"She speaks Spanish," I yell. I'm not sure why Julieta isn't speaking English. My only assumption is maybe she's too traumatized.
The voice repeats, but in Spanish, and Julieta continues to shake but quiets.
"The other women. Now," the voice says, and two other men step forward. One grabs Bernadette's arm. Gustave does nothing to stop him.
Bernadette fearfully whispers, "Gustave," but he stares at her with the same neutral expression.
The other man moves toward Emilia, and I shield her again. "Do not touch her," I growl.
"Take him with you," the voice says. "You may escort her, but if you attempt to go anywhere except where we direct you, you will be shot and her as well. Put one hand in the air and the other around the woman. Do you understand?"
I raise my hand in the air. "Yes."
"Go. Now."
I turn to Emilia, who's shaking. Her face is scrunched in fear. I put my arm around her waist, and I follow the two men, Julieta, and Bernadette.
We're led down a hall and to a spiral staircase that leads to the roof. One man goes first. Then Julieta, Bernadette, and Emilia. I follow, and the other man comes behind me.
We get out on the roof. Two helicopters are waiting. We're directed to one and get inside. One of the men in black gets in with us, the other stays.
Gustave appears at the top of the roof and gets in the other helicopter with the five men as we take off. The President and his son are nowhere to be seen.
Ma belle trembles, and I pull her onto my lap. I wrap my arms around her.
The man lowers his gun and pulls off his mask. "How the hell did you ever get wrapped up in this?"
I've never been so happy to see him. I reach out to slap his hand and breathe a sigh of relief. "Kalim."
35
Emilia
"Where is Millie?" I blurt out. "We have to get her. What have they done to her?"
Bernadette is holding Julieta. She's having a panic attack and mumbling in Spanish, but it's mixed with her tears, so it comes out choked.
"Millie is in Bermuda with Penelope and Axel," Kalim says.
I put my hand over my heart. "Thank God. The President threatened Julieta and said he would kill her."
Kalim's eyes widen. "Do you speak Spanish?"
"Yes, why?"
He points to Julieta. "That's not Julieta."
Chills run through my body. "What? Of course it is."
He shakes his head.
"Kalim?" Malin asks.
"That is Julieta's twin sister. She had a daughter with Goliath."
I swallow hard.
The color in Malin's face drains. "The Guatemalan drug lord?"
"Yes. I need you to translate for me, Emilia."
"Okay."
"Please tell her we have her daughter. She is safe, and we will take her to her."
"How?"
"Please translate first."
"Oh, sorry." I turn to Julieta then turn back to Kalim. "What is her name?"
"Josie."
She looks up at the mention of her name. I translate what Kalim said, and she wails, but this time, it's not in fear. Bernadette pulls her closer.
I start to cry, too. Relieved that Millie is safe and so is Josie's daughter.
The helicopter lands. There's a private jet waiting next to us.
"You must go now," Kalim says.
The second helicopter arrives. Gustave gets out, and it takes off.
Malin's body stiffens.
"Oh, thank God," Bernadette whispers, and tears fall down her face. She gets out and runs over to him, and he embraces her as she sobs.
"Tell Josie to go with you. Her daughter is waiting for her. When you land, a car will be waiting to take you to the house," Kalim says.
I translate, and she nods, still sobbing.
"What house?" Malin asks.
"Blaise's."
"We're going to Bermuda?"
Kalim and he lock eyes. "Yes. You all need to stay there. Do not leave, whatever you do."
Malin lowers his voice. His eyes darken. "There is unfinished business to take care of."
"I'm aware."
Malin kisses my head. "Ma belle, take Josie to the plane. I will be there in a moment."
I glance between the two men. "Okay."
Malin kisses my head again. "Thank you, ma belle."
I hold my hand out and say in Spanish. "Josie, we need to get on that plane so we can go see your daughter. Please come with me."
She repeats thank you several times and steps out of the helicopter with me. I lead her to the plane, and when I get closer to Gustave and Bernadette, he releases her.
"Go in the jet. I'll be inside in a moment."
She sniffles and kisses his lips again then goes inside with us.