ra

al numbers glow

back at me: four minu

vibrated aga

ed Carmela Moretti

and lifted the in

self this instant." Her vo

e. You are threatening

s a low rasp, the words

stress struck

rmela said with complete dism

an. It is normal for a

fe to look the other way,

egan to throb

ood how deeply the rot ha

dline is disrespected." I spoke slowly, let

part, Clara!" Carmela's vo

fe. You have no po

one from my ear a

untdown. Two minute

over at m

of the damask sofa, holding

so small a

ng again. I

t and put it

hung up on her," Franco sounded f

ith you?" I asked, my voice a pl

not," Fran

terrified her. I am not bringing her there. I am

timer. One minut

lood," I stated, a fact that settled

maintain order,"

t handle the way our world is, perhaps you a

hit thir

ence of his breathing

ed over me. He truly

my years of sile

ather left the entire cr

mer hi

chimed through the stil

?" Franco asked, hi

reen to silence the alarm. "The final stroke of ink has

ll and turned

for talk

in a secure vault Franco had never known existed,