At 01:48, Nikki returned late to the offices at Phoenix Seven. Iacopo had already gone, and Pasquale and Romano were seated at their desks. She gave them the duty phone, briefed them on the evening’s events, and left.
—
Nikki’s phone jolted her awake.
It was Angelo: “I hope you’re pleased with yourself, signorina!”
She blinked at the screen: 07:32. Fuck. She needed more sleep.
“Is there a problem?” she said.
“Oh, that’s magnificent.” He spat the words. “Don’t play innocent with me. I know exactly what you are!”
Nikki sat up, mind racing.What the hell happened?
“What’s going on?”
“I refuse to tolerate insubordination like this!” he barked. “There issuch a thing as respect, Signorina Serafino. There is such a thing as chain of command. But you—you think the rules don’t apply to you. You go behind my back. You…”
Words seemed to fail him. The guttural noise he made was feral, his breathing ragged.
Nikki had dealt with Angelo’s anger before, his contempt. But he prided himself on maintaining a professional demeanor. She’d relied on his dignity to protect her from his disdain.
She’d never seen him so enraged.
“I’m sure there’s a misunderstanding,” she said, trying to steady herself. “If you could just explain…”
“You go to the police.” His voice dropped, furious. “Without informing me. You know this is my case.My case!I’m the official liaison with the ambassador. I can’t tolerate such insubordination!”
Understanding hit like a cold slap.Monica Lissom.
It hadn’t even occurred to her to call him last night. It had been after hours, and a standard work task. But she should have known better.
Angelo’s fledgling rapport with the US ambassador was the jewel in his crown, and she’d stolen his moment to shine. Harm to his status—his self-regard—was an injury he could never forgive.
“I should have called you,” she admitted.
The words only stoked his fury.
“I know your games,” he exploded. “I tolerated them because I thought I could make you a better investigator—but some people cannot be taught. Clearly you lack the decency and respect this job requires.”
She started to respond, but he shouted, “You willlistenwhen I’m speaking!”
She clenched her teeth. “I’m listening.”
“I can’t afford to be short an investigator,” he said. “I’ll give you three weeks—time to post your job and find your replacement. I suggest you start looking for another position. You’re finished at Phoenix Seven.”
—
Nikki was out of bed and pacing. She unlatched the window, shoving the metal shutters wide. They clattered against the side of the building. The day was chilly, morning traffic loud, weak sunlight filtering through the buildings.
Her breath came in short, sharp gasps. She slammed a fist against her ribs to force her lungs open.
It didn’t work.
“Fuck.”
She was angry at herself for not catching this in time, for not restoring the uneasy camaraderie with Angelo she’d worked so hard to establish. This collision felt inevitable. Like an asteroid hurtling towards the planet. She’d seen it coming from far away, and had been powerless to stop it.
