Epilogue
Edmundo
Gripping the wooden bookshelf, I stared at Ted, the jade turtle. It had been days and there was no word about or from Ana. She’d vanished into thin air. Even my ears inside Russia had no idea what happened. All they found was her abandoned car in a steep ditch.
They’d taken everything left inside and shipped it to me. The box arrived today, and I’d been staring at it for an hour. I was terrified to open it. Seeing one thing from the wreck and not knowing if they were dead or alive would break me. Sheer will was the only thing keeping me together at this point.
With a sudden burst of determination, I marched to my office door and locked it before going to my desk and picking up the scissors. I’d rather stand in a rain of bullets than open this box. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I sliced through the packing tape. I wasn’t sure if the sound was from the box or if my heart was splitting in two.
Setting the scissors aside, I decided that the rip-off-the-bandage approach was best and opened the flaps all in one go.
The tears I’d been holding back fell. Reaching in, the first thing on top was Mr. Bunny. I pulled him out and collapsed into my chair, holding the stuffed animal to my chest.
My baby girl. My Reginette.
I gasped, trying to draw air into my lungs, but it was as if they’d completely stopped working. Here I was, a Don of Dons, with all the money and power I’d sworn to amass, but I would give it all up for Ana and Lilya to be okay.
Just let them be alive.
My body trembled as I held the bunny tighter, picturing all the times Lilya had run to hug me, never knowing that I was her father. I’d thought that pain was bad, but I was an idiot. Nothing compared to this.
Something cold brushed against my hand. I looked down and noticed a necklace around the bunny’s neck. It was the lily pendant I’d given Ana in Spain.
I was a strong man, but this was too much.
My cell dinged, and I picked it up on instinct, not really caring who it was. It was a message from an unknown number and had an image attached.
Normally, I’d send it straight to spam, but something compelled me to open the message. My tears flowed freely, but I was finally able to suck in a breath. Ana and Lilya were waving and smiling at the camera. I stupidly brought my hand up to wave back like they could see it.
Little bubbles appeared.
Unknown: We’re safe.
E: Thank God. Will I ever see you again?
Unknown: Yes. One day we’ll be together and we will get our forever, I promise. This is just another obstacle, nothing we can’t handle.
I smiled at my phone. That was so Ana. Always ready to take on the world no matter what.
Uknown: I’ll always keep my vows to you, my love, and know that there will not be a single minute that passes where I won’t think of you.
E: I’ll always keep my vows to you, my goddess, and there won’t be a single night that I lay my head down and not dream of the day that I get to hold you again.
Unknown: We love you with all our hearts.
E: I love you both so much more than I’ll ever be able to put into words.
Unknown: Impossible. Bye for now, but not forever, your Ana.