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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Riss opened her eyes when the weight on her feet shifted. She looked down the bed at the German Shepherd, Biscotti. He lifted his head and wagged his tail. “You need to pee?” she asked. The dog wagged his tail again. She sighed. She would love to burrow back under the covers and stay there for the rest of the day. Facing reality seemed like a bad idea but the dog had to go and so did she.
She pulled herself up to a sitting position and checked her limbs. She seemed to be able to move them no problem, so that was a plus. The very idea that someone drugged her made her stomach churn. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she petted Biscotti on the head before heading to the bathroom.
Ten minutes later, dressed in a black sweater and a pair of faded jeans, she went down the stairs to the kitchen with the dog at her heels. True to Cash’s word, the dog never left her side but when he saw his owner, his tail went crazy. Riss felt badly that the dog had to keep her company all night. “Someone missed you.”
Dominick smiled. “He’s a good boy.”
“One that’s desperate to go out,” Riss said.
“Of course.” Dominick whistled and the dog went right to the door where his owner opened it and let him go then closed it again.
“You don’t have to go with him?” Riss asked.
“No. He will go to his patch in the back garden where he’ll do his business and then he will go through the dog door, down the alley to Mrs. Turchetta’s residence next door. This is where he knows she’ll share her breakfast with him, and then he’ll use the alley and the dog door and be home for his own breakfast. He’s like clockwork.”
Riss smiled. “So good that he can do all that on his own. Surprised you’re allowed to have a dog door though. Isn’t that some kind of security breach?”
Dominick smiled. “The alley on that side is very narrow and Biscotti is wearing a special collar that makes the door unlock when he approaches otherwise it stays locked. Makes my life easier. He’s a good boy. Now what can I get you?”
“A cup of coffee would be lovely,” she said glancing at the clock. It was just before seven a.m. “I can go to the dining room if that’s better. I don’t want to crowd you.”
“Nonsense, dear.” Mrs. Munari breezed into the kitchen, a broad smile on her face. “The others won’t be down for at least an hour, if not longer. I’ve already delivered coffee to those who are awake.” She beamed a smile and pointed to the massive kitchen island. “Why don’t you sit there and we’ll fix some breakfast for you. That dining room is large and rather lonely for just one person.”
Riss took a seat on one of the chairs at the quartzite counter, grateful she had been spared sitting in the dining room on her own. She really didn’t want to be anywhere on her own after last night.
“What can I make for you?” Dominick inquired as he set a cup of coffee in front of her. He brought the milk and sugar and set it down as well.
“I’m not much of a breakfast eater so anything will do.”
“Leave it to me then,” Dominick said.
Riss sipped the delicious Italian roast coffee and watched Dominick and Mrs. Munari bustling about the kitchen in the kind of well-choreographed dance that is comfortable for two people familiar with each other. She vaguely wondered how long the pair had worked together and if they were more than just co-workers.
Ten minutes later, he set down a large plate of eggs with bacon and toast along with a bowl of fruit. Riss smiled. “Thank you so much. I don’t know if I can eat all of it.”
“You’re too thin. Eat,” Mrs. Munari said with a wink.
A scratch at the back door announced the return of the dog. Dominick opened the door and Biscotti came in and sniffed the air.
“Not for you, young man,” Mrs. Munari admonished.
Biscotti went over to his dish and dropped to his haunches, waiting patiently. Their easy routine made Riss smile.
Paw prints marred the gleaming marble floor. “Did it rain last night?” she asked as she munched on a piece of bacon.
Dominick came in from the pantry. “I don’t think so. Why?” He put the dog bowl down and then glanced at the floor. “Oh, I see what you mean.” Then he peered closer. “I’m not sure…” his voice trailed off.
Riss leaned over. The paw prints were a rusty color. She caught a sudden whiff of copper. She’d worked in a doctor’s office long enough to recognize the smell. “I’m pretty sure that’s blood. Oh God, I hope your neighbor is okay.”
Mrs. Munari’s face turned ashen. “Dominick.” Her hand trembled as she reached toward the man.
He immediately went to her and squeezed her hand. “I’ll go see, Lena. You sit here.” With that he rushed out the kitchen door into the back garden.
“I’m sure it’s nothing.” Riss stared down at her plate.
“Mangiare, eat. We can’t let the food go to waste.” She offered Riss a small smile.
