Chapter 4 - THE HUSBAND WHO CROSSED AN OCEAN
Richard Jensen arrived in Rome three days later.
He didn't come alone.
He brought a lawyer, a private investigator, and a story designed to make Clare look unstable.
According to the documents he filed, Clare had unlawfully removed their daughter from the United States.
He alleged she was emotionally unwell.
He claimed she had abandoned her nursing career because she couldn't handle the pressure.
He described himself as a devoted father desperately searching for his child.
Clare read the papers with shaking hands.
"He's lying."
Her attorney, Lucia Moretti, nodded.
"Then we'll document the truth."
Clare felt sick.
"What if they believe him?"
"That's why we prepare carefully."
Dante sat across the room.
He had remained silent during the consultation.
Finally, Clare looked at him.
"Say something."
He leaned forward.
"What do you need?"
The question startled her.
She'd expected him to promise that Richard would disappear.
Instead, he waited.
"I need proof," she whispered.
"Then let's find proof."
Clare retrieved old messages, photographs of damaged belongings, and records of Richard's controlling behavior.
She contacted a former coworker who had witnessed him threatening her outside the hospital.
She also obtained financial statements showing how he had restricted her access to their accounts.
Lucia explained that the international custody situation was complicated and would require careful legal proceedings.
Clare listened.
She was frightened.
But she was no longer alone.
That evening, Richard called.
Clare answered with Lucia present and the call documented.
"Hello, sweetheart," Richard said.
Clare's stomach twisted.
"Don't call me that."
He laughed.
"Still dramatic."
"What do you want?"
"My daughter."
"She's safe."
"With a criminal?"
Clare froze.
Richard continued.
"Did you think I wouldn't find out who Dante Salvatore is?"
"He's helping us."
"Men like him don't help women for free."
Clare felt anger rise.
"You don't get to decide who I speak to anymore."
Richard's voice hardened.
"You're making a terrible mistake."
"No," Clare said. "I made a terrible mistake when I believed your apologies."
Silence.
Then Richard whispered, "I'll see you soon."
The call ended.
Clare stared at the phone.
Dante had heard enough.
He stood.
"Marco."
Clare immediately turned.
"No."
Dante stopped.
"No what?"
"No threats. No violence. No men following Richard into dark alleys."
Dante watched her.
"Clare—"
"If you want to help me, help me win legally."
His jaw tightened.
Then he nodded.
"All right."
She studied him.
"You mean that?"
"Yes."
It was the first time Clare realized how much effort Dante was making to become someone different from the man his reputation described.
May you like
And it frightened her.
Because she was beginning to care.
