- 3 hours ago
The Godfather's Bloody Betrayal - Full
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:01On our third anniversary, I activated my plan to fake my own death.
00:00:11At dinner, he told his men in Italian.
00:00:17He never knew I understood every single word.
00:00:20As the mafia dons trophy wife, I had long discovered his mistress
00:00:23and the high heels she deliberately left in my home.
00:00:26I refused to endure it any longer.
00:00:28Ten days from now, only the gun he custom, made for me and a pool of blood, will remain on
00:00:33the seaside cliff.
00:00:35Dawn, those 99 times you said you loved me.
00:00:39I don't want them anymore.
00:00:41I was standing in the corridor outside the private dining room when I dialed the number.
00:00:45Project Ash, initiate now.
00:00:48The male voice on the other end was calm and steady.
00:00:50Received. The faked death protocol is ready to go.
00:00:53In ten days, you'll vanish from everyone's world.
00:00:55I ended the call, pried out the SIM card, and dropped it into the wastebasket beside the wall.
00:01:00From inside the room came a roar of laughter, familiar enough to turn my stomach.
00:01:04That was Dante Moretti, my husband.
00:01:06The godfather of the most powerful mafia family on the East Coast.
00:01:09Surrounded by his loyal and oblivious men.
00:01:11Tonight was our third wedding anniversary.
00:01:14He had rented out the entire restaurant, the most expensive champagne, the most dishonest smiles.
00:01:19A performance called Love, staged entirely for my benefit.
00:01:23I pushed open the door and walked in, wearing the same smile I always wore.
00:01:27Finished your call.
00:01:28Dante sat at the head of the long table and reached out to me.
00:01:31I crossed the room and placed my hand in his.
00:01:33He pulled me into his lap in one smooth motion, one arm circling my waist.
00:01:37Tender and practiced.
00:01:38The kind of gesture that now made me want to be sick.
00:01:41All done.
00:01:42The cleaning service confirmed they'll send someone to the apartment tomorrow.
00:01:45Dante nodded and turned back to his underboss, resuming a conversation in Italian.
00:01:49Fast, clipped, thick with a Sicilian accent.
00:01:52The private language of his bloodline.
00:01:53And the wall they'd always used to keep me out.
00:01:56I smiled along and took a sip of wine.
00:01:58I had taught myself Italian over the past three years.
00:02:01Dante didn't know that.
00:02:02He thought I only spoke English.
00:02:04His men thought so too.
00:02:08That was Dante's cousin, Luca, second, in command.
00:02:11Another man, Cesare, grinned.
00:02:13He's already here.
00:02:14Dante is coming tonight.
00:02:17I can't hurt the head.
00:02:19Keep a respectable one at home.
00:02:20Keep a insistent on the side.
00:02:22Keep it down.
00:02:23His wife is right there.
00:02:29Cesare turned to me, switching to English, his eyes testing the water.
00:02:33Vivian, good wine.
00:02:34I smiled and nodded.
00:02:35Very good.
00:02:36My gaze perfectly clear.
00:02:38They exchanged a look and cut back to Italian.
00:02:41You don't understand a word.
00:02:43Relax.
00:02:43Dante.
00:02:44You wouldn't say it to me.
00:02:45And if I see it...
00:02:46Dante finally spoke.
00:02:47His tone easy and indifferent.
00:02:49What is to discover?
00:02:50It's mine.
00:02:51It will always be mine.
00:02:52I need you where it must be.
00:02:54Doing what I should do.
00:02:55The rest has nothing to do with you.
00:02:58I felt his hand give my waist a light.
00:03:00Absent-minded pet.
00:03:01The way you'd sue the pet.
00:03:02Besides, he continued in Italian.
00:03:04You're so brave.
00:03:05You won't do damage.
00:03:06Low laughter rippled around the table.
00:03:08I looked down at the dark red liquid in my glass.
00:03:11Three years of marriage.
00:03:12And they had always looked at me that way.
00:03:14Pity threaded through contempt.
00:03:15I was the godfather's wife and had no real power.
00:03:18I was his companion and nothing more than a prop.
00:03:20What they didn't know was that the most dangerous hunter is the one who looks the most harmless.
00:03:24I set my glass down and stood up from Dante's lap.
00:03:27Tired.
00:03:28He looked up at me.
00:03:29Mmm.
00:03:29I'll head home.
00:03:30I'll have someone drive you.
00:03:32No need.
00:03:33I'll call a car.
00:03:33I picked up my bag and walked toward the door.
00:03:36As I pulled it open, I heard someone say one last thing in Italian behind me.
00:03:42I let the door close behind me.
00:03:44I knew everything.
00:03:46I knew who Scarlet was.
00:03:48I knew that woman had been living in the apartment.
00:03:50Dante bought her for the past month.
00:03:52I knew the entire family had been laughing behind my back.
00:03:55Calling me a fool who couldn't see what was in front of her.
00:03:57But I wouldn't cry.
00:03:58I wouldn't rage.
00:03:59I wouldn't ask him a single question.
00:04:01Ten days from now, they would all believe I was dead.
00:04:04And Dante Moretti would spend the rest of his life remembering every word he said tonight.
00:04:15I walked out of that building like a ghost.
00:04:18A cab idled at the curb.
00:04:20I pulled open the door and gave the address.
00:04:23Thirty minutes later, I was standing in the living room of our penthouse apartment.
00:04:27Our home.
00:04:28That was what Dante called it when he bought this place.
00:04:30The air inside was thick with his present cigars.
00:04:34Whiskey, the particular aftershave he wore.
00:04:36I used to find that smell comforting.
00:04:41Now it made my skin crawl.
00:04:43I started packing.
00:04:45The bedroom first.
00:04:48On the nightstand sat the only photo of us together.
00:04:51The one taken on the yacht.
00:04:52He had his arm around me.
00:04:54And I was laughing so hard my eyes were nearly shut.
00:04:57That was two years ago.
00:04:59He had just been made godfather.
00:05:00And all of New York's underworld was saying his name.
00:05:03He'd had too much to drink that day.
00:05:05Held me close.
00:05:07And swore to God I was the only woman he would ever love.
00:05:10I picked up the frame.
00:05:11Opened the back.
00:05:12And slid the photo out.
00:05:15Then I tore it in half.
00:05:16His half went into the trash bag.
00:05:18My half I held in my fist.
00:05:19Into the walk-in closet.
00:05:20I opened the jewelry cabinet.
00:05:23Everything he had ever given me was in there.
00:05:25A diamond bracelet.
00:05:26A third anniversary gift.
00:05:28Ruby earrings.
00:05:29Bought last Christmas.
00:05:31A necklace he'd had custom made.
00:05:33The pendant engraved with my initials.
00:05:35One by one, I took them out.
00:05:37One by one, I dropped them in.
00:05:39The clothes too.
00:05:41He'd always said I looked best in the red dress.
00:05:43Made me wear it to every family gathering.
00:05:46The fur coat he'd draped over my shoulders himself.
00:05:48Claimed he'd brought it back from Milan.
00:05:50And the bags Hermes Chanel.
00:05:52Limited editions from boutiques around the world.
00:05:54Ferried back by his men.
00:05:56All of it.
00:05:57Into the bag.
00:05:58When the bag was full, I dragged it to the elevator.
00:06:01Rode down.
00:06:03And heaved it into the dumpster.
00:06:06Back in the apartment, I poured a whiskey.
00:06:09The liquor burned down my throat.
00:06:10And made my eyes sting.
00:06:13I moved to the window.
00:06:14And looked out over New York.
00:06:16This city was everywhere his.
00:06:19The casino below.
00:06:20The container terminal at the port.
00:06:22The weapons depot in Brooklyn.
00:06:25He sat at the center of all of it.
00:06:27Controlling everything.
00:06:28Including what I used to be.
00:06:31That night, three years ago, came flooding back.
00:06:34I had been in New York for only three months.
00:06:37Running an errand for a friend at one of the dock warehouses.
00:06:41And gunshots.
00:06:42I didn't even understand what was happening.
00:06:50I just knew someone was yanking me backward by the arm.
00:06:53It was Dante.
00:06:55I didn't know who he was yet.
00:06:56All I knew was that he shoved me into a corner.
00:06:59And put himself between me and the bullets.
00:07:01One of those bullets punched through his shoulder.
00:07:04His blood splattered warm across my face.
00:07:06He kept firing.
00:07:08One arm around me.
00:07:09The other shooting back.
00:07:10Shouting at his men to break through.
00:07:12He pinned me so tightly I couldn't move.
00:07:14And all I could hear was his heartbeat.
00:07:16Fast and hard.
00:07:18Like a drum.
00:07:19Then he collapsed against me.
00:07:20I was soaked in blood.
00:07:22And I thought he was dead.
00:07:23He looked up at me with what remained of his breath.
00:07:26And his mouth pulled into something that wasn't quite a smile.
00:07:30You're okay.
00:07:31That's what matters.
00:07:35I got him to the hospital.
00:07:47Six hours of surgery.
00:07:51When he came around, the first thing he did was ask if I was hurt.
00:07:55I put flowers on his nightstand.
00:07:57And asked him why he had saved me.
00:08:00He took my hand and pressed his lips to the back of it.
00:08:03Because you're the only person I've ever wanted to protect.
00:08:07After he was discharged, he pursued me for three months.
00:08:10I said no.
00:08:11And he stood outside my building and waited.
00:08:13One day it poured.
00:08:14And he stood there for three hours.
00:08:17Eventually I went downstairs and dragged him inside.
00:08:19He was soaked through.
00:08:20But he grinned like a kid.
00:08:23You finally let me in.
00:08:25He sent flowers every day.
00:08:27Picked me up from work every day.
00:08:29Said he loved me every day.
00:08:31I turned him down ninety-nine times.
00:08:34On the hundredth, he proposed.
00:08:36He went down on one knee.
00:08:37Those hands that could take a life at a thousand yards were shaking as they held the ring.
00:08:42I had never seen him like that.
00:08:44The youngest godfather in New York Mafia history.
00:08:47A man who killed without blinking.
00:08:50Kneeling in front of me.
00:08:51And barely able to form words.
00:08:54Marry me.
00:08:54He said.
00:08:55I'll spend my life shielding you with mine.
00:08:58I said yes.
00:09:00The day he left the hospital, he held me and whispered against my ear.
00:09:04You're my only weakness.
00:09:06And my armor.
00:09:09I thought that was an eternal vow.
00:09:11My phone buzzed.
00:09:16I thought that was an eternal vow.
00:09:18My phone buzzed.
00:09:20I picked it up and opened the recording I had copied.
00:09:23Dante's call last night.
00:09:24From inside Scarlet's apartment.
00:09:26I pressed play.
00:09:27You like it.
00:09:28His voice.
00:09:28Low and graveled.
00:09:30Scarlet's laugh.
00:09:31I love it.
00:09:32Dante.
00:09:33Does your wife know you're like this?
00:09:35Don't bring her up.
00:09:37Why not?
00:09:38Isn't she your one and only?
00:09:40Dante laughed.
00:09:41A laugh I had never heard from him.
00:09:43Relaxed.
00:09:44Unguarded.
00:09:47She's the one I keep at home.
00:09:49You're the one who lets me breathe.
00:09:51Different things.
00:09:52How different?
00:09:54She'll always be my wife.
00:09:56But you?
00:09:57His voice dropped.
00:09:59You make me want to let go.
00:10:01You're not afraid she'll find out.
00:10:04Her.
00:10:04She'll never find out.
00:10:06And even if she did, what could she do?
00:10:10She couldn't survive without me.
00:10:13The recording kept going.
00:10:15I didn't want to hear anymore.
00:10:17The man who had taken a bullet for me.
00:10:20The man who had stood in the rain waiting for me to say yes.
00:10:23The man who told me I was his armor.
00:10:26That man was lying.
00:10:27In another woman's bed.
00:10:30I set the phone on the table.
00:10:32My fingers brushed something cold.
00:10:34The engagement ring.
00:10:35Three years on my hand.
00:10:37Taken off only just now.
00:10:38I walked to the window.
00:10:43And threw it out.
00:10:44The man who had shielded me with his body.
00:10:46The man who had called me his only one.
00:10:48The man who had made me believe in love.
00:10:50He had changed.
00:10:51Or maybe he had always been this way.
00:10:53And I was only seeing it clearly now.
00:10:59The next afternoon at two.
00:11:01Dante's car pulled up in front of the building.
00:11:03When I got in.
00:11:04He leaned over out of habit.
00:11:06And pressed a kiss to my cheek.
00:11:07I pulled back.
00:11:09He went still.
00:11:10I caught the flash of hurt in his eyes.
00:11:12Which struck me as almost funny.
00:11:14He was the one who had betrayed me first.
00:11:16And here he was.
00:11:17Genuinely wounded.
00:11:18Nothing's wrong.
00:11:19I said.
00:11:20Just a bit of a headache.
00:11:22He relaxed.
00:11:23I want to show you something.
00:11:25You'll see when we get there.
00:11:27He said.
00:11:28He held my hand the entire ride.
00:11:30Thumb brushing slow circles across my knuckles.
00:11:32His habitual small gesture.
00:11:34I used to think it was intimacy.
00:11:36Now it just felt like irony.
00:11:38The car turned into a warehouse.
00:11:40Wound between rows of cargo containers.
00:11:42And stopped in front of a steel door.
00:11:44The door opened onto a staircase that led two flights down.
00:11:48And then the space opened up into something unexpected.
00:11:51An underground shooting range.
00:11:5320 or so people were already there.
00:11:55The core of the family.
00:11:56Luca.
00:11:57Gacisere.
00:11:58A handful of district captains whose names I had never bothered to learn.
00:12:01They all stopped talking.
00:12:02When we walked in.
00:12:05Dante led me forward by the hand.
00:12:07His grip warm and tight.
00:12:08Cesare called out.
00:12:09Boss.
00:12:10Heard the delivery came in.
00:12:12Let's see it.
00:12:13Dante ignored him.
00:12:14And brought me to the long table in the center of the range.
00:12:17A black metal case sat on the table.
00:12:20Solid craftsmanship.
00:12:21Copper banded at the corners.
00:12:23He let go of my hand.
00:12:24And entered the code.
00:12:25A click.
00:12:26The lid opened.
00:12:29Inside.
00:12:30Lay a gun.
00:12:31Silver.
00:12:32Small and elegant.
00:12:33The grip inlaid with dark filigree that caught the light in tiny scattered glints.
00:12:37Dante lifted it out.
00:12:38And turned to face me.
00:12:40Come here.
00:12:47I walked over.
00:12:49Every eye in the room was on me.
00:12:51He placed the gun in my hands.
00:12:54The curve of the grip settled perfectly against my palm.
00:12:57The weight was right too.
00:12:58A little lighter than what I trained with before.
00:13:01I tested the trigger.
00:13:03The pull was just right.
00:13:04No need to force it.
00:13:05He had memorized the size of my hands.
00:13:07Remembered the grip I preferred.
00:13:09Knew exactly how heavy.
00:13:10I liked a gun to be.
00:13:11He had brought me here many times over the past three years.
00:13:14Every session side by side, shot by shot.
00:13:16Until we had built something like fluency in each other's habits.
00:13:19He kept a record of all of them.
00:13:20Custom made to your specifications.
00:13:22He said.
00:13:23Right handed grip.
00:13:25Barrel rifled one degree left.
00:13:26The best gunsmith in Italy.
00:13:29Handmade.
00:13:30Three months in the making.
00:13:31There isn't another one like it in the world.
00:13:34I looked down.
00:13:35Along the grip, etched in fine flowing script, were two letters.
00:13:39VR.
00:13:40My initials.
00:13:41The room erupted.
00:13:43The boss never gave a woman a gun before and it's custom.
00:13:46I've been with him ten years.
00:13:47I've never got this treatment.
00:13:51Viviana, do you know what this thing is worth?
00:13:53You could buy a Manhattan apartment with that money.
00:13:57Dante smiled and raised one hand.
00:13:58The room quieted.
00:14:00That gun is yours.
00:14:01He said.
00:14:02Not loud.
00:14:02But the whole range could hear him.
00:14:04Nobody touches it without my permission.
00:14:07Are we clear?
00:14:09Clear.
00:14:09I looked up at him.
00:14:10There was a smile in his eyes.
00:14:11But something else beneath it.
00:14:13That possessiveness of his.
00:14:15The pride of claiming ownership in front of everyone he commanded.
00:14:17Clear.
00:14:19I said.
00:14:20He nodded.
00:14:21Satisfied.
00:14:22Then he stepped behind me.
00:14:23Closed his hands over mine.
00:14:24And we held the gun together.
00:14:26His chest was against my back.
00:14:29Warm.
00:14:30Three years ago.
00:14:31This would have made my pulse race.
00:14:33Now all I can think about.
00:14:34Is the recording from last night.
00:14:37Does he press himself against her the same way?
00:14:40Speak in that low, gentle voice into her ear?
00:14:43Line up the sights.
00:14:44Aim for center.
00:14:46Ten rings.
00:14:47When the magazine ran dry.
00:14:49I turned to face him.
00:14:56His eyes were full of pride.
00:14:58The kind that says I trained her myself.
00:15:00He pulled me into him.
00:15:01And bent his head to kiss my hair.
00:15:03I breathed in the smell of him.
00:15:04And could only think about how that same smell had clung to another woman last night.
00:15:10The others were already clamoring.
00:15:11To go drinking.
00:15:12Dante walked out with his arm around me.
00:15:14The district captains trailing behind.
00:15:16Still debating my last few shots.
00:15:18We were at the warehouse entrance.
00:15:20When his phone rang.
00:15:22He glanced at the screen.
00:15:23And his expression shifted.
00:15:25Just for a moment.
00:15:26But I saw it.
00:15:27That pleased.
00:15:28Loosened look.
00:15:28Instantly suppressed.
00:15:29Replaced by something carefully arranged.
00:15:31To look like concern.
00:15:32Yeah.
00:15:34He listened for a few seconds.
00:15:36Got it.
00:15:37I'm on my way.
00:15:39He ended the call.
00:15:40And looked at me.
00:15:41His face carried that specific blend of apology.
00:15:44And urgency.
00:15:45He wore so well.
00:15:46Vivian.
00:15:47There's a problem down at the port.
00:15:49I have to go handle it.
00:15:51Cesar will take you home.
00:15:53I didn't tell him I'd heard Scarlet's voice in the background.
00:15:57God.
00:15:58He was good.
00:16:00Come on.
00:16:01I'll drive you.
00:16:02Cesare stepped forward.
00:16:03I followed him to the other car.
00:16:06Before I got in.
00:16:07I glanced back.
00:16:10At the corner.
00:16:11A red sports car was parked with its lights on.
00:16:14A Porsche.
00:16:15New model.
00:16:16I couldn't make out the face inside.
00:16:17But I could see the long blonde hair.
00:16:19Scarlet's car.
00:16:20I had seen it once before.
00:16:22Last week on Dante's phone.
00:16:23Scarlet had sent him a photo of herself leaning against the hood.
00:16:26Smiling with a caption that read.
00:16:27Come pick me up.
00:16:28He wasn't going to the port.
00:16:30That shipment had arrived three days ago.
00:16:33Luca had reported last night that everything was fine.
00:16:36He was going to her.
00:16:38Three months ago.
00:16:39Scarlet had appeared in his life.
00:16:41He had been commissioning custom gifts for me while texting her.
00:16:44Memorizing my shooting habits while figuring out how to get her into bed.
00:16:47I almost laughed at that.
00:16:48What was I laughing at?
00:16:50At how certain he was I didn't know.
00:16:52At how convincing his performance had been.
00:16:54Or at myself.
00:16:55Knowing everything perfectly.
00:16:56And still feeling it like a punch to the chest.
00:16:59When I saw that red car.
00:17:04The elevator doors opened.
00:17:07I walked into the apartment.
00:17:09Everything looked exactly as I'd left it.
00:17:11But something felt off the moment.
00:17:13I stepped through the door.
00:17:15The air had changed.
00:17:17A trace of perfume.
00:17:19Faint, but real.
00:17:21Sweet and cloying.
00:17:22With a floral undertone.
00:17:25Not mine.
00:17:26I had never worn anything like that.
00:17:28I went into the bedroom.
00:17:31I had left in a hurry that morning.
00:17:33The comforter shoved aside.
00:17:35Pillows askew.
00:17:36Now the bedding was smooth.
00:17:37Both pillows set neatly side by side.
00:17:40The corners tucked.
00:17:42Someone had been here.
00:17:43Someone had come into my bedroom.
00:17:44And touched my bed.
00:17:46I checked the wardrobe.
00:17:49All my clothes were hanging where I'd left them.
00:17:51Undisturbed.
00:17:52I exhaled.
00:17:53And was about to turn away when something caught the edge of my vision.
00:17:57On the innermost shelf.
00:17:59A single high heel.
00:18:01Red stiletto.
00:18:02The vamp glittering with rhinestones.
00:18:05Not my size.
00:18:06Not my style.
00:18:08I had never owned anything like it.
00:18:10She had left it here.
00:18:11On purpose.
00:18:12This apartment was Dante's private ground.
00:18:14In three years.
00:18:16I had never seen a single family member set foot inside.
00:18:19Without being invited.
00:18:21Even Luca called ahead and waited at the door.
00:18:24Cicere only ever delivered things to the lobby downstairs.
00:18:27Anyone else didn't even come into the building.
00:18:30And yet someone had been inside.
00:18:32A woman.
00:18:33Wearing perfume I would never wear.
00:18:35Shoes I would never own.
00:18:36And she had made herself at home in my bed.
00:18:46I picked up my phone and almost called Dante.
00:18:49Then I didn't.
00:18:50What would I even say?
00:18:52Did you bring another woman here?
00:18:54He would say no.
00:18:55He'd say I was imagining things.
00:18:57He'd say that must be the cleaning lady's perfume.
00:19:00He would perform it flawlessly.
00:19:02He always did.
00:19:03The nausea rose again.
00:19:05She had been here.
00:19:06Maybe yesterday.
00:19:07Maybe this very afternoon.
00:19:10I went to the guest room and closed the door.
00:19:12It smelled faintly of dust.
00:19:14No one had slept here in a long time.
00:19:16But it was better than the bedroom.
00:19:18No perfume.
00:19:19No sign of anyone.
00:19:20I lay down and stared at the ceiling.
00:19:22My phone buzzed.
00:19:23A message from Dante.
00:19:25Asleep already?
00:19:27I looked at those two words.
00:19:28And tried to picture where he was when he sent them.
00:19:31In his car?
00:19:31In her apartment?
00:19:33Just out of her bed?
00:19:34I typed back.
00:19:35Yes.
00:19:36His call came through immediately.
00:19:38I watched his name on the screen.
00:19:41Hesitated two seconds.
00:19:42Picked up.
00:19:43You're asleep and you still answered?
00:19:46There was a smile in his voice.
00:19:47He woke me up.
00:19:49I miss you.
00:19:50He said.
00:19:50I'll definitely come home early tomorrow to be with you.
00:19:53I closed my eyes.
00:19:55Okay.
00:19:55He would come home.
00:19:56He would come home.
00:19:57Wearing her perfume.
00:19:58Maybe with a mark on his neck.
00:20:00With that gentle face of his.
00:20:02Telling me he had missed me.
00:20:04And I.
00:20:05Would pretend I had no idea.
00:20:13When I came downstairs the next morning, Dante was already at the table.
00:20:16He stood up when he saw me and crossed the room to hold me.
00:20:25I got back late last night.
00:20:27Hope I didn't disturb you.
00:20:28No.
00:20:29I said.
00:20:30I slept soundly.
00:20:34He walked me to the table and pulled out my chair.
00:20:38The coffee was hot.
00:20:39The toast was golden.
00:20:41He had buttered it himself and set it on my plate.
00:20:44Three years every time he came home late, the next morning looked like this.
00:20:48Attentive solicitous.
00:20:50Walking on eggshells.
00:20:53Only this time it was more than usual.
00:20:55Guilt from cheating maybe.
00:20:56Or the sense that I'd noticed something.
00:20:58I didn't care which.
00:21:03Get the situation sorted out last night.
00:21:06I asked.
00:21:06Yeah.
00:21:07That shipment at the port was a headache, but we handled it.
00:21:11I nodded and took a bite of toast.
00:21:14He watched me eat.
00:21:15His fingers tapped lightly on the table.
00:21:17That was his nervous habit.
00:21:19Three years of watching him.
00:21:20I could read it easily.
00:21:22Vivian.
00:21:23He began.
00:21:23I want to make it up to you.
00:21:25I looked up.
00:21:27I've been neglecting you lately.
00:21:29Too much going on.
00:21:31This weekend?
00:21:32Let's go to the island.
00:21:33Just the two of us.
00:21:35He covered my hand with his expression, doing something careful and deliberate.
00:21:40I have a surprise for you.
00:21:48That small island off Long Island, he'd bought it two years ago.
00:21:51We had only been twice, and neither time for more than a day.
00:21:55A surprise?
00:21:56I said.
00:21:57You'll love it.
00:21:57He squeezed my hand.
00:21:59I promise.
00:22:01I looked at the expectation in his eyes.
00:22:03He thought I knew nothing.
00:22:05He thought a weekend getaway could patch over every late night he'd clocked lately.
00:22:09Alright.
00:22:10I said.
00:22:10He smiled and leaned in to kiss me.
00:22:13I closed my eyes behind them.
00:22:15The red scoletta.
00:22:16The cloying perfume.
00:22:17The particular way he had smelled when he came home last night.
00:22:23I had a great deal to do in the next three days.
00:22:26On the first night, Dante drank.
00:22:28He had always had a good head for liquor, but he drank heavily that evening.
00:22:31Maybe guilt.
00:22:32Maybe shame.
00:22:33I didn't care about his reasons.
00:22:35I only needed him drunk.
00:22:36When he was out sprawled across the bed, I took his phone, lifted his right hand, and pressed
00:22:41his thumb to the screen.
00:22:43Unlocked.
00:22:45I pulled up the documents I needed signed.
00:22:48One by one.
00:22:49Asset transfer paperwork I had spent the last few days preparing.
00:22:53More than enough to live on after I disappeared.
00:22:56I went back to the bedroom.
00:22:57He was half conscious, mumbling something.
00:23:02Dante, I need your signature on a few things.
00:23:05I said softly.
00:23:07Sign what?
00:23:08He murmured.
00:23:11For the company.
00:23:12Luca said it's urgent.
00:23:14He nodded.
00:23:15I eased him upright and put a pen in his hand.
00:23:18Without looking at a single page, he signed wherever I pointed.
00:23:23When the last signature was done, he dropped back against the pillow and was fully out.
00:23:27I stood at the edge of the bed looking at him.
00:23:30Three years I had loved that face.
00:23:33That face had smiled at me, cried in front of me, made promises to me.
00:23:36Last night it had been pressed against another woman's neck.
00:23:40No matter.
00:23:41This island trip would be my best opportunity.
00:23:44Two days from now, gone for good.
00:23:48Goodbye, Dante.
00:24:00Saturday night, eight o'clock.
00:24:02Two suitcases stood side by side in the entryway.
00:24:06The boat to the island left first thing tomorrow morning.
00:24:09I was packed and ready.
00:24:11Dante was on the sofa taking a call, his voice kept deliberately low.
00:24:15But I was in the kitchen doorway pouring a glass of water, and I caught the last few words anyway.
00:24:21Got it. I'm coming now.
00:24:23He hung up and came to find me.
00:24:26Wearing the expression I knew far too well.
00:24:30Apologetic, urgent, and underneath it, that almost invisible guilt.
00:24:37He laid his hand on my shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.
00:24:42Vivian, I have to step out and handle something.
00:24:45I looked at him over the rim of my glass and said nothing.
00:24:48There's an emergency at the port.
00:24:50I have to go myself.
00:24:54We're leaving for the island first thing tomorrow morning.
00:24:56I said.
00:24:57I know.
00:24:58I'll deal with it and come straight to the island.
00:25:01You go ahead with the boat.
00:25:03I'll be there a few hours behind you.
00:25:04Liar.
00:25:05I looked at his eyes.
00:25:06Grey blue.
00:25:07Beautiful.
00:25:07Right now they carried a flicker of evasion.
00:25:09But mostly that uncompromising certainty.
00:25:12The look of a man who has already made his choice and is merely informing you of it.
00:25:17But I wanted to try one last time, for the sake of my three years, to give him one final
00:25:21chance.
00:25:23Can't someone else go?
00:25:24Luca or Ceceza?
00:25:27I heard something in my own voice.
00:25:29A plea I hadn't intended to let through.
00:25:31Something crossed his face.
00:25:32Quick, but I saw it.
00:25:33Luca's in Brooklyn dealing with something else.
00:25:36Cesari can't handle this one.
00:25:38He smiled.
00:25:39That soothing, coaxing smile.
00:25:41His hand came up to touch my face.
00:25:46Business stuff.
00:25:47You wouldn't understand it.
00:25:52It'll only be a few hours.
00:25:54I promise I'll spend all day with you tomorrow.
00:26:06I held his gaze for several seconds.
00:26:08His eyes slid sideways for just a moment.
00:26:11Then came back to me.
00:26:12I mean it.
00:26:14I promise.
00:26:16That's what you said last night too.
00:26:18Last chance, Dante.
00:26:20He exhaled and reached out to hold me.
00:26:22I stepped back.
00:26:24His arms stayed open in the air between us.
00:26:27This one is a real emergency.
00:26:29That cargo run?
00:26:30Something's gone wrong with the shipment.
00:26:31If I don't deal with it tonight, the losses will be significant.
00:26:34What cargo?
00:26:39Just...
00:26:39The port job.
00:26:41You know the one.
00:26:42I didn't.
00:26:43He had never told me the details of his business.
00:26:45He always said not to worry.
00:26:47Now he was using it as an excuse, knowing I had nothing to push back with.
00:26:51I nodded.
00:26:52Go ahead then.
00:26:53He visibly relaxed.
00:26:55A smile broke across his face.
00:26:57He stepped forward and pulled me in.
00:26:59Thank you for understanding.
00:27:01I swear tomorrow is all yours.
00:27:04Anything you want on the island will do it.
00:27:07His chin rested on top of my head.
00:27:09His hand moved in slow, familiar circles on my back.
00:27:12He had done this thousands of times, over three years.
00:27:15I used to think it was comfort.
00:27:16Now it felt like a courtesy.
00:27:21I love you. Wait for me.
00:27:23He said.
00:27:26He walked past me, picked up his coat from the entryway, and pushed through the door.
00:27:35I went to the window and looked down.
00:27:38His black sedan was at the curb.
00:27:40The driver already holding the rear door open.
00:27:42And at the corner, under the street lamp, the red sports car was parked and waiting.
00:27:46I couldn't tell from here whether someone was inside, but I knew there was.
00:27:50That car was waiting for him.
00:27:51For her.
00:27:51He wasn't going to the port.
00:28:01I could picture it.
00:28:02He would get out of his car.
00:28:03She would come forward to meet him.
00:28:05He would pull her into his arms.
00:28:09I watched his sedan pull away.
00:28:11Then I watched the red car follow it and vanish.
00:28:18Then I went to the bedroom and took out the gun he had given me.
00:28:24I drove to the cliffs at the shore.
00:28:29The eastern tip of Long Island below.
00:28:31Black rocks and open sea.
00:28:33No one came here at night.
00:28:35Just the wind and the sound of waves beating against the reef, over and over.
00:28:39I parked at the roadside and walked to the edge with the gun.
00:28:41The wind was fierce enough to whip my hair across my face.
00:28:44All I could hear was the water, far away and close at once, like another world.
00:28:49I crouched down, took out the bag of blood I'd brought, and poured it over the gun and across the
00:28:54rocks around it.
00:28:57I stood, stepped back, studied the scene.
00:29:00Then I drew the gun, and fired once, into the open air.
00:29:02Bang!
00:29:03The casing landed in the blood.
00:29:04I dropped the gun beside it.
00:29:06It struck the stone and left a dent on the barrel.
00:29:08Gun blood.
00:29:09Casing.
00:29:09It looked like someone had come here to end their life and gone over the edge.
00:29:13The ash team would make sure everything else was perfect.
00:29:16By morning someone would find it, the police would be called.
00:29:18He would be notified.
00:29:19I stood there a moment longer, looking at what I'd left behind.
00:29:22Then I turned and walked back to the car.
00:29:24I didn't look back.
00:29:35At three in the morning, I pulled into the airport parking structure, grabbed my bags, and walked into the terminal.
00:29:41I found the check-in counter.
00:29:43Good evening.
00:29:44A one-way ticket to Zurich.
00:29:46The agent glanced at my passport and tapped at her keyboard.
00:29:49Miss Phoenix, your flight departs at six. You can check your luggage now.
00:29:55Yes.
00:29:56Have a pleasant journey.
00:30:01I took the boarding pass and walked toward security.
00:30:04My phone was still in my pocket.
00:30:05I took it out and dropped it into the trash on my way through.
00:30:10Goodbye, Dante.
00:30:11Goodbye to your world of lies and deceit.
00:30:19The plane began to taxi.
00:30:21Then it accelerated and lifted off.
00:30:23New York shrank below the window.
00:30:24The towers.
00:30:25The streets.
00:30:26The places I had lived for three years.
00:30:28The world that belonged to Dante Moretti.
00:30:30In ten hours I would wake up in another country.
00:30:33No Dante.
00:30:33No Scarlet.
00:30:34No lies.
00:30:35No betrayal.
00:30:35He would spend the rest of his life remembering that the night he chose to leave.
00:30:39His wife had walked to the sea and never come back.
00:30:41The next morning at ten, Dante's boat docked.
00:30:44At the pier of the private island.
00:30:45The sun was strong.
00:30:46The water a brilliant blue.
00:30:48Dante jumped off the bow.
00:30:49Bodyguards behind him.
00:30:50A bunch of white roses in his hand.
00:30:52He'd had them flown in from Manhattan.
00:30:54The night before.
00:30:54She here yet?
00:30:55He asked.
00:30:56The steward who came to meet him.
00:30:57The steward's face was wrong.
00:30:58Sir.
00:30:59Miss Vivian hasn't arrived.
00:31:01Dante frowned.
00:31:02Hasn't arrived.
00:31:03The boat left at eight.
00:31:04The pier reports she never boarded.
00:31:06He pulled out.
00:31:06His phone and called her.
00:31:08Switched off.
00:31:08Called again.
00:31:09Still switched off.
00:31:10Send someone to check the apartment.
00:31:11He said it to the bodyguard behind him.
00:31:13And kept walking toward the villa.
00:31:15She'd overslept probably.
00:31:17Missed the boat.
00:31:17Let her phone die.
00:31:18He kept telling himself things.
00:31:20Like that as he walked.
00:31:21The villa was on the eastern bluffs.
00:31:23Of the island three stories white floor to ceiling windows facing the sea.
00:31:28Dante pushed inside.
00:31:29The living room was empty.
00:31:31On the table sat a bottle of wine.
00:31:34And two glasses.
00:31:35He had asked someone to set that up.
00:31:37He'd been planning to sit here.
00:31:38With her tonight.
00:31:39And watch the sun go down.
00:31:41His phone rang.
00:31:46Sir.
00:31:46No one at the apartment.
00:31:48But we found something at the shore.
00:31:51What shore?
00:31:52Be specific.
00:31:53Two seconds of silence on the line.
00:31:54The bluffs on the eastern end of Long Island.
00:31:57You should come see this yourself.
00:31:59Three hours later.
00:32:00Dante stood at the edge of those cliffs.
00:32:02The sun had shifted west.
00:32:03The sea wind tore at his hair.
00:32:05He looked down at what lay on the rocks.
00:32:07A gun silver.
00:32:08The grip engraved with VR.
00:32:10The one he had given her.
00:32:11The stones around the gun were stained.
00:32:13Dark red brown.
00:32:14Dried now.
00:32:18A white silk scarf soaked through.
00:32:21Had blown into the scrub at the edge.
00:32:22He crouched and reached for the gun.
00:32:24The instant.
00:32:25His fingers touched the metal.
00:32:27His entire body went rigid.
00:32:29Sir.
00:32:29The bodyguard behind him said.
00:32:32We received a report this morning.
00:32:34Someone spotted blood at the base of the cliffs.
00:32:37The coast guard is conducting a search.
00:32:39Dante said nothing.
00:32:40He stared at the gun.
00:32:41At the blood.
00:32:42At the scarf.
00:32:43She had been here last night.
00:32:44With his gun.
00:32:45He saw it in his mind.
00:32:46The moment he'd left the apartment.
00:32:48She had been standing at the window.
00:32:50Looking down at the street.
00:32:51When he'd settled into the car.
00:32:53Had he glanced back.
00:32:54He hadn't.
00:32:55He had told his driver to take.
00:32:57Him straight to Scarlett's.
00:32:59Sir.
00:32:59The bodyguard's voice came.
00:33:01From far away.
00:33:02Dante stood up.
00:33:03Turned and walked toward the car.
00:33:05Moving fast.
00:33:06Sir.
00:33:06Where to?
00:33:08The island.
00:33:10Now.
00:33:12It was nearly six by the time.
00:33:14The boat reached the island again.
00:33:15The sun was sinking.
00:33:17Turning the water red.
00:33:18Dante went through.
00:33:19The villa room by room.
00:33:20Bedroom empty.
00:33:21Her luggage gone.
00:33:23Bathroom.
00:33:23Her skin care things gone.
00:33:25Wardrobe.
00:33:26Her clothes.
00:33:27All gone.
00:33:27He stood in the middle.
00:33:28Of the empty wardrobe.
00:33:30And looked at the bare racks.
00:33:31Three months ago.
00:33:32When he'd commissioned the gun.
00:33:34She had smiled and said thank you.
00:33:36Two weeks ago.
00:33:36He had brought her.
00:33:37To the shooting range.
00:33:38And she had fired ten rings.
00:33:40And he had told everyone in the room.
00:33:41She is mine.
00:33:42Last night when he left.
00:33:43She had been standing at the window.
00:33:45Watching the street below.
00:33:46He had assumed she would be there.
00:33:48When he got back.
00:33:49He went to the living room.
00:33:50And grabbed his cracked phone.
00:33:51Luca.
00:33:52I need you to check everything.
00:33:53Every airline.
00:33:54Every exit record.
00:33:55Her credit cards.
00:33:55Bank accounts.
00:33:56Anyone she's been in contact with recently.
00:33:58Boss.
00:33:59What happened?
00:34:02She's gone.
00:34:08Who?
00:34:11Vivian.
00:34:12He hung up.
00:34:13And hurled the phone at the wall.
00:34:14It bounced off.
00:34:15And landed on the floor.
00:34:16Screen shattered.
00:34:17The bodyguard stood in the doorway.
00:34:19And didn't dare come in.
00:34:20Dante moved to the window.
00:34:21And stared out at the sea.
00:34:23The sky was going dark.
00:34:24Waves beat against the rocks below.
00:34:26She had stood at the sea last night.
00:34:28Alone.
00:34:28With that gun.
00:34:29His phone buzzed from the corner.
00:34:31Luca calling back.
00:34:31He walked over and picked it up.
00:34:33The screen was cracked.
00:34:34But still worked.
00:34:35Boss.
00:34:36Nothing.
00:34:37No records of anything.
00:34:39Luca.
00:34:40Her credit card went dark after yesterday.
00:34:42Her bank account transferred two million dollars.
00:34:44To an anonymous account in Switzerland.
00:34:46No airline has any record of her leaving.
00:34:49What do you mean?
00:34:51No record.
00:34:53Could be a fake ID.
00:34:55If she'd been planning this ahead of time.
00:34:56Luca didn't finish the sentence.
00:34:58Dante ended the call.
00:34:59He went to the bedroom.
00:35:00And lay down on the bed.
00:35:02The sheets still carried the faint smell.
00:35:04Of her laundry soap.
00:35:05He pressed his face into the pillow.
00:35:07The door opened.
00:35:08The click of heels on the floor.
00:35:10Dante.
00:35:10He looked up.
00:35:12Scarlet stood in the doorway in a red dress.
00:35:14Bag on her arm.
00:35:16I heard something happened.
00:35:18Are you alright?
00:35:19Dante looked at her for a few seconds.
00:35:21Then he got up and crossed the room.
00:35:24How did you get in?
00:35:28The door was open.
00:35:29So I just...
00:35:31He grabbed her arm.
00:35:32And pushed her toward the exit.
00:35:33She shrieked and stumbled.
00:35:35One heel twisting.
00:35:36And nearly fell.
00:35:37Get out.
00:35:40Dante!
00:35:40I only wanted to...
00:35:41Get out!
00:35:45The words came out loud enough.
00:35:46To startle even him.
00:35:47Scarlet scrambled to her feet and ran.
00:35:49He stood in the middle.
00:35:50Of the living room breathing hard.
00:35:56Then something occurred to him.
00:35:57He turned and went to the guest room.
00:35:59He pushed the door open.
00:36:00Everything in order.
00:36:01Bed made.
00:36:02Curtains drawn.
00:36:03He went to the wardrobe.
00:36:04And opened it.
00:36:05A nightgown hung inside.
00:36:07White silk.
00:36:07She wore it sometime.
00:36:08Just the one.
00:36:09He took it down.
00:36:10Silk cool and smooth.
00:36:11Carrying the faintest trace of her.
00:36:13He sat on the edge of the bed.
00:36:14He held the nightgown.
00:36:15In both hands and stayed there.
00:36:17Head bowed motionless.
00:36:18Outside.
00:36:19The sky went completely dark.
00:36:21Waves came in off the water.
00:36:22Steady and rhythmic.
00:36:23His shoulders began to shake.
00:36:24Then he broke.
00:36:25He bent over.
00:36:26Forehead pressing to his knees.
00:36:27Holding that silk nightgown.
00:36:29Crying until he couldn't breathe.
00:36:31She was gone.
00:36:32She had planned it all well in advance.
00:36:33She had waited until he left.
00:36:35Driven to the show.
00:36:36Used his gun.
00:36:36When he had walked out the door.
00:36:37She had been standing at the window.
00:36:39Watching him.
00:36:40He had ducked into the car.
00:36:41The car pulled away.
00:36:42She had stood there.
00:36:43Until it disappeared then turned.
00:36:44And picked up her back.
00:36:45What had she been thinking?
00:36:47He kept seeing her face.
00:36:48The way she had looked.
00:36:49At him one last time.
00:36:51The light had been behind her.
00:36:52And he hadn't been able to.
00:36:54Read her expression.
00:36:55He could read it now.
00:36:56It hadn't been anger.
00:36:57It hadn't been disappointment.
00:36:59It had been goodbye.
00:37:01Scarlet appeared.
00:37:02In front of Dante again one week later.
00:37:04He had just come back from the shore soaked through.
00:37:06The coast guard had been searching.
00:37:08For three days and found nothing.
00:37:10They told him he should accept the reality.
00:37:13Nobody survived those conditions.
00:37:14He didn't accept it.
00:37:15He sent everyone away.
00:37:17And drove to the shore alone.
00:37:18And stood there for an entire day.
00:37:24He came back to the apartment after dark.
00:37:26When he pushed the door open.
00:37:28Scarlet was sitting on the living room sofa.
00:37:30Black dress.
00:37:31Careful makeup.
00:37:32Hair down.
00:37:32A bottle of wine.
00:37:34And two glasses on the coffee table.
00:37:36How did you get in?
00:37:38Your bodyguard knows me.
00:37:39She stood and took two steps toward him.
00:37:43Dante.
00:37:44I saw the news.
00:37:45I'm so sorry.
00:37:46He looked at her without speaking.
00:37:48I know you're hurting right now.
00:37:50She said softly.
00:37:51But you can't keep doing this to yourself.
00:37:54You need someone with you.
00:37:56He pulled off his soap jacket.
00:37:57And dropped it on the floor.
00:37:59What do you want?
00:38:00Scarlet moved closer.
00:38:02And raised her hand toward his face.
00:38:03He stepped back.
00:38:04She stopped.
00:38:06Then she smiled a gentle.
00:38:07Slightly wounded smile.
00:38:09I want to be here for you.
00:38:10I've been worried about you all week.
00:38:12Another step forward.
00:38:13Don't bother.
00:38:14Dante.
00:38:15I know losing her is devastating.
00:38:17But life goes on.
00:38:18You still have me.
00:38:20He looked at her.
00:38:21Have what?
00:38:22I can take care of you.
00:38:24We could be together.
00:38:26I know you might not want to hear this now.
00:38:28But time.
00:38:29Heals everything.
00:38:31After a while.
00:38:32After a while.
00:38:33What?
00:38:35We could start something.
00:38:36Dante held her gaze for a moment.
00:38:38Then he laughed.
00:38:39And the sound of it made Scarlet.
00:38:40Take a step back.
00:38:42Start what?
00:38:45Just...
00:38:45Us.
00:38:46She gestured vaguely between them.
00:38:47I know this might be too soon.
00:38:49But I just want you to know I'm willing to be there for you.
00:38:52You don't have to carry this alone.
00:38:55You think you can replace her?
00:38:59Scarlet bit her lip.
00:39:01I'm not saying replace her.
00:39:03I just want to...
00:39:04You want to take her place.
00:39:05She went quiet.
00:39:07Dante walked toward her.
00:39:09Slowly.
00:39:10Each step deliberate.
00:39:12Scarlet retreated until the back.
00:39:13Of her knees hit the sofa.
00:39:15And she couldn't go further.
00:39:21Do you know what kind of person she was?
00:39:23His voice was very low.
00:39:25She was with me for three years.
00:39:28Three years and she never complained once.
00:39:33I left in the middle of the night and she never asked where I was going.
00:39:37Whatever I was doing outside, she never wants pride.
00:39:39Scarlet opened her mouth.
00:39:41No sound came out.
00:39:42I gave her that gun.
00:39:44She practiced until she shot ten rings.
00:39:46I said in front of everyone,
00:39:49She's mine.
00:39:51And she smiled.
00:39:52He stood directly in front of her, looking down.
00:39:55What are you?
00:39:57The color drained from Scarlet's face.
00:39:59You were the woman I kept on the outside for amusement.
00:40:02He spoke each word with surgical precision.
00:40:05You're comparing yourself to her?
00:40:07What exactly would you be comparing?
00:40:10Scarlet's eyes went red.
00:40:11Dante, I know you're not in a stable place right now.
00:40:14I'm perfectly stable.
00:40:16He cut her off.
00:40:17More stable than I've ever been in my life.
00:40:21Listen to what I'm saying.
00:40:22He pointed at the door.
00:40:24Don't come back here.
00:40:25Don't call me.
00:40:26Don't let me see your face again.
00:40:28A tear slid down Scarlet's cheek.
00:40:30I love you.
00:40:31He laughed.
00:40:32And something in that laugh rooted her.
00:40:34To the floor.
00:40:35You love me.
00:40:37He leaned down until he was level with her face.
00:40:40You love my money.
00:40:41My position.
00:40:42The apartment and the bags I bought you.
00:40:45You have never loved me.
00:40:47That's not true.
00:40:49Do you know what she loved?
00:40:50She loved me.
00:40:53Three years ago, I was nothing.
00:40:55Just some blood-stained thug.
00:40:58She came with me anyway.
00:40:59And she never once asked what I could give her.
00:41:02He straightened.
00:41:03Leave.
00:41:05Scarlet stood there without moving.
00:41:08He walked to the door and held it open.
00:41:13Don't make me call someone in.
00:41:15She stared at him.
00:41:16Lips trembling.
00:41:17Then she picked up her bag and walked out quickly.
00:41:20As she passed him, she stopped.
00:41:23Dante.
00:41:25She's dead.
00:41:26Wake up.
00:41:27He looked at her.
00:41:28That one look sent a cold shock down Scarlet's spine.
00:41:31Something she had never seen.
00:41:32That kind of emptiness.
00:41:33And another human being's eyes hollow and utterly still, but somehow terrifying.
00:41:36She turned and ran.
00:41:38The door closed.
00:41:39Dante stood in the entryway without moving.
00:41:44After a long time, he went back to the living room and sat down.
00:41:48The bottle of wine still stood.
00:41:50On the coffee table, the two glasses side by side.
00:41:53He stared at them for a long time.
00:41:55Then he picked one up and hurled it at the floor.
00:41:57Glass exploded across the room.
00:41:59He got up, went to the guest room, and took the white silk nightgown from the wardrobe.
00:42:04He sat on the edge of the bed and held it.
00:42:06Outside, a siren wailed.
00:42:08Coming closer, then fading.
00:42:10He looked out the window.
00:42:11The sky was fully dark.
00:42:15Six weeks later.
00:42:17St. Catherine, Louisiana.
00:42:20Sunlight filtered through the sycamore leaves and scattered across the dirt road in uneven patches of light and shadow.
00:42:30A pickup truck rattled past.
00:42:32The bed loaded with hay bales.
00:42:34The old man driving it gave a short press of the horn as he went by.
00:42:38I nodded and kept walking.
00:42:39The main street wasn't long.
00:42:41A few shops on either side.
00:42:42A general store.
00:42:44A bakery.
00:42:45A second-hand bookshop.
00:42:46At the far end, a small white church with a bell in its steeple.
00:42:50The orphanage sat right next to the church.
00:42:54I had come here six weeks ago.
00:42:56Nothing but a new passport and some cash.
00:42:59When I walked into the church, the old priest had asked what I needed.
00:43:02I told him I was looking for somewhere to stay, somewhere I could be of use.
00:43:06He brought me here.
00:43:09The sister who ran this place passed away last month.
00:43:12He said.
00:43:14These children need someone.
00:43:17So I stayed.
00:43:19The children called me Sister Maria.
00:43:21Though I wasn't a real nun.
00:43:23Nobody asked too many questions.
00:43:25Small towns don't pry.
00:43:27With the money I had brought out, I bought drawing paper and crayons and started teaching art.
00:43:33I cleared out the weeds in the yard and planted flowers.
00:43:38Repainted the common room.
00:43:40Hung new curtains.
00:43:42The orphanage, which had been falling apart at the seams, was now the prettiest building on the street.
00:43:48Sister Maria!
00:43:49A small girl held up her drawing.
00:43:51The paper showed a figure with brown hair and a blue dress.
00:43:55Beside it in unsteady letters, Maria.
00:44:00Is that me?
00:44:02She nodded.
00:44:05I picked her up and kissed her cheek.
00:44:09There was a knock at the door.
00:44:11I turned.
00:44:14A man stood in the frame, black shirt and trousers.
00:44:17A paper bag in one hand.
00:44:19Somewhere around 30, dark hair.
00:44:21Light brown eyes.
00:44:22Hello?
00:44:23He said.
00:44:29I'm Michael.
00:44:30The new priest.
00:44:31It took me a second.
00:44:33The old priest had mentioned someone was coming to take over.
00:44:35I said.
00:44:37The children call me Sister Maria.
00:44:39He smiled.
00:44:40An easy, unhurried smile.
00:44:42I brought some food.
00:44:44He set the bag on the table.
00:44:46Just out of the oven at the bakery.
00:44:48The children swarmed the bag.
00:44:50Cookies still warm.
00:44:51He turned and looked at me.
00:44:53His gaze was careful, as though he was afraid of disturbing something.
00:44:56After he left, the children went back to their drawings.
00:44:59I stood at the window and watched his figure disappear through the church doors.
00:45:04At three in the afternoon, I walked into town to buy paint.
00:45:08The woman at the general store greeted me and said the new priest was a good man.
00:45:12The woman had fixed the leaking roof on her house just yesterday.
00:45:16I smiled, paid for the paint, and headed out with the bag.
00:45:22I stopped at the community notice board in the town square.
00:45:25All sorts of things pinned up.
00:45:27Lost and found.
00:45:29Rooms for rent.
00:45:30Announcements from the church council.
00:45:31At the top was a sheet of paper that looked newly posted.
00:45:34Its corners barely beginning to curl.
00:45:36It was large white.
00:45:37And on it was printed a face.
00:45:39A face I knew.
00:45:40Dante Moretti.
00:45:41The man in the photograph looked haggard.
00:45:43Dark circles carved deep under his eyes.
00:45:45Stubble unshaved, like someone who hadn't slept in days.
00:45:48But I knew it was him.
00:45:49I had spent three years looking at that face.
00:45:51I could have picked it out blind.
00:45:52The notice said this individual was a person of interest in multiple cases.
00:45:56Anyone with information was asked to call the number below.
00:45:58My hand went slack.
00:45:59The basket dropped.
00:46:01Tomatoes spilled out and rolled to the edge of the road.
00:46:04I bent to pick them up.
00:46:05My fingers were shaking.
00:46:07One, two, three.
00:46:08The tomatoes felt very soft, almost bruised.
00:46:10When I touched them.
00:46:12He tracked me here.
00:46:13No, that was impossible.
00:46:15This was a wanted notice.
00:46:16They'd be posted statewide.
00:46:25Maybe it was just chance.
00:46:27Maybe this town was so remote they'd only just put them up.
00:46:30I stood.
00:46:30A tomato in my fist.
00:46:32The board held all the usual things.
00:46:34A missing dog.
00:46:36Grooms for rent.
00:46:37Used furniture.
00:46:38Only the wanted notice was new.
00:46:40The paper still white.
00:46:41Corners not yet lifted by the wind.
00:46:43He has come looking for me.
00:46:45Or he is on the run.
00:46:46Either way, whatever the reason he had appeared on this paper in this town.
00:46:50In the place I had finally carefully made my own.
00:46:52The sun was fierce.
00:46:53It made my head spin.
00:46:55I stood there a long time looking at that face.
00:46:59The photo had aged him by five years.
00:47:01The man who had held me at the shooting range and smiled.
00:47:04Who had said in front of everyone, she is mine.
00:47:06Who had held me one last time on that last night.
00:47:09And told me he loved me.
00:47:11Now he was on this paper wanted.
00:47:13I picked up the basket and turned back.
00:47:15A few steps on I stopped.
00:47:18Glanced back.
00:47:20That face was still there.
00:47:22Watching me.
00:47:23I walked quickly.
00:47:25By the time I reached the orphanage gate, I walked straight into someone.
00:47:29Father Michael caught me by the shoulders.
00:47:31Sister Maria.
00:47:32Are you alright?
00:47:33You're pale.
00:47:34I looked up at him.
00:47:36His face was open with concern.
00:47:38Clean, genuine.
00:47:40I'm fine.
00:47:41I said.
00:47:42It's the heat.
00:47:43He held my gaze for a moment without speaking.
00:47:46I stepped past him and went into the yard.
00:47:48The children were napping.
00:47:50The yard was quiet.
00:47:52The flowers on the wall were blooming well red and yellow and pink blazing in the afternoon sun.
00:47:56I crouched down and pressed my face to my knees.
00:47:59Three months.
00:48:01I had thought I'd escaped.
00:48:02That I could start over.
00:48:04That that name would never find its way back into my life.
00:48:06Now he was somewhere in this town.
00:48:08Maybe already through the gate.
00:48:10Maybe already asking around for a woman named Maria.
00:48:13I pressed my nails into my palm.
00:48:24The sun scorched my back.
00:48:26My whole body was cold.
00:48:35The black SUV rolled into St. Catherine while I was standing at the orphanage gate handing out candy to the
00:48:41children.
00:48:41The sun was brutal.
00:48:43I squinted as the vehicle came slowly down the road.
00:48:46Moving as if it didn't want to startle anyone.
00:48:48The windows were tinted dark.
00:48:50I couldn't see inside.
00:48:52But I knew.
00:48:53The SUV stopped in front of the gate.
00:48:55Two men in black suits climbed out first.
00:48:58Then the rear door opened and Dante Moretti stepped down.
00:49:02He had lost a great deal of weight.
00:49:04His cheekbones jutted.
00:49:06His eyes had gone hollow.
00:49:07He hadn't shaved in days.
00:49:09His dark suit hung on him as if it belonged to someone slightly larger.
00:49:13He stood beside the car and looked at me.
00:49:15I kept handing out candy.
00:49:17The last piece went to Lily.
00:49:19She grabbed it and ran back inside, peering over her shoulder at the strangers.
00:49:24Inside!
00:49:25I said to the children.
00:49:26They ran.
00:49:32The yard went quiet.
00:49:33Dante walked toward me.
00:49:35He moved as though every step cost him something.
00:49:37He stopped three paces away.
00:49:40Vivian.
00:49:40His voice had gone hoarse.
00:49:42Like someone who hadn't spoken in days.
00:49:45I didn't move.
00:49:46I looked at him.
00:49:47He took another step forward.
00:49:49I've been looking for you a long time.
00:49:51I stepped back.
00:49:52He stopped.
00:49:53Something flickered in his eyes.
00:49:55Brief.
00:49:55But I caught it.
00:49:57Pain.
00:49:57Come home with me.
00:49:59He said.
00:49:59I don't know who you are.
00:50:01His brow creased.
00:50:03Vivian.
00:50:03There's no one here by that name.
00:50:05I turned.
00:50:06And started toward the building.
00:50:08Behind me footsteps.
00:50:09Quick and heavy.
00:50:10Then my wrist was seized.
00:50:12His hand was burning hot.
00:50:13His fingers locked around me like a vice.
00:50:16Listen to me.
00:50:17I wrenched free.
00:50:19The force of it surprised even me.
00:50:21He stood where he was.
00:50:23Hands still extended.
00:50:24In the shape of the grip.
00:50:32Let me go.
00:50:33Vivian.
00:50:34I was wrong.
00:50:35His voice had started to shake.
00:50:37I know I was wrong.
00:50:39Come back with me.
00:50:40We can talk it through.
00:50:41I don't know who you are.
00:50:42I met his eyes.
00:50:43Sir.
00:50:44You have the wrong person.
00:50:45He stared at me.
00:50:47For a long time.
00:50:48Red veins threaded through the whites of his eyes.
00:50:50His lids were slightly swollen.
00:50:52Your name is Vivian Rossi.
00:50:54You're my wife.
00:50:55You're my wife.
00:50:55Three years ago.
00:50:56You and I.
00:50:57My name is Maria.
00:50:58I cut him off.
00:50:59Sister Maria.
00:51:00I have been here for three months.
00:51:02My children are inside waiting for me.
00:51:04His bodyguards moved forward two paces.
00:51:06I glanced at them.
00:51:08Then back at him.
00:51:09You brought these men here.
00:51:11What exactly are you trying to do?
00:51:14I want to take you home.
00:51:16I've told you.
00:51:17You have the wrong person.
00:51:19He took a step forward.
00:51:21I took one back.
00:51:22He advanced.
00:51:23I retreated.
00:51:25Until my back was against the iron gate.
00:51:37Vivian.
00:51:38He dropped his voice.
00:51:40To almost nothing.
00:51:41Please.
00:51:42I looked at him.
00:51:44Three years.
00:51:45I had memorized that face.
00:51:47Once.
00:51:48I'd thought it was the most dependable face in the world.
00:51:51Now.
00:51:51It just felt strange to me.
00:51:53Sir.
00:51:54I said.
00:51:55Slowly.
00:51:56Each word separate and clear.
00:51:58I don't know who you're looking for.
00:52:00But my name's Maria.
00:52:02I am a nun in this town.
00:52:04I do not know you.
00:52:05His hand rose.
00:52:06Reaching for my face.
00:52:08I turned my head.
00:52:09His hand hung in the air.
00:52:11And stilled.
00:52:12His bodyguards stood behind him.
00:52:14Expressionless.
00:52:15Down the street a few townspeople had stopped to watch from a distance.
00:52:18Too far away to come closer.
00:52:20I looked at them.
00:52:21Then back at him.
00:52:23You came here with these men.
00:52:24Are you threatening me?
00:52:26No.
00:52:27Then what?
00:52:27Frightening my children?
00:52:29The blood.
00:52:30Left his face.
00:52:31I only wanted to find you.
00:52:33You found me.
00:52:34I said.
00:52:35Now you've seen me.
00:52:36I'm alive.
00:52:37You can go.
00:52:38Vivian.
00:52:39My name is Maria.
00:52:40He opened his mouth.
00:52:42No sound.
00:52:42I pushed the gate open and walked through.
00:52:45Vivian!
00:52:46He called out behind me.
00:52:48I didn't turn.
00:52:58I went inside.
00:52:59The children gathered around.
00:53:01Asking who those men outside were.
00:53:03I said they were travelers.
00:53:05Who had taken a wrong turn.
00:53:07Lily took my hand and looked up at me.
00:53:10Sister Maria.
00:53:12Your hand is so cold.
00:53:14I looked down at her.
00:53:15Small face.
00:53:17Round eyes.
00:53:18Clear and uncomplicated.
00:53:20I'm fine.
00:53:21I said.
00:53:21Just hot outside.
00:53:23Better in here.
00:53:24I crouched.
00:53:25And held her for a moment.
00:53:26From outside came the sound of an engine.
00:53:28Turning over.
00:53:29Then fading.
00:53:30I stood up.
00:53:32Walked to the window.
00:53:33The black SUV was pulling away.
00:53:35A wake of dust rose behind it.
00:53:37And dissolved at the end of the road.
00:53:38He was gone.
00:53:39At least for today.
00:53:40I leaned against the window frame.
00:53:42And looked outside.
00:53:43The sun was still relentless.
00:53:45The flowers on the wall blazed in it.
00:53:47Behind me the children.
00:53:48Ran and laughed.
00:53:49I pressed my nails into my palm.
00:53:51It hurt.
00:53:52Good.
00:53:53Pain.
00:53:54Meant I was still here.
00:54:00The news that Dante had bought the crumbling house next to the orphanage.
00:54:04Reached me through the mayor himself.
00:54:06The following morning.
00:54:08Sister Maria.
00:54:09He said.
00:54:10Standing in the yard.
00:54:10And wringing his hands.
00:54:12You know the old place that's been empty for years.
00:54:15Right next door.
00:54:16Someone bought it yesterday.
00:54:18Man from New York.
00:54:19The price he paid could have bought half this street.
00:54:23I was crouched by the flower bed with a watering can.
00:54:26I didn't look up.
00:54:28Is that so?
00:54:29He says he plans to stay a while.
00:54:32He also mentioned making a donation to the orphanage.
00:54:36I was wondering if you.
00:54:37I stood.
00:54:38The watering can tilted in my hand.
00:54:42The mayor blinked.
00:54:44No.
00:54:45Tell him we don't need it.
00:54:47He started to say something.
00:54:48Thought better of it.
00:54:49And nodded on his way out.
00:54:52From that point on.
00:54:54Dante came every day.
00:54:55The first day he stood at the gate holding a bag of fruit.
00:54:58I ignored him.
00:54:59He stood there for an hour.
00:55:01When he left he set the bag by the gate.
00:55:03The second day he brought a box of art supplies.
00:55:06Brand new.
00:55:07Expensive brands.
00:55:08I had the gatekeeper send them back.
00:55:10He wouldn't take them.
00:55:12The box sat at the gate.
00:55:14The third day he arrived with two workers and said he wanted to fix the orphanage roof.
00:55:18Mother Superior came out to thank him.
00:55:20I stayed inside.
00:55:22Day four.
00:55:23Day five.
00:55:24Day six.
00:55:25Every day.
00:55:26Each time with something.
00:55:27Each time standing in his usual spot.
00:55:29Watching me.
00:55:30Waiting for me to say something.
00:55:32I said nothing.
00:55:34On the afternoon of the seventh day.
00:55:36Scarlet appeared in town.
00:55:42I was watering the flowers in the yard when a red sports car stopped in front of the gate.
00:55:46I barely recognized her when she got out.
00:55:49She had put on some weight.
00:55:51Her belly curved slightly.
00:55:52Her makeup was still heavy.
00:55:54But the dark circles under her eyes were deep.
00:55:56She stood beside the car looking at me.
00:55:58And the corner of her mouth pulled into a smile.
00:56:01Long time no see Vivian.
00:56:03I turned off the hose.
00:56:05There's no Vivian here.
00:56:07She made a dismissive sound and walked through the gate.
00:56:09Her heels were unsteady on the gravel.
00:56:12She stopped in front of me.
00:56:13And looked me up and down.
00:56:15Dressed like that I barely knew you.
00:56:17A nun's habit?
00:56:18Is this really how you plan to spend the rest of your life?
00:56:22What do you want?
00:56:22She put a hand on her stomach.
00:56:25I wanted you to see this.
00:56:27I glanced down.
00:56:28Then looked back up at her.
00:56:30I see it.
00:56:32She frowned.
00:56:33So that's it?
00:56:34With Stoli Gens?
00:56:36Is there something you'd like me to say?
00:56:37She leaned forward and lowered her voice.
00:56:40This is Dante's child.
00:56:42I'm carrying his baby.
00:56:45You think by hiding out here he'll come running back to you?
00:56:48Keep dreaming.
00:56:49I studied her face.
00:56:51There was triumph in it.
00:56:52And provocation.
00:56:53And something else I couldn't quite name.
00:56:55Something like nerves.
00:56:57Something like fear.
00:56:59Congratulations.
00:57:00I said.
00:57:01She blinked.
00:57:02What?
00:57:03I said congratulations.
00:57:04A baby is a good thing.
00:57:06Take care of yourself.
00:57:07I turned back to the hose.
00:57:09She stood behind me for a long time.
00:57:11Then she surged forward and grabbed my arm.
00:57:13You're not angry!
00:57:15You don't care!
00:57:16Let go of me.
00:57:17Stop pretending!
00:57:18I know you still love him!
00:57:21Looking at me carrying his child must be tearing you apart!
00:57:25I turned my head to look at her.
00:57:27Her grip dug into my arm.
00:57:33You're hurting me.
00:57:34She stared at me, chest heaving.
00:57:36Just then, footsteps sounded at the gate.
00:57:39Let go of her.
00:57:40Dante stood there.
00:57:41He was wearing a plain t-shirt and jeans.
00:57:43His hair was a mess, and there was dust on his face.
00:57:46He looked like he'd come straight from a work site.
00:57:49Scarlet turned, and immediately released her hold.
00:57:53Dante, I just-
00:57:54What are you doing here?
00:57:56His voice was cold.
00:57:58I had never heard him speak like that.
00:58:00Scarlet retreated.
00:58:01A step.
00:58:03I only came to see her.
00:58:05You've seen her.
00:58:06Now go.
00:58:08Scarlet's eyes went red.
00:58:10Dante!
00:58:11I'm carrying your child!
00:58:13He looked at her.
00:58:15Not a ripple moved through his expression.
00:58:17You know exactly how that child happened.
00:58:19Her face changed.
00:58:21What are you saying?
00:58:22You know what I'm saying.
00:58:23I had it looked into.
00:58:25There were a few times I got drunk during that period.
00:58:28You put something in the drinks.
00:58:30Scarlet opened her mouth.
00:58:31Nothing came out.
00:58:33Did you think I didn't know?
00:58:34I knew.
00:58:35I just didn't bother dealing with it then.
00:58:38His voice was very even.
00:58:40But now that you've come here,
00:58:42I don't feel like tolerating it anymore.
00:58:45Scarlet backed up two steps, and hit the iron gate.
00:58:48I just-
00:58:51I love you.
00:58:54You don't love me.
00:58:56He said, cutting her off.
00:58:58You love what I can give you.
00:59:00Now get out.
00:59:01Don't let me see you again.
00:59:03Scarlet stood there as tears spilled down her face.
00:59:05Then she turned, shoved through the gate, and ran.
00:59:13The sound of the red sports car faded quickly in the distance.
00:59:16The yard was quiet.
00:59:18Dante looked at me.
00:59:20Are you alright?
00:59:21Fine.
00:59:23He came closer and looked at my arm.
00:59:25Where Scarlet had grabbed me, the skin was flushed red.
00:59:28Scored with faint nail marks.
00:59:31I'll get something for that.
00:59:34Don't.
00:59:35He stood where he was.
00:59:36Didn't move.
00:59:38Vivian.
00:59:39My name is Maria.
00:59:41He closed his mouth.
00:59:44That night, I couldn't sleep.
00:59:45I kept turning over Scarlet's words, and Dante's.
00:59:48The baby was something she had engineered.
00:59:50I found that I wasn't surprised.
00:59:53Scarlet was capable of exactly that, and Dante's months of betrayal.
00:59:57Was that her doing too?
00:59:58I didn't know what to believe.
01:00:01The midday quiet was broken by gunshots two weeks later.
01:00:05I had been in the kitchen helping with lunch.
01:00:08It had been so long since I'd lived anywhere dangerous, that even my instincts had gone soft.
01:00:13The first shot was distant enough that I thought it was a car backfiring.
01:00:18The second was close, just outside the yard.
01:00:23The third came at the same time as the sound of shattering glass.
01:00:27Children screaming.
01:00:29I ran out.
01:00:35Two men in black were in the yard, moving fast in my direction, guns in their hands.
01:00:44Then someone hit me from the side, and drove me to the ground.
01:00:47Shots exploded overhead.
01:00:49Loud enough to leave my ears ringing.
01:00:51The person on top of me made a low, choked sound.
01:00:54I turned my head.
01:00:56It was Dante.
01:00:57His face was pressed close to mine, white, forehead sheened with sweat.
01:01:10Are you hurt?
01:01:11He didn't answer.
01:01:13I looked down.
01:01:14His hand was pressed against his side, and blood was seeping through his fingers.
01:01:18His bodyguards came running.
01:01:20More gunfire going on for a while.
01:01:23Then silence.
01:01:26I helped roll Dante over.
01:01:28He lay on his back.
01:01:30Eyes half open, looking at me.
01:01:33You were shot.
01:01:34He looked up at me.
01:01:35The corner of his mouth moved slightly.
01:01:37Yeah.
01:01:39What were you thinking?
01:01:40Why did you run over here?
01:01:42Force of habit.
01:01:44It hit me then.
01:01:45He meant three years ago.
01:01:47The dock warehouse.
01:01:48The time he had taken a bullet that was meant for me.
01:01:52The ambulance came.
01:01:54I rode along.
01:01:57He held my hand the entire way, gripping hard.
01:02:00The surgery took three hours.
01:02:02I sat in the corridor with the red light burning above the operating room door.
01:02:09The light went out at dawn.
01:02:12The doctor came out and told me the bullet had stopped two centimeters from his heart.
01:02:16He was very lucky.
01:02:19I went into the room.
01:02:21He was lying in the bed, tubes everywhere.
01:02:23The color of the sheets, but alive.
01:02:27I sat in the chair beside him.
01:02:32He owed me.
01:02:33A great deal.
01:02:34Three years of betrayal.
01:02:36All those lies.
01:02:37That woman, that red stiletto.
01:02:40But there he was.
01:02:42And the bullet he'd taken for me had nearly killed him.
01:02:45I didn't know how to settle that account.
01:02:51He was in the hospital for two weeks.
01:02:53I stayed beside him for two weeks.
01:03:01When he came around, he looked at me the moment he opened his eyes, and went still.
01:03:17You're still here.
01:03:19I said nothing.
01:03:20His eyes slowly reddened.
01:03:22I'm sorry.
01:03:23I stood up and moved to the window.
01:03:32Don't say that.
01:03:35I want to say it.
01:03:37I know you hate me.
01:03:39You should.
01:03:40His voice was quiet and rough.
01:03:42What I did, I can't forgive myself for it.
01:03:47Marco's people are dealt with.
01:03:49The ones who ran are gone.
01:03:51The ones who didn't were picked up.
01:03:52I said.
01:03:55Scarlet's gone too.
01:03:59Your men have been by a few times.
01:04:01I told them you were still unconscious.
01:04:06I turned.
01:04:09Dante.
01:04:11There's something you need to understand.
01:04:15He looked at me.
01:04:18I can let you stay here.
01:04:21I can let you do those things.
01:04:23Fix the roof.
01:04:24Bring things over.
01:04:26Stand at that gate.
01:04:28But I can't forgive you.
01:04:30The color shifted in his face.
01:04:33I know.
01:04:34No, you don't.
01:04:36I walked back to the side of the bed and looked down at him.
01:04:41You have no idea what those three years were like for me.
01:04:44No idea what it felt like to find that shoe.
01:04:49No idea what I was thinking when I drove alone to the shore.
01:04:56He said nothing.
01:04:58He just looked.
01:05:00You can be good to me.
01:05:03You can protect me.
01:05:05You can do whatever you want to do.
01:05:10But there's a line inside me I can't cross back over.
01:05:15He closed his eyes.
01:05:23After a long time, he opened them.
01:05:27And looked at the ceiling.
01:05:30I understand.
01:05:34Good.
01:05:36I turned to go.
01:05:38Vivian!
01:05:39His voice from behind me.
01:05:40I stopped.
01:05:42I'm staying.
01:05:44Not to make you forgive me.
01:05:48Because I want to watch you live.
01:05:51Watch you be okay.
01:05:53I didn't turn around.
01:05:55I walked out of the room and the morning sun hit my face.
01:05:59Sharp and bright.
01:06:00I stood in the doorway and let it be for a while.
01:06:04A month later he was discharged.
01:06:06He came back to the little town and moved back into the house next door.
01:06:10Each morning he was up early, patching the roof, painting walls.
01:06:15Replacing windows.
01:06:18He made that ruin livable.
01:06:21He stopped coming to stand at the orphanage gate every day.
01:06:25Occasionally he'd come by with something, set it down, and go.
01:06:31The children started getting used to the neighbor man.
01:06:34And sometimes they'd wander over to watch him work.
01:06:36He didn't shoo them away.
01:06:38He just let them play nearby.
01:06:43One afternoon Lily came running back and pulled my hand and told me the man next door had planted a
01:06:48whole yard of flowers.
01:06:49The same kinds as the ones on our wall.
01:06:52I didn't go to see.
01:06:54But I knew.
01:06:55I looked down at my hands.
01:06:57These hands had held a gun.
01:06:59Had taken lives.
01:07:00Had also painted a wall full of flowers.
01:07:03And now they would build something new.
01:07:04Five links.
01:07:06The movement.
01:07:07I'm...
01:07:14...
01:07:15...
01:07:21You
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