Page 142 of Milo

"Yup," I say, chugging the shitty grape water. "And she basically insinuated that it was me."

"She said that?" Julia asks, setting down her glass. "She said it was you?"

"No, but she hinted at it. It was very subtle, but I caught it right away.” I slump into the couch. "If Milo doesn't nip this in the bud, I don't see how anyone is ever going to trust me."

Luisa bites her lip. "This is not good, Kiara. To be accused of being a mole, it never works out well."

"Yeah, I know! Plus, I'm new and I'm with Milo and he's told me things, but like how conniving and diabolical does she think I am? Would people honestly believe that I was at the bank on purpose? That I somehow lured Milo to my till? He could've chosen fucking Evie! That was his decision. And why would I shoot Andre if I was working for the Russians? Huh? That makes no sense at all!" My eyes spring open. "Oh my God!"

"What?" Julia asks, blinking. "What is it?"

"Andre!" I say, jumping off the couch, my head spinning. "I can go ask Andre if Vittoria is lying or not. As far as I know, he's still in the basement."

"Kiara—"

I clap my hands at my brilliant idea. "Yes, this is perfect. I'll go down there and get him to confirm my theory, that Vittoria is a lying bitch." I purse my lips in thought. "Where's Teresa?"

"I don't think that is a good idea, Kiara," Luisa says. "He is dangerous. Do not go alone."

"Then come with me," I say, cocking my head to the side and yanking on her arm. "Girl power, let's go!"

"I think you need to calm down, cara," Julia hums, giving me a worried stare. "Maybe you need to sleep."

"I agree with Julia," Luisa says, her eyebrows knitting together. "You have had an emotional day. You are not thinking clearly. Go rest, Kiara."

"You know what? You're right.” It would seem as though I'm on my own. "I think I'll go take a nap. Sleep it off."

"That is a good idea," Julia says. "I will wake you when dinner is ready, yes?"

"Thanks," I say in a warm tone, heading out of the living room. Glancing over my shoulder to make sure they're not watching me, I duck into the adjacent room and dart to the kitchen, following the smell of Italian cuisine. Teresa hovers over a pot of aromatic pasta sauce as I enter the kitchen. "Hi, Teresa."

She jumps, grabbing her chest. "Signorina, you scare me."

"Sorry.” I lean against the counter, scanning her plump face. "Teresa, I need the keys to the basement."

She frowns. "The basement?"

"Yes, to the room you bring food.” I’m not sure how much she knows. "I need the keys to the room. Please."

Conflict flashes across her face. "I am not supposed to?—"

I put my left hand on her forearm, making sure she sees the ring. "It's fine, Teresa. I grant you permission."

She blinks at the glistening diamond. "Oh, congratulations, Signorina!" she exclaims, smiling up at me. "One moment, I will be back."

"Grazie," I say, tapping my nails on the counter as she scurries to the back room.

Scanning the cutting station, my gaze lands on a small fillet knife. Hmm. Perhaps some form of protection would be wise. After all, he is a rapist and a murderer. I shouldn't just go in unarmed. Opening one of the wooden drawers, I take out a sharp knife and slide up my sleeve, blade down.

Teresa returns a moment later, keys in hand. "Be careful, yes?"

With the icy metal of the Chef's knife pressed against my forearm, I know I'll be just fine.

Chapter 37

No More Tears

Doing a quick Google search on my way down to the basement, I learn that there are three rules to talking to a psychopath. Number one: Establish boundaries and don't get manipulated. Basically, stand your ground. Number two: Remain calm and don't give them the satisfaction of a reaction. Number three: Stay focused on the goal at hand, don't get distracted by diversion tactics.

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