After breakfast, William introduced her to another member of his security team, a tall, bald man with extremely broad shoulders.
“Raven, this is Marco.”
“Polo,” she blurted out.
William and Marco eyed her quizzically.
“I’m afraid you have him mistaken with someone who died many, many years ago,” William said, his lips twitching.
“Sorry.” She reddened. “It’s good to meet you, Marco.”
William gestured to his assistant. “Marco will follow you to the Uffizi this morning. After work, he will take you to your apartment so you can drop off your Vespa and pick up your things. Then he’ll drive you here.”
“I’m supposed to volunteer at the orphanage after work.” Raven clutched her knapsack awkwardly. “And I’d like to see Bruno.”
William appeared displeased. “He won’t remember your time together. The head injury combined with the blood will have affected his memory.”
“I realize that. I still want to see him.” She sounded stubborn.
“Very well.” William pressed his lips together as an indication of his displeasure. “Marco will escort you where you need to go.
“I have business to attend to in the early evening. I’ll ask Lucia to prepare dinner for you.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll eat with the children.”
William examined her features. “Perhaps we could watch one of your films this evening.”
She smiled. “I’d like that.”
“Good. Call Ambrogio and let him know what you need in order to show the film.”
William walked her outside to her Vespa and wrapped her in his arms. “You don’t need to worry about the inspector. He won’t bother you again.”
“Thank you.”
He gazed at her hungrily.
“I’m looking forward to tonight.”
He kissed her firmly.
A few kisses, another embrace, and she was on her Vespa, speeding down the hill toward the Arno, with Marco following in the Mercedes. A few cars behind, Ispettor Batelli trailed them.
William returned to the house and summoned Luka to the library, handing him a folded piece of paper. “I need you to travel to Florida, in America, to the cities of Orlando and St. Petersburg. Find out everything you can about the persons I’ve named. Contact me for further instructions.”
Luka unfolded the paper, read it, and placed it in his jacket pocket. With a bow, he exited the room.
William moved to the windows and looked out over his estate, lost in thought.
Chapter Forty-one
“I’m here to see Bruno Rostagno.” Raven spoke to one of the nurses on Bruno’s floor at the hospital.
“Friend or family?” The nurse didn’t bother to look up from her computer.
“Friend.” Raven shifted her weight, nervously glancing at Marco, who was standing a few feet away, looking intimidating.
The nurse was about to direct Raven to the correct room when a familiar-looking woman approached them.
“Raven, hello.” Graziella greeted her warmly, kissing both cheeks.
“Graziella, hi.” Raven smiled. “I’m just here to see Bruno.”
“Good. I’ve just arrived also. Come with me.” Graziella nodded at the nurse and took Raven’s hand, leading her down the hall.
“How is he?” she asked, concerned.
“He will come home tomorrow, I think. He was supposed to be released today but the doctor wanted to wait.”
They walked down the hall and made a left. Graziella stopped at the door to the third room.
“You say hello. I’ll come in later.”
“But you’re here. I’m sure he wants to see you first,” Raven protested, noticing that Marco had followed them.
Graziella just patted her arm and gestured to the door.
Raven’s grip tightened on her cane as she entered the room with caution. She was worried about what she was going to find.
Bruno was lying in bed, looking remarkably well. In fact, there was no evidence of his previous injuries—no bruising, no bandages, no cords or tubes attached to his body.
He looked healthier than he had before, and perhaps even a little younger.
Raven wondered if anyone else had noticed the changes.
“Hello, Bruno.” She greeted him with a cheerful wave.
He nodded at her. “Good afternoon.”
Raven’s smile faltered.
“It’s me. It’s Raven.”
Bruno examined her face for a moment and then his gaze dropped to her cane. “Of course. You live next to my grandmother. How are you?”
“I’m well, thank you.” She gestured at his hospital bed. “How are you?”
“Ready to go home.” He grimaced. “They say I’ve made a miraculous recovery, but I’m still in a hurry to get out of here.”
Raven swallowed thickly. “I heard about your accident. I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks, it was nice of you to come by. Have you seen my grandmother lately?”
“I saw her yesterday. I’ve been trying to check in on her more frequently.”
“Thank you.”
Bruno fell silent, as if he were waiting for something.
It took a moment for Raven to realize he was waiting for her to say something.
She flushed. He didn’t remember her. He didn’t look at her with longing or ask her about herself or any of the other dozen special things he’d done during their one special evening. Sadness crept over her.
Raven forced herself to remain cheerful.
“Well, I’m glad you’re feeling better. I saw your mother in the hall. Should I send her in?”
“Please. Thanks for visiting me.” Bruno flashed her a muted smile, which she returned.
“No problem. Good-bye, Bruno.”
Raven walked awkwardly from the room, leaning heavily on her cane.
When she saw Graziella in the hall, she said, “He wants to see you.”
“But you should stay longer. Come with me.” Graziella moved to take her hand but Raven shook her head.
“I’m sorry. I have plans for dinner. But I’m glad he’s all right and he’s coming home.”
“Thank you.” Graziella kissed her cheeks again before waving goodbye.
Raven nodded at Marco and they walked to the elevator. But she didn’t shed a tear until she was alone.