Page 22 of Third Crime's A Charm
“I’m sorry,” Matteo said loudly, raising his hands so they’d listen. “I forgot it at Muriel’s again and then I lost track of time.”
“You lost track of time?” Theo parroted.
“I wasn’t planning to be gone for more than a few days and I didn’t think anyone would notice,” Matteo said with an apologetic grimace. “You, Doobie, and Muriel were in Austria, and Eli is so busy with his research.” His fingers were crossed behind his back, he was praying they’d buy it and forgive him.
Theo dragged a hand down his face, groaning. “Do you have any idea how scared we’ve been? It isn’t like you to take off like that.”
“You did,” Matteo said but Theo pointed at the screen.
“Ialwaysanswered the phone when you called and I wasn’t with…someone like him.”
“You mean an attorney?” Matteo asked, then held up a hand. “It doesn’t matter. I’m sorry, I never meant for you all to worry and it’ll never happen again.”
“You’d better call Eli. He’s threatened to leave Cambridge and hunt Tennyson down.”
“I will call him as soon as we get off the phone.” Matteo gave Truman a loaded look so he understood how much trouble they were in if Elio got involved.
“I can tell that’s Southampton,” Muriel said as she searched the screen around Matteo. “The good side, judging from the view and that upholstery. Someone has taste and money.”
“It’s Truman’s place,” Matteo said with an airy wave but she let out a hard humph.
“When are you planning to return?”
Matteo wrinkled his nose, cringing. He had a feeling his answer wouldn’t land well. “It…shouldn’t be more than a week, but I’ll probably stay at Truman’s after we get back.”
“A week!” Muriel cried and Max shouted “No!” as he rushed into view.
“Hey, Max! You’re there too,” Matteo said cheerfully but he was afraid they’d see that he was sweating.
“What are you doing with Tennyson?” Max asked tightly, shaking his head. “He isn’t the sort of man you should be associating with.”
“He most certainly is not!” Muriel agreed. “Come back at once, Matteo.”
Matteo widened his eyes at Truman and stomped a foot, silently ordering him to show himself. “It’s a little late for that, I’m afraid,” he said, waving at Truman.
“Damn it,” Truman grumbled under his breath but he joined Matteo and raised a hand. “Lovely to meet you all,” he said with a polite nod, causing Muriel to splutter.
“No, it is not!” she said, her cane swinging. “I know all about you, Truman Tennyson, and I will be calling your mother,” she threatened but Truman’s fake smile widened.
“Wonderful. She’ll be pleased about this.” He pointed at Matteo. “She’s been on me to settle down but she never thought I’d find anyone decent, certainly not a prince.”
Theo stared Truman down through the screen, then offered Matteo a pleading look. “Don’t you think this is a little fast?” he asked gently. “Come back and take a few days to let your head clear. Don’t rush into something you’ll regret,” he begged.
“They’re making him sound a lot worse than he is,” Matteo laughed but it didn’t help.
“His clients areverydangerous people! Gangsters!” Max protested and Muriel shuddered.
“The worst kind of gangsters and Italians.”
Theo held up a finger and cleared his throat. “We’reItalian,” he reminded her but she rolled her eyes.
“You’rehalfItalian and don’t change the subject."
Truman coughed into his fist, shaking his head. “Most of my clients are financiers and executives these days.”
“That’s what they call themselves because people like to pretend there isn’t a mafia anymore, but they’re still gangsters,” she said with a disdainful sniff, making Truman chuckle.
“Everyone deserves their day in courtanda competent defense, madam.”
