I put on my shoes and go to the door, flinging it open with the enthusiasm I intend to carry through the rest of the day. I come to a crashing halt.
Santo is standing there. His presence is not a coincidence. I didn't catch him walking by. He's positioned against the wall, his feet spread apart and hands clasped in front of him. He's been stationed there.
"Santo!" I press my hand to my chest where my heart is attempting to batter its way through my ribcage. "You frightened me. What the hell are you doing out here?"
"The boss asked me to look after you, Signora."
I blink twice then narrow my eyes. "In my bedroom?"
The look of alarm that crosses his face is both amusing and something of an insult.
"No, Signora Katya," he says earnestly. "Of course not. Outside."
I tilt my head to the side. He's giving me the what but not the why. It doesn't take a genius to work out what's going on.
"He's asked you to shadow me?"
Santo nods.
"Why?"
"The house is on lockdown, Signora."
A cold shiver of dread slides through my veins. "What has happened?"
"You'll need to speak to Signore Volante about that."
Of course, because it would be too much to simply tell me what's going on in my own home. If there's a problem, Gabriele should have come to me himself. I breathe through my frustration.
"So we can't go shopping today?"
Santo shakes his head.
"Then can I invite Anna…"
"Sorry, Signora. Nobody in or out."
"Okay." I think about it for a moment. Situations arise where security needs to be tightened. I understand that. I just have to make the best of it. "We'll spend the day in the garden, then. I want to decide where to put a…."
"Sorry, Signora Katya. We're not allowed in the garden either."
I raise my eyebrows. "We?"
I highly doubt anyone is trying to restrict his movements.
He lifts a shoulder in an apologetic shrug. "You, Signora. You are not allowed in the garden."
"Uh-huh." I press my lips together. "So, what exactly am I supposed to do all day?"
"Well, you could….." He trails off mid-sentence, because he's got nothing.
"Great."
"I'm sorry, Signora."
"Stop saying you're sorry." It isn't his fault. He's just following orders. "Take me to my husband. There are a few things I want to get straight with him."
Santo spreads his hands wide and I know another damned apology is coming. "I can't, Signora. He's in a meeting."
