I told her as much as I could in whispers.
When I finished, she looked toward the ballroom where Niko stood speaking with my father.
“Do you trust him?” she asked.
“No.”
“Do you believe him?”
“I don’t know.”
“That is different.”
“Yes.”
She leaned beside me against the balustrade.
“For what it’s worth, he has looked for you every thirty seconds since you came outside.”
I glanced toward the ballroom.
Niko was already watching me.
When our eyes met, he said something to my father and walked toward the terrace.
Stella straightened.
“I should go before the husband arrives.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I do. I’m frightened of him, and I would like to preserve the mystery.”
She kissed my cheek.
“Call me tonight.”
“I’m not sure I’ll have my phone.”
Stella’s expression sharpened.
“If anyone takes it, scream.”
Niko reached us in time to hear.
