“Look, I know there is resistance that I’m a woman in man’s position…”
“You are don, make no mistake about it, Francesca,” Angelo says as he scoots to the front of his chair, looking none the worse for wear. His stitches are healing nicely, and his cane is only temporary.
“Thank you, Angelo.” I tilt my glass to him as I let the warm whiskey do its job of taking the edge off the pain in my shoulder. The bandage is changed daily, and the scar will be minimal.
“I’m bound by my duty to take over the family seat but I’m more modern. I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to travel and I need trusted men in positions to do the daily work.”
The men nod in agreement.
“What do you propose?” Angelo asks.
I glance at Matteo at the door, he’s a welcomed sight in a room of men that I’m not sure I can trust.
Never trust . . . never trust.
And yet I trust Sal and broke my own rule.
“I want to run operations from here. I’ll be appointing an independent accountant to oversee the books and he has forensic accounting background. And, Angelo, I think that since you are indebted to me, you would be the most loyal. For now, you are to run the business. Your men speak well of you. But make no mistake that I will not tolerate human trafficking of women or men or children.”
“Agreed.”
“Good. We’ll work out the pay for everyone based on what we have found and what you all have said. I’m sure we can arrive at an equitable situation.”
“For sure,Signorina.”
“I also want Guido, Sofia’s husband, found dead or alive.” I set my empty glass on the thick wooden desk. “That’s all for now.” I take a deep breath before standing.
Everyone stands, we shake hands and kiss both cheeks before the visitors make their leave. Matteo is armed and I take comfort in his shadow as we head to the living room downstairs where Sal has had the maid prepare an afternoon lunch for us.
“I hope you are hungry.” Sal pulls the large chair on the terrace out for me.
It’s afternoon but the weather has changed, and winter is coming as the leaves rustle in the cooler wind and the sun is obscured occasionally by clouds.
“My appetite is coming back,” I answer as I sit.
“Great, our favorite panini and fresh fruit.”
“I don’t want you to go,” I admit.
“I understand that. In fact,” he sits opposite me, “I’m flattered. There was a time you didn’t want to be in the same room with me and you certainly wouldn’t have accepted help from anyone.”
I chuckle as I drink my fizzy water. “I know. However, I have a temporary command staff in order here and they are to find Guido. I can’t rest until he’s found.”
Sal nods and a few strands of his dark hair fall over his forehead making him look rugged when combined with the days’ growth of hair on his chin. “What?” he asks as my sly smile appears.
“You’re just so doable. I like the rugged look.”
“Well,” he puts his napkin in his lap, “I might have to keep it then, if it will keep you around.”
“I can’t wait until we don’t have to spend a night apart. But order has to be restored first.”
He of all people understands the position I’m in.
“When you are ready, come to Florence.”
“I will.”
We take a long siesta to make love. His car has been driven down by his new guard. He has little with him to pack as we’ve been on the go the entire time.