In For the Kill (McClouds & Friends #11)(88)

“Oh, we’ve known each other for decades,” Hazlett said. “Illuxit has partnered with TorreStark for years. We organized the clinical trials of all of their latest revolutionary cancer care drugs. Renato and I have also been close personal friends for many years. When I turned my attention toward philanthropy, he drew my attention to you, Svetlana.” He patted Renato’s shoulder. “You have him to thank for all this.” He gestured around at the glittering throng, the candlelit hall.

“Ah.” Sveti’s eyes flicked to Sam. His face was grim. “Well, then,” she said awkwardly to Renato. “Thank you. I suppose.”

“No need.” Renato wiped his eyes and gave her a brave smile. “It’s the least I could do, for Sonia.” Renato squeezed her hand. “She adored you, cara. She was so proud of you. How you’d come through your ordeal triumphant. How you rose above it. Just magnificent.”

Her jaw throbbed. Who was this *, to know about her ordeals? The details of her past were private, to say nothing of her mother’s opinion of them. Mama’s pride and adoration might have been better directed by paying more attention to her daughter.

She could not bring herself to smile. She tried to pull her hand back. Renato clutched it tighter.

“So many times I wanted to approach you,” he said earnestly. “You’re the only person who could understand how unique she was. But I hesitated to contact you. I was afraid to open old wounds.”

Oh, puh-leeze. Her hand shook with the urge to yank it back.

“She is buried in the Torregrossa family mausoleum, at Villa Rosalba,” Renato said. “I could take you there, if you like.”

That information made her vibrate like a plucked string. She had a vague sense of having known that fact, once, and then deliberately forgetting it. She nodded. “Yes,” she said quietly. “I would like that.”

“I’m staying at the Villa Rosalba myself, in fact,” Hazlett said. “Renato is always my gracious host when I’m in Italy. Stunning place.”

“Svetlana, why don’t you come and stay, too?” Renato asked. “It would be lovely to have you! You could see where your mother—”

“No,” Sam broke in.

Renato blinked, his face going blank. He was noticing Sam’s existence for the first time. “I beg your pardon?”

“Sure, you’re pardoned,” Sam said. “But no. She’s not staying anywhere, with anyone but me right now.”

“But I . . .” Renato broke off. “I hope you aren’t insinuating—”

“Nope, not insinuating anything,” Sam said smoothly. “But no.”

“Sam!” Sveti hissed. “Please! Hang on to yourself!”

Sam shot her a look that scared her.

Hazlett put a hand on Renato’s arm. “Svetlana was violently attacked a few days ago,” he explained. “Her companion is feeling understandably protective.”

Renato’s eyes widened. “Santo cielo! I can guarantee that my home would be absolutely secure, however.”

“Why not come by tomorrow?” Hazlett suggested.

“We have plans,” Sam said blandly.

Sveti looked at him, disoriented. “Ah, we have . . . what?”

“Remember?” he said softly. “Our big ice-cream date?”

Oh, God, yes. She pressed a hand to her forehead, feeling queasy.

“Excuse me?” Renato said, his voice chilly. “Ice cream?”

“You are invited to Villa Rosalba, too, Mr. Petrie, of course,” Hazlett said, after an insultingly long pause. “If that is the issue.”

“No, it’s not,” he said. “And I’ll be sticking to her twenty-four /seven, no matter where she gets invited. It’s just that Sveti and I had plans for tomorrow. A little romantic getaway.”

Hazlett gestured at the panorama of sea, the fading streak of sunset, the mountains towering up. “Is this not romantic enough for you?” he said, his voice jovial. “Where are you going?”

“It’s a secret,” Sam said. “A memory from my childhood.”

“Perhaps visiting her mother’s grave might take precedence over your sentimental jaunt for gelato?” Renato’s voice was acid.

Sam’s eyebrows went up. “I suppose it might. Sveti? Your call.”

Oh, great. Put her on the spot. She just looked at him, lost.

“Sveti and I’ll talk about this in private, and get back to you,” Sam said smoothly.

Renato turned to Sveti. “I loved your mother, Svetlana. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to get to know you. So, Michael? Shall we introduce her to the Hallerbachs first, or Lucia Rutigliano? I’ve been working on Conrad Hallerbach all week. At this point, he’s expecting a celestial visitation.”

They swept Sveti off between them with Sam close on their heels.

The evening passed like a feverish dream. Her eyes swam, in the shimmering blur of candlelight. She met so many people, shook so many hands, was kissed on the cheek endlessly. She noticed food and wine in front of her at one point, but could not eat any. Michael Hazlett recounted her abduction and rescue story to everyone he introduced her to. She felt paraded naked through the crowd, her horrific tale offered up like a calling card. But she kept it together, like always. She felt like a remote-controlled robot, her emotions miles away—but for one.