master?”
She shakes her head. “That was his father. Made sure we all called them Master even when they were children. Cold as stone, that one. But I won’t speak ill of the dead.”
A knock comes on the door, interrupting us then, and the maid who was here, the younger one who every time I’ve seen her looks like she’s expecting a ghost to jump out at her at any moment stands in the doorway.
“Yes, Jenna?” Antonia asks with a note of irritation in her tone.
“Ma’am.” She gestures to me but is talking to Antonia. “Her brother’s here to see her.”
I get to my feet. “My brother’s here?”
The girl glances nervously at me but directs herself to Antonia. “I didn’t know what to do, so I let him in. He’s waiting downstairs.”
“Oh.”
“The Master is…”
Antonia clears her throat. “Well, get the man some coffee and tell him Ivy will be down in a few minutes. Surely you know how to receive a guest.” She claps her hands for the girl to go, and the younger maid disappears.
I quickly get dressed and hurry down the stairs with Antonia telling me to slow down and hold on to the railing.
Abel is studying the photographs on one of the sideboards in the large living room and turns when he hears me. He’s holding a framed photograph that he puts back when I enter. I notice it’s one of Mercedes.
“Abel.” I slow down and just catch myself before I hug him because he is still Abel. God, what a state I’m in if I think running into my brother’s arms is a good place to be. This is what Santiago has reduced me to? “What are you doing here?”
“It’s good to see you too, sis.” His eyes fall on the rosary, which I quickly tuck under my sweater. “Find God here?”
“No, actually. Just the devil.”
He snorts, looks me over. “He’s not beating you, is he?”
That’s complicated, and I’m about to try to explain it when I realize something. “Has something happened? To Dad? Is that why you’re here?”
He inhales and exhales, then wanders deeper into the house to glance around. “No, he’s the same.”
“Thank goodness. Evangeline?”
“No, Ivy, everyone is fine. I just wanted to come and see how you’re doing.” He turns back to face me, and I know that’s not it. Abel always has an agenda.
But he’s also the only one who may be able to help me. “I can’t stay here, Abel. You have to do something.”
“What do you mean? Look around you. You live in the lap of luxury, even if it does have a Dracula vibe going. Is he too cheap to light the place?”
“No, I think he just…” I trail off because why would I explain to my brother that I think it’s because of his face. I think Santiago doesn’t like anyone to see him. It’s strange, but it’s the first time I register that myself. “Never mind. Abel, I can’t stay here. I mean it. He…”
“You’re married to a De La Rosa, Ivy. You’re staying. There’s only one way out. Well, two. He can divorce you, or he can kill you.”
I shudder.
He chuckles.
Does he have any idea how close to the truth his words have come?
“Is his sister home?”
“What?”
“Mercedes. Is she home?”
“I don’t know.”
He shakes his head like he’s disappointed and looks around, then comes closer to me. His voice is lower when he speaks. “You’ll be attending the Gala, I hear.”
“At the compound?”
He nods.
“Yes. Will you be there? Maybe you can bring Evange—”
“Don’t be stupid, Ivy. Of course, I won’t be there. Even as his brother-in-law, I’m not yet welcome. But my time is coming. And you’ll do your part to make sure it comes quickly.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Never mind. I need you to do one thing for me while you’re there.”
“What?”
“I want to know who Holton talks to. Do you remember him?”
“I’ll never forget that man.”
“Good. I’ll come back here in a few days, and I’ll bring Evangeline for a visit if you manage to get me any useful information.”
“What?”
“Oh, and don’t tell your husband.” He checks his watch. “I have to go.” He starts to head toward the front door.
“Wait!” I catch his arm. “Abel, please. I need your help. You’re the only one who can help me.”
He sighs like he’s bored. “What, Ivy?”
“He wants…he’s planning to...start a family. I don’t want, no, I can’t have that monster’s baby! Please. You have to help me.”
He snorts. “Is that all?”
“What do you mean is that all?”
“Don’t worry. There