Page 59 of Capuleto

"The doctor told you to better use the whiteboard if you want to communicate and not to strain your throat," he scolded. He nodded his head affirmatively and wrote:

My father said he would come by at eleven, he must be almost here. Go home with Andrey. I'll be fine.

I saw her hesitate, though she ended up agreeing. She stood up, came over to me, took the bag I had brought her, and went straight to the bathroom.

Once she had disappeared, I felt uncomfortable staying alone with her husband. I didn't know what to say or do.

"Tell her I'll be waiting in the café, I need a double coffee." He nodded but stopped me to whisper, "Take care of her." "Don't worry, sir, I would give my life for your wife, I owe her what I am." I saw his expression relax instantly. "Get well."

Twenty minutes later, my boss occupied the stool next to me. She ordered a coffee and a toast.

"Why didn't you go straight to see Aleksa?" she reproached.

"Who says I didn't?" She waited for me to speak, and when I didn't, she insisted.

"What happened?"

"I arrived ten hours late, Aleksa found comfort." She opened her eyes surprised.

"How?"

"Relax, it's okay. I'm not made to be in a relationship." My boss sighed.

"What crap! You know what? I'm tired of being kept in the dark.

"Has something happened?" I asked as I saw her hit the bar.

"A lot has happened. I don't trust anyone, Andrey. Only you," the statement set off all my alarms. "I need to talk to you, but not here. Someone could be listening." I looked around worriedly. "Let me have breakfast and meanwhile, find out where Adriano's grandparents live. I have a promise to keep and you know I'm a woman of my word."

"Of course, allow me to make a couple of calls."

I let her eat in peace while I phoned my contacts. It wasn't going to be difficult to find the address. If she hadn't asked her husband, she had her reasons.

"I have it."

I waved the notebook with the address.

"I'm done."

She wiped her lips, clearing away the few crumbs that dotted them. Half a toast was still on the plate, but she had finished the coffee.

"Aren't you going to finish it?"

"I have enough carbs to last the morning. Being a bit hungry always helps me stay crankier. Do you have enough intimidating weapons in the car?"

"The doubt offends."

"Then let's go. Along the way, I'll tell you what's going on, and get ready, because nothing here is what it seems."

25

Divine justice

EPalo neighborhood was located in the eastern district of the capital of Malaga, 8.7 km from the city center. At first glance, it was a simple humble neighborhood by the beach, its strong fishing tradition was evident, and part of the economy was focused on gastronomy, just as it was in any coastal area.

The building, where Adriano's grandparents were presumed to live, had a bar next to the entrance. The smell of frying permeated the entire street. I wrinkled my nose and wondered if my suit would pick up the scent.

I rang the doorbell several times in haste. Andrey stood by my side, watching the people gathering on the bar's terrace. A woman's voice responded after a short while.

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