Poisoned Justice

Giulia placed the rose between the sleeping couple, the poison shimmering green in the dark.

She cursed, fingertip stinging from the hole hidden in her glove.

With each breath, the thieves drew closer to death.

As now did she.

Kneeling beside the bassinet, Giulia ran a blackening finger above the baby’s cheek. “I wanted more for us,” she whispered. “But soon, your father will come. You’ll be home again.”

Giulia pulled back, sweat beading on her brow as the poison spread.

With one last look at her daughter, Giulia stumbled through the window and into the starless night.