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"Thanks."He ended the call, then punched in another number on his phone.
Flynn answered on the first ring."Ciao," he said cheerfully."How is Rome?"
"More exciting than I was hoping for.Did I wake you up?"
"Are you kidding?It's almost seven, practically lunchtime.By the way, Andi checked on your grandmother last night and said she and her friend were tired but in good spirits."
"I appreciate that."
"I'll check in with her again later this morning.In the meantime, I just read your earlier text, asking for information on Inspector Gangi and Captain Lavezzo.Any reason you need information on Italian law enforcement?"
"Inspector Gangi appears to be a friend of the family, but he keeps showing up, and I'm not sure what I think about him.Captain Lavezzo has been polite but not forthcoming.Just wondering about his background.It might help me figure out a way to better work with him."
"Captain Lavezzo probably just doesn't want to work with anyone from the bureau."
"That could be it.I also met with Francesca Ribaldi today.She told me about a robbery crew in the sixties who called themselvesLa Mano Nera.Ever heard of them?"
"I have," Flynn said, the lightness from his voice immediately gone."Did she also tell you my father was suspected of being one of its members?"
"She did.Is that true?"
"I don't believe so.My father worked alone.He wasn't a team player.But I have no evidence to prove whether he was involved or not."Flynn paused."I don't know where my father is or how to get in touch with him, if those were going to be your next questions.But Francesca might.Her stepmother, Lydia, dated my father, after he left my mother, and before Lydia married Francesca's father."
"I had no idea.Francesca didn't mention that she could get in touch with your father."
"Maybe she can't.I don't know.But if you want to ask her, go for it.Just don't tell me about it.The conversations you have with Francesca are between the two of you."
"Understood.Is Lydia involved in the art world?"
"Yes.Lydia and Francesca's father, George Ribaldi, are collectors.Both come from wealthy families, who have long been art patrons, which is how my father first met Lydia.I think he was facilitating a purchase for her."
"A purchase of stolen art?"
"I couldn't say.He worked both sides.Was Francesca able to help you figure out why your great-grandfather's painting was worth stealing?"
"She was as confused as everyone else, but she's looking into it."He paused."The stakes have gotten higher since yesterday, Flynn."
"What happened?"
"Two men broke into the house while I was dropping my grandmother and her friend off at the airport.Isabella was here alone, and she was almost choked to death by one of the intruders.I subdued him, and he's in custody, but he hasn't proved to be helpful.He was hired on the web, employer unknown.Captain Lavezzo believes he can trace the money, but so far he has shown no evidence that he can get results."
"Is Isabella all right?"
"She's hanging in there.I tried to get her to leave, but she's determined to find out what's going on.I need to get some answers fast."
"You need to get her out of Rome.Maybe yourself, too.Why not let the authorities handle this?"
"Because it's getting more personal.I received some information earlier today that my grandfather's death last year might not have been an accident.It's possible that both my grandfather and great-grandfather were murdered, and despite the decades in between, I think their deaths might be connected."
"That's disturbing.What else can I do to help?"
"I need you to run a search on a Juliette Sabatini.I have an expired ID that I can scan and send to you."He looked around for Isabella's bag, but she must have taken it upstairs, and she'd put the ID in there earlier, in case someone broke into the house again."I'll send it when we're done talking."
"All right.What does she have to do with all this?"
"I'm not sure.But I found her ID in my grandfather's belongings, and he was asking about her before he died."
"I'll contact you with what I find out."
