The Devil in Jerusalem by Naomi Ragen

Author:Naomi Ragen
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781466841239
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

17

“Goodman, you have a visitor.”

Daniella looked up, surprised. So far, not a single person had come to see her in jail. Perhaps … was it? Could it be Him?

She jumped up, adjusting her head covering and smoothing down her skirt as she followed the prison guard to the visiting room.

He was sitting there at the table, his eyes cast down.

“Joel.”

He looked up, their eyes a reflection of each other’s, eyes awash in misery. “Daniella.”

She took a step backward, turning to the guard. “Do I have to?”

“Daniella, please. I’ve come all the way from America. Please sit down,” Joel pleaded.

She hesitated. “Was it Mom? Did she send you?”

For a moment, he considered taking the first cab back to the airport.

“Of course not! What’s wrong with you?”

She looked down, ashamed. “I don’t know,” she whispered.

“I’m here because your children are suffering. I’m here because they’re my nieces and nephews, and I love them. I’m here because you’re my sister, and whatever has happened to you or whatever you’ve done, I love you.”

The resistance holding her body stiff and upright seemed to vanish. She stumbled to the chair, sitting down heavily opposite her brother.

“I’m in terrible trouble, Joel.”

“I know that. The police called me and told me everything.”

“They called you in America?”

He nodded. “I can’t tell you the horrible shock of this on the whole family. Dad is ill, really ill. And Mom, well, she’s almost catatonic over it. Refuses to attend any social gatherings. Won’t even go into the store.”

Daniella twisted her lips into an ironic grin.

“You think this is funny?”

“I think Mom finally got what she deserved after all her attempts to produce the perfect daughter.”

He leaned back, away from her. “I don’t think you have the slightest idea what you’ve done. You need help, a good psychiatrist. But before that, you need a lawyer, the best one around. I have some colleagues who recommended a few here in Jerusalem. I’ve been to see them. Not all of them are willing to take your case—”

“A lawyer turning down a fat fee? What?”

“I’m a lawyer, Daniella. And I can tell you that no amount of money in the world would induce me to defend a child abuser.”

“I didn’t hurt my children! It’s all lies!”

“Then why is Menchie in a coma? Why is Eli going into his fifth skin graft operation? Why are the rest of your kids hysterical?” he said in his best prosecuting-attorney voice. He could see that each question landed like a blow on her head. He paused. “Look, I’m not leaving, even if you throw me out. If you don’t care anymore about your kids, I do. And Mom and Dad do. I’m coming to Israel with my family. I’m going to take in the kids and care for them. I’m going to get you a lawyer, the best one available. We are going to get through this as a family, with or without your permission, Daniella. I’m not expecting any thanks.”

“Thanks? You want me to thank you for barging into my life when you’re not wanted? I have all the help I need.

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