Chapter 70

I have my lips pressed together as I observe Laura's reaction. I've just told her what we've been through in the past few days. She's motionless, her breath held, her restless eyes scanning my face as if processing the information she just received. Then she gives me a brief but tight hug and goes to the baby carrier where Aaron is peacefully asleep, picking him up and cradling him lovingly against her chest. Her eyes are now closed, and I notice a shiver running through her.

"By God, Sofia! Why didn't you call me?" Her voice is deep and trembling. "I had no idea what you were going through!"

"I was already so scared, knowing I was at risk, with my house taken over by a battalion of police. I was terrified at the thought that David might find out somehow, and then I would never see my son again!" I run my hand over Aaron's back, who remains asleep, oblivious to everything that has happened to him. "And, to be honest, I didn't even have the mental capacity to think about anything else,