He paused and looked at the ambassador. “It’s up to you, Paul. I’d like to support, even if we’re limited in what we can offer. As you heard from my JAG, we’re skating on thin ice—jurisdictionally speaking.”
The ambassador nodded. “I understand. Thank you.”
Nikki’s face was suddenly hot. She needed to say something, but was careful with her words around groups like these. She’d learned long ago to edit thoughts or opinions that might elicit her father’s disapproval or the amusement of his colleagues.
“There’s something else to consider,” she said, voice weaker than she intended. “Phoenix Seven is neutral. When we interact with the police on behalf of US service members and their families, they perceive us as…fair. Unbiased. If the police see us working with a defense attorney on a criminal case, it may harm our ability to effectively do our jobs.”
“Surely, there can be no more important job than defending an American citizen!” exclaimed Angelo with a broad gesture. “Clearly, Signorina Serafino doesn’t feel up to the tasking!”
“I didn’t mean—” Nikki began.
Angelo spoke loudly over her: “I humbly volunteer my services to defend the daughter of the ambassador. I will personally take charge of assisting the advocate. I will rearrange the shift schedule of Phoenix Seven to provide this assistance.”
“That’s very kind of you,” said Ambassador Lissom. “Of course, I appreciate your support.” He paused for a moment while Angelo nodded, before adding, “My daughter did tell me she felt most comfortable working with Investigator Serafino.”
Placing a hand on his chest, Angelo bowed his head and gave the ambassador his most ingratiating smile. “Certainly. If it makes your daughter comfortable, Investigator Serafino can accompany me to the interview.”
—
Angelo seemed pleased with himself, humming tunelessly to the radio as they sped along the Tangenziale in the Phoenix Seven duty vehicle towards the jail in Pozzuoli. They exited the tollway and navigated the side streets towards the port, and he turned the radio down.
“Your job is to assist the US military base commander,” he said. “He makes a request and we say, ‘Yes, sir!’ You embarrass me when you show your ignorance in such an important room.”
“You aren’t concerned?” Nikki protested. “The police are already shutting us out. If we assist in a criminal defense, they may start to think of us as the opposition.”
“We help with defendants all the time!” Angelo scoffed. “Some stupid sailor is arrested for fucking a prostitute in the street and we must beg to have him released. ‘Yes, sir, he violated laws…but he’s a stupid boy—thinking with his dick. Don’t make the Americans mad at us.’ ”
“Of course,” Nikki said. “But the police listen to us because they know we’re not taking sides—just interpreting cultural misunderstandings. This is different. Don’t you see?”
Angelo chuckled.
“You lack all understanding of the strategic level,” he said in a tone of fatherly condescension. “A person must know their strengths. You focus on the tactical details, Nicole. This is your strength: day-to-day operations. Leave strategy to those in authority.”
—
At the jail, Angelo and Nikki joined Advocate Ferragni in the interview room.
Monica Lissom had been crying. Her face was red and splotchy, eyes swollen nearly shut. At the sight of Angelo, her face contorted.
“No!” she shouted. “Not him! I’m not talking if he’s in the room.”
Angelo stepped forward. “Signorina…prego…prego. I’m here onthe special request of your father. I promised him I will do everything in my power to help you.”
Monica looked at Nikki, and then at the lawyer.
“Is it true?”
“Sì,” agreed Ferragni.
She turned to Angelo, eyes fierce. “You called me a liar.”
“Please accept my deepest apology,” said Angelo. “I only desire to assist you.”
Monica looked at Nikki. “Will you be there?”
“Yes,” Nikki agreed. “Right here.”
—
