Read Online A Thousand Tombs by Molly Greene - Free Book Online Page B

Italian heritage for our children’s children.”
    She could tell he believed it deep down, and something about his speech inspired a rush of sympathy. Her voice conveyed her softer side when she said, “And just how does that speech and an old coin and a crated statue here in the States accomplish that? I’d like to think you’re on the right side, but you’re not giving me any proof.”
    He seemed so strong, and so vulnerable at the same time. She felt bad he was in the middle of whatever was happening. He should be playing bocce ball in the park with other aging Italian gentlemen.
    “You will have proof, in time,” he replied. “Please. Keep the coin. Stay away until the danger has passed. I am begging you. You will only make things worse if you ask questions.”
    Gen’s eyebrows spiked. “I’ll hang onto it for now, but I’m going to make it my business to find out what’s happening.”
    “No.” He looked as adamant as Luca when he’d insisted he wouldn’t go to the police. “You must not. It is unwise. You do not understand how carefully I must tread.”
    If he’d known Gen well, he would have known that telling her not to do something only made the prospect of doing it sweeter. “Won’t you tell me why? I can help. It’s what I do for a living.”
    “I cannot.”
    “Then tell me about the men you argued with Friday night. That’s the danger part, obviously. Who taped you to the chair, and why? What were they going to do with you, keep you trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey forever? And who was the moron who hit me?”
    “I would not be doing you any favors to give you an introduction.” Vitelli shook his head. “I must handle this.”
    “Oh, right. It looked as if you had everything under control when I showed up yesterday morning.”
    Vitelli’s hand trembled as he adjusted his glasses. For a moment she could see her grandfather in him again, and it made her sad the man was alone in this.
    “Miss Delacourt,” he said. “Go now. Tend to your eye. It is my wish that this is the only injury you receive from this situation.”
    Gen took in some air and thought, then let it go without a challenge. “All right. We’ll see.” She pulled a business card from her purse and handed it across to Vitelli. “The coin is going in my safe deposit box next week. When you change your mind about sharing and you want to get in touch, call my cell.”
    He took the card and followed her to the door.
    “I’m not any wiser than when I came in,” she said.
    “You are wise to question everything and everyone.”
    “That’s been my experience, too, about life in general. Mr. Vitelli, what did they want? The men who tied you up. Was it the coin?”
    “When you live as long as I have, you make enemies.”
    Gen’s smile sagged. Again with the indirect answers; she’d tried enough for one day. “I just hope the authorities aren’t ticked off with me for not handing this over if the judgment goes against you.”
    They shook hands. Gen opened the door and walked through, and Vitelli closed it behind her.
    When she was clear of the shrubbery she looked toward Mack’s truck. It was there, where he’d originally parked. He was still in the cab, but he wasn’t looking her way. She could see the object of his attention from where she stood.
    A woman leaned against the driver’s door, wearing a wide smile and a low-cut dress that hugged her hourglass figure.
    It was Carla Salvatore.
    Gen was a little far away to tell, but her gut suggested Mack might be a bit too enthralled for her comfort. She struggled to beat back a flare of jealousy as she crossed the street and strolled toward the truck. Mack kept the smile in place as his eyes slid between her and Carla.
    “Genny, this is Carla Salvatore. Carla, meet Gen Delacourt.”
    “Miss Salvatore and I have met,” Gen replied. “What brings you here today?”
    When Carla turned, her eyes flicked from the top of Gen’s head to her feet, then away. Gen got