Page 90 of The Strength Of A Woman

The space used to be the staff's living quarters, and it now serves as the headquarters for my crew.

We doubled and tripled our security. I know how precious Leilani is to so many people, especially now.

I bet my bottom dollar that the Gallos would love to have her back and offer her to Varela.

At the same time, I bet that Varela would like to have her at his quarters just about now.

Forget about negotiating her transition into his family.

He’d hand her to one of the women in his circle, who’d instruct Leilani on what she’s allowed to do in his house.

If Giorgio told him that I had her, knowing what he knows about me, Varela must be convinced I’m up to something, and he’d be right.

These are not stupid people.

They may be bad and reckless, yet they’re also very clever.

They know what’s at stake.

They get anxious when they lose their leverage, and they make mistakes.

I hope the fisherman’s son is such a mistake.

I push the door open, and a scrawny kid, terrified by the big brute clasping the back of his neck, looks at me with begging eyes.

“Signore?I swear I have nothing to do with this,” he says before I have the chance to open my mouth and speak.

“What exactly is this?” I ask, pinning him with my stare.

"Someone came to me this afternoon. I was at my father’s shop. Someone like you. Well built, I mean. They said they had‘un messaggio importante'for you and that it was essential you learn about it. The man gave me some money to follow you around and try to speak to you.”

“Who is his man? How do you call him?”

“He said his name was Giovanni. I think he lied, though.”

‘Describe him for me. How did he look?’

“About his age.”

He points to Cosimo.

“But not as handsome as him.”

I look at Cosimo, amused.

He cracks a smile.

“Did he pay you to tell jokes?” Cosimo asks.

“It’s no joke,Signore,” the kid says to Cosimo.

I look at him.

“And?” I ask.

“And he wanted me to give you this address.”

He pulls out a scrap of paper with some words written on it.