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I’m relieved. I’ve been thinking she and Elio were the type to share every little intimate detail.
“I would warn you that if you glean anything coming down the pike that could impact the family, you should let Elio know.”
I nod. I don’t like the idea that I’d betray Henry by revealing legal moves by the police to my brother, but since Henry doesn’t tell me anything like that anyway, I doubt it will be a problem.
“Of course.” The family comes first. I know that.
My phone rings, and my heart jumps hoping it’s Henry. Instead, I see a number I don’t recognize. Normally, I’d ignore it, except with Elio and Matteo out, it’s possible they’re involvedwith something that would have them calling from a burner device.
“Hello?”
"Ms. D'Amato? This is Officer Jenkins from Chicago PD."
I swallow hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yes?"
"I'm calling about Matteo Moretti. He's been in an accident."
Worry fills me, and I rise from the couch to leave the room. "What happened? Is he alright?"
“He’s being seen by paramedics on the scene, but he’s refusing transport to the hospital. He asked that we call you to come get him.”
“Okay. What about his partner, Elio D’Amato?”
“He’s not here.”
Where is Elio?
“I’m on my way.” My mind reels as I hang up and then dial Elio’s number. I’m trying to keep it together, but I’m having flashbacks to Lazaro’s disappearance. “Pick up, Elio.” His phone goes to voicemail.
“What’s wrong?” Piper has come to the foyer, obviously sensing something is wrong.
“Matteo was in an accident.”
Her expression is stricken. “Elio?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know. He’s not there and doesn’t answer his phone. I’m going to get Matteo.”
“I’ll come with you. Diana will stay. She and Elysse?—”
“No. You need to be here in case Elio returns. Call Dr. Evans as well in case Matteo will need medical attention.”
She nods but looks as terrified as I feel. I want to comfort her, but I know bad things happen to families like ours.
“Where are you going?” she asks.
I give her the area Officer Jenkins told me outside of town. “I could be an hour or so.”
“Be careful,” she says as I grab my purse and head to the garage to get a car. I consider having a driver take me, but I don’t want to show up with an entourage and make the cops suspicious.
I grab a dark sedan and head out into the dark streets of Chicago. I’m trying to shake off the sensation that I'm right back where I was three years ago, frantically searching for Lazaro. Only this time, it will be Elio who's missing.
My mind works to piece together what could have happened. What were they doing tonight? Why didn't Elio tell me what they were up to?
I start to reach for my phone to call Henry, but my hand freezes. Certainly, Matteo and Elio were dealing with the less savory side of business. I can’t ask Henry to come be a part of that. He's already risking so much by being with me.
My eyes fill with tears as the reminder of why Henry and I will never have what Elio and Piper have hits home. No matter how much we care for each other, there will always be parts of my life I have to keep hidden from him. At moments like this, when I could use his support, I can't reach out.
I blink back tears, forcing myself to watch the road. Matteo needs me. Elio needs me. I can't afford to fall apart now.
