“Nothing about the men. The local police are classifying your friend’s murder as a homicide. As for any suspects, the police don’t have one.”
“But you do,” I stated.
“Yes. I think it’s all connected. Your parents, your sister and your roommate.”
He was right but I wasn’t going to tell him that.
“And what evidence do you have to support that?”
“You.”
“Excuse me?”
“You are the common denominator.”
I had to give it to him. He was good at putting things together quickly. Though I highly doubted he truly knew the real reason. No one did. My sister made damn sure of that. No, no matter how hard he dug he was never going to figure it out.
Before I could say anything, Lorenzo stormed over to me. “Your sister had a sick sense of humor, you know that? If she were here, I’d fire her for this shit.”
Sighing, I smirked at Gio before giving Lorenzo my full attention. “And what infraction did my sister do now? Did she forget to iron your underwear?”
That stopped him short. “What?”
“Well, you’ve said it before. My sister was your personal assistant. She catered to your beck and call. Someone of your stature must be used to having everything done for him. So, tell me, what did she fail at?”
And just like that Lorenzo was dumbstruck. Looking to his brother who remained silent, he turned back to me and stammered, “It wasn’t. Well, she and I. I mean.”
Putting the poor man out of his misery, I calmly said, “Lorenzo, Penny loved you. You were her best friend. Whatever she did for you and trust me when I say this, she did have your best interests at heart. She knew you better than you knew yourself. I know my sister and she would never have done anything that would cause you harm or make you look like a fool. That wasn’t her way.”
“But.”
“No but’s. My sister was your best friend and she would talk about you for hours. She loved working for you and you knew her better than anyone. Do you honestly think that Penny would purchase a house that didn’t suit all your needs?”
“No.”
“Then why are you upset?”
Looking at the man before me, I wanted to laugh. There was nothing more satisfying than watching a grown man stumble over the inaccuracies of his inability to handle change. I got it. I really did. Lorenzo Valentinetti was used to a particular lifestyle. He had specific needs but I knew my sister. Even though this house may be out of his comfort zone and not what he was accustomed to, she would never put him in any situation without his best interest at heart. Yes, living in a house that resembled a cabin in the woods was going to be a change for him but from what I’d already seen, the home was more than lavish for the over-grown spoiled man-child. He just needed to accept this.
“Fine. She knew what I liked.”
“Good. Now, I believe this is the master bedroom and therefore you should sleep here. I will go find another room for myself.”
Saying nothing more, I walked out of the room and didn’t look back. God, give me strength because I feared that dealing with Lorenzo Valentinetti would be the death of every brain cell I had.
Seven
Lorenzo
What in the hell just happened? Looking around the room, I found my brother hiding his laughter while I watched Donatella walk away as if she didn’t just put me in my place.
I don’t know how she did it but when she looked up at me with those big caramel eyes, I swear I felt like a small child being chastised for doing something wrong. I hadn’t felt like that since my mother was alive. God help me. One look from momma and I cowered like a little boy. She understood me. Accepted me as I was without fault. I missed her dearly. She would know what to do in any situation. It felt strange being in this world without her. Some days were okay but I needed her guidance in moments like this. She would know how to handle Donatella.
“You’ve met your match, Lo.”
“Why are you here Gio?”
“I came to say hi to my new neighbor and to talk to you.”