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She had a point, but there had been other options.He could have sent her to the neighbor's house.But there was no point in going over all the things he could have done."You must have been terrified when they cut the electricity."
"I was sitting on the couch looking at the letters you brought back from the bank.When the lights went out, I heard someone at the door.I took the boxes upstairs, hid them in the linen closet, and then ran into my grandmother's room.I locked the door, but he kicked it open.I grabbed the vase and tried to take him by surprise.It didn't really work."
He was impressed with her quick thinking and her courage."It was a good idea."
"I don't know if they would have cared about the boxes from the bank.They were probably looking for a painting."Her gaze moved to the cabinet."Did they think it was hidden behind that?The guy who got away, he didn't get anything, did he?"
"There was nothing in his hands but a gun."
"A gun?"she echoed."How did you get past that?"
"I took him by surprise with the knife I grabbed in the kitchen."He swept his light around the room."The gun went flying out of his hand when I jumped him.I didn't see where it went.And I didn't have time to look for it when I heard you scream."He walked toward the cabinet and spotted the weapon under a side table.
He moved the table but left the gun on the ground in case the police could pull prints off it.But their best lead was the guy they'd taken into custody.Hopefully, this whole thing would be over soon.
A moment later, the lights went on, which brought both relief and an even brighter reminder of what had just happened.
When Inspector Ferrara and another officer returned, he pointed out the gun under the table so they could collect it.
"Captain Lavezzo will be here soon," Inspector Ferrara said."He wishes to speak to both of you about what happened.In the meantime, we will take photographs of the scene and collect any other evidence we might find."His gaze narrowed on Isabella's face."I would like to take pictures of the injuries you suffered.We can do it now, or perhaps you should go to the hospital to be examined?"
"No.I don't need to be examined.I'm all right," she said."The photos are fine."She lifted her hair as he took photographs of the bruises on her neck.
Seeing her injuries more clearly sent another rush of anger through him.She should never have had to go through this.He needed to get her out of this situation as fast as possible, but he couldn't order her to leave.She wouldn't respond well to that.He had to make her see how much danger she was in and how she might not be so lucky the next time.Although, he hoped there wouldn't be a next time.
When he'd finished taking photos of Isabella, the inspector said, "The front door is damaged.You'll need to board up the entrance.Do you have anything in which to do that?"
"I have no idea, but I'll figure something out," he replied.
"Two officers will remain outside until Captain Lavezzo arrives to take your statement."
"Thanks," he said.
Once the inspector and his partner had taken photos of the living room, Isabella put a cushion back on the couch and sat down.Her face was extremely pale now, the bruises standing out on her neck.She'd been brave and strong, helping to take down a man far bigger than either of them.But he sensed she was feeling the letdown and the pain of being almost choked to death.
"I'll get you some water," he said.
"No," she said sharply, then licked her lips."I mean—I'm okay for now.I don't need any water."
He sensed that she also didn't want to be alone.
"What are we going to do about the door?"she asked.
"My grandfather used to keep some wood in the shed.Maybe there's still some there."
"Do you think they're going to come back?"
"I don't believe so, but I don't know."
Her gaze clung to his."They didn't get what they were looking for."
"It's probably not here.We'll find out more when Lavezzo talks to the guy who attacked you.Having him in custody could be the break we need.If he can connect us to whoever is ordering these break-ins, we'll be closer to getting the paintings back and putting the thieves in jail."
"If he talks.He seemed very mean, very cruel.His eyes were stone-cold, completely unemotional.I think he would have killed me and not thought a second about it."
He could hear the bemusement and confusion in her voice, which was completely understandable.He doubted she'd ever been in such a dire situation before."Tomorrow morning, I'm taking you to the airport.You can go back to LA and stay with our grandmothers until this is over."
She immediately shook her head, the fight returning to her eyes."I'm not running away."
