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"Sorry," she muttered.
"No need to apologize.I'm glad you got some sleep."
"I bet you didn't.You were probably determined to stay awake and alert."
"I'll take a nap later."
When the train stopped, they gathered their things and left the carriage.Nick took her hand as they walked through the busy station, and she was more than happy to have his fingers wrapped around hers.They got a cab in front of the station, and Nick gave the driver the name of a hotel.She assumed it was some place he'd stayed before, and she didn't much care.She was just looking forward to getting somewhere safe where they could regroup.
The trip from the train station to the center of town was very scenic, with a glimpse of iconic old churches, narrow medieval streets and a mix of old-world charm and more modern buildings.But driving over the Arno River on the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge was the highlight.The bridge was lined with shops selling mostly touristy items, but also jewelry and art.
The traffic grew thicker as they entered the center of the city.There were so many cars, so many people, and for a moment, she felt a little panicked.Had it been smart to come here, to this crowded city filled with strangers, two of whom could be the men who ran them off the road?
"Wouldn't they have guessed we were heading here?"she asked Nick, seeing the answer in his eyes even before he spoke.
"Probably.We've been talking a lot about David Leoni.Someone might figure we'd go to the gallery to ask more questions.Or we'd look for his family."
"That's true.But my mother also lives here.Would they go after her?"
"She hasn't been involved in anything, Isabella.I'm not sure anyone would know about her."
"Stefano knows she's in Florence.But they were in love when they were kids.I don't think he would hurt her.And we don't know if he's a part of this."
"We'll talk about everything when we're in our room."
"This is where we're staying?"she asked in surprise as the taxi stopped in front of a beautiful hotel.
"Were you expecting more or less?"
"Less," she said as he helped her out of the car."It's luxurious.Have you stayed here before?"
"Once with my parents.And I like it for several reasons.It has a twenty-four-hour doorman, concierge, controlled access to the elevators, and room service."
She hadn't thought about food in hours, but now that he'd mentioned it, she was feeling hungry.And since her headache was returning, it might be a good idea to eat something before she took more medication.
As they approached the front desk to check in, she noted a curious look coming from the clerk, but she didn't comment on their ragged appearance.
She was surprised again when Nick used another name and pulled an ID and credit card out of his wallet that apparently matched that name.The man had some tricks up his sleeve.
When they got the key to their room, they headed to the elevator, where they had to insert the key into a card slot in front of an attendant, which made her feel better.But she was still nervous when a man got in the elevator with them.He was older, wearing a suit and glasses.He barely glanced at them, but she couldn't help but slide closer to Nick.He was quickly becoming her anchor in a very chaotic sea.
She didn't take a full breath until they entered their room and Nick turned the deadbolt.She dropped her bag on the floor and sat down on one of two queen-size beds.Nick walked over to a table by the window and took his computer out of his backpack.
He opened it and turned it on, then said, "It still works.I wasn't sure after the pummeling my backpack took."
"I hope mine does, too," she said, but she didn't have the energy to check.Instead, she got up and grabbed the room service menu before getting back onto the bed, scooting toward the pillows so her back was supported against the headboard.Her head was hurting, and she felt a little shaky.She needed to take more pain medication soon, and she wanted something in her stomach.
"What do you want to eat?"she asked, glancing at the clock.It was only five thirty, which was practically lunch time in Italy, but since she had eaten nothing all day, she needed food no matter what the meal was called.
"I could eat anything.Or maybe everything."
"Me, too.It's a good menu.Meat, pasta, fish, pizza…they have it all."
"Why don't you order a couple of entrees, and we can share?Throw in a salad and dessert, too.And charge it to the room."
"Sounds good, Mr.Jamison," she said, sending him a pointed look.
"I never know when I need to be someone else," he said with a smile.
