“So… no gun fight,” Kathleen confirmed.
Enzo shrugged. “I can’t promise that, but it will be less likely, yes.”
“And we’ll go to Versailles and look for the treasure.”
“Yes, but Kathleen, I’m on my own. I don’t have friends I can count on in this. It will be just me trying to protect youandfind the treasure. If I reach out to anyone, and Vitale gets wind of it, it will be all over. I must do this on my own. You would have only me looking out for you.”
“I see,” she said, and she did. The more security there was, the more likely it was that Vitale would find out. They could do nothing to draw attention to what they were doing.
Suddenly, the waiter was standing there, plates in his hand. Kathleen leaned back as the waiter set a plate of antipasti down in front of her and Enzo. Then he refilled Enzo’s wine glass and disappeared again.
Fork poised over a chunk of cheese, Enzo said, “You have until we finish this meal to decide what you want to do. The choice is yours and only yours.”
Kathleen stared at Enzo and then nodded. She picked up her fork and stared at her plate. Stay here in Milan and possibly, no…likely, be involved in a gun fight, or make a break for Versailles all on their own with no backup except each other. Her stomach rolled. Both options sucked, but she already knew what she was going to do. There wasn’t really a choice at all.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
“What is your decision?” Enzo asked as he rested his cutlery across his empty plate, his shoulders aching thanks to the tension that refused to let go.
Kathleen met his gaze. “There’s no choice, really. I have to come with you, or people may die. I will not be responsible for people losing their lives. I can’t be.”
The knot in Enzo’s gut loosened ever so slightly. It wasn’t that he was worried about his people dying. They all knew the score. No, it was more like he couldn’t stand the idea of letting Kathleen out of his sight. Anything could happen, and he wouldn’t be there to… To what? Save the day? That was just stupid. She would probably be in more danger with him than with his men. Still, he was relieved that she’d decided to come with him.
He lifted his hand and gestured to the waiter. The man came immediately. “Can you tell Carmine that we would love a tour of the kitchen?”
“Of course, sir. I will see if Chef is okay with you visiting now.”
Kathleen finished chewing her last bite and put down her cutlery. “A tour of the kitchen. That’s a lovely idea. I love this place. The food is amazing, and the ambience is truly lovely. I never would have found it on my own.”
“It’s one of my favorite restaurants. I’ve been coming here for years.” The conversation was ridiculous, but they must keep up appearances. There was little else to say at the moment. He would give her all the details once they were on their way, but for now, they could both pretend it was nothing more than a lovely lunch.
“Chef would be pleased if you would come for a tour,” the young waiter said as he returned to the table.
Enzo grabbed his sunglasses and stood up. He went around and helped Kathleen out of her chair, tucking her hand into the crook of his elbow as they followed the waiter into the building.
The kitchen was a hive of activity. Everyone moved quickly and, by the look of things, efficiently. A short, round barrel of a man took a step back from a flaming grill and smiled at Enzo.
“Carmine,” Enzo said as the man approached. Carmine reached out, and the two men embraced. Enzo had known Carmine since they were both kids making their way up.
“Is good to see you,” Carmine said in heavily-accented English. He nodded toward Kathleen.
She immediately offered her hand and praise for the meal. “Lunch was delicious. You are my new favorite restaurant in Milan.”
Carmine put his hand over his heart and smiled. “Grazie, thank you. You are too kind. My staff, and my kitchen, and my restaurant are my world. Thank you for coming to share it with me.” He smiled at Enzo. “Come to my office. We chat for a moment.” He gestured to one of his people and shouted in Italian for coffee, and then made his way to his office inthe rear section of the kitchen. Enzo ushered Kathleen along in Carmine’s wake.
They arrived in the cramped office as someone produced three cups of espresso.
“Thanks,” Enzo said, taking one for himself and one for Kathleen. He handed her the little cup, and at her bewildered expression, gave her a reassuring wink.
Carmine sipped his drink and then put it down on this desk. “They are waiting in the alley. You should go.”
Enzo nodded. “Thank you for this, my friend. If anyone comes asking, tell the truth. I don’t want you to get into trouble over this.”
Carmine chortled. “Don’t worry,mio amico, I know how it works.”
Enzo turned to Kathleen. “Drink up.”
She drained the espresso in one gulp and handed him the cup. He put them both on the desk, gave Carmine another quick hug, and then led Kathleen out the door. This time, they turned left instead of going back through the kitchen.
