Arlenia's eyes were red, swollen, puffy, and full of tears that marched a never-ending parade down her face. Things were perfect the night before. They made love so loudly that Sanria had to have heard it. Colin even agreed that what they did would drive away his ex wife. Then she woke up to find his side of the bed empty. No one had seen him leave, which drove Arlenia into such a frenzy that even Brant and Hector avoided her.
The knock at the door brought her momentarily from her sobbing. Banion smiled gently and put his hands on her shoulders. He brought her into a hug and patted her back. "There, there."
"Banion, he - he..."
"I heard, child. So our plan did not work as it should. Perhaps it was not meant to be."
"But, he's the father of my child, Banion. What can I do?"
"Nothing - let him be."
"No... no..."
Arlenia pulled away from Banion, wiping furiously at her eyes. She turned them on him, her teeth bared, her eyes looking wild. "I know. I'll kill her."
Banion stepped into the hut, gripping Arlenia by the shoulders, giving her a light shake. "No, child. There will be none of that."
Arlenia looked up, her features smoothing. "Of course not. Of course."
"Good. You will heal, and you'll raise a perfect child." She smiled as Banion left and then sunk down into the chair, staring at the fire. She would have her child, she would deliver it to Colin, and she would dispose of Sanria in a way Colin wouldn't suspect. She patted her stomach and whispered into the fire, "four more months to go."
