Chapter 68

"Where should we meet?" Carmela asked, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'll come talk to you in person if that's what you want."

"We'll meet at the waterfront, in the middle of the city," Nichole said, her voice cold and hard. "You have one hour to get there. If you don't show up, or if you bring anyone with you, I'll make sure your children pay the price. Do you understand?"

Carmela felt her heart beating in her chest. 

"I understand," she said, trying to keep her voice calm. "I'll..”

Just as Carmela opened her mouth to speak, Nichole hung up the phone. Carmela stood there, frozen in place, her heart pounding in her chest. 

She felt her hands shaking, and her breath coming in short gasps. She was panicking, and she didn't know what to do.

She felt like she was going to be sick. She was terrified of what would happen if she didn't go to the waterfront. But she was also terrified of what would happen if she did. She didn't know how to make the