So, buoyed by the memory of his brothers, and determined to prove to himself that he wasn’t a coward, he got out of his car and crossed the street. His heart racing, he climbed the stairs to the porch that was crumbling the last time he saw it, but now sported new concrete and railings. Even though the windows were curtained, he could see lights on in the living room and kitchen. More frightened than he’d been when he tackled the gunman, he rang the bell, expecting Matka to answer. When no one came to the door, he knocked on it hard.
Finally, it opened.
His father stood before him.
Paul remembered Filip Covitz as a tall, sturdy man, with a head of dark hair like his own, quick to use his belt for punishment, but also taking his children onto his lap to tell them stories and dry their tears.
This man was shorter than Paul, thin and completely bald. But his blue eyes were the same as the last time Paul looked into them. Cold.
“Hi, Pa,” was all Paul could think of to say.
Pa stared at him.
“It’s me, Paul.”
“I know who you are.” His father gripped the door handle. “Go away. Esteście grzesznikami przeciwko swojej rodzinie.”
As the two oldest, Paul and Jakub were taught Polish in school. And he remembered most of it. Esteście grzesznikami przeciwko swojej rodzinie meant ‘You have sinned against your family.’”
Frozen, unable to speak, he watched his father step back and slam the door in his face. Stunned, Paul stayed frozen to the spot, then he turned and stumbled down the steps and over to his car, thinking he might vomit on the way.
Chapter 8
On Sunday morning, Hayley woke up dismayed. The birds were chirping outside her window and the sky was blue, but she couldn’t enjoy nature’s greeting. The reason had something to do with Paul. She didn’t know what, maybe just a dream, but her heart told her something was wrong in his life.
She got out of bed and tried to banish thoughts of him because she’d been looking forward to today. Carmella, her aunt, had called and asked to meet her for brunch at a local hotel in the city. That’s all she said, and Hayley didn’t question why. She readily agreed.
After coffee and reading a bit of the New York Times, she took her time dressing and left the house at ten. The Grand Hotel was within walking distance from her apartment. On the trip there, the August day was warm, not yet hot, and she was cheered up by the time she entered the hotel.
The entrance reminded her of the Central Park Ballroom. Inside there was wood instead of fabric, but its arching ceilings and chandeliers were similar to the hotel where Paul had tackled the gunman.
Carmella was already seated. Hayley hurried over. “Hello, Carmella.”
Her aunt stood. “Hayley. Thank you for meeting me.” They hugged warmly.
“Of course.” They took seats, and Hayley said, “I was thrilled to get your call.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t at your party in June at the lake.”
“The guys said you were visiting friends upstate.”
“Yes. I see…them every summer.” She rolled her eyes as if she’d said something stupid. “Actually, Hayley, I visit upstate New York for a reason. It’s also why I’m in town today. I’ll tell you, but you must promise not to share it, even with Finn. And especially with Seth and my other children.”
“I promise, Carmella.”
“Every summer, I spend a week on Canandaigua Lake with a man. Last June, we decided we wanted to see more of each other. He’s in the city for his consulting business, so I’m staying with him this weekend.”
Her jaw dropped. Carmella was lovely at sixty-six, well-dressed and wore modest makeup. Still, that she had a clandestine beau was surprising. “I-I’m so happy for you. But why the secrecy?”
“I’m not exactly sure. I used to only see him once a year and I felt that there was no reason to tell my kids. They’d make a fuss. But now that Judd and I are seeing each other more, I probably should.” She blew out a breath. “But I just don’t want them to interfere with our relationship with the ruse of trying to protect me.”
“For the record, I think you could manage that.”
“Judd said the same thing. Now, enough of us.”
“All right. But know I’m happy for you.” She sighed. “Since this is our first meeting after all that happened between our families, I want to say something else. I think my mother was horrible to you.”
“I’m afraid, dear, that you don’t know the half of it. She shattered my self-confidence for a long time. Tomaso almost cut off his relationship with your father Albert because of her.”
Reaching out, Hayley covered her aunt’s hand where it rested on the table. “I’m so sorry.”
“I worried terribly about you and Finn and Ronan.”
“We made it through our childhood.”
“Yes, you’re a lovely young woman, inside and out. And you’ve been a good friend to Seth.”
“Thank you. Is my relationship with your son why you asked me to brunch?”
“That and to get to know you as an adult. I’d like to have a relationship with you, if you’re willing.”
“Of course, I am.”
“Will Bridget object?”
“I don’t see much of her. I won’t let her come between our family and yours again. Finn feels the same way.”
“I’m glad, dear. Very glad.”
* * *
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. We’ve presented our case. Five witnesses told stories of lies and deception. Unaware of the intent of the Feinsteins, they submitted to
