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“Well, let’s see how you go. It is always something we can put in place if you feel you need it.” Piero smiles, and I think he’s about to walk away when he continues. “How is the investigation going?” I’m a little floored by this, and I see Gianni prickle.
“I’m not sure,” I stammer. “The last time I had an update was about two days ago. They don’t know anything more.”
Klein has been keeping me up to date. It all rests on them finding Carl, which seems impossible at the moment.
“They haven’t found the man, then?” Piero asks. An innocence to his question makes me want to pat him on the back and say ‘No, not yet, but they will,’ like I need to reassure him this will all end well. But Gianni’s glare from behind him is enough to remind me there’s something more here. I need to tread carefully, but it is difficult when you don’t know what you’re stepping over.
“No, not yet. But I’m sure it won’t be long.”
“You knew him, I understand?”
A trickle of sweat beads between my shoulder blades. Gianni is a statue, but his eyes remain fierce. His fists are balled, and I’m worried about what he will do. I don’t know what to say. How much does he know? I risk a glance at Gianni, but it’s too quick for me to gain any information. I’m sure Piero will have spoken to the police about this. It is his business, and he has a right to know what happened in his shop. They will have asked him questions, and he’ll have answered them, maybe with questions of his own. I don’t know what’s going on here, but from Gianni’s face, I’m not to tell him anything.
“Yes,” I answer. I wait, hoping Piero will detect my reluctance to divulge any information.
“I understand he’s your adopted brother?”
“Foster,” I correct him, wondering who told him this.
“And he married the woman you worked for before this job.” Piero’s eyebrows knit together. My eyes dart from Piero to Gianni, but still, I can’t look at Gianni for long enough to pick up on his cue.
“Yes,” I answer. Silence. Piero stares at me. Gianni glares at me. I want to run and hide, but I’m pinned by two pairs of eyes.
After an eternity, Piero finally adds, “Well, what are the odds on that?” And his cheery self rears its familiar head. He turns and walks into the office, but not before smiling at his brother.
I’m about to speak to Gianni, but he shakes his head. He gestures to the office door Piero has left open, and I know I can’t say anything.
“Piero is right,” Gianni snaps in his business voice. It’s as if I’ve been jolted awake. “You can phase your return if you wish.”
“No, I’m fine.” I match his irritable voice with one of my own.
“Good. Some things just need to be tackled head-on.” He sounds cold and heartless, which is what he’s aiming for. I turn and pick up a cloth to clean some tables.
Gianni and his brother are raging some sort of war, but what it has to do with me is anyone’s guess. After today’s little charade, I sense something isn’t right, and I’m being used. There’s a reason Gianni doesn’t want Piero to know about us, and I must learn what that reason is.
ChapterThirty-Three
It is late by the time we drive home in our separate cars. Gianni doesn’t want me driving home alone, but we can’t be seen in the same car. Gianni doesn’t want my car to be seen outside his house in case Piero should call or drive past, so I park further down the road and wait for him to come and walk me down to his house. I thought he was being paranoid or overly cautious, but after the conversation with Piero this afternoon, I can tell there’s something more than brotherly rivalry going on.
Gianni’s shadow against the door makes me jump. I grab my bag from the passenger seat and open the door. Gianni helps me out.
“So, are you going to tell me what all that was about this afternoon with Piero?” I ask as soon as I’m out of the car. Gianni scowls. I take his hand, and we fall in line next to one another as we make our way to his house.
“It’s nothing to worry about,” Gianni answers.
“I beg to differ.”
“I’ve told you Piero and I don’t get along. We’re like most brothers.”
“No, Gianni, you’re not like most brothers. Most brothers don’t have to hide their girlfriends.”
“I’ve explained it is only because of the business and the fact you’re an employee.” Gianni’s argument is convincing, but I can’t shake the feeling there’s something more to it. I would not have said this afternoon’s little showdown was just brotherly banter.
“I’m not convinced it is just that,” I say as we reach Gianni’s house. Gianni stops in front of me and holds both of my hands.
“You’re looking for something that isn’t there,” he tells me. I gaze at him. The sun is behind him, and a slight breeze tickles its fingers down the back of my neck, making me wish I’d put my jacket on instead of shoving it in my bag.
“But therewassomething this afternoon,” I explain, “Piero was acting… odd.”
