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“I’m not in the business to degrade or tear down others where it isn’t necessary. But this merge is happening, and I respect that you came to meet and listen to what I have to say.”
“I don’t want to lose my position overseeing my,” he caught himself, “your Naples ports.”
“I’m not asking for that. I think you do a fine job here, and the idea of moving someone else into the position sounds like more work than I’d like to think about.”
“Happy to hear it.” He glanced over at Sienna and the others. “I think this change will be a good thing.” I could see him relax a little.
“I’m glad you feel that way, Domenico, because I have a favor to ask of you.”
“Oh?” He suddenly tightened up again.
“I know your son has a drug problem,” I lifted my glass to the waiter, indicating I wanted another, “and I know he sent a group of men to attack my dockyard in Tuscany at Mariano’s request.”
His shock was genuine, and I knew I was speaking to a man who had no clue this happened.
“I swear, Mr. Capri, I had no idea.”
“I believe you, but if Pauly steps out of line again, in any way, he’ll meet the same fate as our recently departed Mariano. I have the bikes and chains ready to go at a moment’s notice.”
His throat contracted, and sweat broke out on his forehead. I smiled, knowing I got through to him.
“Understood.” He stood so quickly he knocked a fork, and the loud clatter brought eyes our way. “I should make some calls.”
“That’s a wise idea, Domenico.”
Niccola chuckled and took a seat next to Wyatt just as Vinni emerged from below deck. Everyone took some time to enjoy the rest of the cruise. Sienna soon had everyone together, and even Domenico began to relax a little with her easy conversation. We all sipped some top-shelf rum and kept the conversation away from business for the rest of the trip.
I wanted to be alone with Sienna when we got back to the castle, but she went off looking for some headache tablets, mentioning something about the bright sun. Mama, of course, followed her, concerned as always. I heard Sienna laugh at something she said, and knowing she was in good hands, I headed out back to fill Papa in on the details of the day. I knew he’d appreciate the good news.
I was awakened by a loud crack of thunder then a flash of lightning that lit up the whole room like fireworks in the night sky. The power flickered and then went out, and I was left in a dark room high up in the castle. As my imagination soared, I immediately reached out and swept a hand across the bed, only to feel a cool, empty spot where I’d hoped Elio would be. I wasn’t sure if he’d even come to bed yet. After Andrea and I had a talk, I’d taken a couple painkillers and gone to bed early. I needed to close my eyes. I knew he needed time with Piero, so I told Andrea to let him know to come to bed when he was done. I wasn’t sure of the time, so I just lay there and enjoyed the coziness of the blankets and let myself drift.
Rain began to tap the stones of the windowsill, and I rolled over to listen. It sounded like pearls dropping on a marble floor, then every few seconds the rain music would go to a higher or lower pitch depending on where it hit the stones. It was quite pretty, and I was glad I’d cracked the window a little when I went to bed.
Suddenly, the wind picked up and the white sheers billowed out and began to blow around violently. We were so close to the ocean I could smell the salt in the air as I climbed over the bed to shut the window. I looked outside as another giant bolt of lightning lit up the stormy sky. I was mesmerized by how mad the sea looked as the waves crashed against the rocks that protected the castle walls from their destructive force. As each wave hit, a massive explosion of white spray and foam would fly high into the air in wild shapes.Sea art.
My phone lit up the corner of the room, and I raced over to grab it.
Wyatt: It’s lost, Sienna, I can’t believe I lost it! Can you see me from your window?
I raced back to the window, wondering what in the world he was talking about.
When the next bolt of lightning came, I saw a figure below on the roof moving about as though looking for something. I squinted to see, and sure enough, it was Wyatt.
“Wyatt!” I cupped my mouth and screamed into the wicked wind. “Wyatt!”
I realized it would be impossible for him to hear me. I sent off a quick text.
Sienna: What are you doing? Are you crazy!
He suddenly turned, looked like he was talking to someone, then flung backward, losing his footing.
“Wyatt! No!” I wasted no time and raced out the door, using my phone like a flashlight. I tore down the stairs to the next floor and out onto a private patio. “Wyatt!” I screamed, but my voice was immediately carried away on the wild wind.
I searched the roof below me but was blinded by the rain. It was huge and flat, and the few chairs and tables scattered around told me people must use it from time to time. Surely, it was safe enough to walk around on. A wave of recklessness came over me. I couldn’t lose my best friend. I hooked my leg over the edge, hoisted myself up and over and dropped down the few feet to the roof below. I landed gracefully, to my surprise, and quickly tested out just how slippery the rain-soaked stones were. My knees wobbled at the thought of not having any safety rails along the edge. I wasn’t a fan of heights, and my heart pounded. I extended my arms in front of me and calculated exactly how much room I had to work with before I came too close to the edge. Taking a deep breath, I moved along the uneven roof, aware that my bare feet had nothing to grip. My nightgown was slicked to my body, and my hair was heavy and drenched. I shivered in cold and fear in my desperate search to find Wyatt. Where had he gone?
Lightning lit my way as I moved along the castle walls. The clouds rolled in waves and seemed to fold under as they met the sea below, its angry roar mixed with the sound that erupted from the sky. I felt the vibration in the stone under my feet as it sent a warning that this was no place for me.
I felt it before I saw it. It was as if someone took an icy finger and drew it up my spine to warn me. I wasn’t alone. Slowly, in the heart of the storm, I turned to find Greta Capri standing in front of me. For a moment, I wondered if I’d imagined it, but then I saw her rosary beads dangling from her neck. They swung in the wind as she bent slightly to clear her wet dress away from her legs, and I knew she was real. The knife in her hand glinted in the light.
