I was sincere.
The execution could only be carried out when the moment was right. The only thing that mattered was not to stir suspicion or leave any traces.
I walked over to the old three-seat sofa that took up most of the room, covered in champagne-colored fabric embroidered with pink flowers, and sat down, motioning for her to join me. She sat at the far end, her gaze fixed on me.
It wasn't just a person's expression that betrayed their emotions and thoughts, I realized. The body often revealed everything there was to know. Hers was confessing me all the panic she was trying to hold on, the fear, the anguish, the sadness, and if seeing that in my victims had never bothered me before, it wasn’t the case anymore. There was a prickling feeling in my mouth, a discomfort in the base of my stomach caused by the simple realization I was the reason behind that little thing’s misery.
Cazzo.This wasn’t the time to grow a conscience.
“That means I’ll be tortured until the moment comes, is that it?”
I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. “No. You’ll live normally, without thinking about it.” I replied and didn’t give her time to protest. “I already told you. We’re all going to die and no one knows when or how. So, enjoy the time you have left. Explore Castello dell'Fiero, visit Reggio Calabria... Live while you can!"
She hesitated. “Are you... Are you really going to let me walk around alone?”
I chuckled. “There are eyes everywhere. No exceptions. Believe me, you will always be watched.”
“Okay...” She seemed honestly thoughtful, until she rested her hands on her knees, and hesitation appeared before she spoke again. “You said we would set boundaries when we arrived.”
“Sì.” I nodded and leaned back on the sofa, feeling its soft touch against my back. "In addition to what I explained to you on the way here, there are a few more things you will have to internalize. The most important of all is that you must not comment on me, this house, or anything you have seen or will see. Any leak of information is prohibited. I don't need to remind you what kind of implications this would have for your famiglia if you broke the rule, do I?"
She gave me a sour look. “No...”
“Good.” I replied. "Next, technology. All technology in this house is highly controlled. You will not have free access to a phone, and I should inform you that yours was left in Mississippi for security reasons. Whenever you want to use one, you must ask me or my head of security."
Her mouth fell open. “How am I supposed to keep up the charade if you're going to stop me from talking to my Aunt Lizzie? Or Olivia? They'll wonder where I am if I don't reply to their messages.”
“Don't worry. I took care to collect the phone numbers of people close to you and have already asked the IT team to prepare a secure device for you. When it's ready, you can call your famiglia and tell them you lost your phone or something like that.”
“And will I be able to talk to them every day?” I noticed the hopeful, but equally desperate, gleam in her eyes.
I sighed. “If you follow my rules, yes.”
“Okay...”
"Now, Signorina Parker, about your job. I don't usually sleep much. I'm awake around eight in the morning, and that's when I expect you to have breakfast ready and served on the kitchen table. Lunch is usually around one in the afternoon, when I don't forget to eat... And dinner is always served at nine o'clock in the evening.“ She groaned immediately, as if I had just given her the most dreadful news. ”Mydinner. You can keep your own schedule."
“Whew...”
“In addition to cooking, I expect you to keep the main house clean and tidy. That is, don't touch the east and west wings. Also avoid my office.Capisci?”
“Yes...”
"I believe that if you follow the rules, we can get along quite well, Signorina Parker. Now, I'll leave you alone so you can familiarize yourself with this space and get ready. I expect you to start your duties tonight, for dinner. And speaking of which... In your room, you will find a selection of clothes and shoes that I asked to be prepared before your arrival."
I got up and walked to the door, surprised by how suddenly she imitated me.
“Is there a problem?” I had to ask, and saw her wrap her arms around her body again.
“Do I have to spend the night here alone?”
I raised an eyebrow. “With whom else, Signorina Parker?”
“N-no, it's not that. It's just that I—” She stammered, her face blushing like a gooseberry. “I can't stand being alone at night. Imean, inside a house. In the dark. I really don't like being in the dark when I know I'm the only one locked in the place.”
“Then it will be a good opportunity for you to face your fear.”
Chapter 27
