Page 56 of Lorenzo

His expression shifts again. “Even to ask whether this is connected?”

“If it is, asking directly may only make them more cautious. Let them believe we accepted the scheduling explanation.”

“All right.”

“Send me updates if anyone else asks about Alessio, especially if they connect him to responsibilities he has never had.”

“I will.”

He turns toward the door, then stops.

“Lorenzo.”

I look up.

“Is there something I’m supposed to know?”

His question is careful rather than intrusive. Brennan manages relationships for the company. Unexplained concern from vendors affects his ability to do his job.

“Alessio’s arrest has nothing to do with Conti Enterprises,” I say. “That is what you need to know.”

He gives me a measured nod.

“Understood.”

After he leaves, I look down at the folder again.

The vendors are confused about Alessio’s role.

Brennan is confused about their questions.

The only person who appears to understand why they are asking has yet to introduce himself.

I remain at my desk for another moment.

On my screen, the report waits exactly where I left it, full of problems with simple explanations and solutions.

This is different.

A murder accusation against my son should have nothing to do with invoices, vendors, or scheduled meetings. It should remain where it belongs—with the police, Julian, Donna, and the person who arranged the evidence against him.

Instead, it has entered the legal part of the business before Alessio has even been charged.

That may be fear moving through the business community.

It may be the first part of the reason someone chose to frame him.

I stand and take the folder.

My office is on the same floor as Mario’s, separated by the central administrative area and several conference rooms. The walk is short, but it gives me enough time to observe more than I would from behind my desk.

People greet me as I pass.

No one avoids my eyes.

A conversation near the printers stops for a second, then resumes when I continue walking.

That's not completely out of the ordinary.