AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Thanks."Before he went upstairs to get the ID, he made one more call to Francesca."It's Nick Caruso," he said when she answered."You didn't mention that your stepmother was friends with Sam Beringer."
"You spoke to Flynn."
"I did."
"I probably shouldn't have mentioned Sam, but I think he could be a valuable resource.I didn't say more because I didn't know if Flynn would want me to."
"Flynn said whatever we talk about stays between us.He'd not involved."
"I understand."
"Any idea where I can find Sam?Is he in Italy?"
"I had heard that he might be," she said."I'll try to see if I can facilitate a meeting."
"I would appreciate that.It's important, Francesca.There's more at stake than stolen art."
"What does that mean?"
"It means I need information fast."
"I'll be in touch.But if you do speak to Sam, you need to remember that he almost always has a hidden agenda.If he wants to talk to you, it's because he's looking for information, too.Don't mistake his charm and humor for complete honesty and sincerity."
"It sounds like you have some experience with him."
"I'm sure Flynn told you Sam was involved with my stepmother.She still has a soft spot in her heart for him, and he for her.I've met him on occasion and he's quite likeable.But that said, you should never trust him."
"I'll keep that in mind.Thanks for your help."
"I can't promise he'll agree to talk to you, but since you're connected to Flynn, it's possible he'll consider any favor to you a favor to his son."
"I just want to make sure we keep Flynn out of this."
"I'll let you know."
As she ended the call, he got to his feet, happy that he'd started a few more wheels in motion.Hopefully, Flynn would be able to tell him more about Juliette Sabatini, and if Francesca could get him a meet with Sam, he might be on his way to solving this whole damn thing.
A sudden crash jolted his heart.He ran toward the stairs, taking them two at a time.He found Isabella in the attic with dirt smudged across one cheek, a pile of books all around her.But she was alone."What happened?"he asked.
"I grabbed a book off a shelf, and they all came tumbling down."She gave him an apologetic look."Did I scare you?Sorry about that."
"I'm just glad you're all right."
She stood up and dusted herself off."I am.Did you talk to Stefano?"
"Yes.He told me that my grandfather's accident was just that—an accident.He was on a rain-slicked highway.He hit the brakes, probably hydroplaned and skidded into a tree.He also said my grandfather had not mentioned any problems to him when he spoke to him a few weeks before his accident."
"Do you believe him?"
"Honestly, I don't know.If I hadn't heard my grandfather was asking questions at the school about Juliette, I'd probably think about it all differently.In fact, I didn't even consider it wasn't an accident until I heard that.Maybe I'm jumping to the wrong conclusion, but I still need to figure out why my grandfather was asking about Juliette."
"Did you tell Stefano about your grandfather's visit to the school?"
"No.He seemed sincere in wanting to help us, but I still don't want to tell him too much.I also spoke to Flynn, who told me that Francesca's mother had a fling with his father, Sam Beringer, and if anyone might facilitate a meeting with his dad, it would probably be her."
Surprise ran through her eyes."That's interesting.Why didn't Francesca tell us that?"
"She told me she wasn't sure how Flynn would feel about her bringing his father into our conversation.But I just spoke to her as well, and she agreed to see if she can facilitate a meeting with Sam."
