Page 39 of Valentino

“Back to Romeo’s angle on things. Who else would want Giuliano dead?”

“More importantly,” I add, “who else knew what restaurant you were at in Capri.”

“Whoever planted that tracker had inside information where you were,” Romeo says.

I run my pointer finger over my lips as I go over that point. “That’s true.”

We all sit back as we realize the worst-case scenario.

There’s a mole in camp.

ANNA

I roll my fingers on the desk; my fingernails sing as they connect to the smoked glass.

My mind is swinging like a pendulum between good and bad thoughts. One minute I think I have it all figured out, and the next I’m positive I have it completely wrong.

I always knew Carlo was bad, but I chose to pretend not to see, he only ever defended himself or so I thought.

But Valentino is different…. His heart was different. His friendship, genuine.

I look left and right and type into the search bar,

Counterfeit passport.

As soon as I get through this nightmare, I’m leaving. Going far away where they will never find me.

I glance at my watch, two hours to go.

Giuliano and Francesca are back from their honeymoon; I’m finishing at lunchtime to go and see her. She’ll put some perspective on this whole nightmare.

Two hours later.

“I missed you.” Francesca smiles. “Hug me.”

“Haha.” I laugh out loud as I wrap my arms around her. “Oh thank God you’re home.” I squeeze her tight. “It felt like you were gone forever.”

“I know, for me too. Come in.” She ushers me into her apartment. “I bought you a present.”

My best friend is home from her honeymoon, newly married to a Ferrara man. The only other person I know who I can talk to and be honest with.

“Coffee?” she asks as we walk into her kitchen.

“Yes, please.” I sit at her kitchen counter and pull up a stool. “Tell me everything.”

“Seriously….” She puts her hand onto her chest and looks all dreamy. “We had the best time.”

“Where did you go?”

“Capri, and Amalfi, then we sailed around to Polignano a Mare. Anna. You have to go.”

“You are absolutely glowing, Chesk.” I smile.

“I’m just so happy. It feels different being married.”

“Does it?” I frown. “How, you already lived together.”

“I don’t know, it doesn’t make sense to me either.” She passes me my cup of coffee. “It just feels…. More forever. I guess.” She heads out to the living room and I follow. “Anyway, enough about me.” She flops onto her couch. “How are you?”