Page 236 of Niccolo

“We’ll handle it. Thank you,” I said as I grabbed Dario’s arm and hustled him away.

“I’m almost positive she didn’t steal it,” Dario told me.

“Let me guess: a gift from Alessandra.”

Dario just grunted, which was all the confirmation I needed.

“She knows?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“What happened?”

“She barged into the room ranting and raving about the arranged marriage.”

“Oh God,” I said guiltily. “Sorry.”

Dario shot me a dark look. “Yes – you were veryconvenientlyon a flight to Sicily at the time.”

“I’ll make it right,” I promised.

“I’m curious to see how you intend to dothat.”

“Give me a minute to think about it,” I said. “You know Alessandra’s plan is to send Caterina after Valentino, right?”

“I would assume as much.”

“It’s a fool’s errand. Caterina willneverfind Vicari’s compound, much less sneak onto it.”

“If she doessomehow find out where it is, she might get herself killed.”

“I doubt it. Vicari’s men will send her packing – that’s about it.”

“So what do you suggest? Let her go?”

I shrugged. “I don’t see how she can do any real damage, so… why not?”

Dario narrowed his eyes. “You’re just trying to help me avoid a divorce, aren’t you?”

“Of course,” I said cheerfully. “Now – time for me to play the villain. You play the hero and get back in your wife’s good graces.”

“And how do you propose I dothat?”

“How much cash can you scrounge up?”

It was a delightful little scene. We just happened to intercept Alessandra and Caterina on the girl’s way out the door, which only heightened the drama.

I demanded Caterina show me the contents of her purse, then got into a shouting match with Alessandra.

I had to admit, she shocked even me. Especially when she said,I am the wife of your Don, consigliere. You would do well to remember your place when speaking to me.

Our sweet little church girl had transformed into the proper wife of amafioso!

Not only that, but she argued passionately and persuasively for her best friend.

Isn’t it enough that you sent Valentino away to marry some stranger? Isn’t it enough that you broke Caterina’s heart? Now you have to punish her, too, by making her stay where she’s reminded of him everywhere she goes? This woman, who was the only person to make me feel safe and cared for when I came here?

I couldn’t have been more proud of her.

---