He studies my face for a moment, like he's trying to decide how much to tell me.
"Some people don't want Monte Vento to change," he says finally. "They prefer things to remain as they've always been. Your tourism project might threaten that."
"Why? But it's good for the village. It'll bring money and jobs."
"Not everyone would see it that way."
It's still not a complete explanation, but it's more than I had before. And right now, I'm too shaken to push for more details.
"Will they come back?" I ask.
"Not if they're smart." Something in his voice suggests he's going to make sure they understand the consequences of bothering me again.
"Thank you," I say. "For coming to find me. For making sure I was safe."
"Of course."
"How did you know exactly where to find me?"
"Emilio has contacts throughout the region. When my people reported the men following your car, it wasn't difficult to determine the most likely location on the road for an encounter."
It's a plausible explanation, and I'm too grateful and rattled to question it further.
"I should let you get settled," he says. "But Madison?"
"Yes?"
"Don't drive alone outside the village for a few days. Until this is resolved."
"Is that really necessary?"
"Yes."
The finality in his voice makes it clear this isn't a suggestion.
"Okay. I'll stay close to home."
"Good." He pauses. "And Madison? If anyone approaches you again, about anything, you call me immediately. Keep your windows rolled up and your car doors locked. You don’t talk to them and you certainly don’t go anywhere with them. Understand?”
"Yes, of course, I do."
After he leaves, I sit alone in my house and try to make sense of what happened. Men who think my tourism project is a threat for some bizarre reason. Business disputes about respect and boundaries. Enzo having "people" who watch other people and know exactly where to find me when I'm in trouble.
None of it quite adds up to the simple business partnership I thought I was part of.
But as I replay the afternoon's events, one thing is crystal clear. When I was scared and trapped and completely out of my depth, Enzo came for me. Whatever else is going on in Monte Vento, I know I can count on him to keep me safe.
And right now, that feels like the most important thing in the world.
Chapter 16: Enzo
The drive back to my villa takes less than ten minutes. But enough time to decide that those men just signed their death warrants.
They crossed the line today. What started as a business dispute became personal the moment they put their hands on Madison's car and made her afraid.
Emilio follows me up the road along with Antonio. By the time we reach my villa, I know exactly how this problem gets solved.
Permanently.
