Vera

The cold barrel pressed against Vanessa’s temple stilled the air in the cavernous hall. My baby’s wide eyes brimmed with tears, but she didn’t cry. Not a whimper, not a scream. Just silent terror that shredded me from the inside out.

“Antonio,” I whispered, though my voice broke. “Please… she’s only a child.”

He smiled, a predator’s curl of lips. “A child,” he said mockingly, dragging the word out like it tasted sour. “Do you think that excuses her? Do you think ...