Chapter 42 Elena
E LENA
Elena stands at the window, watching the street below. Having only booked the room last week, the suites with canal views were already taken. This annoyed Christian. But Elena loves the street view, watching Venice in motion.
An old woman across the road sets up a small metal table and two fold-out chairs outside her cafe. Elena doesn’t know the woman but she knows the cafe, which has been there since she was a child. It’s a feat for any business to survive here for over two decades. A solitary strand of flimsy red tinsel hangs across the cafe’s front window. The woman’s large breasts sit low over the striped apron tied around her waist and her swollen feet are spilling out of loafers. She already looks exhausted. It’s eight a.m.
Elena feels the old woman’s fatigue; she’s been awake all night. She thought about making a run for it in the early hours of the morning, but without the boats and trains operating through the night, she wouldn’t have got very far. She only has one shot at escaping, and she has to get it right.
‘Let’s go get that pregnancy test.’ Christian comes out of the bathroom, his hair slicked back and his aftershave on. He claps his hands together. ‘Chop, chop. If we’re quick, we’ll still make breakfast here.’
Elena turns away from the window. ‘I was thinking we really should wait until we’re back home.’
He tilts his head and looks down at her through narrowed eyes. ‘Why?’
‘It’s just – I don’t know – with Papà’s funeral this week, if I’m pregnant, it’s a lot to take on, mentally.’ Her voice is squeaky. ‘Can we wait a little longer before I take a test?’
‘Sorry, babe, I can’t wait. I have to know. Let’s go.’
She’s prepared for this answer.
Years ago, when things were first unravelling and she still had access to the internet, she looked up how to fake a positive result on a pregnancy test and kept it locked away in her head for the time it would come in handy. That time is now. If she can show him a positive test, he won’t risk the baby by hurting her and she’ll be safe until she escapes.
‘Christian, I don’t want to go out right now. My nausea’s the worst it’s been. Can I wait back here for you?’
He raises an eyebrow and smiles a slow smile. ‘The nausea’s a good sign. I really think this is happening, babe.’ He pats his pocket, feeling for his wallet. ‘I’ll be back before you know it.’ He kisses the top of her head before he leaves.
She watches from the window until she’s sure he’s left, then she runs to the bar fridge, pulls out a can of Coke and shoves it inside the bathroom cabinet. She wedges their bedroom door open and bolts from the room out into the hallway, slamming straight into the blonde Australian waitress from the restaurant. The knock makes Elena stagger backwards and the woman grabs onto her arm to stop her falling.
‘I’m so sorry! Are you okay?’
‘Sorry, I didn’t see you.’ Elena looks past her down the corridor. ‘I need to talk to Signora Bianchi, or any of the Bianchis really.’
‘They’re all downstairs in the restaurant.’ The woman lets go of her arm. ‘Are you safe? Is he hurting you?’
Elena gives her an incredulous stare. ‘What do you mean?’
‘I just saw your husband leave. I came up to see if I can help you.’
‘Who even are you?’
‘My name’s Sophie. I can tell you’re in danger. Let me help.’
Elena makes a snap decision to trust her. ‘Come in.’ She beckons Sophie into her suite and goes to stand by the window so she can keep an eye on the street. ‘Christian will be back soon.’ Elena speaks quickly. ‘My mother lives in Venice and I need to escape with her before our flight back to Australia. That’s just over a week away. I need him distracted so I have a chance to get away. But he won’t leave me alone for more than a few minutes at a time.’
‘Shit. Do you want to hide in my room?’
‘No. If he can’t find me, he’ll kick down every door here.’ Elena’s started shaking and now she can’t stop. ‘I need him to be occupied, for an hour or even longer. That’s what I wanted to ask the Bianchis for help with.’
‘I’ll tell them. We’ll work something out. You’re here until the seventh, right?’
‘Yes.’ How does this woman know everything?
‘Okay, good. Where’s he gone to now?’
‘Pharmacy. I told him I’m pregnant but I’m not.’
Sophie’s eyes bulge. ‘ What? Why did you do that?’
‘I know, I know. It was a mistake. He’s buying the pregnancy test right now.’
‘What’s going to happen when he finds out you’re not?’
‘I’m going to fake a positive result with Coke.’ Elena doesn’t take her eyes off the street.
‘You mean Coke as in Coca-Cola?’
‘Yes, you can use Coke instead of urine on the test. It’s supposed to be foolproof. At least I hope it is.’
‘Jesus.’ Sophie bites her bottom lip.
Elena’s heart is racing so fast she thinks she might faint. She blows into her hands, breathing slowly in and out. ‘I need to sit down. Can you watch the street?’
‘Yep.’ Sophie moves to the window. ‘I almost forgot. Here, I was bringing this up for you.’ She produces a sandwich, wrapped in plastic, from her apron pocket. ‘Eat this before he gets back. It’s salami and cheese.’
‘I’m too nervous to eat. Do you have a phone on you? I need to call my mother.’
‘Of course.’
Elena takes the phone from Sophie and types in Mamma’s number, praying she answers. She does. When she hears Mamma’s voice, she breaks down. Mamma tells her that she has money and a phone as requested – she’s ready.
‘I’m sorry, Mamma. I’m sorry I’m taking you away from everything you love.’
‘Vita mia, the only thing that matters to me is you.’
‘He’s coming,’ Sophie whispers, her eyes wide.
Elena hangs up quickly and gives Sophie back the phone.
‘I’ll stick close by. Call out if you’re in danger.’ Sophie gives her a brief hug at the door. ‘God, you’re shaking like a leaf, you poor thing. We’ll figure out a way you can escape, don’t worry.’
Less than a minute after Sophie leaves, Christian walks in. He holds up a paper bag. ‘Ready to take a leak?’ He grins.
Elena closes the bathroom door behind her and sits on the toilet with her pants down for appearances, just in case he walks in. She reaches for the can hidden in the vanity. The sound of gas escaping when she opens the Coke feels spectacularly loud.
Merda. Why didn’t I open it when he was out?
She freezes, expecting him to burst through the door to see her sitting there with the can in her hands. The door remains shut. She dips the test into the Coke and hides the can again.
Then she waits.
After a few seconds, he calls out, ‘How’s it going in there? You done?’
‘Not yet.’ There’s a roaring in her ears.
‘What’s taking so long?’
‘It’s hard to go, I’m nervous.’
‘Bloody hell, Ellie, just do it.’
‘I’m trying!’
Her heart just about stops beating when she looks down at the test. It’s positive.
The immediacy of her tears shocks her. She pulls up her knickers and walks out of the bathroom, holding up the test for him to see.
His jaw drops. ‘We’re having a baby!’
He swoops her up in his arms, and they laugh and cry. The relief has made her giddy.
When they walk out together for breakfast minutes later, both Rocco and Sophie are hanging around in the hallway outside their suite.
‘Hey, Rocco!’ Christian grins at him. ‘You’re the first to know, mate. Ellie’s pregnant!’
Rocco gives him a high five. ‘Congratulazioni! This is wonderful news!’
Sophie catches Elena’s eye and smiles. Elena has no idea how Sophie knew what she knew, but this stranger might just be the one to save her life.