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"Inspector Gangi," Lavezzo said."What are you doing here?"
"Capitano Lavezzo," Stefano returned as the two men gave each other a somewhat assessing look.Clearly, they knew each other, but there seemed to be a wariness between them."I am a friend of the family," he added, before turning to them."Please tell me your grandmothers are not hurt."
"They're not here," Nick replied."They've left Italy."
"Oh, that is good," Stefano said with relief."Where did they go?"
"It doesn't matter," Nick said."They're safe."
"Excellent.I understand that one burglar was caught.Has he been identified?"he asked, turning to Captain Lavezzo.
"Not yet.But we will know who he is soon."
"If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know," Stefano said.
"We've got this, Inspector," Lavezzo returned."Perhaps you can convince these two to go back to the States, where they will be safe."
"I have already suggested that," Stefano said."It would be wise."
"We'll think about it," Nick said.
"Very well."Captain Lavezzo gave them a resigned nod."I'll be in touch."
"I'll walk you out."
As Nick walked the captain to the front door, Stefano sat down next to her with concern in his gaze."There are bruises on your neck," he said in a somber voice.
"You should see the other guy," she tried to joke.
"I understand he was injured.But I'm sorry for what he did to you.Do you need to go to the hospital?"
"No.I'll be fine."
Stefano gave her a thoughtful look."I know that Signor Caruso is an FBI agent, but he is not in the US, and his ability to protect you will be limited here.He doesn't have a weapon, does he?"
She thought that was an odd question for him to ask."All I know is that he grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed the man who was choking me.So, he's the reason I'm alive."
"That was fortunate.Next time…"
"We'll be better prepared," she finished."If we stay.As Nick said, we haven't decided.We were shocked anyone would come to the house.Our grandmothers saw nothing during the robbery, and there is no art here worth anything."
"Are you sure?Your grandmothers may have a painting they're not aware they have.I know Gloria just moved in several months ago.Perhaps there was something in her things from her many years in her previous home."
"There's not," she said flatly.Nick's earlier warning that they shouldn't trust anyone but each other rang through her head.Stefano was a police officer who had been mentored by Anna's husband.It was unlikely he was doing anything but trying to help them, but sometimes his questions seemed odd.Maybe it was just the Italian way of investigating a crime.
Nick returned to the room a moment later and said, "Stefano, do you mind waiting here with Isabella while I look in the shed for some plywood to put over the front door?"
"It would be my pleasure."
"Great.I'll be back shortly."
"You don't have to babysit me," she told him."You're not in uniform, so I assume you weren't working tonight."
"No, but I had asked my coworkers to notify me if any calls came in from this house."
"So, you were worried even before this?"
"Yes," he confirmed with a serious nod."I didn't like the circumstances your grandmothers found themselves in, but like you, I did not expect this to happen.I'm glad they weren't here."He paused."Have you spoken to your mother about this?"
