Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
“I also know that you will not be taking David, Giorgio, or Blue.”
I blinked. “Do you think that is a bad idea?”
“No. They will find the Shadow and Paolo will be safe.” Baba gave me a weak smile. “I have been having so many recent visions of him as an adult. Tall. . .so tall. Bigger than even the Lion.”
My heart ached. “Paolo ends up being okay?”
Baba frowned. “Eventually.”
“What does that mean?”
“That is a conversation for another day. Right now, we need to discuss New Orleans, Emily.”
“Why?”
“First, I should apologize to you.”
“No.”
Baba looked away. “I could have warned you about Olga but. . .I never thought. . .I just. . .did not think it was what that meant. Never did I think Lunita would. . .”
“You only saw Olga’s cup being cracked in the garden. How could you have known?”
“A year or so ago I would have known.” Baba gazed down at Paolo. “Now, I ignore visions that scare me, too happy to pretend that all will be perfect. I have been thoroughly enjoying myself and relishing in the joys of family life.”
“I understand.”
Baba looked at me. “However, I am going to New Orleans, Emily.”
“I don’t think it will be a dangerous trip, but just in case you should stay in Moscow to help—”
“New Orleans will be dangerous.”
I tensed. “What? H-how?”
“If I told you, then you would not let me go.”
“Then, you definitely can’t go.”
“If I go, then all of you will be safe.”
“And what about you?”
“Emily.” She frowned. “My bags are already packed. I felt the trip this morning. We arrive there together.”
“And do we leave together?” I shivered. “Kaz has already lost Olga. . .”
“Emily.”
“Baba, keep yourself safe.”
She gestured to my gloved hands. “You should take your own advice.”
I clenched my jaw.
“Kazimir will be sad if a lot of us are killed, but if you allow yourself to destroy yourself, the Lion will be nothing. Do you understand that?”
“Y-yes.”
“You must take care of yourself too.”
“I will. I just. . .”
Baba quirked her brows.
“I am just scared to make Kaz run away. I know it sounds crazy. I know. . .that is irrational, but. . .how much can one man take?”
“Kazimir will deal with it all for you.” Baba pointed at me. “You.”
I tensed.
“I am coming to New Orleans.”
I sighed. “Baba, you are not—”
“Emilio and Paolo are going?”
“True, but that is for selfish reasons.”
“It is not selfish. You are a new mother that wants to be near her baby and little boy.”
I gazed at Paolo’s sleeping face. He was an adorable kid. When he slept the cuteness levels rose through the roof.
“I am coming, Emily.”
“Baba, will the threat for Paolo follow us to New Orleans?”
“A little, but you will have control.”
I looked at her. “Would it be dangerous for Paolo to stay in Moscow?”
“Yes, but not in the way you think.” Baba softly patted his back. “You need to be by his side as much as possible. The connection that Paolo and you have must continue to be strengthened. That means you cannot leave him behind.”
My voice went hoarse. “I just want to do the right thing.”
“Bringing me will be the right thing. Taking care of yourself will be another right thing.”
“Do you promise?”
She gave me a sad smile. “I do.”
“Perhaps, you should do my cards. What else should I know?”
“No cards. I want to spend the remaining time in Moscow with my grandson.” Tears left her eyes.
My heart broke and I couldn’t tell you why.
I swallowed down fear. “Baba. . .would you tell me if you were in danger?”
“David will not want me to go to New Orleans.” She slowly raised her hand from Paolo’s back and pointed to me. “Override David. Do not let me stay.”
“Why not?”
“That is all I can say.”
Rage hit me. “I think that’s bullshit.”
“Not telling you things has worked.”
“You think so?” My voice cracked. “We have to send Olga’s shit to her sister because Lunita murdered her. I am terrified that a part of me will kill more before we leave Moscow—”
“Lunita will not come out again in Russia.”
I widened my eyes. “Are you sure?”
“She will return, but not here.”
I hugged myself. “In New Orleans?”
Baba slowly nodded.
“Will the woman in New Orleans help me?”
“I see things, but there is nothing that is certain.”
“What do you see?”
“Emily, it is just images of—”
“What do you see, Baba?”
“I see you sitting on a wooden floor sewing small dolls.”
I twisted my face in confusion. “Dolls? Are you sure?”
“The dolls are no bigger than my hand and are made of cloth.” Baba moved her view to the window. “Three dolls are already laying in front of you, and you are sewing button eyes onto a doll in your lap.”
“Have you seen other things?”
“I woke up this morning to ivory white snakes—large ones. They slithered around red and black candles. Then, the vision disappeared.”