Marina looked down and nodded her head slowly. She knew the FBI agent was right. "I understand. Could I possibly teach law, even at a junior college or high school? Or be a paralegal?"
"That's possible. I'd have to leave that decision to those who create the new identities. Frankly, it wouldn't hurt for you to cut your hair and try a different color. The less you look like you, the better and the safer." Conner paused to let his words sink in. "So, Marina. Are you amenable to everything that I've detailed to you?"
"I have a question first. I recently liquidated all my investments and bank accounts to pay Vincent what I owe him. Do I lose that money?"
"No. Just pay off Scarponi. You keep the rest of your money, although I strongly suggest that you put the money in Swiss bank accounts. Those accounts are untraceable."
"Good idea. It seems I have no choice, Curt. I will enter the witness protection program. Please tell whoever creates my new identity that I am almost 3 months pregnant. I'd like to be a recent widow so that my child will seemingly be legitimate."
"Understood. I'll pass that information along. You will work all weekend, starting tonight, disclosing everything you can about Scarponi and his family. An agent will pick you up and take you to the Charles River Holiday Inn, where the rest of the team will have everything set up. That same agent will bring you back to Bobby's place and pick you up the next day. We'll have you safely out of state by Monday afternoon and more importantly, before Scarponi realizes that you're gone."
Marina nodded with reluctant acceptance. "Can I say good bye to my father?"
"No, don't tell him anything about our deal. No one can know anything, or their life is in danger. The less you tell anyone, the safer you are."
"Iunderstand."
"Good. Thank you for cooperating with us. I know your life is being turned upside down, but you're helping us take down some powerful, evil criminals in theprocess. I hope that gives you some measure of comfort and reassurance."
"Some, a little."
"Agent Joe Valenta will pick you up at 7:30 tonight at Bobby's home. I will see you later at the hotel."
"I'll be ready."
"Goodbye." Special Agent Curt Conner stood. He shook Marina's hand then Bobby's. "Thanks for bringing me in on this, Bobby."
Bobby walked the agent to the door. "Thanks for helping my sister, Curt. Let's meet for dinner and a few cold ones soon. My treat."
"I'd like that. Call my office late next week. We can set something up, especially if you're buying."
"I'll call you Thursday. Bye, Curt."
Special Agent Conner left the office, closing the door behind. Bobby looked at Marina. "How are you doing?"
Marina shrugged. "Fine, I guess, considering I'll be moving away and will probably end up a mozzarella shredder at some Pizza Hut in Anchorage, Alaska!" She managed a chuckle.
"Maybe they'll find you something better than that."
"God,I hope so." Forcing a cheerful tone, Marina asked,"Hey, big brother, can Itake you to lunch? Chowder at Legal Seafoods? My last bowl of chowder before I move to the Yukon."
"You're on. But I'm sure they have chowder in the Yukon."
After chowder and a couple beers, Marina made an unusual request. Nonetheless, Bobby complied. He waited for her in the lobby, reading "The National Enquirer". Quickly growing bored with the gossip rag, he took out his cell phone and dialed Lindsay's private line. "Hey, how was your lunch?"
"Very nice. You make a fine roast beef and cheese sandwich." Bobby had also given her a banana and a ziplock of Fritos.
"Thanks. You'll never guess where I am."
"OK. Where?"
"At Connie's Coiffures on Lexington Street."
"A beauty salon? Why on earth are you there?"
"I can't tell you why she's here quite yet, but Marina's back in town. She's getting her hair revamped. I have no idea what she's doing."
"That's incredible. We have a lot to discuss tonight."
"Right. She's staying the weekend with us."
" Again?"
"T'll explain later."
Lindsay rolled her eyes. "There had better be a damned good reason why."
"There is. In the interim, don't breathe a word of this to anyone, especially Jimmy. It's really important," he said.
"OK. Will you pick up BJ at school then?"
"Yeah. I'll stop at the store too. Anything in particular we need? Lindsay rattled off several items. "OK, I'll see you at home then. Love you."
"Love you too." Lindsay hung up. 'I can't wait to hear the explanation for all this,' she thought.
Bobby found an ancient "People" magazine. He continued to read for next hour and a half until Marina emerged from the mysterious, magical lair of the hairdresser.
"Bobby?"
He recognized the voice but not the voice's owner. "Marina?"
"C'est moi. Do you like my new do?"
"You're a redhead!"
"Yes, with strawberry-blonde highlights. That's the technical jargon." The lighter hair complimented her fair skin and pale eyes well,and the severe look was gone. She looked very natural, but very different. Her once long dark waves were now a sleek, shoulder length bob.
"You look about as Irish as anyone I've ever seen."
"Aye, that I do, laddie. Maybe I'll get some green contacts to complete the look. I like it." Marina produced her Visa card to pay for her new hairstyle.
As they left the salon, Bobby asked,"Any other stops?"
"I'm good." They climbed into Bobby's car and drove to the daycare to pick up BJ. Marina stayed inside while Bobby went in. After several minutes, they came back and Bobby buckled BJ into his car seat. Marina turned in her seat and greeted her nephew, "Hey, sport!"
BJ grinned broadly and answered amiably, "Hi! Pretty!" he said, pointing to Marina's hair.
Marina smiled back at her nephew and turned around. "Figures. Now he likes me," she muttered under her breath to Bobby.
He smiled. "Maybe he just likes redheads."
"Yeah, that mst be it."
After they ran to the store to pick up some items for dinner, they went to Bobby and Lindsay's place. BJ immediately got his Hot Wheels and got busy with them on the kitchen floor. Bobby went to the counter and began to prep the marinade for their rib-eye steaks. Marina sat on a stool next to the counter and grabbed the vegetables. She began chopping up a red pepper for the salad. They both sipped Heineken's beers as they worked and, both huge fans, listened to the Beatles Revolver CD. Cooking was very therapeutic for both of them. Marina and Bobby chatted nonstop until they heard the front door open.
"Hello?" Lindsay's voice called outover the romantic strains of "Michelle".
"We're in here, Linds," Bobby answered as he sliced and buttered the French bread before heating it.
Marina's stomach tightened as she remembered the last unpleasant time she and Lindsay had been together. Lindsay stopped to greet her son who had rolled his Hot Wheels to the living room, hugging him and listening to a long description of what all his cars were up to. BJ got back to his car business and Lindsay went to the kitchen. She and Bobby embraced and kissed. Then she turned to Marina.
"Hi,Marina. I like your hair."
"Thanks. And thanks for letting me crash here. I'll try to stay out of the way."
"No problem," responded Lindsay. She sat next to Marina and grabbed a knife and some carrots. Marina felt herself relax. Bobby looked on as his sister and wife chopped vegetables. Apparently, they had both decided to be on their best behavior. He was very grateful for that decision.
"So what's going on?" asked Lindsay.
Bobby and Marina began telling the story, interrupting and correcting each other as they spoke. Lindsay listened intently, interrupting only to clarify a point, ask a question, or direct the two siblings as to who had the floor. Eventually the story was told and Lindsay was silent for a moment.
"So what about Jimmy?' she asked.
"Any involvement with Jimmy puts him at risk." answered Marina. "I can't go through all this, give up everything,and still risk his life. I won't. So I'm going to have to drive him away."
"You don't think he could keep the secret?"
"He might. But the Scarponi's methods are pretty intense. If he genuinely doesn't know anything, they will recognize that and leave him alone. I think it's the only way, but it's the worst part of this whole thing."
"What about the baby?"
"I hope by the time the baby is born, this will have blown over and he can know. But for now, its just too dangerous for him."
Lindsay looked at Marina. Maybe it was the new hair color, or all the new and painful experiences, but Marina seemed different; quiet, humble even. "You really love Jimmy, don't you? " Lindsay asked gently.
Marina nodded and answered quietly, "Yes, I really do." They discussed the situation some more, reviewing all the details, when they heard the doorbell. Bobby went to answer it.
"Hey, Bobby. A friend of mine said he saw you having lunch with Marina today at Legal Seafoods. Is she here?"
Marina heard Jimmy's voice and froze. Bobby stood as if rooted to the floor. He didn't know what to say to his friend.
BJ came running to thedoor."Jimmy??" BJ pointed to the kitchen. "New cars!" He grabbed Jimmy's hand and dragged him into the kitchen. Jimmy looked at the toy cars. "Wow, buddy! Those are great," he began before he noticed Marina who had stood and was facing the door.
Bobby snuck in behind Jimmy, and he and Lindsay sat at the table and tried to look invisible.
Jimmy took a step toward Marina. He looked at her a long moment. "Look at your hair! It's beautiful." He reached for her.
She took a step back as he approached her. 'This is it. It has to be good,' she thought. "Hello, Jimmy. I was going to call you," she said very coldly. Her eyes took on that cold, crocodilian quality that was her best defense.
"What's up?" he asked,puzzled at her demeanor.
"We're over, Jimmy. I've met someone else, and I'm moving far away." Her exterior was ruthless, but Bobby noticedher knees shaking, the only evidence of the emotional perjury she was committing. Jimmy's face was a mix of emotions; disbelief, confusion, pain.
She continued icily."Its true. Everything Bobby said about me is true." Now her hands shook as well. She hid them behind her back, but Bobby and Lindsay, who saw her hands shake, knew how hard this was for her. "You just got too serious, Jimmy. You were convenient, now you're not. That's it. Bye."
Jimmy staggered backward as if he had been struck. "You... you..." He couldn't say it. He turned and stormed out of the kitchen and after several seconds, they heard the front door slam.
Lindsay watched Marina take a step toward the spot Jimmy had just left. She tried to fathom how difficult that had been for Marina. It had been painful enough to watch. "Marina?" she said gently.
"I need a few moments alone," Marina said, huskily. She went to the guest bedroom where her solitary suitcase of possessions stood. She surreptitiously peeked through the blinds in time to see a very angry Jimmy get into his car and driveaway and watched his car as it disappeared. Continuing to watch the empty street, Marina heard a soft rap on the door.
Lindsay poked her head in. "May I come in?" she asked.
Marina was surprised, but numb. "Of course," she answered. Marina was actually glad for the company.
Lindsay closed the door behind her. "That must have been very difficult" she said.
Marina sat down hard on the bed and ran her hands through her hair. "I just destroyed a good man to save him from people I exposed him to in the first place. Quite a legacy,huh?" she said with a wry, pain-filled smile.
"It best for Jimmy. We understand that." Lindsay still didn't claim to understand Marina, but she understood a woman's heart,and hers went out to Marina. "Is there anything we can do?"
Marina shook her head."Thanks anyway. I just want to get on with this. If I have to have a new life, I want to get started on it!" She was enormously grateful for Lindsay's kindness, but in a small way, she almost wished Lindsey had been angry with her, attacked her for what she did. Then, she rationalized, she could keep her guard up, her defensiveness, her protection. The kindness was almost too much to bear, and she was struggling to preserve her grip on her emotions.
Lindsay was sensitive to Marina's distress and stood up. "If you need anything, let me know." She didn't want to forfeit their new and positive, yet fragile relationship. Lindsay knew their relationship was not intimate enough for her to witness Marina losing control. She went to the door.
"Hey, Lindsay, " Marina said. Lindsay turned. "Thanks."
Lindsay smiled and nodded. She closed thedoor behind. Lindsay walked to the kitchen, where Bobby was peeling newpotatoes and putting them on to boil. Not speaking a word, Lindsay wrapped her arms around her husband.
"What's wrong?" Bobby asked, turning to face and embrace her.
"Seeingwhat Marina's going through, I realize that we're so lucky. We have each otherand our son, and a nice home and security. Marina has nothing, Bobby, and she's about to start her life all over, all by herself, with a baby on the way. All that, plus she's had to forsake the man she loves."
"I know. I feel bad for her too." Bobby hugged her and kissed the top of Lindsay's head. In a quiet voice, he said, "She's paying a tall price for living the highlife."
Lindsy nodded. "I'll set the table for dinner."
"Thanks," Bobby said, returning to the new potatoes.
Agent Valenta arrived exactly at 7:30 to collect Marina. She left her steak dinner,put on her black leather jacket, and accompanied the FBI agent to the Charles River Holiday Inn. She accompanied him again in the morning, coming home by7:00 p.m.
When Bobby heard Marina arrive, he left the dinner table to meet her. "How did it go? You look really beat."
She nodded. "I'm exhausted."
He put an affectionate arm over his sister's shoulder. "Remember when we were kids, we always had cheeseburgers for Saturday dinner? Well, Lindsay, BJ, and I are keeping the tradition alive. We just sat at the table. C'mon. I even made Mom's famous macaroni salad. It's BJ's favorite food."
The sentiment, combined with the long day of grueling questions and her abandonment of Jimmy, proved too much for Marina. Wrapping her arms around Bobby, she cried on his shoulder. "It'll work out all right, honey," he said softly as he rubbed her back comfortingly. "You'll adjust, you'll make friends."
"But I won't have you and Dad. I won't have Jimmy."
"Maybe that can be worked out. But you will have your baby. You'd be surprised how much love a little baby can give. I sure was. Focus on the baby and the future you'll have together."
Marina nodded, realizing that Bobby was right. She looked at him and smiled. "OK." They took a few steps. "Bobby?"
"Yeah?"
"Would you teach me how to make Mom's macaroni salad before I leave?"
Leaving came faster than anyone had anticipated. As usual, Stephen came for dinner on Sunday afternoon. When he made his goodbyes at the end of the evening, and gave Marina a big bear hug, he had no idea that he might never see his daughter again.
"That's possible. I'd have to leave that decision to those who create the new identities. Frankly, it wouldn't hurt for you to cut your hair and try a different color. The less you look like you, the better and the safer." Conner paused to let his words sink in. "So, Marina. Are you amenable to everything that I've detailed to you?"
"I have a question first. I recently liquidated all my investments and bank accounts to pay Vincent what I owe him. Do I lose that money?"
"No. Just pay off Scarponi. You keep the rest of your money, although I strongly suggest that you put the money in Swiss bank accounts. Those accounts are untraceable."
"Good idea. It seems I have no choice, Curt. I will enter the witness protection program. Please tell whoever creates my new identity that I am almost 3 months pregnant. I'd like to be a recent widow so that my child will seemingly be legitimate."
"Understood. I'll pass that information along. You will work all weekend, starting tonight, disclosing everything you can about Scarponi and his family. An agent will pick you up and take you to the Charles River Holiday Inn, where the rest of the team will have everything set up. That same agent will bring you back to Bobby's place and pick you up the next day. We'll have you safely out of state by Monday afternoon and more importantly, before Scarponi realizes that you're gone."
Marina nodded with reluctant acceptance. "Can I say good bye to my father?"
"No, don't tell him anything about our deal. No one can know anything, or their life is in danger. The less you tell anyone, the safer you are."
"Iunderstand."
"Good. Thank you for cooperating with us. I know your life is being turned upside down, but you're helping us take down some powerful, evil criminals in theprocess. I hope that gives you some measure of comfort and reassurance."
"Some, a little."
"Agent Joe Valenta will pick you up at 7:30 tonight at Bobby's home. I will see you later at the hotel."
"I'll be ready."
"Goodbye." Special Agent Curt Conner stood. He shook Marina's hand then Bobby's. "Thanks for bringing me in on this, Bobby."
Bobby walked the agent to the door. "Thanks for helping my sister, Curt. Let's meet for dinner and a few cold ones soon. My treat."
"I'd like that. Call my office late next week. We can set something up, especially if you're buying."
"I'll call you Thursday. Bye, Curt."
Special Agent Conner left the office, closing the door behind. Bobby looked at Marina. "How are you doing?"
Marina shrugged. "Fine, I guess, considering I'll be moving away and will probably end up a mozzarella shredder at some Pizza Hut in Anchorage, Alaska!" She managed a chuckle.
"Maybe they'll find you something better than that."
"God,I hope so." Forcing a cheerful tone, Marina asked,"Hey, big brother, can Itake you to lunch? Chowder at Legal Seafoods? My last bowl of chowder before I move to the Yukon."
"You're on. But I'm sure they have chowder in the Yukon."
After chowder and a couple beers, Marina made an unusual request. Nonetheless, Bobby complied. He waited for her in the lobby, reading "The National Enquirer". Quickly growing bored with the gossip rag, he took out his cell phone and dialed Lindsay's private line. "Hey, how was your lunch?"
"Very nice. You make a fine roast beef and cheese sandwich." Bobby had also given her a banana and a ziplock of Fritos.
"Thanks. You'll never guess where I am."
"OK. Where?"
"At Connie's Coiffures on Lexington Street."
"A beauty salon? Why on earth are you there?"
"I can't tell you why she's here quite yet, but Marina's back in town. She's getting her hair revamped. I have no idea what she's doing."
"That's incredible. We have a lot to discuss tonight."
"Right. She's staying the weekend with us."
" Again?"
"T'll explain later."
Lindsay rolled her eyes. "There had better be a damned good reason why."
"There is. In the interim, don't breathe a word of this to anyone, especially Jimmy. It's really important," he said.
"OK. Will you pick up BJ at school then?"
"Yeah. I'll stop at the store too. Anything in particular we need? Lindsay rattled off several items. "OK, I'll see you at home then. Love you."
"Love you too." Lindsay hung up. 'I can't wait to hear the explanation for all this,' she thought.
Bobby found an ancient "People" magazine. He continued to read for next hour and a half until Marina emerged from the mysterious, magical lair of the hairdresser.
"Bobby?"
He recognized the voice but not the voice's owner. "Marina?"
"C'est moi. Do you like my new do?"
"You're a redhead!"
"Yes, with strawberry-blonde highlights. That's the technical jargon." The lighter hair complimented her fair skin and pale eyes well,and the severe look was gone. She looked very natural, but very different. Her once long dark waves were now a sleek, shoulder length bob.
"You look about as Irish as anyone I've ever seen."
"Aye, that I do, laddie. Maybe I'll get some green contacts to complete the look. I like it." Marina produced her Visa card to pay for her new hairstyle.
As they left the salon, Bobby asked,"Any other stops?"
"I'm good." They climbed into Bobby's car and drove to the daycare to pick up BJ. Marina stayed inside while Bobby went in. After several minutes, they came back and Bobby buckled BJ into his car seat. Marina turned in her seat and greeted her nephew, "Hey, sport!"
BJ grinned broadly and answered amiably, "Hi! Pretty!" he said, pointing to Marina's hair.
Marina smiled back at her nephew and turned around. "Figures. Now he likes me," she muttered under her breath to Bobby.
He smiled. "Maybe he just likes redheads."
"Yeah, that mst be it."
After they ran to the store to pick up some items for dinner, they went to Bobby and Lindsay's place. BJ immediately got his Hot Wheels and got busy with them on the kitchen floor. Bobby went to the counter and began to prep the marinade for their rib-eye steaks. Marina sat on a stool next to the counter and grabbed the vegetables. She began chopping up a red pepper for the salad. They both sipped Heineken's beers as they worked and, both huge fans, listened to the Beatles Revolver CD. Cooking was very therapeutic for both of them. Marina and Bobby chatted nonstop until they heard the front door open.
"Hello?" Lindsay's voice called outover the romantic strains of "Michelle".
"We're in here, Linds," Bobby answered as he sliced and buttered the French bread before heating it.
Marina's stomach tightened as she remembered the last unpleasant time she and Lindsay had been together. Lindsay stopped to greet her son who had rolled his Hot Wheels to the living room, hugging him and listening to a long description of what all his cars were up to. BJ got back to his car business and Lindsay went to the kitchen. She and Bobby embraced and kissed. Then she turned to Marina.
"Hi,Marina. I like your hair."
"Thanks. And thanks for letting me crash here. I'll try to stay out of the way."
"No problem," responded Lindsay. She sat next to Marina and grabbed a knife and some carrots. Marina felt herself relax. Bobby looked on as his sister and wife chopped vegetables. Apparently, they had both decided to be on their best behavior. He was very grateful for that decision.
"So what's going on?" asked Lindsay.
Bobby and Marina began telling the story, interrupting and correcting each other as they spoke. Lindsay listened intently, interrupting only to clarify a point, ask a question, or direct the two siblings as to who had the floor. Eventually the story was told and Lindsay was silent for a moment.
"So what about Jimmy?' she asked.
"Any involvement with Jimmy puts him at risk." answered Marina. "I can't go through all this, give up everything,and still risk his life. I won't. So I'm going to have to drive him away."
"You don't think he could keep the secret?"
"He might. But the Scarponi's methods are pretty intense. If he genuinely doesn't know anything, they will recognize that and leave him alone. I think it's the only way, but it's the worst part of this whole thing."
"What about the baby?"
"I hope by the time the baby is born, this will have blown over and he can know. But for now, its just too dangerous for him."
Lindsay looked at Marina. Maybe it was the new hair color, or all the new and painful experiences, but Marina seemed different; quiet, humble even. "You really love Jimmy, don't you? " Lindsay asked gently.
Marina nodded and answered quietly, "Yes, I really do." They discussed the situation some more, reviewing all the details, when they heard the doorbell. Bobby went to answer it.
"Hey, Bobby. A friend of mine said he saw you having lunch with Marina today at Legal Seafoods. Is she here?"
Marina heard Jimmy's voice and froze. Bobby stood as if rooted to the floor. He didn't know what to say to his friend.
BJ came running to thedoor."Jimmy??" BJ pointed to the kitchen. "New cars!" He grabbed Jimmy's hand and dragged him into the kitchen. Jimmy looked at the toy cars. "Wow, buddy! Those are great," he began before he noticed Marina who had stood and was facing the door.
Bobby snuck in behind Jimmy, and he and Lindsay sat at the table and tried to look invisible.
Jimmy took a step toward Marina. He looked at her a long moment. "Look at your hair! It's beautiful." He reached for her.
She took a step back as he approached her. 'This is it. It has to be good,' she thought. "Hello, Jimmy. I was going to call you," she said very coldly. Her eyes took on that cold, crocodilian quality that was her best defense.
"What's up?" he asked,puzzled at her demeanor.
"We're over, Jimmy. I've met someone else, and I'm moving far away." Her exterior was ruthless, but Bobby noticedher knees shaking, the only evidence of the emotional perjury she was committing. Jimmy's face was a mix of emotions; disbelief, confusion, pain.
She continued icily."Its true. Everything Bobby said about me is true." Now her hands shook as well. She hid them behind her back, but Bobby and Lindsay, who saw her hands shake, knew how hard this was for her. "You just got too serious, Jimmy. You were convenient, now you're not. That's it. Bye."
Jimmy staggered backward as if he had been struck. "You... you..." He couldn't say it. He turned and stormed out of the kitchen and after several seconds, they heard the front door slam.
Lindsay watched Marina take a step toward the spot Jimmy had just left. She tried to fathom how difficult that had been for Marina. It had been painful enough to watch. "Marina?" she said gently.
"I need a few moments alone," Marina said, huskily. She went to the guest bedroom where her solitary suitcase of possessions stood. She surreptitiously peeked through the blinds in time to see a very angry Jimmy get into his car and driveaway and watched his car as it disappeared. Continuing to watch the empty street, Marina heard a soft rap on the door.
Lindsay poked her head in. "May I come in?" she asked.
Marina was surprised, but numb. "Of course," she answered. Marina was actually glad for the company.
Lindsay closed the door behind her. "That must have been very difficult" she said.
Marina sat down hard on the bed and ran her hands through her hair. "I just destroyed a good man to save him from people I exposed him to in the first place. Quite a legacy,huh?" she said with a wry, pain-filled smile.
"It best for Jimmy. We understand that." Lindsay still didn't claim to understand Marina, but she understood a woman's heart,and hers went out to Marina. "Is there anything we can do?"
Marina shook her head."Thanks anyway. I just want to get on with this. If I have to have a new life, I want to get started on it!" She was enormously grateful for Lindsay's kindness, but in a small way, she almost wished Lindsey had been angry with her, attacked her for what she did. Then, she rationalized, she could keep her guard up, her defensiveness, her protection. The kindness was almost too much to bear, and she was struggling to preserve her grip on her emotions.
Lindsay was sensitive to Marina's distress and stood up. "If you need anything, let me know." She didn't want to forfeit their new and positive, yet fragile relationship. Lindsay knew their relationship was not intimate enough for her to witness Marina losing control. She went to the door.
"Hey, Lindsay, " Marina said. Lindsay turned. "Thanks."
Lindsay smiled and nodded. She closed thedoor behind. Lindsay walked to the kitchen, where Bobby was peeling newpotatoes and putting them on to boil. Not speaking a word, Lindsay wrapped her arms around her husband.
"What's wrong?" Bobby asked, turning to face and embrace her.
"Seeingwhat Marina's going through, I realize that we're so lucky. We have each otherand our son, and a nice home and security. Marina has nothing, Bobby, and she's about to start her life all over, all by herself, with a baby on the way. All that, plus she's had to forsake the man she loves."
"I know. I feel bad for her too." Bobby hugged her and kissed the top of Lindsay's head. In a quiet voice, he said, "She's paying a tall price for living the highlife."
Lindsy nodded. "I'll set the table for dinner."
"Thanks," Bobby said, returning to the new potatoes.
Agent Valenta arrived exactly at 7:30 to collect Marina. She left her steak dinner,put on her black leather jacket, and accompanied the FBI agent to the Charles River Holiday Inn. She accompanied him again in the morning, coming home by7:00 p.m.
When Bobby heard Marina arrive, he left the dinner table to meet her. "How did it go? You look really beat."
She nodded. "I'm exhausted."
He put an affectionate arm over his sister's shoulder. "Remember when we were kids, we always had cheeseburgers for Saturday dinner? Well, Lindsay, BJ, and I are keeping the tradition alive. We just sat at the table. C'mon. I even made Mom's famous macaroni salad. It's BJ's favorite food."
The sentiment, combined with the long day of grueling questions and her abandonment of Jimmy, proved too much for Marina. Wrapping her arms around Bobby, she cried on his shoulder. "It'll work out all right, honey," he said softly as he rubbed her back comfortingly. "You'll adjust, you'll make friends."
"But I won't have you and Dad. I won't have Jimmy."
"Maybe that can be worked out. But you will have your baby. You'd be surprised how much love a little baby can give. I sure was. Focus on the baby and the future you'll have together."
Marina nodded, realizing that Bobby was right. She looked at him and smiled. "OK." They took a few steps. "Bobby?"
"Yeah?"
"Would you teach me how to make Mom's macaroni salad before I leave?"
Leaving came faster than anyone had anticipated. As usual, Stephen came for dinner on Sunday afternoon. When he made his goodbyes at the end of the evening, and gave Marina a big bear hug, he had no idea that he might never see his daughter again.