“Mr. Capri.” He nodded at me, and I gave a signal to Niccola to alert my soldiers to pull into the driveway to block his exit. I flipped my coin between my fingers, wondering if I’d let him live or die today.
I could see him vibrating with fear, and I was pleased to see he knew who was in charge and who wasn’t. “It’s a pleasure to see you again. What can I do for you?”
I flipped the coin in the air and slapped it on the top of my hand.
Tails. He would live to see another day.
Slowly, I rose, buttoning my jacket as I did so. I slipped the coin into my pocket as I made eye contact with the dirty little shit in front of me. I had to curb my urge to drill my knee into his skull, but the coin had spoken…for now.
“Cavaliere, it’s good to see you again.” My words were like acid on my tongue. “I didn’t realize you were accompanied by such beauty.” I grinned at his guest, wondering if I should have them followed or, at the very least, investigate who the hell she was. My paranoia grew, and I wondered if she was one of Stefano’s girls from my dockyard.
“I came to show her the upgrades onournew home.” Cavaliere stressed the wordour, like he was trying to prove to me she was his. Which was as pathetic as the girl with a chain hanging from her neck. She looked like some kind of a pet. By the way her hands twisted together, I could tell she was in no way thinking they were a couple.
“How’s the wine cellar coming along?” I stepped closer, flashing a killer grin. “From what I’ve heard, it’s filled with my wine,” I crossed my arms over my chest, “as are both of your restaurants.”
“Of course. We only want to serve the best,” he replied, trying to sound smooth and calm.
I chuckled and looked at Niccola. “You hear him? He wants to serve the best.” I shook my head. “The problem is you seem to have a hard time paying for the best. Both of your restaurants are ninety days past due, and no one from your office is answering my calls.”
“I’m sure there must be some misunderstanding.” Cavaliere rubbed his neck uneasily. “My men would never try to take from you.”
I nodded. “Do I need to remind you of what happens to those who don’t pay?”
Cavaliere dropped his hand and lowered his head. “No.”
I tucked one hand in my pocket and rubbed my chin with the other as I leaned down to make my point. I made a show of looking at my watch. “Your time starts now.”
Vinni opened the door as I started to walk away, but not before I stopped and gave one last warning. “Be good to her. It would be a shame to ruin such beauty.” With that, I slipped inside the car.
“Nic,” I pulled out my phone and secretly snapped a photo of the girl and sent it to him, “find out who she is and if she has any connection to Stefano.”
“Will do.” He started to make some calls, and I leaned back to soothe the ache between my eyes. I hated it here, and my next visit would be his last.
“Everything is set up for Wyatt’s return home.” Vinni revved the engine as we headed up the hill toward my house. “There will be two men outside his apartment, and another will tail him wherever his assignment takes him.”
“Good.”
“He seemed happy and confident about the arrangements.”
“That’s good.”
He pulled into the driveway, and I got out. I turned back as his door opened and he stepped out as well.
“Can I ask you something?” He had my attention.
I leaned my arm on the roof and let the other drape over the open door of the town car. “Yeah.”
“Does something feel off with Sienna’s mother?”
“A lot does.”
“Like the timing of it.” He tucked his hands in his pockets as he thought. “We just find out about Mariano, and practically the next day her mother shows up and knows Francesco? It just seems a little too coincidental.” I opened my mouth to speak, but he wasn’t finished. “I still can’t believe Piero agreed to let her come to the Hill House.” He rubbed his face as though to shake off the feeling. “I don’t know, I’m just thinking there’s something right in front of us we can’t see.”
“Paranoia is part of the job. It’s what keeps us on our toes and keeps us alive.” I stepped aside and closed the door. The truth would reveal itself in time. The real question would be how much blood would need to be shed before we saw it. Until then, we just needed to keep our eyes and ears open.
“I know you’re right. It’s just playing on my mind.” He rubbed his face.
“Go get ready, or Auntie will have my head.”