Page 49 of His Pet

LORENZO

“It’s probably best that you left,” Settimo says. “The detectives have been sniffing around like they’ve got something.”

“And Valentine? Has anything happened with him?”

“No, he hasn’t retaliated yet. Colter got the building’s development stalled.”

“Good,” I say into the phone. I run a hand over my face and glance at the cabin window. The curtain flutters, and I walk off the front porch out of earshot from Amelia’s snooping.

“We’re going to need you here soon, you know,” Settimo says. “Cops or no cops.”

“Yeah, I figured that. I’ll be back in a few days.”

“What about Sunday?”

I sigh and run a hand through my hair. Sunday has nothing to do with work, although there’s bound to be some involved. It’s family dinner. Every week, without exception, and the only time there’s an excuse to miss is when one of us is out of town. My mother overlooks a lot, but missing her precious dinners lights a fire under her.

Sunday is the day after tomorrow.

“I don’t know if I’m going to make it.”

“What?” Settimo sounds both surprised and annoyed. “Lorenzo, this is enough.”

“I’ll be back Tuesday.”

“No. I’m done with this.You’redone with this. If you aren’t back by Sunday evening, I’ll drive out there myself to get you.”

I glance toward the cabin, but don’t see Amelia peeking through the window. I consider telling Settimo about Amelia’s proposal, but it would be useless. He’d never be okay with someone out there who could cause problems at any moment. No matter how far they went or their promises to stay there.

Before today, I wouldn’t have been okay with it either.

Settimo sighs. His impatience is palpable, even through the phone. “Tie up the loose ends. Now. Tonight. Just get it done and come back. It’s a fucking mess here, and it’s your responsibility to clean it up.”

“I know, and I will.” I rub the back of my neck then let my hand fall to my side. “The loose end is already tied up here. It has been since yesterday.”

I’m met with silence.

“This isn’t about that anyway,” I lie. “I just need some time away. Things have been… I don’t know, things have been getting to me lately.”

Settimo’s breathing sounds through the phone, and I can see him in my mind rubbing his temples.

“Is this about the lions?”

I hesitate. “Yes.”

Settimo takes his time responding, and I assume he’s considering something. I hope he doesn’t decide to drive down here, although I imagine he’ll send someone. Probably Anthony. It won’t matter. Amelia will be easy to hide because Anthony wouldn’t bother looking for her. I’ve never lied to them before, so I have no doubt they’ll believe me when I say I’ve taken care of her.

“All right,” Settimo says at last. “Take the next few days off, but at least drive out on Sunday. You know how Ma gets.”

“Sure.”

“See you then.”

The beep, indicating Settimo hung up, sounds in my ear, and I tuck the phone into my pocket before heading inside.

Amelia sits on the couch, reading. She peeks up at me and puts the book down.

“Is everything okay?” she asks, tucking her feet underneath her.

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