Chapter 36
Anjali's heart was as heavy as a rock. It sat inside her chest like a mountain. Every beat was painful and every waking second unbearable. As she listened to the phone ringing, her hand shook slightly and her throat dried up.
Giovanni sat before her, waiting patiently. Archer was perched on the stool by the window where his empty eyes were lost staring at the gardens outside. Anjali's gaze flickered over them as the call connected and a woman answered.
"Hello?"
"Hello," Anjali sat up. "Rachel?"
"Yes. Who is this?"
"Hi, Rachel. This is Anjali Malhotra," Anjali cleared her throat.
"Oh, hi, Anjali," Rachel greeted with enthusiasm. "How are you?"
"I'm good," Anjali tried to keep her voice light and even. "How are you? How are the kids?"
"They're great," Rachel laughed. "Always a handful."
"Your youngest is about two now?"
"Yes," Rachel said. "He's about to be three in a few months."
"Wow, time flies," Anajli shifted in her seat. The cheerfulness in her voice was starting to eat away at her. She didn't know how long she could keep her voice from cracking. "I remember when you were pregnant with him. It was during the Morelli case, right?"
"Yes, yes," Rache said. "My last case before I left on maternity leave."
"I remember."
"How are you?" Rachel asked. "How's your daughter? Is she still in college?"
"Y-yeah," Anajli felt her heart pinch. "Mila....she's....she's good."
Beside her, Giovanni's posture grew rigid. His gaze flickered towards the window. Archer's fingers clenched on the windowsill, his jaw tight as he listened to every word.
"She's in London," Anajli lied. Her grip on the phone tightened as she struggled to keep her voice steady. "Study abroad program for the semester."
"That's amazing," Rachel cheered. "Oh, I'm so happy for her. Have you visited? How does she like London?"
"No, I haven't visited yet," Anjali said. "I've been a bit caught up with work."
"I know," Rachel gasped dramatically. "My goodness. Judge Robinson was just telling me the other day that there are trials every day next month. You and your team are working hard."
"We're trying," Anjali nervously clicked the pen in her hand. "Listen, Rachel...I have a favor to ask."
"Sure, what is it?"
"Do you remember the Perez case?"
"From last year?" Rachel asked. "Valentina Perez?"
"Yes, her," Anjali nodded. "I'm working on a new case and I have a feeling she might know something. I would ask one of my associates to go speak to her, but...."
"But what?" Rachel asked.
"Are you alone right now?" Anjali asked.
"Yes, why?"
"Rachel, I have to tell you something very important."
"What is it?"
"This can not get out," Anjali spoke slowly, lowering her voice. Archer looked over his shoulder, wondering what she was up to.
