Dario stared at Irena. A war of emotions showed in her darkened eyes. He nodded, and Ella flashed a slight smile. She joined her mother, giving her a comforting hug. His gaze shifted to Martina, who lowered her lashes and played with a loose thread on her sleeve cuff. Ante seated next to her. Jasmin flipped through an old photo album on the floor by the bookcase.
Irena placed Dario’s cellphone on the coffee table.
Damn, would anyone broach the subject of Irena’s dad on his deathbed? Dario’s mind raced, searching for a few appropriate words. He swallowed and stepped toward Irena, placing his hand on her shoulder. “If you want to see your dad, we’ll take you to the hospital if you think it’s safe.”
Ella faced Dario. “Mom and I went to see Grandpa in the nursing home. He barely opened his eyes, and I doubt he knew who we were.”
“He made eye contact for a split second. I’ll never forget that look, like he should know me, but couldn’t quite place me.” Irena’s voice trembled. What emotions could be battling inside her? “Before we left his room, I said my goodbyes. In truth, I wanted to make peace with him. I knew that would be last time I’d see him.”
Though Irena’s father wouldn’t win a Dad of the Year award, he was still her dad, and perhaps seeing him at the end of his life was hard on her no matter all the hardships he’d put her through.
Dario kissed her palm. “We’ll call the hospital tomorrow.”
“Mom’s going to see him today.” Irena shook her head. The initial tremor in her voice vanished, and the sadness in her eyes replaced by steely determination, easing the tightness in his chest.
Dario understood her turmoil. If this was his dad, he’d be confused about what to do too. On one hand, she should be sad for her dad, yet on the other…only God knew. Her parents should’ve protected her. To add to it, she grew up never hearing a nice word from them. Her extended family thought her an airhead, incapable of anything. Marrying her off to that snake had meant getting rid of a problem. Without a man to take care of her, her father believed she’d live on streets, earning her living as a prostitute high on drugs. The sad part was, almost everyone believed him. Many tried to convince Dario of same, but he had always known she was nothing like what they said. She went along with her parents’ wishes all her life, mostly to avoid getting beaten if she didn’t comply. Now the destiny in the Gypsy amulet called them to fulfill their heart’s desires. Martina drew in a long breath, turned to Ante and threaded her arm around his. “Fine, we’ll go to Sylba. Will you stay with me? It gets pretty boring on the island in offseason. There’s nothing to do there but watch TV and eat.”
Ante wrapped his finger around the coils of her dark hair. “I’m not going to get on your nerves?”
“You will, but it’ll break the monotony so I don’t die of boredom.” She squeezed his hand. “Now, take me and Jasmin home. I have to pack.”
Ante stood, pulling Martina up with him. He wrapped his arm around her waist and drew her to him. “Have I told you that I love you?”
“No need to tell me. I know you do. And I love you too.” Martina faced Irena. “I’m so sorry about your dad and…forgive my harsh words. Your situation is bad enough without me adding to it. Come to the island. The house on Sylba is big enough for all of us.”
“I’d love to visit you, but not when danger follows me everywhere.” Irena glanced at Ella. “Our short presence here already caused plenty of grief to you all.” “Nonsense. We’ll beat this and send Fred packing for good.” Dario’s throat tightened at the sadness in his daughter’s eyes while she stared at Jasmin. He pulled Ella closer. “Don’t worry. Jasmin and her mom won’t stay on the island for too long and if they do, we’ll go for a visit. Commuter boats can take us there in the afternoon and we’ll return to the city the next morning.”
“That would be great. Mom talked about the islands. I’ve seen videos and pictures, but I’m dying to experience them for real. She said they are peaceful at this time of year.”
Martina shook her head, then stepped to the coat closet and pulled out Jasmin’s jacket. “Peaceful? I’d say dead. Just a bunch of retirees live there. They barely poke their heads out in the winter afraid cold winds would cause them all kinds of illnesses. You’d have to feel for your own pulse to check that you’re still alive.” She waved a hand to her daughter. “Come on, girl. Let’s go home. Tomorrow we’re going to Grandma and Grandpa’s.”
Ante stretched and yawned. “If you decide to come to the island, don’t take public transportation, movements could be easily tracked. Call me and I’ll bring my boat to the city.” He rubbed his eyes. “We all had an early start today. I could go for a nap.”
A thought sprouted in Dario’s head. They could all use a getaway if only for a day. There was nothing he or Ante could do in the restaurant until the fire marshal was through with the investigation. The condition of Irena’s father prevented them from leaving. Though she’d stated she’d made her peace and said her goodbyes, her tone and deep creases between her eyes told him she had forgiven her father, but she had not forgotten. She would want to attend the funeral.
Little hands wrapping around his snapped him out of his thoughts. “Uncle Dario,” Jasmin said, “You didn’t hear me saying bye.”
“Bye, sweetheart.” He bent down to kiss her forehead. “You’ll see Ella again soon, I promise.”
Jasmin ran to her dad and he picked her up in his arms. Dario’s chest squeezed. Knowing Fred could send his men after anyone who helped Irena, each time a member of a family left through the door could be the last time he’d see them. Dario would fight and do the right thing, no matter the consequences.