“You can be in charge of the toast, Venetia, and Nina, why don’t you slice us some cheese today?”
She didn’t want the children to feel the pressure of having to do every single thing by themselves, with the threat of punishment if any mistakes were made.
Despite her best efforts to infuse calm and cheer into the breakfast prep, Cassie realized she and the children were all on a knife’s edge. What had happened last night felt like unfinished business, and she was sure that Ms. Rossi intended to resume it, in her own time and her own way. Cassie found herself hoping that the grandmother’s arrival would be delayed, and that she would be able to stay a little longer to protect them, until all of this had blown over. At this point, every additional day would feel like a victory.
When Cassie heard a noise from the doorway she spun round, bracing herself for conflict. Nina dropped her knife and Venetia also turned anxiously to see who had arrived.
Maurice was at the door.
Cassie stared at him apprehensively, noticing the supercilious smile on his face.
“Morning, all,” he greeted them. “I understand you’re leaving us tomorrow, Cassie?”
Humiliated, because Maurice’s tone made it clear that he knew she’d been fired, Cassie nodded.
“Signora wanted to remind you that her mother is arriving today, and will be here at around two p.m. The household staff have been instructed to make up a bed in the small spare room in the children’s wing. Signora will only be arriving back later, but wanted to brief you and the family so that you can welcome Nonna.”
Trying to sound coolly polite, Cassie responded.
“We will, thank you.”
She knew she hadn’t come across the way she intended. She’d sounded frightened. Worse than that, she’d sounded weak.
Maurice’s smile widened.
“Here’s my business card. Signora asked that you contact me if there’s anything Nonna needs. I’ll organize it on her behalf as she’s rather busy today.”
Cassie took the card.
Maurice continued, in gleeful tones.
“Good day, all. I probably won’t see you again, Cassie, so I wish you all the best with your future job hunting. Hope you eventually find a position that will suit. Goodbye, and buona fortuna.”
The phrase which Cassie recognized as “good luck” sounded deliberately insincere.
Maurice turned and marched away.
Nina stared at Cassie, horrified.
“Are you going to leave?” she asked, and Cassie could hear the quiver in her voice.
Both she and Venetia looked on the point of tears.
“I’m not going anywhere until I’ve made sure that both of you are safe, and that nobody will do anything bad to you,” Cassie said firmly.
She felt sick inside, because she had no idea how she was going to keep her word. She might have made the children a false promise, which would only add to their trauma. Imagine if the only person who had stood up for them, and vowed to help them, vanished from their lives forever? What would that do to them? Already, they had no reason to trust adults, since the person who should be their protector had become their tormentor.
“Do you know Nonna well?” she asked. “Do you like spending time with her?”
Nina shook her head wordlessly but Venetia offered, “She does not say much to us, or speak at all.”
Cassie felt increasingly troubled, especially since this woman was Ottavia Rossi’s mother. The businesswoman might have learned her abusive ways from her, and if so, this would mean that the children would be in a worse predicament than before.
Even so, she clung to the hope that a round-faced, warm-hearted, loving grandma would arrive at two p.m.
Neither of the children ate all their breakfast and Cassie could see that they were upset and fearful all over again. She didn’t have any appetite either and was feeling nauseous with tension. She had to do something to help them.
“Giuseppe will be here soon,” Nina said, and they trailed upstairs to get their bags.
A minute later, they filed silently out of the house and Cassie found herself alone again.
She leaned on the kitchen counter and buried her head in her hands while thinking furiously. There must be a local Child Protection Services, or a social worker, that she could call. She had no idea where to start, and didn’t want to stay in the house while she investigated, because she was worried about what the cameras might pick up.
She could drive to the local coffee shop and do her research there. Contacting the relevant authorities would be the best and most effective way to help these children.
Feeling motivated by her decision and relieved to be taking positive action, Cassie grabbed her bag and headed for the door.
As she climbed into her car, she realized that this would be the first time she had left the grounds since arriving, and it brought home to her how isolated the children were. With a driver ferrying them to and from school, who was in Ms. Rossi’s pay and clearly loyal to her, their lives seemed bleak and restricted. Where were the play dates, the outings, friends coming round, or even being allowed to go for a walk around the neighborhood?
Surely in the light of day, it was a safe and friendly place? It had certainly seemed so when she had arrived. In fact, she’d been eager to take a walk down the scenic, tree-lined avenues and had assumed this would be something she’d be doing with the children if she got the job. She remembered there was a small park a couple of blocks away, well kept, with black wrought-iron fencing, neatly trimmed grass, and paved pathways. She’d noticed some play equipment—a seesaw and a set of swings. Were they never allowed to go there and have fun?
As Cassie drove up to the gate she stopped, looking in concern at the black Ford sedan that was parked in the driveway outside. Suddenly, all her worries about safety rushed back. Was it possible that criminals could
