Page 265 of Valentino

Luigi retrieves the paperwork from the glove compartment and passes it over to Mauro as the two other officers go over the car with a fine-tooth comb.

“Pop the trunk,” Mauro snaps.

“Again, with the manners,” Luigi fires back. “Say please.”

“Please. Shut. The. Fuck. Up.” Mauro replies as he looks at the licenses. “You. Idiot.”

The boys snicker between themselves again and I watch them, fascinated. They aren’t stressed at all. In fact, now that I think about it, this is probably the least stressful thing that could happen.

I can’t imagine what they see…. Let alone do.

My stomach twists at the thought.

“What are you doing in Rome?” Mauro asks.

Val completely ignores him, choosing rather to keep his eyes on the road.

“I’m talking to you, Valentino,” he snaps.

“That’s…” Valentino turns his glare back to the commissioner, “…Mr. Leone…to you.”

“What are you doing in Rome, Mr. Leone?” Mauro repeats.

“That is none of your business.”

“Oh, that’s where you’re wrong.” He smiles sarcastically. “When the King of Cocaine is in my town. It is my duty to bring him in.”

Valentino rolls his eyes. “Are you always this fucking boring.”

The boys snicker between themselves, and even I have to look away to not smile, he’s such an ass.

“Why would you be in Rome?” He looks over at me. “Miss Russo, what are you doing here?”

“Don’t answer him,” Val snaps. “He has no right to ask you anything.” He turns his attention back to the commissioner. “Search the fucking car, Mauro, or we’re leaving.”

“Where do you live, Anna?” Mauro keeps firing questions at me.

“Milan,” Valentino fires back. “You know this already. I know it’s hard to remember details with your miniscule brain capacity…but do try and keep up.”

The boys snicker again.

I keep my mouth shut, it’s clear that Val doesn’t want him to know that I live here.

But why?

“Stop answering for her,” Mauro snaps. “Where do you live, Anna?”

“Milan,” I reply.

“What are you doing in Rome?” He sneers.

I don’t like this guy.

“Sightseeing,” I fire back without missing a beat.

“When are you leaving?”

“Whenever I feel like it.”