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“Joseph?”
“Yes, sir?”
“Drive faster.”
“On it…”
The house was very nondescript.
Trees lined the street, and a group of kids were playing hide and seek between the cars parked on the street. A mother yelled for the kids to come inside and they all raced toward their house.
I got out as soon as Joseph slowed down, not waiting for him to get the door for me. My hands were shaking.
Was she safe here? Did someone find her before us?
That’s when I saw the blinds open and close immediately. She was here. I raced up the few steps and rang the doorbell.
Then I got frustrated and knocked on the door hard. She was taking too long to answer the door.
I needed to see her, all of her, with my own eyes to make sure she was ok.
“Mya, I know you’re in there. Open up now.”
I didn’t hear anything for a long time. I signaled to Joseph to go around back. I didn’t want to make a scene.
The last thing I needed now was for the cops to think I was some unhinged stalker threatening a pregnant woman.
“Mya!” I tried again and then I heard someone swear from the backyard.
I ran to the back and saw her standing next to a pool with a golf club in her hand, pointing it menacingly at Joseph, who just looked as if he wanted to be anywhere else but there.
I felt the same. How was I supposed to handle this situation?
She was really pregnant now, definitely showing. I couldn’t just toss her over my shoulder and make a run for it, not without hurting her or the baby.
But I didn’t know how much time we had. We’d gotten to her first, but I figured we were being followed, and Matteo and his goons would be there soon.
“Mya, listen to me, we have to leave. You’re not safe here.”
“Shut up!” she said swinging the club in Joseph’s direction when he tried to come a little closer.
“Mya, please.”
I was feeling desperate now. “I need you to come with me, okay? I have to get you out of here. You’re not safe?—”
“You’re lying,” she looked from me to Joseph. “Don’t come any closer.”
“Mya—” I took a step toward her and she turned towards me and swung the golf club close enough to my head that I was able to grab it from her.
She seemed shocked and then started backing away. I tossed the golf club into the pool.
“Mya, you’re playing a dangerous game. You’re not safe here. The baby’s not safe here. Do you understand what I’m saying? They’re coming for you. They’ll kill you and the baby. Please.”
“You’re lying. You just want to lock me up again. You want to use me as a fucking incubator until the baby is born. You want to control me. No. You’re not going to win, Dario. Your family has fucked up my life enough, I’m not letting you anywhere near my child.”
“Mya, all I’m asking is the opportunity to keep you safe. You can pick the place. And you’ll never have to see my face, I just need to get you out of here now. I can’t protect you if?—”
“Protect me?” she laughed humorlessly. “You’re the reason I’m in this predicament. Your lies. Your family’s lies. You think I don’t know that I’m just a pawn? I’m tired of being a part of this game between you and your brothers. I want out. Just let me leave…please,” her voice cracked. “Just let me disappear.”