Page 17 of The Strength Of A Woman

He knew about my house, which was my mother’s childhood home, but had no interest in vacationing here.

My family has traveled to Italy quite frequently over these past two years, mostly to Tuscany, yet they've never bothered coming here. But him?

No.

I was shocked that he came to my birthday party. Although we all know what that was all about.

“I heard the church bells tolling as he was talking to me, which doesn’t say much, with almost one hundred churches and cathedrals within the historic island center alone. He mentioned Piazza Duomo in passing, and I think he was heading to Callum’s quarters. I don’t know if this can help you much. And I hope you reconsider going there. It’s too risky, and there’s no point in doing it. Callum might return. You could probably talk to him then.”

Chewing on my lip, I ponder.

“When is Giorgio flying back?”

The corners of her eyes pull down.

“I haven’t heard them talk about going back.”

Of course. They won’t go back until they’re done screwing my life. How nice of them.

On the other hand. Oh, my God. Two weeks of this?

Having their incessant scrutiny in my life, like I’m some thug?

“I’m going,” I say, overflowing with determination. “I have nothing to lose. If I find him, good. If I don’t find him… Well, no one can scold me for looking for him. And I don’t think he’s coming back. I don’t know his plans, but if you ask me, he won’twaste his time waiting for some party in Taormina. What will he do during this time? Visit historical sites? No way.”

I gesture, annoyed, before I go on.

“I still don’t know what made him come to my birthday party. I won’t bother to understand. All I know is that I’m going to town. But first,” I say, lifting a finger. “I’ll go to Rory’s room. I can’t find anything to wear, so I’ll ask her to lend me one of those cute, diaphanous dresses. This way, if anyone’s asking, the last time you saw me, I went to Rory’s room, and they won’t be able to blame my absence on you. I’ll do my best to return before seven.”

“I hope so,” she says, not even trying to hide her concerns.

“Okay. Let’s go then,” I say, looking around the room as if I’m leaving this place for good, and picking up my wallet.

I check the contents.

“Do you have any cash on you? I might need it, and I don’t want to leave a digital trail.”

“Sure.”

She reaches inside her pocket and pulls out a few bills. I grab them and gesture to the door.

A moment later, we both walk down the corridor. I’m heading to Rory’s room, while she soon pivots and turns right.

“One last thing,” she says with a thoughtful expression on her face. “Cosimo may have been close to theChiesa del Collegio dei Gesuitiwhen he talked to me. The Church of the Jesuit College. Several historic buildings are in that area. It’s just a hunch. Callum could’ve rented one of those places.”

My gaze holds hers for a few long seconds as I read her eyes, trying to figure out whether she knows that for a fact from Cosimo and she’s trying to protect him, or it’s indeed a hunch.

“Okay. I’ll check the area.”

“And call me if you need me. Nothing is worth risking your life. I’ll take the fall for you if I need to. I just need to make sure you return home in one piece.”

Smiling, I give her a hug.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine,” I murmur before she quietly says a little prayer, makes the sign of the cross, and gives me her blessing.

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LEILANI