“By whom?”
He stood straighter. “TheFausti.”
“Which one?”
He coughed. “Your husband’s father.”
“Since it’s clear we’re not getting anywhere,” Mitch said, watching Nino’s face warily, as though his eyes might pop out at any second. “We—Larry, Curly, Mo, and myself—will follow the nuts back and wait by the entrance.”
“Good idea,” I said.
Mitch narrowed his eyes at me. “Listen to me, kid.” He waggled his finger. “Don’t you dare take advantage of this poor guy because his eyes are swollen shut. You go to that room and wait. That’s where your husband thinks you’ll be. He’ll find you there. You’re a big draw, kid, and they need to see your face at the auction. Plus, they probably have a bulletproof boat to take you home if anything should go down. Did you hear that, Nino?” he screamed, as though Nino were hard of hearing. “She’s up to something!”
Nino reached out and took my arm. “I will not let her out of my sight!”
In much the same way that Mitch had herded us in, he herded the women back out, moving his arms to keep them walking.
Nino had a death grip on my arm, and I fought against him, making him loosen his hold. Though he did it under the pretense of keeping me in line, I thought it was really because he couldn’t see.
“Nino,” I said, my voice soft. “You really need cool water. Or better yet, a flush. Where’s Dr. Musa?”
“I will have her tend to me once we have made it to the room. That is where she waits.”
He came a hair close to running into the wall, and I pulled him to the side just in time.
“How do we get there?”
“I—” He stopped, making a visible effort to open his eyes. Tears were pouring down his cheeks, the alcohol and lemon really doing a number on him. “This is not good.”
“Let me see…”
I looked around, trying to remember what hallway led to another. The palazzo was set up like a labyrinth. I would have to go on feeling alone, and no telling how long that’d take.
Closing my eyes, I could feel my husband through blood alone. The mood of his blood was subdued enough, but with an intense edge that made my veins roll.
“Where the hell are you?” I said underneath my breath.
“Hah?” Nino said, groping for the wall.
When I opened my eyes, I almost jumped out of my skin again.
“WHO IS THERE?” Nino almost roared, trying to inject fear by voice alone. “Announce yourself!”
Lothario’s wife, Belaflore, and a man, maybe around Dario or Romeo’s age. No doubt about it, the Fausti blood ran strong in that one. He had all the right shapes, the same coloring, the same sharp and dangerous edges. But his smile was kind enough. Or more precise, I didn’t get the impression that he wanted to kill me.
His mother, on the other hand…
She seemed to be on the same journey as me, attempting to locate her husband.
The man held out his hand. “We did not mean to startle to you. This place is dark. Confusing. I am Nazzareno.”
Shaking his hand, I repeated his name.
“Naz,” he said. “It’s easier.”
His mother slapped our hands apart, taking the knife in her other hand and sticking it in a secret pocket in her gown. I had no doubt that she’d slit someone’s throat if they got between her and finding that room.
I almost said aloud,huh, why didn’t I think of stashing a knife.
