Page 55 of The Man with a Treasure

Noemi and Mateo

As the Americans say, a light bulb went off in my head. Papa was speaking of the vines because only Pietro and Cristian knew of Noemi, our only true friend.

I looked to Angelo, silently asking, “Can we trust Mateo?”

He grabbed his stomach, talking to that trustworthy gut of his, then hit the mute button on my phone. “You know as well as I do, no one falls out of love with Noemi. Mateo can be trusted, but what does your father need to hide in the care of a brother?” He stopped and stared at me, fear building in his eyes.

I nodded. “Isabella.”

“What better place to hide her than right underneath the other brother’s noses?”

Tapping on my phone, I quickly responded, “Yes, Papa. Very trustworthy.”

Angelo was pacing now, wanting to know about the ‘package’.

Trying to be discrete, I casually asked, “Angelo would like to know how Isabella is fairing?”

“Oh,” Papa also attempted casual, “she says there are ghosts from her past, and her younger self wishes for time alone in the mountains. No visitors.”

Angelo rushed to the phone and hit the mute button. “Younger self. Scarlett.”

“Meaning?”

“She hated visits from her brothers. Isabella also wants Scarlett to be hidden from them. Mountains. Scarlett is already in mountains. Don’t you see?”

“No. What?”

“Like hiding Isabella close to the brothers.” When I didn’t catch on, Angelo quickly said, “Where is the last place you would suspect Scarlett to be hidden?”

Near where she had been all along.

For the last decade, Mr. Giordano had introduced Isabella to more and more aspects of the family business. Since he had named her his successor, he kept his word. It was becoming clear Isabella had seen or found something that had her scared for herself and her daughter.

Angelo unmuted the phone again. “Mr. Rossi, does Isabella feel she should stay local due to family business?”

“Hello, Angelo! Uh, yes. Not a good time for travel.”

My jaw fell open. How did Angelo figure that all out?

My best friend said, “I agree. She is wise. Stay close to family.”

Papa asked, “How are things there?”

Angelo thought, then replied, “Very slow. A new lead ended up being another dead-end.”

My father was well aware of every bit of our progress. He had been a leader and mentor from across the world. Had he not helped and taught us so much, Angelo and I could have possibly still been researching, ‘How to find a sex slave,’ on the internet. Yet Papa replied, “A shame. Maybe better luck with a new lead.”

“Yes, we are tired and frustrated.” He stared at our packed suitcases as if having no intention of unpacking them. “Maybe we should stay put and rest for a bit.”

“I completely agree. Angelo, you must take care of yourself and those in your care. I am hereby requesting you and Sal take a leave of absence for however long it takes to feel rejuvenated. Mr. Giordano will be sure to add funds to your accounts so you will have cash and can rest with no worries. I will notify your pilot that his plane is not needed. That way you can disappear for a while. Untraceable. Leave all work behind. No contact. Don’t worry. I am resourceful and will find you if I need to.”

My father was telling us to vanish. That meant from him and Mamma, too.

I wanted to reach through the phone and embrace that man. I wanted to tell him to hold my mother and tell her how much I loved her. I wanted… It dawned on me that my wants no longer counted. Something was wrong, and I had to follow secret messages.

Barely able to swallow, I shook my head at my best friend.

He understood. “Thank you for understanding, sir. The last ten years have been so hard on us. Tell Mrs. Rossi,” he bit his lip, fighting emotions before, “her boys will be home soon.” Angelo hung up the phone and closed his eyes.