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“Okay.”
“I don’t want to leave you, but I have no choice. I’ve been here for the last three days and don’t want to arouse suspicion among the staff. I’ve ignored things that have needed doing, but I can’t any longer. I have three more shops to run, and—”
“Hey, you don’t need to explain,” I interrupt. “You have a job to do, and I don’t want to be the reason you’re not doing it.”
“I wouldn’t leave if I didn’t have to.”
“It’s fine, honest.” I don’t want to say it, but I know what he’s thinking. What if Carl shows up?
“If anything happens, anything at all. If you don’t feel safe, call the police immediately. Do you understand?”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine. I don’t think anything will happen here.” I convince myself. “He wouldn’t be so stupid as to show up here.”
“I hope not.” He steps from behind the desk and walks over to me, pulling me toward him, his smell enveloping me as I press my face against his chest. “I don’t think you realize what you mean to me.”
“I think I know,” I whisper. Gianni pulls my head back and gazes at me.
“You’re everything to me,” he says as he moves in and kisses me before I can tell him the feeling is mutual.
* * *
My chance to talk to Ruby comes up later that afternoon. Casey has gone for a break, and I’m behind the counter. Ruby is sorting through the front display cabinet.
“So, what do you think of this new branch? Is it different?” I must tread carefully. I don’t want to leap in with my investigation, or Ruby might become suspicious of my intentions.
“It’s certainly more modern,” Ruby replies. She straightens up, abandoning the display cabinet. She seems happy to stop and chat which is to my advantage. “I can’t remember when Kilburn last got a refurb, but it is definitely overdue.”
“How long have you worked there?”
“God, it must be over ten years. I feel like part of the furniture.”
“Well, I can tell you know the job well,” I flatter her. “You’re so quick with the machines, and I don’t know how you remember the orders. I can’t think about more than one cup at a time.”
“It’ll come with practice. When you’ve been doing it as long as I have, it’ll become second nature.” There’s a tiny pause. The idea of being here in ten years unsettles me. I should continue with the small talk, but I have to bite the bullet and go for it. Otherwise, I’m going to lose her to the display.
“So, you must have known Piero and Gianni for a long time?”
“Yes, as I said, I’ve worked for them for over ten years.”
“And what are they like to work for? I’m only asking because I’ve not been here long, and I’ve not really got to know either of them,” I quickly add.
“I’ve never had a problem with either of them. Gianni is the quieter of the two and more assertive. And Piero is always smiling as I’m sure you’ve noticed.”
“Yes, he’s the happy type of guy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in a bad mood.”
“No, that seems impossible.” Ruby chuckles.
“Gianni, on the other hand,” I add.
“Well, he hasn’t always been like that.”
“I heard about his wife.” I lower my voice. Ruby’s eyes flash like a little alarm has gone off, so I try to cover my tracks. “Piero told me after I complained to him about Gianni’s attitude. He can be quite aggressive when he wants to be.” The image of him tearing my clothes off and fucking me from behind over his kitchen table springs into my head. I shut it down quickly. “But since he told me what happened, I kind of see why he is the way he is. I wondered if he’s always been like that.” Ruby assesses me. I’m not sure if she’s buying any of this, but this is my only chance to do some digging.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Ruby begins. “He’s never been a talker, not like Piero. The two have always been different. Like chalk and cheese. But Gianni definitely lost more than his wife that day.” This has me rocking on my heels.
“It must have been awful. I bet he was glad he had his brother around to help him.” Ruby considers this. “Or are they not very close? I haven’t seen much of them together to decide whether they get on.”
“They were close at one time. Then it changed.”
