Chapter 2: She Is Not Going to Want to See You
The bold girl clutched the cash but didn't move.
Her eyes swept over Dante's expensive coat, then to the three men standing behind him.
"Mom said never trust men in nice suits."
Dante didn't flinch.
"Your mom was smart."
"Then why should I tell you anything?"
He looked at the painting again.
His jaw tightened.
"Because I think I knew her.
A long time ago."
The three girls went very still.
The quietest one — the one who had whispered Elena's name — took one small step forward.
She reached into the pocket of her thin coat and pulled out something small.
A photograph, folded and worn soft at the edges.
She held it out.
Dante took it with a steady hand.
But his hand was not steady.
It was a picture of Elena.
Younger.
Laughing.
Standing in front of a harbor Dante recognized immediately — it was his harbor.
His private dock in Gloucester.
A place no stranger had ever been allowed.
On the back, in Elena's handwriting, were four words.
*He must never know.*
Dante turned the photograph over twice as if the words might change.
They didn't.
Nico stepped closer and lowered his voice.
"Boss.
We need to go."
"Cancel the meeting."
"Sir, the man waiting is not someone you cancel on—"
"Cancel.
It."
Dante stood and looked at the boldest girl.
"Take me to your mother.
Right now."
May you like
The girl searched his face for a long moment.
Then she said quietly, "She's not going to want to see you."
