Chapter 7 - THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW COAT
Elena Bellini arrived in Chicago under federal protection.
She wore a yellow coat.
Her dark curls bounced as she walked.
And when she saw Sofia, she ran.
"Mom!"
Sofia dropped to her knees.
Elena threw herself into her arms.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Sofia held her daughter tightly.
Nicolo stood near the doorway.
He looked away.
Some moments were too private to watch.
Later, Elena noticed him.
"Who's that?"
Sofia smiled faintly.
"Someone I helped."
Elena looked at Nicolo.
"Are you nice?"
He blinked.
Sofia almost laughed.
Nicolo considered.
"Not always."
Elena frowned.
"That's honest."
He nodded.
"I try."
She studied him.
Then asked:
"Do you like dogs?"
Nicolo stared.
"Yes."
She smiled.
"Good. People who like dogs are usually okay."
Sofia laughed.
Nicolo found himself smiling.
That evening, Elena sat drawing at a table.
Sofia watched her.
Nicolo stood beside the window.
"She's brave."
Sofia nodded.
"She shouldn't have to be."
He looked at her.
"No."
Elena approached carrying a drawing.
It showed three people standing beneath a blue sky.
Sofia.
Elena.
And a tall man in a black suit.
Nicolo stared.
"Who's that?"
Elena pointed.
"You."
He blinked.
"Me?"
She nodded.
"Mom said you were in danger."
Nicolo looked at Sofia.
Elena continued.
"So I drew you safe."
For a moment, he couldn't speak.
Then he crouched.
"Thank you."
Elena smiled.
"You're welcome."
Nicolo looked at the drawing.
He had received paintings worth millions.
Gold watches.
Rare cars.
Expensive gifts from men who wanted favors.
May you like
But nobody had ever drawn him safe.
And somehow, that small piece of paper meant more than all of it.
