“These are the things you need to know, Elio. This Cara woman has ties to some very high-level detectives. Sienna told her that you worked in import-export. Perhaps you should ask what else she said. One slip on Sienna’s part could take down everything that we’ve all worked so hard for. Your papa barely missed one hit on him, and chances are that another just might find its mark. Love can be blinding, and at the worst of times, Elio.” She took my hand and gave me a sweet smile. “I see so much potential in you, my sweet grandson. It would be a shame to see our empire crumble because of a woman.”
She was right. I needed to keep my eyes open.
“Now, tell me about your trip, and leave nothing out.”
I laughed and filled her in on all the details. Nonna was very proud of the work I had done years ago as a Santoro brother. In fact, it was she who had helped me spin the story about how we were brothers and out for blood.
When I got home, I searched the house, but it was empty. It sat just like I had left it, and I started to get angry. I had told her to stay put. Why didn’t she? I tossed my bag on the bed, changed, and hurried up to the Hill House.
“Mama,” I called as I burst through the door and headed down the hallway, checking the rooms as I went. “Mama!”
“Boss,” Donte flew out of the kitchen and held up a letter, “Ms. Sienna wanted me to give you this.”
“Why didn’t she just call me?”
“I’m not sure.”
“How did she seem when she gave it to you?” He pressed his lips together and hesitated. “I know you two are friends, so out with it.”
“She seemed a little rattled yesterday. She also snapped at Anna when she tried to push her buttons again.”
“Explain.” I folded my arms to calm my nerves. Anna really needed to leave the house.
“Anna told her that you were supposed to marry her.” The rest of what he said faded away as the blood rushed to my ears and my temper started to boil over. “Sienna put her in her place, but shortly afterward, she left.”
“Who picked her up?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Not Abramo?”
“No, boss.”
“Okay.” I nodded at him. I appreciated that he’d been honest and had shared what had happened.
“There you are.” Mama found me in the hallway. “I heard your trip was successful.”
“It was. When were you going to tell me about Sienna leaving?”
“I only found out this morning. I thought she was at your house. She called to tell me she wanted to spend a little time with Elenora.” She looked at me strangely. “I’m not sure what is going on inside of that head of yours, but you’re pushing her away.”
“It’s complicated.”
“When is love not?” she countered and stared into my eyes a beat longer. “I know that look.” She paused, and I saw the spark in her eyes when it suddenly hit her. “Oh, no, Elio. Oh, sweetheart, why are you spinning back into the darkness?”
“I’m not.”
“Then why are you questioning Sienna on her past?”
“Because it’s my job.”
“What do you think she’s hiding from you? She gave you her journals, she’s answered any question you’ve asked her, and she even did a polygraph test.”
“When?”
“Yesterday.”
“And what were the results?”