“I did.”
“She might come off a little protective, but she’ll warm up. She just needs to get to know you first.”
Mm, that’s it.
“I’m sure.” I sank into the seat and tried to push the terror of dear old nut-job Nonna out of my mind.
The market was just what I needed, friendly people, yummy food, gelato, and no lover or crazy wanna-be lover to deal with. I found myself drawn to the fountain and sat at the table Piero and I had used once before. Pulling off a little piece of sweet bread, I let my gaze drift over to some children tossing coins into the water. They looked so carefree while their parents watched over them. It drew me to thoughts of my mother. I should call her, but her hint that the Capris might have some answers to my past held me back. I just didn’t see it. Perhaps she just wanted me to hate them as much as she did?
“Scusa,” Vinni sat down suddenly. “Sorry, I know you were deep in thought, but I just got called to the dockyard. So, Jimmy, over there, will drive you home.” He pointed behind me to a man in a tight t-shirt and sports coat who now leaned against the car. He looked like he should be on the cover of some men-over-forty sports magazine.
“I’ll grab my sweater.”
“No need, you’ll continue in my car. I’ll take his.”
“You sure?”
“All good.” He smiled warmly. “Take your time. He’s been told to wait until you’re ready.”
As he walked away, I called after him, “Hey, Vin?”
“Yeah?”
“Your Nonna, I think—” I stopped myself, unsure if I wanted to pull harder at that thread just yet.
“She what?”
“Never mind, it’s not important.”
He looked at me funny, then his phone started to ring, so he waved and raced off.
I spent another forty minutes enjoying my alone time as I tried to collect my jumbled thoughts. I almost needed a notebook to jot down all the twists and turns that were coming at me. My phone rang, and I pulled it out with a groan. I wondered who wanted to yell at me next.
“Oh.” I saw Georgio’s name on the caller ID. “Hi, Georgio, how are you?”
“I’d be better if you’d return to work,” he huffed. When I didn’t react, he took a breath and started over. “I wanted to talk to you about something that’s come up. Do you have a moment?”
“I do.” I was curious to know what he wanted, particularly if a story might come along for me. I settled in to listen.
When I focused on my surroundings once again, I realized the place was clearing out and the vendors were closing up. I hung up in a daze, still reeling from what Georgio had just told me. I wasn’t sure why I didn’t just say no right away. Maybe there was a part of me that was intrigued enough to be flattered. Either way, I just wanted to relish the feeling.
Grabbing my bags, I looked around for the driver. Jimmy was a few yards away, across the street, getting a coffee. I headed toward him but stopped when I caught sight of the man in the gray suit from Vinni’s party. He was watching me again from across the street. What was strange was that when I locked eyes with him, he made no attempt to move or to look away, he just stood there. He wasn’t at all threatening. I decided I would have a talk with Elio. I wouldn’t put it past him to have hired the guy to keep an eye on me, but a heads up on Mr. Stoneyface would have been nice.
Peeling my attention away from him, I focused on the driver who I could now see through the window of the coffee shop was juggling his coffee as he reached for the door. I introduced myself as I pulled the door open for him.
“Thank you.” He nodded at me. “So, you’re Sienna?” He smiled.
“I guess I am.”
“I’ve heard nice things about you.”
“Thanks.” I wasn’t in a chatty mood, and he must have picked up on it because he didn’t ask any more questions.
Several yards away from the car, he pulled out the keys and clicked the unlock button. The next sound that hit my ears took my breath away. A bright flash of light and heat blinded me, and I blew backward, hitting something with a heavy thud.
As though in a dream, I realized I was slumped against a mailbox. Through a haze, I saw a figure lean over me. Then all went black.
“I don’t get it.” Vinni rubbed his face and tossed the paperwork on the table. “We’ve been through every tape, every document from here to New York. We’ve been through the New York videotapes, and the paperwork, and there’s just nothing.”