Page 93 of Capuleto

"The dead guy?"

"It’s a posthumous article. According to what I read, he sent it to the editorial office to be published today."

"Even from hell, he doesn’t stop being a pain in the ass. Is it serious?"

"We’ve had better days."

"I’ll read it later; I’m arriving at the café. Stop by the house when you’re done and bring me what you’ve discovered."

"Alright, boss. Be careful."

"I always am."

Andrea was waiting for me with a grin from ear to ear. We exchanged a couple of kisses and entered the café to the tune of her compliments.

She ordered a Rooibos infusion with berries and a glass of ice. I ordered a black coffee, though chamomile would have been better to calm my nerves.

A call from Romeo made my phone vibrate on the table.

"Where the hell are you?!" His tone was angry. My pulse quickened, and I immediately went on guard.

"I’m meeting Andrea for coffee. Why?" The said woman gave me one of her smiles.

"Because you left the estate without being seen! I got home and, seeing you weren’t there and no one knew where to find you..."

"I’m sorry, I didn’t think I needed to put up banners or explain myself to anyone. I took a taxi because I didn’t feel like driving," I said, irritated.

"My men could have taken you! Or yours!" he huffed, annoyed.

"It’s not that big of a deal."

"Do I need to remind you that you were kidnapped not long ago and that we could have died last night?!"

I stood up from the table and walked away so Andrea wouldn’t hear me.

"I’m not a fucking coward, and I refuse to live in fear."

"That’s not the point, amore," he lowered his tone. "It’s just about being careful. You could have at least taken Andrey."

"I have him working." I didn’t want to give too many explanations, so I changed the subject. "How did it go with your father?" I asked, switching topics.

"You can imagine... He’s fuming, convinced that Huang lied to us."

"And what do you think?"

"I haven’t changed my mind. Tell me where you are, I’ll come to get you."

"I’m going to visit a place with Andrea."

"A place?"

"Yes, I’ll tell you about it. We have the visit in fifteen minutes."

"That’s enough time for me to get there. Don’t you dare move until I arrive."

"Alright," I replied, annoyed.

"I love you, amore. See you soon."

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