My guess is that wherever Eliza is headed it involves a journey by plane, not a bus. The roommate may well be right about her using the laptop to find information, though.
"Would you mind if we took a look at your laptop?"
We could force our way into the apartment, tie this bimbo up and take the laptop, but where outsiders are concerned, I prefer a more civilized approach.
"Okay." She opens the door wider. "I'm Courtney by the way."
"A pleasure to meet you, Courtney." I don't offer my name or Paolo's. "Would you mind making me a little coffee while my friend looks at the laptop and perhaps Elena's bedroom? She may have left some of her things."
"Uh…."
When she hesitates, I reach out and brush a hair back from her face.
"Please, bella," I say.
"Okay." She glances past me to Paolo. "The laptop's on the coffee table and Elena's bedroom is along the corridor, second on the right."
I throw Paolo a look that tells him to be quick before following Courtney into the kitchen. It's small but clean and brightly decorated. Someone likes bubblegum pink and I'm guessing it's not Elena. She strikes me as having more sophisticated taste.
I cross to the window and take in the view of several other buildings and a parking lot. I'm not a fan of city living. Though I conduct most of my business in Rome, I prefer to live ten miles from the capital. The land surrounding my home keeps the outside world at bay.
"So tell me, how did you enjoy living with Elena?" I ask.
Courtney shrugs as she fills the kettle with water. I realize as she gets a jar down from the shelf that she's going to make instant coffee. Paolo better get a move on. I don't want to be forced to drink that slop.
"I didn't spend much time with her to be honest." Courtney puts a half spoon of coffee powder in a large ceramic cup and I almost clutch my heart. "She kept herself to herself, you know."
I nod. "Yes, my cousin is quite shy. She had no boyfriends I assume."
"None that I met."
I wish I knew why that pleases me so much.
"She seemed like a nice enough girl," Courtney continues, "but a bit sad. I reckon she was homesick."
"I'm sure she was." Sad? The thought bothers me. I don't consider why.
The kettle boils and Courtney pours water into the cup. "You want milk?"
"No." I almost shout before catching myself. "Thank you, bella."
She slides the cup along the counter to me.
"You know, Elena really left me in the lurch here." Her gaze drops to the platinum watch at my wrist. "I've got rent to pay and it could take me weeks to find a new roommate."
Ah, I thought she was attracted to me. Perhaps it's my money she's more interested in. It wouldn't be the first time.
"Perhaps you could help me out," she continues. She runs her tongue over her top lip. The practiced move does nothing for me. "I'd make it worth your while."
I'm about to turn her down when Paolo appears in the doorway.
"Hai qualcosa?"
"Si."
As I move to follow Paolo from the room, Courtney puts her hand on my arm.
"What about the rent?"
