I want simple things. I want my memory foam mattress with my Egyptian cotton sheets. I want to wear loafers with clothing that does not itch. I want bacon, eggs, and sausages for breakfast. I want beer and wine at lunch and dinner. I want a good night’s sleep. I don’t need to travel far for those. I just need to get out from behind these damn bars.
Sincerely,
Renzo
GOOD LUCK CHARMS
You got it. I’ll keep a list for you. It’ll all be ready for you when you get out. But I’m still adding traveling on there. You can go with me, if anything, and check off all the places I want to see, one by one. Neither Tore nor Vinny are big travelers, and quite frankly, I don’t really want to go on my own. It would be a bit lonely for my taste. So really, you’d be doing me afavor. So? How about it? You coming with? We’ll be able to try real Peking duck in China, tandoori chicken in India, kimchi in South Korea, coconut shrimp from Cameroon. Don’t the names of those dishes just make your mouth water? So many things to try, so little time.
On another note, I’ve got a bit of good news to share. So before my stay with the Hayeses, I met another orphan named Brielle, Bee for short. We spent a few weeks together between foster homes, but lost touch after I got placed with the Hayeses. Well, guess who I ran into at a coffee shop in Santa Rosa? I couldn’t believe it myself. Now here comes the gossip because when I brought her back to Tore’s house that same morning, he practically choked on his breakfast, and she went bright red. There’s a story there. They have to know each other, I’m sure of it. I just don’t know how, and neither of them is talking.
Either way, I’ve exchanged numbers with Bee. We’ll keep in contact for sure. I’ll test her a little bit, but if she’s trustworthy, she’s got a gift with computers that might come in handy. The only issue will be trying to convince Tore to spend money hiring her, if something actually happened between them. I might have to press Vinny, or maybe I’ll get back to you and let you command them into it, big boss.
Chapter 26
Ainsley – twenty / Renzo – thirty-three
UNFORGETTABLE
You’re the reason I bought so many postcards.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen water so clear as I did in the Polynesian Islands. I know you’re the one who suggested this vacation to Tore. Thank you so much.
It was better than I ever dreamed of. The sun shone off the water. The fish were visible no matter how deep the water was. The views were out of this world. I wish you could have been there. We went snorkeling with marine life in Moorea, hiking in Tahiti, and sunbathing in Bora Bora. When my parents were still alive, they took me to Paris once and also to Dublin, but this trip was out of this world. I can’t wait to travel more in the future. Together, like we planned.
What’s your favorite trip you’ve ever taken?
I’ve checked. You can receive postcards and photos. I’ve included a couple to give you some new scenery to look at. There’s a group photo with Tore, the kids, and Isa (she came with us too). And a second one of just me. I’m not the same I was six years ago. Can you tell?
You know, if you just lifted the visitor restrictions, we could talk in person once a month at least. Might be nice. You know, to see each other face to face. Get to know each other better, instead of mailing letters once a week. Honestly, we’re probablysupporting the paper industry all on our own with all the back and forth. I’m amazed we still have so much to talk about.
Ainsley,
The photo is inappropriate. Your face is barely visible compared to your…womanly attributes. I wouldn’t even know who it was if you hadn’t told me.
We know each other just fine through words. We don’t need more than that. Anything else will invite problems. My cousin adopted you. I nearly adopted you. And what about your brother’s death? It’s for the best that we don’t venture down a path neither of us could come back from. We shouldn’t change what works.
I took a business trip to Singapore years back. The city is beautiful. The design and architecture are stunning. The city life is active without being overbearing, and it is remarkably clean. I think out of everywhere I’ve visited, that has been my favorite.
I’m glad you enjoyed the Islands.
Yours sincerely,
Renzo
Dear Diary,
You can be so heartless sometimes.
DIDYOU KNOW
I learned something interesting the other day. I convinced Bee to take up your case a while back, and she decided to check the case files first. Turns out a few key people in your case have died. Police Chief Jack Bowman, who filed for your arrest warrant. Police Captain Al Martinez, who served as a key witness. I remember him: He was at the Hayes house that night. And Judge Moore, who not only signed off on the warrant for your arrest but also presided over your trial. Each of them was found suffocated in their own home about twelve to eighteen months after your conviction. Tore knew this part, so I’m sure you did too.
However, what’s even more interesting is the money trail. All three received transfers totaling a hundred fifty grand each, starting the day of your arrest up until your conviction. Unfortunately, tracking the money so far hasn’t borne much fruit. Bee checked all of Dimakos’ accounts, on and offshore, but only twenty percent of those funds appear to have come from him. There’s definitely another player on the board.
Bee will keep searching as a side project while we focus on the sitting duck of this whole thing that can get you out.
There’s a cold front coming in soon. Let me know if you got the blanket I ordered from the catalog and if you’re warm enough at night. I can always buy more if need be.
