom and lay down on the bed.
00:36:22The sheets still carried the faint smell of her laundry soap.
00:36:25He pressed his face into the pillow.
00:36:27The door opened.
00:36:27The click of heels on the floor.
00:36:29Dante.
00:36:30He looked up.
00:36:32Scarlet stood in the doorway in a red dress.
00:36:34Bag on her arm.
00:36:35I heard something happened.
00:36:38Are you alright?
00:36:39Dante looked at her for a few seconds.
00:36:41Then he got up and crossed the room.
00:36:44How did you get in?
00:36:47The door was open, so I just...
00:36:50He grabbed her arm and pushed her toward the exit.
00:36:53She shrieked and stumbled, one heel twisting, and nearly fell.
00:36:57Get out.
00:36:59Dante, I only wanted to...
00:37:01Get out!
00:37:05The words came out loud enough to startle even him.
00:37:07Scarlet scrambled to her feet and ran.
00:37:09He stood in the middle of the living room, breathing hard.
00:37:17Then something occurred to him.
00:37:19He turned and went to the guest room.
00:37:20He pushed the door open.
00:37:21Everything in order.
00:37:23Bed made.
00:37:24Curtains drawn.
00:37:24He went to the wardrobe and opened it.
00:37:26A nightgown hung inside.
00:37:28White silk.
00:37:29She wore it sometime.
00:37:30Just the one.
00:37:30He took it down, silk cool and smooth, carrying the faintest trace of her.
00:37:34He sat on the edge of the bed.
00:37:36He held the nightgown in both hands and stayed there.
00:37:38Head bowed motionless.
00:37:39Outside, the sky went completely dark.
00:37:42Waves came in off the water, steady and rhythmic.
00:37:44His shoulders began to shake.
00:37:46Then he broke.
00:37:46He bent over, forehead pressing to his knees, holding that silk nightgown, crying until he
00:37:51couldn't breathe.
00:37:52She was gone.
00:37:53She had planned it all well in advance.
00:37:55She had waited until he left.
00:37:56Driven to the shore, used his gun.
00:37:57When he had walked out the door, she had been standing at the window, watching him.
00:38:01He had ducked into the car.
00:38:03The car pulled away.
00:38:03She had stood there.
00:38:04Until it disappeared, then turned and picked up her back.
00:38:07What had she been thinking?
00:38:08He kept seeing her face, the way she had looked.
00:38:11At him one last time.
00:38:12The light had been behind her.
00:38:14And he hadn't been able to read her expression.
00:38:16He could read it now.
00:38:17It hadn't been anger.
00:38:19It hadn't been disappointment.
00:38:20It had been goodbye.
00:38:22Scarlet appeared.
00:38:23In front of Dante again one week later.
00:38:25He had just come back from the shore, soaked through.
00:38:28The coast guard had been searching.
00:38:30For three days and found nothing.
00:38:32They told him he should accept the reality.
00:38:34Nobody survived those conditions.
00:38:36He didn't accept it.
00:38:37He sent everyone away.
00:38:38And drove to the shore alone.
00:38:40And stood there for an entire day.
00:38:46He came back to the apartment after dark.
00:38:48When he pushed the door open,
00:38:50Scarlet was sitting on the living room sofa.
00:38:52Black dress, careful makeup, hair down.
00:38:54A bottle of wine.
00:38:56And two glasses on the coffee table.
00:38:58How did you get in?
00:39:00Your bodyguard knows me.
00:39:01She stood and took two steps toward him.
00:39:05Dante, I saw the news.
00:39:07I'm so sorry.
00:39:08He looked at her without speaking.
00:39:10I know you're hurting right now.
00:39:12She said softly.
00:39:13But you can't keep doing this to yourself.
00:39:16You need someone with you.
00:39:17He pulled off his soap jacket.
00:39:19And dropped it on the bottle.
00:39:21What do you want?
00:39:22Scarlet moved closer.
00:39:23And raised her hand toward his face.
00:39:25He stepped back.
00:39:27She stopped.
00:39:27Then she smiled a gentle.
00:39:29Slightly wounded smile.
00:39:30I want to be here for you.
00:39:32I've been worried about you all week.
00:39:34Another step forward.
00:39:35Don't bother.
00:39:36Dante.
00:39:37I know losing her is devastating.
00:39:39But life goes on.
00:39:40You still have me.
00:39:42He looked at her.
00:39:43Have what?
00:39:44I can take care of you.
00:39:46We could be together.
00:39:47I know you might not want to hear this now.
00:39:50But time heals everything.
00:39:53After a while.
00:39:54After a while.
00:39:55What?
00:39:56We could start something.
00:39:58Dante held her gaze for a moment.
00:40:00Then he laughed.
00:40:00And the sound of it made Scarlet.
00:40:02Take a step back.
00:40:03Start what?
00:40:07Just us.
00:40:08She gestured vaguely between them.
00:40:09I know this might be too soon.
00:40:11But I just want you to know I'm willing to be there for you.
00:40:14You don't have to carry this alone.
00:40:17You think you can replace her?
00:40:21Scarlet bit her lip.
00:40:23I'm not saying replace her.
00:40:24I just want to...
00:40:25You want to take her place.
00:40:27She went quiet.
00:40:29Dante walked toward her.
00:40:31Slowly.
00:40:32Each step deliberate.
00:40:34Scarlet retreated until the back.
00:40:35Of her knees hit the sofa.
00:40:37And she couldn't go further.
00:40:43Do you know what kind of person she was?
00:40:46His voice was very low.
00:40:47She was with me for three years.
00:40:50Three years and she never complained once.
00:40:55I left in the middle of the night and she never asked where I was going.
00:40:59Whatever I was doing outside, she never once pried.
00:41:01Scarlet opened her mouth.
00:41:03No sound came out.
00:41:04I gave her that gun.
00:41:06She practiced until she shot ten rings.
00:41:08I said in front of everyone,
00:41:11She's mine.
00:41:13And she smiled.
00:41:14You stood directly in front of her, looking down.
00:41:17What are you?
00:41:19The color drained from Scarlet's face.
00:41:21You were the woman I kept on the outside for amusement.
00:41:24He spoke each word with surgical precision.
00:41:27You're comparing yourself to her?
00:41:29What exactly would you be comparing?
00:41:32Scarlet's eyes went red.
00:41:33Dante, I know you're not in a stable place right now.
00:41:36I'm perfectly stable.
00:41:38He cut her off.
00:41:39More stable than I've ever been in my life.
00:41:43Listen to what I'm saying.
00:41:44He pointed at the door.
00:41:46Don't come back here.
00:41:47Don't call me.
00:41:48Don't let me see your face again.
00:41:50A tear slid down Scarlet's cheek.
00:41:52I love you.
00:41:54He laughed.
00:41:54And something in that laugh rooted her.
00:41:56To the floor.
00:41:57You love me.
00:41:59He leaned down until he was level with her face.
00:42:02You love my money.
00:42:03My position.
00:42:04The apartment and the bags I bought you.
00:42:07You have never loved me.
00:42:09That's not true.
00:42:11Do you know what she loved?
00:42:12She loved me.
00:42:15Three years ago, I was nothing.
00:42:17Just some blood-stained thug.
00:42:20She came with me anyway, and she never once asked what I could give her.
00:42:24He straightened.
00:42:25Leave.
00:42:27Scarlet stood there without moving.
00:42:30He walked to the door, and held it open.
00:42:35Don't make me call someone in.
00:42:37She stared at him, lips trembling.
00:42:39Then she picked up her bag, and walked out quickly.
00:42:42As she passed him, she stopped.
00:42:45Dante.
00:42:47She's dead.
00:42:48Wake up.
00:42:49He looked at her.
00:42:50That one look sent a cold shock down Scarlet's spine.
00:42:53She had never seen.
00:42:54That kind of emptiness.
00:42:55In another human being's eyes, hollow and utterly still, but somehow terrifying.
00:42:58She turned, and ran.
00:43:00The door closed.
00:43:01Dante stood in the entryway, without moving.
00:43:12After a long time, he went back to the living room, and sat down.
00:43:16The bottle of wine still stood.
00:43:17On the coffee table, the two glasses side by side.
00:43:20He stared at them for a long time.
00:43:22Then he picked one up, and hurled it at the floor.
00:43:25Glass exploded across the room.
00:43:27He got up, went to the guest room, and took the white silk nightgown from the wardrobe.
00:43:32He sat on the edge of the bed and held it.
00:43:34Outside, a siren wailed.
00:43:36Coming closer, then fading.
00:43:37He looked out the window.
00:43:39The sky was fully dark.
00:43:43Six weeks later.
00:43:44St. Catherine, Louisiana.
00:43:47Sunlight filtered through the sycamore leaves and scattered across the dirt road in uneven
00:43:51patches of light and shadow.
00:44:00A pickup truck rattled past.
00:44:02The bed loaded with hay bales.
00:44:04The old man driving it gave a short press of the horn as he went by.
00:44:08I nodded and kept walking.
00:44:09The main street wasn't long.
00:44:11A few shops on either side.
00:44:12A general store.
00:44:14A bakery.
00:44:15A second-hand bookshop.
00:44:16At the far end, a small white church with a bell in its steeple.
00:44:20The orphanage sat right next to the church.
00:44:24I had come here six weeks ago.
00:44:27Nothing but a new passport and some cash.
00:44:29When I walked into the church, the old priest had asked what I needed.
00:44:32I told him I was looking for somewhere to stay.
00:44:34Somewhere I could be of use.
00:44:36He brought me here.
00:44:39The sister who ran this place passed away last month.
00:44:43He said,
00:44:44These children need someone.
00:44:47So I stayed.
00:44:49The children called me Sister Maria, though I wasn't a real nun.
00:44:53Nobody asked too many questions.
00:44:55Small towns don't pry.
00:44:58With the money I had brought out, I bought drawing paper and crayons and started teaching art.
00:45:03I cleared out the weeds in the yard and planted flowers.
00:45:08Repainted the common room.
00:45:10Hung new curtains.
00:45:13The orphanage, which had been falling apart at the seams, was now the prettiest building on the street.
00:45:18Sister Maria!
00:45:19A small girl held up her drawing.
00:45:21Look!
00:45:22The paper showed a figure with brown hair and a blue dress.
00:45:25Beside it in unsteady letters, Maria.
00:45:30Is that me?
00:45:32She nodded.
00:45:35I picked her up and kissed her cheek.
00:45:39There was a knock at the door.
00:45:41I turned.
00:45:44A man stood in the frame, black shirt and trousers.
00:45:47A paper bag in one hand.
00:45:49Somewhere around 30, dark hair.
00:45:51Light brown eyes.
00:45:52Hello?
00:45:53He said.
00:46:00I'm Michael.
00:46:01The new priest.
00:46:02It took me a second.
00:46:03The old priest had mentioned someone was coming to take over.
00:46:06Maria.
00:46:07I said.
00:46:07The children call me Sister Maria.
00:46:10He smiled.
00:46:11An easy, unhurried smile.
00:46:13I brought some food.
00:46:15He set the bag on the table.
00:46:17Just out of the oven at the bakery.
00:46:19The children swarmed the bag.
00:46:20Cookies still warm.
00:46:22He turned and looked at me.
00:46:24His gaze was careful, as though he was afraid of disturbing something.
00:46:27After he left, the children went back to their drawings.
00:46:30I stood at the window and watched his figure disappear through the church doors.
00:46:35At three in the afternoon, I walked into town to buy paint.
00:46:39The woman at the general store greeted me and said the new priest was a good man.
00:46:43Had fixed the leaking roof on her house just yesterday.
00:46:47I smiled, paid for the paint, and headed out with the bag.
00:46:53I stopped at the community notice board in the town square.
00:46:56All sorts of things pinned up.
00:46:58Lost and found.
00:46:59Rooms for rent.
00:47:01Announcements from the church council.
00:47:02At the top was a sheet of paper that looked newly posted, its corners barely beginning to curl.
00:47:07It was large white, and on it was printed a face.
00:47:10A face I knew.
00:47:11Dante Marietti.
00:47:12The man in the photograph looked haggard.
00:47:13Dark circles carved deep under his eyes.
00:47:16Stubble unshaved, like someone who hadn't slept in days.
00:47:18But I knew it was him.
00:47:19I had spent three years looking at that face.
00:47:21I could have picked it out blind.
00:47:23The notice said this individual was a person of interest in multiple cases.
00:47:26Anyone with information was asked to call the number below.
00:47:29My hand went slack.
00:47:30The basket dropped.
00:47:31Tomatoes spilled out and rolled to the edge of the road.
00:47:35I bent to pick them up.
00:47:36My fingers were shaking.
00:47:38One, two, three, the tomatoes felt very soft, almost bruised.
00:47:41When I touched them.
00:47:42He'd tracked me here.
00:47:44No, that was impossible.
00:47:46This was a wanted notice.
00:47:47They'd be posted statewide.
00:47:57Maybe it was just chance.
00:47:59Maybe this town was so remote they'd only just put them up.
00:48:02I stood, a tomato in my fist.
00:48:04The board held all the usual things.
00:48:06A missing dog.
00:48:08Grooms for rent.
00:48:10Used furniture.
00:48:11Only the wanted notice was new.
00:48:12The paper still white.
00:48:14Corners not yet lifted by the wind.
00:48:16He has come looking for me.
00:48:17Or he is on the run.
00:48:18Either way, whatever the reason he had appeared on this paper in this town.
00:48:22In the place I had finally carefully made my own.
00:48:25The sun was fierce.
00:48:26It made my head spin.
00:48:28I stood there a long time looking at that face.
00:48:31The photo had aged him by five years.
00:48:33The man who had held me at the shooting range and smiled.
00:48:36Who had said in front of everyone, she is mine.
00:48:38Who had held me one last time on that last night.
00:48:41And told me he loved me.
00:48:43Now he was on this paper wanted.
00:48:46I picked up the basket and turned back.
00:48:48A few steps on I stopped.
00:48:50Glanced back.
00:48:52That face was still there.
00:48:54Watching me.
00:48:55I walked quickly.
00:48:57By the time I reached the orphanage gate, I walked straight into someone.
00:49:01Father Michael caught me by the shoulders.
00:49:03Sister Maria.
00:49:05Are you alright?
00:49:06You're pale.
00:49:07I looked up at him.
00:49:09His face was open with concern.
00:49:11Clean, genuine.
00:49:13I'm fine.
00:49:14I said.
00:49:14It's the heat.
00:49:15He held my gaze for a moment without speaking.
00:49:18I stepped past him and went into the yard.
00:49:21The children were napping.
00:49:22The yard was quiet.
00:49:24The flowers on the wall were blooming well red and yellow and pink, blazing in the afternoon sun.
00:49:29I crouched down and pressed my face to my knees.
00:49:32Three months.
00:49:33I had thought I'd escaped, that I could start over.
00:49:36That that name would never find its way back into my life.
00:49:39Now he was somewhere in this town.
00:49:40Maybe already through the gate.
00:49:42Maybe already asking around for a woman named Maria.
00:49:45I pressed my nails into my palm.
00:49:55I pressed my nails into my palm.
00:49:57The sun scorched my back.
00:49:59My whole body was cold.
00:50:08The black SUV rolled into St. Catherine while I was standing at the orphanage gate handing
00:50:13out candy to the children.
00:50:15The sun was brutal.
00:50:16I squinted as the vehicle came slowly down the road, moving as if it didn't want to startle
00:50:21anyone.
00:50:22The windows were tinted dark.
00:50:23I couldn't see inside.
00:50:25But I knew.
00:50:26The SUV stopped in front of the gate.
00:50:29Two men in black suits climbed out first.
00:50:32Then the rear door opened and Dante Moretti stepped down.
00:50:35He had lost a great deal of weight.
00:50:37His cheekbones jutted.
00:50:39His eyes had gone hollow.
00:50:41He hadn't shaved in days.
00:50:42His dark suit hung on him as if it belonged to someone slightly larger.
00:50:46He stood beside the car and looked at me.
00:50:48I kept handing out candy.
00:50:50The last piece went to Lily.
00:50:53She grabbed it and ran back inside, peering over her shoulder at the strangers.
00:50:57Inside!
00:50:58I said to the children.
00:50:59They ran.
00:51:06The yard went quiet.
00:51:08Dante walked toward me.
00:51:09He moved as though every step cost him something.
00:51:12He stopped three paces away.
00:51:14Vivian.
00:51:15His voice had gone hoarse.
00:51:17Like someone who hadn't spoken in days.
00:51:19I didn't move.
00:51:20I looked at him.
00:51:22He took another step forward.
00:51:23I've been looking for you a long time.
00:51:25I stepped back.
00:51:26He stopped.
00:51:27Something flickered in his eyes.
00:51:29Brief.
00:51:30But I caught it.
00:51:31Pain.
00:51:32Come home with me.
00:51:33He said.
00:51:34I don't know who you are.
00:51:35His brow creased.
00:51:37Vivian.
00:51:38There's no one here by that name.
00:51:39I turned.
00:51:40And started toward the building.
00:51:42Behind me footsteps.
00:51:43Quick and heavy.
00:51:45Then my wrist was seized.
00:51:46His hand was burning hot.
00:51:48His fingers locked around me like a vice.
00:51:51Listen to me.
00:51:52I wrenched free.
00:51:53The force of it surprised even me.
00:51:56He stood where he was.
00:51:57Hand still extended.
00:51:58In the shape of the grip.
00:52:08Let me go.
00:52:09Vivian.
00:52:09I was wrong.
00:52:10His voice had started to shake.
00:52:12I know I was wrong.
00:52:14Come back with me.
00:52:15We can talk it through.
00:52:16I don't know who you are.
00:52:18I met his eyes.
00:52:19Sir.
00:52:19You have the wrong person.
00:52:21He stared at me.
00:52:22For a long time.
00:52:23Red veins threaded through the whites of his eyes.
00:52:26His lids were slightly swollen.
00:52:28Your name is Vivian Rossi.
00:52:29You're my wife.
00:52:31Three years ago you and I...
00:52:32My name is Maria.
00:52:34I cut him off.
00:52:35Sister Maria.
00:52:36I have been here for three months.
00:52:38My children are inside waiting for me.
00:52:39His bodyguards moved forward two paces.
00:52:42I glanced at them.
00:52:43Then back at him.
00:52:45You brought these men here.
00:52:47What exactly are you trying to do?
00:52:49I want to take you home.
00:52:51I've told you.
00:52:52You have the wrong person.
00:52:54He took a step forward.
00:52:56I took one back.
00:52:58He advanced.
00:52:59I retreated.
00:53:00Until my back was against the Iron Gate.
00:53:14Vivian.
00:53:15He dropped his voice.
00:53:16To almost nothing.
00:53:18Please.
00:53:19I looked at him.
00:53:20Three years.
00:53:21I had memorized that face.
00:53:23Once.
00:53:24I'd thought it was the most dependable face in the world.
00:53:27Now.
00:53:28It just felt strange to me.
00:53:30Sir?
00:53:30I said.
00:53:31Slowly.
00:53:32Each word separate and clear.
00:53:35I don't know who you're looking for.
00:53:36But my name's Maria.
00:53:38I am a nun in this town.
00:53:40I do not know you.
00:53:41His hand rose.
00:53:43Reaching for my face.
00:53:44I turned my head.
00:53:45His hand hung in the air.
00:53:47And stilled.
00:53:48His bodyguard stood behind him.
00:53:51Expressionless.
00:53:52Down the street a few townspeople had stopped to watch from a distance.
00:53:55Too far away to come closer.
00:53:57I looked at them.
00:53:58Then back at him.
00:53:59You came here with these men.
00:54:01Are you threatening me?
00:54:02No.
00:54:03Then what?
00:54:04Frightening my children?
00:54:05The blood left his face.
00:54:07I only wanted to find you.
00:54:09You found me.
00:54:10I said.
00:54:11Now you've seen me.
00:54:12I'm alive.
00:54:13You can go.
00:54:15Vivian.
00:54:16My name is Maria.
00:54:17He opened his mouth.
00:54:18No sound.
00:54:19I pushed the gate open and walked through.
00:54:21Vivian!
00:54:23He called out behind me.
00:54:25I didn't turn.
00:54:36I went inside.
00:54:38The children gathered around, asking who those men outside were.
00:54:42I said they were travelers, who had taken a wrong turn.
00:54:46Lily took my hand and looked up at me.
00:54:49Sister Maria, your hand is so cold.
00:54:53I looked down at her.
00:54:54Small face.
00:54:55Round eyes.
00:54:57Clear and uncomplicated.
00:54:59I'm fine.
00:55:00I said.
00:55:00Just hot outside.
00:55:02Better in here.
00:55:03I crouched and held her for a moment.
00:55:05From outside came the sound of an engine, turning over.
00:55:08Then fading.
00:55:09I stood up.
00:55:11Walked to the window.
00:55:12The black SUV was pulling away.
00:55:13A wake of dust rose behind it and dissolved at the end of the road.
00:55:17He was gone.
00:55:18At least for today.
00:55:19I leaned against the window frame and looked outside.
00:55:22The sun was still relentless.
00:55:24The flowers on the wall blazed in it.
00:55:26Behind me the children ran and laughed.
00:55:28I pressed my nails into my palm.
00:55:30It hurt.
00:55:31Good.
00:55:32Pain.
00:55:33Meant I was still here.
00:55:40The news that Dante had bought the crumbling house next to the orphanage reached me through
00:55:45the mayor himself the following morning.
00:55:48Sister Maria, he said, standing in the yard and wringing his hands.
00:55:52You know the old place that's been empty for years right next door?
00:55:56Someone bought it yesterday.
00:55:58Man from New York.
00:55:59The price he paid could have bought half this street.
00:56:04I was crouched by the flower bed with a watering can.
00:56:06I didn't look up.
00:56:08Is that so?
00:56:09He says he plans to stay a while.
00:56:12He also mentioned making a donation to the orphanage.
00:56:16I was wondering if you...
00:56:18I stood.
00:56:19The watering can tilt it in my hand.
00:56:22No.
00:56:22The mayor blinked.
00:56:24No.
00:56:26Tell him we don't need it.
00:56:27He started to say something, thought better of it, and nodded on his way out.
00:56:32From that point on, Dante came every day.
00:56:35The first day he stood at the gate holding a bag of fruit.
00:56:38I ignored him.
00:56:39He stood there for an hour.
00:56:41When he left, he set the bag by the gate.
00:56:43The second day he brought a box of art supplies.
00:56:46Brand new, expensive brands.
00:56:48I had the gatekeeper send them back.
00:56:50He wouldn't take them.
00:56:52The box sat at the gate.
00:56:54The third day he arrived with two workers and said he wanted to fix the orphanage roof.
00:56:58Mother Superior came out to thank him.
00:57:00I stayed inside.
00:57:02Day four.
00:57:03Day five.
00:57:04Day six.
00:57:05Every day.
00:57:06Each time with something.
00:57:07Each time standing in his usual spot.
00:57:09Watching me.
00:57:11Waiting for me to say something.
00:57:12I said nothing.
00:57:14On the afternoon of the seventh day, Scarlet appeared in town.
00:57:24I was watering the flowers in the yard when a red sports car stopped in front of the gate.
00:57:28I barely recognized her when she got out.
00:57:31She had put on some weight.
00:57:32Her belly curved slightly.
00:57:34Her makeup was still heavy.
00:57:35But the dark circles under her eyes were deep.
00:57:38She stood beside the car looking at me.
00:57:40And the corner of her mouth pulled into a smile.
00:57:43Long time no see, Vivian.
00:57:45I turned off the hose.
00:57:47There's no Vivian here.
00:57:48She made a dismissive sound and walked through the gate.
00:57:51Her heels were unsteady on the gravel.
00:57:53She stopped in front of me.
00:57:54And looked me up and down.
00:57:56Dressed like that, I barely knew you.
00:57:58A nun's habit?
00:58:00Is this really how you plan to spend the rest of your life?
00:58:03What do you want?
00:58:04She put a hand on her stomach.
00:58:06I wanted you to see this.
00:58:09I glanced down.
00:58:10Then looked back up at her.
00:58:12I see it.
00:58:13She frowned.
00:58:15So that's it?
00:58:16Vestoli Gens?
00:58:17Is there something you'd like me to say?
00:58:19She leaned forward and lowered her voice.
00:58:22This is Dante's child.
00:58:24I'm carrying his baby.
00:58:26You think by hiding out here, he'll come running back to you?
00:58:29Keep dreaming.
00:58:31I studied her face.
00:58:32There was triumph in it.
00:58:33And provocation.
00:58:35And something else I couldn't quite name.
00:58:37Something like nerves.
00:58:38Something like fear.
00:58:40Congratulations.
00:58:41I said.
00:58:42She blinked.
00:58:44What?
00:58:44I said, congratulations.
00:58:46A baby is a good thing.
00:58:48Take care of yourself.
00:58:49I turned back to the hose.
00:58:50She stood behind me for a long time.
00:58:53Then she surged forward and grabbed my arm.
00:58:55You're not angry!
00:58:56You don't care!
00:58:57Let go of me.
00:58:58If you stop pretending,
00:59:00I know you still love him!
00:59:02Looking at me carrying his child
00:59:04must be tearing you apart!
00:59:07I turned my head to look at her.
00:59:09Her grip dug into my arm.
00:59:15You're hurting me.
00:59:17She stared at me, chest heaving.
00:59:19Just then, footsteps sounded at the gate.
00:59:22Let go of her.
00:59:23Dante stood there.
00:59:24He was wearing a plain t-shirt and jeans.
00:59:26His hair was a mess,
00:59:27and there was dust on his face.
00:59:29He looked like he'd come straight from a work site.
00:59:32Scarlet turned,
00:59:33and immediately released her hold.
00:59:36Dante, I just...
00:59:37What are you doing here?
00:59:39His voice was cold.
00:59:40I had never heard him speak like that.
00:59:43Scarlet retreated.
00:59:44A step.
00:59:45I only came to see her.
00:59:48You've seen her.
00:59:49Now go.
00:59:50Scarlet's eyes went red.
00:59:52Dante,
00:59:53I'm carrying your child.
00:59:56He looked at her.
00:59:58Not a ripple moved through his expression.
01:00:00You know exactly how that child happened.
01:00:02Her face changed.
01:00:03What are you saying?
01:00:05You know what I'm saying.
01:00:06I had it looked into.
01:00:07There were a few times I got drunk during that period.
01:00:10You put something in the drinks.
01:00:12Scarlet opened her mouth.
01:00:14Nothing came out.
01:00:15Did you think I didn't know?
01:00:17I knew.
01:00:18I just didn't bother dealing with it then.
01:00:21His voice was very even.
01:00:23But now that you've come here,
01:00:25I don't feel like tolerating it anymore.
01:00:28Scarlet backed up two steps,
01:00:29and hit the iron gate.
01:00:31I just...
01:00:34I love you.
01:00:37You don't love me.
01:00:39He said,
01:00:40cutting her off.
01:00:41You love what I can give you.
01:00:43Now get out.
01:00:44Don't let me see you again.
01:00:45Scarlet stood there as tears spilled down her face.
01:00:48Then she turned,
01:00:49shoved through the gate,
01:00:50and ran.
01:00:56The sound of the red sports car faded quickly in the distance.
01:00:59The yard was quiet.
01:01:01Dante looked at me.
01:01:03Are you alright?
01:01:05Fine.
01:01:06He came closer and looked at my arm.
01:01:08Where Scarlet had grabbed me,
01:01:10the skin was flushed red,
01:01:11scored with faint nail marks.
01:01:14I'll get something for that.
01:01:17Don't.
01:01:18He stood where he was.
01:01:20Didn't move.
01:01:21Vivian.
01:01:22My name is Maria.
01:01:24He closed his mouth.
01:01:27That night, I couldn't sleep.
01:01:29I kept turning over Scarlet's words,
01:01:31and Dante's.
01:01:32The baby was something she had engineered.
01:01:34I found that I wasn't surprised.
01:01:36Scarlet was capable of exactly that,
01:01:38and Dante's months of betrayal.
01:01:40Was that her doing too?
01:01:42I didn't know what to believe.
01:01:44The midday quiet was broken by gunshots,
01:01:47two weeks later.
01:01:48I had been in the kitchen helping with lunch.
01:01:51It had been so long since I'd lived anywhere dangerous,
01:01:54that even my instincts had gone soft.
01:01:57The first shot was distant enough
01:01:58that I thought it was a car backfiring.
01:02:01The second was close,
01:02:03just outside the yard.
01:02:06The third came at the same time
01:02:08as the sound of shattering glass.
01:02:10Children screaming.
01:02:12I ran out.
01:02:18Two men in black were in the yard,
01:02:20moving fast in my direction,
01:02:22guns in their hands.
01:02:27Then someone hit me from the side
01:02:29and drove me to the ground.
01:02:31Shots exploded overhead,
01:02:32loud enough to leave my ears ringing.
01:02:34The person on top of me
01:02:36made a low, choked sound.
01:02:38I turned my head.
01:02:39It was Dante.
01:02:40His face was pressed close to mine,
01:02:43white, forehead sheened with sweat.
01:02:54Are you hurt?
01:02:56He didn't answer.
01:02:57I looked down.
01:02:58His hand was pressed against his side
01:03:00and blood was seeping through his fingers.
01:03:02His bodyguards came running.
01:03:05More gunfire going on for a while.
01:03:07Then silence.
01:03:10I helped roll Dante over.
01:03:12He lay on his back,
01:03:14eyes half open,
01:03:16looking at me.
01:03:17You were shot.
01:03:18He looked up at me.
01:03:20The corner of his mouth moved slightly.
01:03:22Yeah.
01:03:23What were you thinking?
01:03:24Why did you run over here?
01:03:27Force of habit.
01:03:28It hit me then.
01:03:30He meant three years ago.
01:03:31The dock warehouse.
01:03:32The time he had taken a bullet
01:03:34that was meant for me.
01:03:37The ambulance came.
01:03:39I rode along.
01:03:42He held my hand the entire way,
01:03:44gripping hard.
01:03:45The surgery took three hours.
01:03:47I sat in the corridor
01:03:48with the red light
01:03:49burning above the operating room door.
01:03:54The light went out at dawn.
01:03:56The doctor came out
01:03:58and told me the bullet
01:03:58had stopped two centimeters
01:04:00from his heart.
01:04:01He was very lucky.
01:04:03I went into the room.
01:04:05He was lying in the bed,
01:04:07tubes everywhere.
01:04:08The color of the sheets,
01:04:09but alive.
01:04:12I sat in the chair beside him.
01:04:16He owed me.
01:04:17A great deal.
01:04:19Three years of betrayal.
01:04:20All those lies.
01:04:21That woman that read Stiletto.
01:04:24But there he was.
01:04:26And the bullet he'd taken for me
01:04:28had nearly killed him.
01:04:30I didn't know how to settle that account.
01:04:35He was in the hospital for two weeks.
01:04:38I stayed beside him for two weeks.
01:04:45When he came around,
01:04:47he looked at me the moment
01:04:48he opened his eyes
01:04:49and went still.
01:05:06I said nothing.
01:05:07His eyes slowly reddened.
01:05:09I'm sorry.
01:05:10I stood up
01:05:11and moved to the window.
01:05:19Don't say that.
01:05:21I want to say it.
01:05:23I know you hate me.
01:05:25You should.
01:05:26His voice was quiet and rough.
01:05:29What I did,
01:05:30I can't forgive myself for it.
01:05:34Marco's people are dealt with.
01:05:36The ones who ran are gone.
01:05:37The ones who didn't
01:05:38were picked up.
01:05:39I said,
01:05:41Scarlet's gone too.
01:05:46Your men have been by a few times.
01:05:48I told them you were still unconscious.
01:05:53I turned.
01:05:55Dante.
01:05:58There's something you need to understand.
01:06:02He looked at me.
01:06:04I can let you stay here.
01:06:08I can let you do those things.
01:06:09Fix the roof.
01:06:11Bring things over.
01:06:12Stand at that gate.
01:06:15But I can't forgive you.
01:06:17The color shifted in his face.
01:06:19I know.
01:06:21No, you don't.
01:06:22I walked back to the side of the bed
01:06:24and looked down at him.
01:06:27You have no idea
01:06:29what those three years were like for me.
01:06:31No idea what it felt like
01:06:33to find that shoe.
01:06:36No idea what I was thinking
01:06:38when I drove alone to the shore.
01:06:43He said nothing.
01:06:44He just looked.
01:06:47You can be good to me.
01:06:49You can protect me.
01:06:51You can do whatever
01:06:53you want to do.
01:06:57But there's a line inside me
01:06:59I can't cross back over.
01:07:01He closed his eyes.
01:07:13After a long time
01:07:14he opened them
01:07:16and looked at the ceiling.
01:07:20I understand.
01:07:24Good.
01:07:25I turned to go.
01:07:28Vivian!
01:07:28His voice
01:07:29from behind me.
01:07:30I stopped.
01:07:31I'm staying.
01:07:33Not to make you forgive me.
01:07:38Because I want to watch you live.
01:07:40Watch you be okay.
01:07:42I didn't turn around.
01:07:45I walked out of the room
01:07:46and the morning sun
01:07:47hit my face.
01:07:49Sharp and bright.
01:07:50I stood in the doorway
01:07:51and let it be for a while.
01:07:54A month later
01:07:55he was discharged.
01:07:56He came back to the little town
01:07:57and moved back
01:07:58into the house next door.
01:08:00Each morning
01:08:00he was up early
01:08:01patching the roof
01:08:02painting walls.
01:08:05replacing windows.
01:08:08He made that ruin livable.
01:08:11He stopped coming to stand
01:08:12at the orphanage gate
01:08:13every day.
01:08:14Occasionally
01:08:15he'd come by with something
01:08:16set it down
01:08:17and go.
01:08:20The children started
01:08:22getting used to the neighbor man
01:08:23and sometimes
01:08:24they'd wander over
01:08:25to watch him work.
01:08:26He didn't shoo them away
01:08:27he just let them
01:08:28play nearby.
01:08:33One afternoon Lily
01:08:34came running back
01:08:35and pulled my hand
01:08:36and told me the man
01:08:36next door had planted
01:08:37a whole yard of flowers
01:08:38the same kinds
01:08:40as the ones on our wall.
01:08:41I didn't go to see
01:08:43but I knew.
01:08:45I looked down at my hands.
01:08:47These hands had held a gun
01:08:48had taken lives
01:08:50had also painted a wall
01:08:51full of flowers
01:08:52and now they would
01:08:53build something new.
01:09:08a whole wind
01:09:09a whole room
01:09:09and they were
01:09:09holding on.
01:09:09making it
Comments
1