I nodded.
“Bloody hell. Then, I am too.”
For the second time, Rile smiled.
“What are we calling ourselves?” I asked.
“The Invincible Intelligence and Security Group.”
Edge looked from Rile to me and back again. “You can’t be serious?”
For a third time, Rile smiled, confirming he was serious, indeed.
13
Pia
Val d’Orcia, Italy
“You’re going to have to make some kind of decision, Pia,” said Georgio. I lost count of how many times we’d had this conversation. “We don’t have the money we need to invest in new equipment, and without it, we’re crippled. The longer you wait, the less you’ll be able to get for it.”
I knew Georgio was right, I just couldn’t bear the thought of selling Valentini. “There are other things I’m working on. Things that can bring in additional income.”
“Like what?”
“It isn’t to do with the winery.”
The door opened then, and Lucia walked in. “Am I interrupting?”
Before I could answer, Georgio stood and stalked out.
“What was that about?”
I didn’t want to burden Lucia, but I needed someone to talk to. “He wants me to sell.”
“Georgio wants you to sell? What business is it of his?”
“Things aren’t going well, Lucia.”
“I’m sure Matteo would be more than happy to help you. He’s offered many times.”
“I thought you said he had a new job?”
“He does, but if he knew you were struggling this much, I’m sure he could work something out.”
“I appreciate that, Lucia, but this is my problem to solve.” As hard as it would be, I’d reached the point where I’d have to t
ell my mother how bad things had gotten.
“I’m sorry, Pia.” She looked out the window for a minute and then back at me. “What about Mylos? What happened when you saw him in London? You never really said.”
While Mylos and I didn’t make each other any promises, the fact that I’d heard so little from him after he entered rehab, hurt. I’d written a couple of letters, got perfunctory responses, and then gave up. I hoped I’d hear more from him, but I hadn’t.
“There isn’t anything he can do, Lucia.”
“Maybe not, but maybe you could go and visit him again. You know, just to get your mind off things.”
I knew my friend was trying to help, but she was only making me feel worse. “That’s a good idea. I’ll think about it.”