by Louise Dawn
He’d seen pictures of the polished ice-queen in the file. Photos of her on red carpets—sparkling at Rajin’s side. Perhaps Antonio had wanted to see more—and convinced himself that there was more to Pearl Bandara than met the eye. But maybe she was just like Bianca—using others to get ahead.
Were his instincts wrong?
Antonio paused before stepping onto the escalator. He wasn’t wrong. Shit. Turning around, he headed back to the McDonalds. Rounding the corner, Antonio froze, and his protective instincts clicked into overdrive.
The two familiar men from the flight had approached mother and daughter as they stood in line. One target slid up beside Pearl. Startled, she turned and stumbled back.
Chapter Four
Pearl regretted her words—her goodbye. Antonio had been nothing but kind to her and her daughter. But, if he’d known her actual state of mind, he would’ve run, not walked in the opposite direction. A raging panic attack had taken hold, and Pearl couldn’t think, or talk or even swallow. Her throat literally locked up as she glanced down at her daughter.
They had nowhere to go. Pearl had enough cash to last a couple of weeks—she’d drawn as much as she could from an ATM in Colombo before running to the U.S. Embassy. The daily transaction limit was only a thousand dollars—her only choice when the banks were closed.
If she accessed her bank account, Rajin could track her location. She needed to start over without a digital or paper trail. Once he was caught and imprisoned, she would transfer her funds to an American bank.
What could she do with a thousand dollars? They’d need to find shelter and food. A job came first—she’d work anywhere, but her name could be a problem. “Pearl Bandara” could no longer exist. There was a solution, and it would cost money. Her limbs tingled as she thought of the insurmountable challenges.
“Can I also have a chocolate milkshake? Mommy, are you listening?”
“Yes, Bug. You can have a milkshake.” Pearl forced out the words.
The couple in front of them embraced, and the girl giggled at something he said. They looked so relaxed. The entire food court didn’t seem to have a care in the world. As Pearl shattered beneath her skin.
She was a bad mother. Maybe she should never have watched Rajin’s tapes—pretended ignorance. Aysha would still be in school and in a safe routine. She’d be brought up with privilege and protection—with an influential father who could be a president.
Rajin would’ve looked after his daughter, and his generosity would have extended to Pearl. Had she made the wrong choice? Was it too late? Pearl’s knees shook as she focused on the shuffling line.
There hadn’t been a choice. Knowing what he’d done—the monstrous acts he’d performed—she would never have been able to leave Aysha alone with her father. The evil man would have zero influence on their child. And what about justice for his victims’ families?
“Pearl Bandara?”
Pearl jerked at the sound of her name. A tall blond man registered in her periphery, and she turned, shielding her child. Adrenaline spiked as two large men stood way too close. Stepping back, she narrowly avoided an outstretched arm.
“I thought that was you.” The blond man smiled.
Rajin’s men had already found her? Through her panic, Pearl looked for an escape. They were in a public place... if she screamed…
“You don’t remember me?”
His face seemed vaguely familiar, but she didn’t care. If they touched Aysha…
“Pearl—”
In a blur of movement, a hard body stepped in front of her and shoved the stranger back. “Who are you, and how do you know her name?”
Antonio. Relief had her wanting to sink to her knees.
“Whoa, buddy. Easy.”
“Back off, or I’ll call security—after I’m done pounding you to the floor.”
The blond guy raised his hands and stepped back. “I was just saying hello. Pearl, tell your bodyguard that we know each other.”
“I… I don’t know you.”
“Doctors Without Borders. Remember? My team came by your clinic a few months ago. When you held that mobile treatment day.”
Pearl tried to recall faces from that day. Her tired brain wouldn’t function.
“Doctor Sam Bridges. And this is Doctor Willard—he’s an optical surgeon.”
“That’s right.” Pearl smiled in relief. “I remember. You restore sight. Fifty surgeries a month in Sri Lanka?”
Antonio relaxed and moved to her side. As grateful as she felt that these were just two doctors traveling back to the States, she just wanted them gone. Pearl wanted to feed her tired child and rest for a moment before she decided on their future. Small talk with virtual strangers in an airport wasn’t ideal.
“How is your friend, Chantal? The chiropractor?”
Pearl forced a smile, knowing she would miss the treatment center she’d helped set up in Colombo. “Good. She never stops working.”
Doctor Bridges rambled on about his next trip to South America, and Pearl shifted her feet. She wanted to crawl out of her skin. The only person that mattered in her world was the tiny child by her side. They moved to the front of the line, and when their turn came, she interrupted the chatty doctor.
“I’m sorry—I need to feed Aysha. It was good to run into you. Good luck with Peru.”
The two men finally took their leave, and she ordered Aysha’s meal. After paying, she looked up and spotted Antonio—arms folded—waiting for them at the pick-up counter. He looked so solid and reassuring.
She walked over. “Aren’t you supposed to be at your gate?”
“First, we need to talk.”
“Oh, God, you got an update? On Rajin?”
“No—easy. Seeing those doctors approach you—I should have paid more attention and should never have walked away.”
“You have a flight to catch.”
“I’m in no hurry. Here let me help.”
Antonio took her carry-on bag, and Pearl grabbed the happy meal. They found a quiet table, and Pearl got Aysha situated with her milkshake and food.
“Aren’t you gonna eat?” Antonio asked.
Pearl shrugged. “I’m not hungry.”
He watched her, and his assessing gaze had her looking down as she fiddled with the paper from the straw. Her hands trembled, and she clenched them into fists.
“Where are you heading?”
“What?”
“You next flight? Which city?”
Pearl didn’t answer. Her fists squeezed, and she laid them on the table.
“You don’t have tickets, do you? I missed that detail when you were checking in—in Colombo.”
“I’ll buy tickets after McDees.”
“To where?”
“Mommy! Look—I got a dinosaur and a princess!” Aysha waved her toys in Pearl’s face.
“That’s nice, sweetie, play with your princess. And eat your chicken nuggets.”
“Pearl, to where?” Antonio persisted.
“Our destination isn’t your concern.”
“How much money do you have?”
“You have no business asking—”
“A thousand dollars? Two thousand? Five thousand?”
Her throat burned, and she looked away. “We’re fine and no longer your concern.”
“You’re not catching a flight, are you? I’m guessing a bus—a cheaper mode of transport.”
Pinning him with an angry stare, Pearl stood. “What do you want? You did what was asked, and now you can go on your merry way!”
“I want the truth. What are your plans?”
“Why—”
“Because I care.”
“We’ll be fine—I’ll be….” She couldn’t continue with the lie and felt her eyes fill with hot tears. “I don’t… I haven’t decided on a destination. This is… this is all so new and….” Pearl swiped at her cheek.
Antonio rose and circled the table. His strong hands cupped her shoulders as she dropped her h
ead.
Her voice broke. “I don’t have a recent job history or a resume. We don’t have a home, and Aysha needs to go to school.”
“One step at a time.” He gently pulled her to his chest, and Pearl accepted the embrace.
“Mommy, what’s wrong?”
“Your mom is tired from the long flight. She’s just resting her head.”
“Does she want a nugget? I can give her my dinosaur.”
Pearl let out a watery chuckle but wasn’t ready to step out of the embrace. Antonio’s broad chest felt solid, and his arms held her so securely. “Hugs” in her world were a rare commodity. The only person she’d embraced was her good friend Chantal. And the last time Pearl had received a hug from a man was a couple of years ago—from Rajin. Which certainly didn’t feel like this.
Nothing felt this good—this safe. And he smelled like soft spice—lavender and sandalwood. How did someone smell this good after such long flights?
Antonio shouldn’t have pulled her into his arms. He wasn’t usually the affectionate type, but her panic had cut to his core. And now that he held her, he was reluctant to let go. Her fist squeezed his shirt, and he felt her body tremble. His arms tightened.
“Mommy, you can have the rest of my chocolate milkshake.”
“You’re giving up your chocolate milkshake?” Antonio asked. “Wow. You must really love your mom.”
“I do. Chocolate is everything!”
They all laughed, and he reluctantly pulled away. Under his gaze, Pearl’s face reddened, and she concentrated on wiping her face and returning to her seat. Antonio did the same, but not before stealing a French fry from Aysha’s meal. He hadn’t eaten much on the plane.
“You can have them all. I’m full.”
“You’re a very generous kid.” Antonio grabbed another.
“Do you want ketchup?” Aysha asked.
“Nah, Bichito. I hate ketchup.” Antonio popped the fry in his mouth.
“Me too! I like mayo and fry sauce. What is Bichi… Bi…”
“Bichito? It means ‘Little Bug’ in Spanish. That’s the language I speak with my family.”
“You mean like Sina… Sinhalese? Like I speak with my daddy and my friends?”
“You got it.”
“So, you’re also calling me a bug!”
“I am. Do you not like it?”
Aysha appeared to mull over his words. “I like it. My mommy calls me a bug.”
“I know; I’ve heard.” Antonio folded his arms on the table and leaned forward, his focus back on Pearl.
Acting on instinct was perhaps foolish, and he hadn’t gone over the logistics, but he couldn’t just walk away. The long hours of travel they’d spent together had created a fragile bond, and he could assist.
“I have a proposal and a solution.”
“You’ve helped plenty, and we’re not your problem.”
Frowning at her words, Antonio shook his head. “Hear me out. I can help with accommodation, providing you’re okay with staying in Fairfax.”
“Fairfax, Virginia?” Pearl sat back. “I’ve never lived in or even visited the South East.”
“I have a rental in the city—I’ve been looking for a reliable tenant. My last tenant was an elderly gentleman who sadly got cancer and passed last year.”
“I’m sorry. That’s so sad.”
“It was. And he was a good friend. But now the condo is sitting empty and has the basic furnishings.”
That was an exaggeration. A washer, dryer, fridge, and bed base weren’t exactly adequate. Perhaps Antonio could invest in a sofa set and dining table. A long-term investment. And he’d have to get a mattress and a kid’s bed. He mentally listed items needed to make the space livable.
“Even if I took you up on the offer—I might not be able to pay rent until I get a job. No, that’s not fair. Thanks for the offer but—”
“So, what would be your solution? Because we can come up with a payment plan if that’s what you want?” Antonio didn’t care about losing a month or two’s worth of rent. Keeping Pearl and Aysha off the streets was a higher priority. Driving home his point, Antonio reached out and touched her wrist. “The only scenario where you don’t pay for a roof is at a shelter, and that can be dangerous—especially with a kid involved.”
He watched her swallow and pull in a shaky breath.
“You barely know us.”
“I want to help, and I don’t care about rent. I want you safe.”
“But I do. I care about the rent.” Her eyes filled, and she looked away. “We’re… we’re not a charity case.”
“Damn right, you’re not. It doesn’t take a genius to see that you’re strong and resourceful. You’ll get situated quickly. Please don’t let pride get in your way.”
Antonio waited. Her chest rose and fell as she gnawed on her lip.
“Look, no pressure. And you’re right—you barely know me. I won’t even be in the vicinity. I live twenty minutes away, near Rosslyn. If you’re worried about safety—having a strange man swing by—you never have to see me. You can change the locks and—”
“No, don’t say that. I trust you. That’s not the issue.”
“Safety should be an issue. You’re a single mom, and we’ve only just met. I might be a DS agent and look like a good guy, but you should never take anyone at face value. The world is full of predators.”
“Are you warning me off?”
“I’m making an offer, and you need to weigh up your options.” Antonio stood. “Hey, little tyke, are you done with your nuggets? Can I clean the table?”
Aysha nodded as she gnawed at her straw and played with her toys. Antonio dumped the dirty napkins and messy mayo packet into the nugget box, forcibly ignoring Pearl as she stared off into the distance. He’d made the offer, and the rest was up to her.
If she chose the rental, he’d need to make some phone calls to friends and get the place looking decent before they arrived. And call a furniture store or he could order online. Antonio glanced at his watch. He might miss the flight, but that was okay. He could always wait for the next one.
He dumped the litter in the trash, and not looking back, he headed for the bathroom. Judging from Pearl’s desperate state, she might decide to disappear with the kid while he was out of sight. If she did, it would be her choice. But he’d give her space to think. Antonio took his time, and when he headed back to the table, he saw that it was abandoned. His heart dropped, and he swore. He’d done his best.
Turning, he headed out of the busy food court, and when he looked up, he smiled. Pearl and Aysha waited beside a bench.
“Are you waiting for me?” Antonio asked as his heart skipped a beat.
Pearl stroked Aysha’s hair. “I’m paying for our tickets to Virginia. And we need to get my luggage.”
“Yes, ma’am. But I’m thinking about driving to D.C. as I’m going to miss my flight, and if we drive, it saves you on airfare.”
“That’s a long drive.”
“Seven hours. I slept on the flight. Unless you’re more comfortable—”
“Can I pay for gas?” Pearl asked.
“I have a company card. You can get us refreshments at a gas station along the way.”
“Deal. About the rental... if I miss the first month’s rent, I’ll be paying it back as soon as possible.”
“You don’t have to—”
“That’s a condition. And I’ll be using a different last name.”
“Explain?”
“The name is legal—the name I was born with. It’s a long story. I need to find a way to drop ‘Bandara.’ I don’t trust Rajin’s connections.”
“Okay then.” Antonio smiled. “That’s something I can help you with. C’mon. Let’s get you to your new home.”
He took her trolley bag, and they headed down the passage. Overnight, his life had suddenly become a lot more complicated. How had it happened so fast? One small favor was turning into a complex undertaking. And Antonio wasn’t good
with “complicated.” He’d tried “complicated” once before. His perfect one-dimensional life was all about his career. But he was also good at protection and defensible tactics.
Contributing to Pearl’s safety and her peace of mind wouldn’t take much effort. He hoped. Besides, he barely went to the Fairfax rental. Once she was safe, and on her feet, he’d step way back. He’d never have to see them—he lived in a different city.
Clenching a fist, Antonio ignored the warning whispers in his head.
Chapter Five
Two months later.
* * *
“I’m sorry, but we need more work experience. We loved your upbeat attitude, but we’re going with another applicant.”
Pearl’s grip on the phone tightened painfully as she thanked the caller and hung up. She stared out the kitchen window at the leafy tree, watching as a bird landed on her bird feeder. The feathered regular seemed to not have a worry in the world—not a financial care. Pearl wished she could fly away from her fears—with Aysha. Where would they go? A cabin where they could live off the land? Like Pearl would know anything about remote living—she’d probably chop off her foot.
How about an island? Run a beach bar and sell trinkets to tourists? Now, that was more Pearl’s style. Cocktails on the beach at sunset… clear blue seas… that wouldn’t be happening anytime soon. Like not even in the next decade. Even with their new identities.
Not fake identities. Pearl had reverted back to her maiden name—Taylor. The name-change had taken some work, but she’d succeeded with assistance from a lawyer friend of Antonio’s.
“Hellooo? Mommy! Are you listening? Hot dogs?”
“Sorry, Bug.” Pearl turned to Aysha. “We had hot dogs last night. Tonight, you’re eating vegetables.”
“Ugh. Yuck. You don’t make them like Daya.”
Daya was Rajin’s chef in Colombo, and thanks to her Michelin skills, Pearl’s daughter now had a discerning palate.
