“We are partners now.”

I walked out of the study and down the quiet hallway to my room.

The sheets on the bed were clean and smelled of lavender.

I climbed into bed, pulling the heavy blankets up to my chin.

I slept without dreaming.

The next morning, the sun broke through the clouds, lighting up the wet gardens in brilliant shades of green and gold.

I stood on the stone balcony, holding a warm cup of coffee.

Down in the courtyard, workmen were already busy removing the damaged iron gates.

The sound of their hammers echoed clearly in the crisp morning air.

Vincent walked out onto the terrace below, talking quietly to his security chief.

He looked up and saw me, nodding once in greeting.

I nodded back, feeling a strange, new strength in my chest.

The fear that had defined my life for so long was gone, replaced by a quiet determination.

I went back inside to prepare for my meeting with the federal prosecutors.

I dressed in a dark blue suit that Gianna had brought for me.

It was professional, sharp, and fit me perfectly.