Run To Rome

“Thanks,” he offered past the lingering resentment from a moment ago.

Low energy LED’s placed strategically around the cabin provided soft illumination without pointing a glaring finger to their added presence in the area. Besides, George’s private dock was far enough from the more populated areas that Trent felt comfortable they were safe.

Yet when Halli straightened and looked around from her viewpoint on the dock while hugging her arms across her stomach, he was struck by how small and defenseless she appeared up there all alone.

“Now would be a good time to get some rest,” Trent suggested. Judging by mood alone, the day was definitely catching up with him. “Morning will be here before we know it.”

“I am tired, but it seems like it’d be impossible to sleep.”

“Hmm. And here I am, fresh out of reading material for you.”

She made a face at his sarcasm, but he caught a flash of guilt before she turned away and walked to the end of the dock.

An alien sense of vulnerability still remained at the knowledge of her being privy to his private thoughts in the notebook. A part of him wanted to leave her over there, by herself, staring out over the water. The other part, the part that noticed the vigorous rub she gave her bare arms, grabbed the windbreaker he kept stowed below deck, vaulted onto the dock, and strolled along the weathered wooden planks to join her.

Her head turned slightly as he approached, but she didn’t face him. He handed the jacket over and felt good when she slipped her arms into the sleeves with a quiet “Thank you.”

A couple rolls on each side brought the long sleeves in line with her slender wrists. She stuffed her hands inside the pockets, and he wondered what to do with his as he stood alongside her in the dim light of the partial moon. This feeling of uncertainty in connection with a woman was entirely new to him.

And damned annoying.

His gaze scanned the lights of the various small villages and towns that dotted the lakeshore in the apex of the inverted Y that made up Lago de Como. Light spilled from homes, villas, hotels and places of business, shimmering on waves dancing to the tune of a light wind. The occasional ring of a bell echoed across the water that lapped against the boats and the rocks on shore. Romance hung in the crisp night air, just out of reach in their current circumstances.

“Pretty, isn’t it?” he asked Halli.

“It’s amazing.” A heavy sigh lifted her shoulders. “Wish I’d gotten a chance to see more of it.”

He angled his head toward her with a frown. “You keep talking like this is it. I’ll get you to Milan, Halli, don’t worry.”

“I’m not.” She half-smiled up at him. “Well, not really. What I meant was after I meet up with Ben and Rachel tomorrow morning, I’m booking a flight straight home. I’ve had enough of Italy to last me a lifetime.”

She sounded awfully certain she’d locate her family right away. He felt compelled to caution her against getting her hopes up too high. “I’m sure the consulate will help you locate them, but be prepared that it might not happen right away.”

“Oh, geez, that’s right.” Her palm smacked her forehead. “With everything that happened, I forgot to tell you I called Ben earlier. I’m meeting them at the consulate in the morning.”

His frown deepened. “When was this?”

“When you left to get the battery.”

At most, an hour before they’d been ambushed. Unease snaked down his spine. “Where were they all day? Why didn’t they come to get you tonight?”

She gave a short laugh. “I can try him again if you’re that anxious to get rid of me.”

“First of all, my cell’s back at the villa, and second, that’s not what I meant at all.”

“Of course you didn’t.” After that little burst of injured sarcasm, she looked down, rubbing the toe of her shoe on the dock. “I didn’t actually talk to Ben. I left a message.”

Suddenly, Lapaglia’s men showing up at his villa took on a whole new meaning. Then a second realization socked Trent in the gut. Shit! The wire recording was back there, too. Right in the hands of Lapaglia’s men. And he had no doubt they’d find that extra piece of evidence.

When Trent spoke, he kept his voice calm with effort. “What did you say?”

“I told them I was okay and I’d meet them at the consulate tomorrow. Why?”

“Did you say anything about where you were? Who you were with? Leave my number or anything?”

“No. I didn’t even mention anything that happened today, only that I’d meet them about ten o’clock.” She turned to face him and repeated, “Why?”

Trent relaxed slightly, realizing his gut reaction assumptions were probably unlikely. All it would’ve taken was one trip to Lorenzo’s house in Blevio to connect him and Trent.