Don't Say a Word - Barbara Freethy [146]
"Let's hope the worst is over," Elena said. "If it isn't, at least we're together."
Julia smiled at her sister, then pulled the single piece of paper out of the envelope. Her heart skipped a beat when she realized the letter was written in Russian. "I can't read it," she said with extreme disappointment. "We'll have to get it translated."
"I can read it," Elena replied.
Julia raised an eyebrow. "You remember Russian?"
"No. I took some classes a while ago. It made me feel closer to the family I'd lost." She took the paper from Julia's hand. After a moment, she began to read:
"My dearest girls, if you are reading this letter, then your father and I are probably gone. Perhaps we are wrong to risk everything for freedom, but it is love that drives us-our love for you, and our love for each other. We are counting on our friends to deliver us safely to America. If that doesn't happen, we pray that you both will grow up in a world that allows you to express yourselves and be who you will be, without restriction. Please don't be sad. Don't grieve for us. Be happy. Find love and joy in your lives. That is everything we wish for you. You will forever be in our hearts. Love, Mama and Papa."
Julia blinked back tears and saw that Elena's cheeks were wet as well. "Our parents were willing to risk their lives for freedom and love, and Brady betrayed them for a fortune," she said.
"I wonder if there was any one moment when they knew the truth," Elena murmured.
"It probably happened too fast. At least Brady died the same way. There's some justice in that. That sounds cold, doesn't it? But I'm not sorry he's dead."
"I'm not, either."
Julia leaned back in her chair, thinking about the note and her parents. Her mother's face was beginning to come into her mind more and more. She could even hear her voice. The memories were finally returning. "Mama was beautiful," she said, looking over at Elena. "And so brave. I've never had that much courage."
"You did today."
"Because I had to be brave. I was backed into a corner."
"So were our parents."
"I think Mama would have been happy to know that you became a dancer and followed in her footsteps."
"For a while, anyway."
"Both of your careers were cut too short."
Elena nodded. "Life is never fair or easy."
They both turned as the front door opened and Alex came in. His right eye was purple and swollen, his clothes wrinkled and smelling of smoke. "I'm going to take off," he said, surprising Julia with his words.
She got to her feet. "What do you mean? Where are you going?"
"To find a hotel room and get some sleep. Roland will give me a ride. He has a rental car."
"You can stay here," Julia said quickly, not wanting him to leave. She hadn't had two minutes alone with him all day.
He offered her a weary smile. "I'll pass on another night on the couch. I'll come by in the morning and we'll go to the airport together-unless you're going to stay here for a few days?"
"No, I need to get home and tell everyone what I've learned."
"Then we'll leave tomorrow. There's a flight at noon. Will that be all right?"
"Sure." She followed him to the door and out into the hall, put off by his cool tone. "Alex, do you want me to come with you tonight?" She held her breath, waiting for his answer. Because she would go with him in a second. She just couldn't read him right now. She didn't know what he wanted from her. Was he pulling away because he wanted to give her more time with her sister… or was he just pulling away?
"No, you should stay with Elena," he said briskly. "We'll catch up tomorrow."
"Are you all right?"
"I'm fine."
She frowned, wondering if he'd ever give her a different answer than that. She had no choice but to accept it. "Okay." She leaned forward and tried to kiss him on the mouth, but he moved, and she caught the side of his cheek.