I knew he’d been trying to play matchmaker the other night, and once again, I couldn't fathom why he was so invested in Sailor’s well-being. But now I was too, and I felt the need to protect her.
Even if that meant protecting her from me and my father.
Chapter Thirteen
Sailor
Benito looked so much better when I went to visit him that I understood why Noah had questioned me about his health. His dress shirt was crisp, his suit dark blue with black pinstripes. The chain around his neck was different than before, but still made of thick silver. His white hair was perfectly slicked back, and the color in his cheeks was robust.
A stark change from the day I met him.
“I still hear a faint rattle in your lungs,” I said as I draped my stethoscope back around my neck. “Apart from that, you’re the picture of perfect health.”
“I feel strong. Walking doesn't steal my breath anymore.”
“That’s good. I would say you can stop using the spirometer, but keep up with the antibiotics until the prescription runs out.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I couldn't help smiling. “Now, do you have any questions for me?”
“I’d love to know why you only stayed here for one night.”
Frowning sternly at him, I bit back a sigh. I’d set that trap on myself, hadn’t I? “Because it felt inappropriate to be here with two single men.”
Benito’s smile was huge when he responded. “You don't have to worry about me,cara mio. I’m too old for you.”
As though that would stop him from pursuing anyone he was interested in. “Now that you’re back to your usual self, age is just a number.”
“I’ve never found the right woman to fill the empty spot my dear wife left behind. Maria would have loved you, Sailor, and treated you like a daughter.”
My face flushed. “Vicki would probably have disemboweled me if her mother treated me as her equal.”
Benito chuckled. “Maybe she’d have tried, but I would've stepped in. She only needed time to get to know you, much like Noah.”
The mention of his son only made my heart gallop in my chest. His visit yesterday had come as a surprise, and so had our interaction in the hallway. I’d wanted him to follow through on the promise in his eyes, and that was not allowed.
“Are you sure he even likes me?” I said casually, putting away the tools of my trade.
“Oh, without a doubt. He made sure I knew I needed to treat you properly.”
“When have you ever not?” I asked, surprised that Noah would warn his father about me. “You’re a gentleman.”
“Not everyone would agree.”
He’d always treated me with respect, but I could see how someone else might only see him for the criminal mastermind he once was.
Or still was. I couldn't even tell anymore.
Which only served to remind me I hadn't heard any interesting news about them that I could pass on to Lauder. She would pop up unannounced again if I didn't at least give her a hint of information. Unfortunately, the men were well aware that loose lips sink ships.
“Some people only see what they want to see,” I told him.
“That's one of the things I like about you, dear. You’re nonjudgmental.”
I smiled gently. “It’s part of our code of ethics, Benito.”
“Some doctors apply it sparingly, such as Dr. Hofstadt.”
