I shake my head. “I’d prefer you didn’t.”
“Mrs. De—”
“Look, I’m fine. I would tell you if I wasn’t.” It’s the truth. A long night’s rest and a few big meals have given me most of my energy back. The bruises are still there, but they don’t bother me since I’m stuck inside all day anyway.
“May I at least check your blood pressure? And take a look at the cut on your knee?”
I sigh. “Okay.”
Doc’s thorough, and it takes him longer than I expected to do a routine check. Nero’s orders, I guess. How else would he know about my knee when I’m wearing sweatpants?
Apparently, Nero did an excellent job cleaning the cut in the parking lot of that Walgreens. Doc says it should heal without any scarring.
“All done,” Doc announces finally. “Here’s my card in case you need anything.”
I take it. “I don’t have a phone, remember?”
A line appears between the man’s brows. “Ah, I see.”
“Any chance you can leave yours with me?”
He gives me a sad smile and gets to his feet. “I’m afraid not, Mrs. De Luca. You’ll have to talk to your husband about getting you your own phone.”
If I keep relying on Nero for everything, I’m never going to be able to get away from here. The fake passport that I need can’t come from him, so I need to find someone else who can hook me up. Maybe Doc here can help me get the lay of the land.
“Have you been working for the Messero family for a long time?” I ask as we head toward the door.
“Yes. Over ten years.” He presses a button on the landline phone attached to the wall that I’ve learned today is how the concierge is summoned. Unfortunately, it’s not programmed to make any outside calls.
“So you must know everyone well.”
Doc smiles. “I’ve helped a lot of people who work for the don, and I learned a valuable lesson a long time ago. Would you like to hear it?”
“Uh-huh.”
“When it comes to men like your husband, Mrs. De Luca, the less I know, the better.”
My chest deflates. Well, that’s not helpful at all.
A crisp knock sounds against the door.
“That’s Alec,” Doc says. “I should go. Any plans for tonight?”
“Plans?”
“It’s New Year’s Eve.”
I arch a brow. “Do you think I’m in a mood to celebrate?”
His gaze softens. “Good luck, Mrs. De Luca.”
The door closes, and I’m all alone again. My eyes drop to the black box Alec brought in when Doc arrived. It’s the only one I still haven’t opened. I crouch down and lift the lid. There’s red tissue paper hiding the contents.
When I see what’s beneath, whatever goodwill Nero managed to earn with his thoughtful gift earlier disappears.
Lingerie.
An angry knot tightens in my stomach.
