AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Can you give me a description of the men?”
“I didn’t get a good look at them. Everything happened so fast. I panicked. I ran. Fell. And then they kicked me.”
Angelo balls his hand in a fist at his side. I don’t look at him. I can’t.
“They must’ve knocked me out, because that’s all I recall,” I say.
“Do you have any idea what the motive for the attack could have been?” Officer Bartoli asks.
“Maybe a robbery.” I lick my dry lips. “Maybe they heard my husband is wealthy.”
The detective’s smile is knowing. “Have you checked the house, Mr. Russo? Are any valuables missing?”
“As you can imagine, valuables haven’t been my priority,” Angelo says.
“Of course.” Officer Bartoli puts his phone away. “Are you going to file charges?”
“No,” I say, inviting a surprised look from the officer. “I just want to put this behind me.”
“We want you to find them,” Angelo says. “These men shouldn’t be left to roam freely in our neighborhood.”
“We’ll do what we can.” Officer Bartoli folds his hands behind his back. “Do you mind if we check out the house?”
“You’re welcome to.” Angelo gives him a stiff smile. “I had the doors repaired—naturally—but we’ll do whatever we can to help with the investigation.”
“That’s good to know,” Officer Bartoli says, his small smile suggesting he doesn’t believe us. “Let me know if anything is missing when you’ve had time to go through the house.”
“I’ll do that.” Angelo offers the officer a hand. “Thank you for your time to speak to my wife.”
The officer glances at Angelo’s proffered hand before shaking it. “You’re welcome.” To me, he says, “I wish you a speedy recovery, Mrs. Russo.”
I force a smile. “Thank you.”
With a nod at Angelo, he leaves.
And then we’re alone.
I thought I was ready for this moment, but I’m not.
Angelo stares at me with questions burning in his eyes.
“Roch…” I swallow the lump in my throat. “Is he dead?”
Angelo’s reply is as gentle as the hand he brushes over my hair. “He’s alive.”
I sit up straighter and immediately regret it when pain stabs into my ribs. “He is? I wanted to get him help, but I didn’t make it.”
“You more than made it. You survived.” A deep line cuts between his eyebrows. “Against all odds.”
“Is he here? I’d like to see him.” I take a breath and fight for control as the memories threaten to throw me back into that dark moment. “To thank him.”
“I had him flown to the hospital in Bastia where they could operate. I saw him just before I came over. The bastard is as tough as ever.”
I smile. “I’m glad to hear that. I want to visit him.”
“When you’re stronger, you can thank him in person. I wanted him to come back to work for me, but he’s happier as a teacher.”
“It’s strange, isn’t it? He doesn’t look like the type.”
