PART 1

We were standing in the study at the DeLuca estate a little after seven in the evening.

Carmen was beside the desk, watching the cream envelope in my hand instead of looking at her granddaughter.

“Give that to me, Mauricio,” she said.

“Why?”

“It is a private family matter.”

“You sent for me.

You asked me to bring Renata here.

Now you want to take something out of my hand without telling me what it is?”

Carmen reached toward the envelope.

I moved it behind my back, more out of surprise than any plan to keep it from her.

Renata tugged my sleeve.

“Grandma said you might stop wanting me if you read it.”

Carmen closed her eyes for a second.

“Renata, darling, that is not what I meant.”

“Yes, it is.” Renata looked up at me.

“She said you might not want me anymore.”

I bent to set her down, but she held on until both her shoes touched the floor.