“Here she is, our own younger version of Jessica Fletcher.” De Fiore stood and waved her over.
Should she ignore him? Remembering she needed him to make the call to Adams, she went and sat on the chair he pointed to. “Hi, Gino, where is Margo?”
“At my place.”
“You mean my cat is home alone? Why didn’t you want me to go home?” She looked at De Fiore.
“Relax, your cat is fine. We need you to confirm a few things. Madrid is on his way here. Why didn’t you tell us about this Julian?”
“Tell you what? I met him the other night at the party.”
“That’s not what you told Gino.”
“Agghh, really. I missed my lunch appointment for this?”
“You hungry?”
“Now that you mention it, yes, I am. And if you need me here you’ll have to call Adams and explain why I missed the lunch appointment he sent me to. Gino, how is Kalinda?”
Gino and De Fiore exchange looks, not good.
“She’s…what can I say? She’s a strong person. The legs couldn’t be saved, but the rest, it’s…improving.” He avoided her eyes.
“Should I send her flowers, a card?”
He shook his head. “No. We are not to talk about it, please.”
De Fiore acted busy shuffling papers. There was a commotion outside the room, and Madrid stormed in, wearing his excitement on his face. Ah! And they said she couldn’t control her emotions. Two minutes later, the questions began. Madrid wanted the local news channel on. There wasn’t a thing happening. Apparently that was the idea. Then his phone went off. He listened, big smile.
“We got him,” he said.
Mina assumed he meant Julian. “Where?” she asked.
“South of Del Mar. They’re bringing them up to headquarters, him and the wife.”
“Wife? Are you sure? Are we talking about the same blonde?”
Gino reached over and patted Mina’s arm. “It’s okay, Mina you couldn’t have known. Neither did I, and I’ve been around Julian a lot longer than you have.”
Madrid’s smile kept stretching, at risk to take over his face. “They’re newlyweds. My men found the marriage license, Vegas, five days ago. They’ve been staying at the Ritz since the day before…” he looked at Gino, and he no longer smiled, “the day before the party.”
Mina watched her friend, the calm and always in control, jokester Gino. His jaw tightened. He hit his right fist against his left hand, again and again.
“Was Luce with them?” Seeing the blank look on the men’s faces she added, “The miniature poodle.”
Madrid shrugged, and no one commented. And then she had to tell her story again and pick the photos from the stack, and when she was done, Madrid, the cop she loathed, said, “Well done, Mina, that was the lucky break we needed. We may have more questions for you later, but really, thanks.”
“Can I go home?” Well, that went quick. “Oh, oh, De Fiore, Adams?”
He handed her his mobile phone. “Here dial his number, and I’ll take care of it.” He winked.
She left the police station with Gino. Once again he reminded her, not a word to Margo. They agreed she would stop by his place before going home. He had food already prepared when she first called. They could eat together. He got there first. When Mina arrived he had opened a bottle of wine to toast to good friends. While Margo set an extra place at the table, he said in Italian, “This can be a game changer. The simple fact that I’m here as all this goes down may give me enough visibility for my promotion. Grazie, mille grazie.”
“Di niente.” Promotion? She had no clue what he meant. What happened to working at the Italian Consulate in Los Angeles? Men.
By the time they sipped their espresso, Gino got a call. And Mina knew it was about Julian, but wasn’t sure how to ask without getting Margo suspicious. She wondered where the headquarters mentioned by Madrid were. Some dark dungeon with torture chambers for the double-crossing spies like Julian? Why do people do that? Money? Power? And how did that Amanda fit in the picture? His wife. Unbelievable.
Margo was going to drive back with Mina. She forgot something and went back to the studio.
Gino said, “Julian is cutting a deal. He will talk in exchange for his wife’s immunity. Not only that, he wants her in witness protection. She’s pregnant. I’ll tell you more when I find out, probably call you on your mobile, okay? I just don’t want Margo involved, look at the problems it’s causing you.”
She turned to look at him, eye to eye. “Problems? So worth it.” They both knew what she meant.
CHAPTER 25
Margo had insisted on driving Gino to the airport alone. He had to purchase a last minute extra bag to carry all the gifts and treasures he acquired in the weeks he was in California.
They left before sun up. Mina couldn’t go back to sleep and just sat on her bed with Aria all snuggled against her side. Do cats dream? Do they have memories of loved ones like humans? Did Aria miss Kathy?
Stop it, Mina. Move on. Get a life. She moved and accidentally bumped Aria who rolled off the bed and landed with a loud meow. Maledizione. She did have a knack for involuntarily causing pain. The cat went to hide under the bed. Under the bed, next to the white flower boxes. Oh, Diego, what have I done?
Her mobile phone went off. Who would be calling her so early in the morning? Did something happen to Margo and Gino? Mio Dio, please, no more accidents.
It was De Fiore. De Fiore? “Hey, kid, I’m in the neighborhood. How about I stop by with a cup of hot coffee? Five minutes? Good, see you.”
What the hell? He never gave her a chance to say no. What’s wrong with morning people? She quickly changed into her sweats. The doorbell rang just as she brushed her teeth.
“Don’t be such a grouch, I know you weren’t sleeping when I called, you answered the phone on the second ring.” He didn’t look too happy himself, unshaven and wearing the same clothes he had yesterday at the office. Maybe he hadn’t even gone to bed. “Cheer up, I brought you coffee and the latest updates on the Julian’s saga of love.” He stopped talking and seemed to stare at something behind her. She turned. Aria came bouncing down the stairs and ran straight to rub against De Fiore’s pants leg. She heard his voice. She recognized him. He kept swallowing hard, emotional. He handed Mina the two cups of coffee and picked up the kitten, scratching behind her ears, “The power of love, how ironic. Isn’t it?” De Fiore said.
Mina shrugged. Who was she to judge? “You think he did all that for Amanda?”
“Not sure what all that means, but yes, fell in love with the girl when he was on assignment somewhere in Russia. No–Moldova. Must be an old chunk off the Soviet Union. Surowiec sneaked her out of there and delivered to her lover… sort of. Don’t know the backstory but I’m sure the service came with a price tag. Julian kept Surowiec informed, and when he helped him fool the surprise operation to take him down, he got his reward. Get this. She came with fake American passport and all. Not sure what her real name is but I’m willing to bet it isn’t Amanda. And the dog? Julian’s present to her. So she wouldn’t feel so lonely while they were apart.”
“That’s insane, all those people hurt and dead, why didn’t he just marry her there then get her a Visa?”
“Ah, Mina, life should be so simple, he was probably never there officially. Sort of like you know who.” He smiled, but there was only sadness in the smile. Mina sensed by the way he looked at Aria that he thought of Kathy and wondered why. Why did she have to die?
She asked it out loud.
He shook his head, shoulders slumped. “Remember old Wheezer? The man who reeked of tobacco? He was dying of lung cancer. Years ago I arrested him for home invasion. He had a good lawyer and got out of it. I thought for sure he was dead, and then he resurfaced and made one blunder after the other–bugging your phone, trying to blow up your car, and the last incredible act of stupidity, he blew himself up and took an innocent life in the process. He was trying to rig your little pla
ce on Laguna Canyon. He was paid by Surowiec. We’re not sure if it was personal against you because of Diego, of if he wanted Wheezer to feel like he could still do damage.” He sipped his coffee. “What are you going to do about the house?”
“Adams got the insurance to pay. I couldn’t possibly live there. You understand, right? I was supposed to go to The Ritz Carlton to meet a Realtor. What did you tell Adams? He hasn’t called me, strange”
Now he laughed. “Told him the place was in lock down because they were looking for someone, and that was partly true. Turned out the Realtor you were to meet was waiting for valet parking and never made it to the lunch either because Madrid’s men shut down the parking lot. I told Adams I ran into you and how upset you were having to turn around, and your phone had a dead battery.” He put his empty Styrofoam cup on the table. Aria was asleep on his lap. He looked at Mina. “You’ll take good care of this little one, won’t you? I’m glad you two found each other.”
Hours had gone by since De Fiore left, he looked tired and old. How could he stand it? Surrounded by such ugliness and pain day after day. She went back upstairs and fell asleep. When she woke up, Margo was coming up the stairs. This was going to be a long, hard day for both.
But instead of a gloomy face Margo was all smiles. She sat on the edge of Mina’s bed. “Hey, lazy bum, you didn’t get up yet?”
“Why are you so cheerful? What happened? The flight got cancelled?”
“No.” No more smiles.
Way to go, Mina. Who needs enemies with friends like you? “Sorry, sorry, I didn’t mean it.”
“I know. It’s okay. Look.” She pushed up the sleeve of her sweater to show a beautiful wristwatch with a silver band and Roman numerals on the face. “Gino gave it to me before boarding. He said by looking at the time in Roman numbers, I will be forced to think about him. He is so romantic. I need to get a passport and go see him. Can you help me get a passport? You’ve got one. You know how to do it.”
Mina had to smile. That was such a clever gift. “No problem I’ll help you with the passport, and maybe we can get you some tapes so you can learn basic Italian. What do you say?”
“Oh, that would be great. He said he’ll call me from London. He changes planes there, and he will have time.” She danced out of Mina’s bedroom.
Dear good Margo, so easily entertained. Now came the real test. Was it love or infatuation? Time would tell.
Margo found the empty coffee cups left on the table and had all kind of questions. Somehow she didn’t believe De Fiore just stopped by to bring coffee.
Gino called before midnight. Margo could hardly contain herself. She sounded like a tweeting bird all high tones and pure adrenaline rush. The call seemed to last forever. Mina didn’t know what they were talking about. She didn’t really care, lovers stuff she assumed. To her surprise, Margo walked over to her room, phone in her hand. “Gino wants to talk to you. He says you need a pen to write something. Hurry. He’s waiting.”
She sure wasn’t prepared for that. She finally fished a pen from her purse and the receipt from her last grocery shopping. “Okay, what?”
Margo handed her the phone.
“Ciao, Gino, arrivato a Londra?”
“Yes, made it, I’m tired,” he spoke Italian. “Listen, they got him.”
“Who?” Her heart doing summersaults.
“Surowiec. He was on a yacht. In the Mediterranean. Hiding in plain sight. Can’t talk about it, but I want you to write down this phone number. It’s that man Madrid. Call him in the morning. Tell him you want to know about Kalinda’s–accident. He owes you that. Besides, he’s done his part. Got to go. Let me say goodnight to Margo. We’ll talk when I get home. Stay safe, ciao.” She handed the phone back to her roommate who had been waiting inches away. Thank God, she was still in a state of awe, way too excited to ask questions.
Why did Gino want her to talk to Madrid? And what did he mean, he’s done his part? It made it sound like an assembly line, and if that was the case where did Diego fit in? She went to sleep with thoughts of flowers and images of Chrysanthemum on graves.
For a change, she was up and wide-awake, waiting for nine a.m. to come around so she could phone Madrid. The house was quiet. She fed Aria and cleaned her litter box. She had to keep moving so she wouldn’t lose her mind.
Finally she dialed the number, and Madrid answered. He didn’t sound a bit surprised. She felt like he expected the call. What was going on? Thirty seconds into the call she could swear he was reading from a script. So she just listened.
“…isn’t strange what chain of reaction a simple glance can start, heh? Yes, Julian was so paranoid about being exposed that when Surowiec suspected a connection between you and one of the operatives, they decided you had to go. First came the now defunct old klutz, Wheezer. Then Julian decided to do it himself. Fast forward to the night of the party where he planned to give you a blast of a goodbye until something unthinkable happened. During the evening Julian came to the conclusion you had no idea who he was, and therefore you were no threat. Second, who arrives unexpected and unannounced but the man with the million-dollar price on his head? Julian made a quick decision, waved goodbye, and changed the order du jour, the explosive being installed on Gino’s Audi was now transferred to a very unique car. Kalinda’s DeLorean. On the passenger side because everyone knew where the target would sit. I’m sure you figured out the rest. Kalinda received a business call. She left, and the passenger stayed behind. By then Julian was happily driving to the Ritz Carlton where his bride awaited. When you see the missed target, you can thank him for involuntarily saving your life and that of your friends. Miss Calvi? Are you there?”
“I am.” She had trouble talking. “I’m…I feel…you don’t mind if I hang up, do you?”
“Huum, no. I was told to expect many questions. No?”
“Told? Who told you? Who?”
“I didn’t mean to get you upset, but I see your point. Let’s say goodbye.” And just like that he was gone. She instinctively started to redial the number then came to her senses and stopped. Redialing Madrid’s number wasn’t going to get her any closer to talking to Diego. She sat starring at the wall for a minute or a lifetime…until Margo showed up, all sleepy and looking for coffee.
It was noon when someone rang the doorbell. Margo went to open. A young man delivering flowers.
She called out, “Mina, get down here, looks like your mystery man is back from vacation or wherever the hell he was.”
She nearly killed herself running down the stairs “Yes?” She smiled at the youngster.
“You Margo Swift?” He popped his bubble gum, offered the clipboard for her signature.
“No. I–that’s not me.” She put her hands on her chest and stepped away. She couldn’t handle Margo’s squeals of joy. The flowers were from Gino, one red rose for each day they spent together, or something like that. Margo read the note that came with the roses out loud.
Mina sat on her bed next to Aria, facing the window and watching the delivery van drive away.
She sighed. Time to get to work. There was a house to be bought, kittens to be saved, and a life to be lived. With or without him.
~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Grazie for reading Ashes of Autumn!
As I write this note for Ashes of Autumn, the fourth book in the Mina’s series, a lot is going through my mind. Readers often ask me what would happen next and when I tell them I don’t know, I’m telling the truth. By now, Mina, Diego, De Fiore, all my main characters have become such a part of me that at times I start writing something and I end up with a totally different story. Such was the case for Ashes of Autumn. It was a very difficult story to write because regardless of the direction I wanted to go, I always ended up around that darn Laguna Canyon cottage. I don’t have a title for the next book, but do know there is one coming and I’m as intrigued as you are to see where it will take us.
If you have questions or suggestions,
I welcome the feedback. That’s the best way for an author to grow. So, do share your thoughts, good or bad, they are welcome. You can write to me at [email protected]
If you’re the type of reader who doesn’t like to get too close and personal, would you consider writing a review of Ashes of Autumn? More and more authors are dependent on readers like you to keep our writing life relevant. Thanks again for taking the time to read and review my book, here is a link: myBook.to/ashesofautumn
Mille grazie
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Other books in the Mina’s Adventure Series
LOVE THY SISTER
is the first book of the Mina’s Adventures series:
In Love Thy Sister Italian-born Mina Calvi lives in a mansion in idyllic Orange County, California with her protective older sister, Paola. Unemployed again and aimless, Mina can’t seem to find her niche in her adopted country, but confusion and restlessness soon become the least of her problems. Someone is stealing from the software business owned by Paola and her husband, losses so great the business is sinking like the Titanic. And the strange death of a company employee turns out to be murder. Then, while, facing a loss so terrible she can’t bear it, Mina discovers an old family secret that turns her world upside down. There’s some solace in the arms of her blue-eyed lover, amateur sleuth Brian Starr, but danger still stalks her at every turn, edging closer and closer as Mina tries to untangle the web of lies, adultery and treachery, and put her life back together.
BOSOM BODIES
Ashes of Autumn (Mina's Adventures Book 4) Page 17
