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"What's in the boxes?"she asked.
"The letters Tomas exchanged with someone with the initial J and a ring," Nick replied, as he and her grandmother sat down."That's what we know so far, but we haven't looked at the rest."
"Let's do that now," she said, eager to see both.
He held up a hand."In a minute.We need to talk first."
"We do," Anna agreed.
"Has something happened?"Gloria asked worriedly.
"Someone followed us from the bank to the offices of the Carabinieri," Nick said."I couldn't see the driver's face, but he was wearing a black sweatshirt with a hood and dark glasses."
"Like the men in the museum," Gloria breathed.
"Yes.He sped away when we got to the Carabinieri headquarters," Nick said."But I got a license plate number and Captain Lavezzo will try to find out who he is.That said, Captain Lavezzo suggested everyone would be safer away from Rome, and I agree.I don't like that someone followed us.They may think you two heard or saw more than you did, or that you have another painting that they want.I don't know the reason, only that this isn't over."
"We can stay in the house.It's safe here," Anna began, then paused as Gloria let out a heavy sigh."Do you want to go, Gloria?"
"I don't want to leave, but I'm not sure the house is safe.Isabella and I heard a crash in the backyard earlier."
"What?Why didn't you say that before?"Nick turned an accusing gaze in her direction.
"You just sat down.I haven't had a chance to say anything," she returned."We were in the kitchen when we heard a crash in the yard.We went upstairs and when I looked out the window, I saw a shadow, but that's all.A few minutes later, the doorbell rang, and it was Victor and Joelle.After they came in, I went into the yard, and I saw the door to the shed was open and a box of Christmas decorations was knocked over.I don't know if it was a person or an animal."
"That's it," Nick said."I need to get you all out of here.Where do you want to go?I will pay for your tickets.I think you should leave Italy.In fact, why don't you go to LA and stay at my place?I have two bedrooms.You can decorate while you're there; I don't have much on the walls.Isabella can show you around, make sure you're comfortable."
Remembering how scared and winded her grandmother had been when she'd rushed her up the stairs, she knew Nick was right, as much as she didn't want to admit it."It's a good idea," she said, turning to her grandmother."You and Anna haven't been to the States in a long time, have you?"
"No."Gloria looked at her longtime friend."What do you think, Anna?"
"I want to get our paintings back.I'm afraid if we leave, that won't happen."
"I'll do everything I can to make that happen," Nick said."But it will be easier to pursue that goal if I'm not worrying about you."
"But I'll be worrying about you.I don't want you to get hurt, Nick."
"I can take care of myself.This is what I do, Nonna.And I'm good at it."
Anna let out a sigh of resignation."All right.I'll go to Los Angeles if Gloria will go, too."
Her grandmother slowly nodded."That's probably best."
"Good," Nick said with relief."I have a team there who can watch out for you.And Isabella will get you whatever you need."
"No," she said, bringing their gazes to her."Anna and Grandma should go to LA, but I'm staying here.I want to find the paintings, too."
"I don't need your help," he said.
"I don't need yours, either.I'm not leaving.You'll have to deal with that."She frowned at her grandmother, who was exchanging a small smile with Anna."What are you so amused about?"
"Just thinking this might not be the worst idea," her grandmother replied."You and Nick can get to know each other better."
"That's not what this is about," she said firmly.
"You'll take care of her, Nick, won't you?"her grandmother asked.
"I'll try, but I can't promise anything.She'd be safer in LA."
