AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Isabella swallowed hard at the mention of Jeff.That was her biological father's name, the one her mother had a passionate romance with during her final year in college, only to end up pregnant, alone, and raising a child.
She couldn't help but think it was typical of her mother to turn away from her art and her studies because a cute boy had wanted her to go out that night.That was more the woman she knew than the girl who'd left Stefano behind to chase her own dreams.She wished her mother had kept that sense of independence when she'd come to the US, but once there, she'd become a follower.
She closed the book and got to her feet.That was a long enough trip into the past.And it wasn't her mother's history that was important now; it was Lucinda's past.At some point, she might have to talk to her mother about that, but she was hoping they could figure things out before that had to happen.
She tidied up the rest of the books then stashed the journal in her bag as she left the attic.
There was no sign of Nick on the third or second floor, so she made her way down to the living room, where he was sweeping up broken glass.She felt guilty that she hadn't put cleaning up this room ahead of looking for clues in the attic, but she hadn't wanted to be reminded of the night before.She'd also avoided her grandmother's bedroom, although that needed to be cleaned up, too, especially the blood on the floor.
"Can I help?"she asked, putting her bag on the coffee table.
"I've got this."He used a dustpan to scoop up the glass and then dumped it into the garbage.
Her phone vibrated with an incoming text, and she pulled it out of her pocket."It's Joelle," she said."She forgot she has another engagement tomorrow, and she can't meet us for brunch.But she's still looking into the ring, and she'll get back to us on that, and we'll set up another time to meet."She wrote a quick message saying thanks, and she hoped to see her again soon.
Then it was Nick's turn to check his phone as it buzzed.
"Who's texting you?"she asked, seeing his expression grow tense."What's happening?"
"We have a meeting with Sam Beringer."
Excitement ran through her.Maybe they would finally get some answers."When and where?"
"Church of Saint Angelo at eight p.m.tonight.Upon arrival, we go to the confessional on the right side of the church and open the door closest to the altar.Once inside, tap on the window."
"That sounds dramatic."
"And risky."He lifted his gaze from the phone to meet hers.
She read the look in his eyes and shook her head."No way.I'm not staying here, Nick.This place is more dangerous than a church."
He frowned."That's a fair point."
"I don't think Francesca would set us up for something bad, do you?"
"I would hope not."
"Then I'm going.It sounds like Sam Beringer doesn't want anyone to see him, including us.I grew up Catholic.I've been in a confessional.You can't see the priest through the window.Although, I could smell the wine on Father Michael's breath."
"I know.I'm not a stranger to the confessional," he said."My mother used to make me go all the time."
"Really?Were you an altar boy?"
"No.We didn't stay in one place long enough for that, and my father wasn't interested in religion."His gaze turned reflective."It's strange, but confession and Mass were two of the few things I did with my mother alone."
"Do you go to church now?"
"I haven't been in a while.You?"
"I went at Christmas.Not confession, just Mass.I can't remember the last time I uttered the words, 'Father, I Have Sinned'."
"Well, we won't be talking about our sins.We need to find out if Sam Beringer can tell us anything aboutLa Mano Nera."
"If he was part of it, why would he?"
"I'm thinking he wasn't part of it, and that's why he's willing to meet.Although, it's possible that when he heard I work with Flynn, he might just want to send his son a message through me."
"Would he have to do that with so much mysterious drama?"
