"Sicily can be unpredictable at times,” I say.
Emilio appears with wine, the good stuff, but not suspiciously good. He pours everyone a glass before disappearing back inside.
"Your staff seems very well-trained," Sarah observes.
"Good help is essential to any business."
"I imagine. Running multiple businesses must require significant personnel management."
She's probing again. This is getting exhausting.
"I delegate where appropriate."
"To people like Emilio?"
Interesting.
She's noticed Emilio's significance in my organization. Most people dismiss him as standard household staff.
"Emilio handles various responsibilities.”
"I'm sure he does,” she says.
Madison interrupts our verbal sparring. "Should we eat soon? I'm starving."
"Of course,” I say.
The dining room showcases the villa's best view of the village spread below, the sea beyond. Strategic positioning that reminds guests of the scope of my territory without stating it explicitly.
"This view is insane," Jessica says. "You can see the entire village from here."
"Every single building," Sarah adds pointedly. "You must know everything that happens down there."
"It's a small community. Everyone knows everyone's business."
"But I imagine some people know more than others."
"Sarah," Madison warns.
"What? I'm just making conversation."
"No," I correct. "You're conducting an investigation as if I’m on a witness stand in a courtroom."
Silence. Sarah sets down her wine glass carefully.
"Should I not be? Does it make you uncomfortable?"
"Investigate whatever you like. You'll find successful businesses, appropriate permits, legitimate operations."
"And if I look deeper?"
"Then you'll find more of the same, with significantly more detail,” I tell her.
"That's not usually how investigations work."
"It is when you’re investigating me."
The challenge hangs between us. Sarah's trying to decide if I'm threatening or warning her.
