Page 29 of Light Me Up

“Who are these people?” Lella barked. His speech was slightly distorted by his damaged lips.

“Captain Lella, this is Mr. Noah Gallagher and Ms. Caro Bishop,” Morelli said. “They are the friends of Asa Stone. The last minute additions to the guest list that I mentioned yesterday evening.”

“Ah. Yes. And Stone vouched for them? You checked their credentials?”

“Yes, of course,” Morelli assured him. “Everything is fine.”

Once again, Noah fought to control the urge to push Caro to the ground, out of the line of fire. What the fuck…?He didn’t understand his own reaction to the man.

Lella studied Noah for a moment, then turned back to his laptop, waving them away with a weary gesture. “Fine,” he growled. “I authorize them. Go.”

Noah kept Caro close to him as they followed Morelli out of the room.

There was something off about the strained glitter in Lella’s functioning eye. Then again, he’d been through whatever hell had caused those terrible injuries. Prolonged, unimaginable pain. Probably PTSD. He had the vibe of a person under incredible, relentless stress.

People pushed to the breaking pointwere dangerous.

“You served under Captain Lella, right?” Noah asked Morelli as they walked. “Battaglionedi San Marco?”

Morelli’s eyebrows shot up. He hesitated. “I did,” he admitted. “Years ago. You are very well informed,Mr. Gallagher.”

“Did he get those injuriesin the field?”

“Yes. He was captured five years ago by VIRIS, a splinter group of terrorist extremists. They held him for months in Northern Africa. They filmed his torture. Posted thevideos online.”

“That’s hideous.” Caro’s mouth was tight. He knew that she was seeing Lella’s agony, visualized in vivid and excruciating detail. There was no safety filter on that particular function in her mind. Naked empathy to the utmost, no matter the cost.

“He was rescued, but he had suffered terribly,” Morelli went on. “His military career was over, but after his recovery, Signor Folti invited him to be his head of security.”

“I see,”Noah murmured.

Morelli was silent for a moment, his mouth grim. “Captain Lella was the best commanding officer a soldier could have,” he said. “Folti is fortunate to have him.”

Noah nodded. Morelli’s respect for his captain was sincere, he’d give the man that much, but it was time for a change of subject. “How is it that an agent of the AISE is involved with security for a private event like this?” he asked.

Morelli seemed surprised at the question. “Captain Lella requested my help as a personal favor,” he replied. “I was honored to be asked. There are several high profile international figures in politics and business on the guest list, so the security issues are complex. I wasglad to help.”

“I imagine so,” Noah said. “How doyou know Asa?”

Morelli’s smile remained unreadable. “So many questions! I met Asa years ago, when I was still in the military. Our paths crossed in Africa.”

“Just…crossed?” Noah waited. There had to be more. Because Asa.

A shadow went over Morelli’s face. “He saved my life,” he admitted. “And my men’s lives, all of them.Single-handedly, and at great risk to himself. I owe him a debt I can never repay.” His smile returned to full wattage. “Which is why you arehere tonight.”

“Right,” Noah said.

“So.” Morelli’s voice turned brisk. “We are good, now that Lella has authorized you. You are free to explore the grounds, but please do not go to the east wing until the ceremony is about to begin, as the staff is busy there with last minute preparations. You have seats at my table at dinner, and an excellent orchestra will play for us, so if the Signora Gallagher would be so kind as to promise me a dance—”

“No,” Noah said.

Morelli blinked innocently.“Mi scusi?”

“We’re on our honeymoon.” Noah showed teeth. “Her dancesare all mine.”

Forevermore, you flirtatious fuckhead.

“Ah. Of course.” Morelli looked like he was trying not to smile. “Then I will see you in the Sala dell’Annunziata at seven-thirty. I suggest a stroll through the garden in the meantime. The flowers, the reflecting pool…very beautiful.” He gave Noah a sideways look. “I am sure a romantic gentleman like yourself will enjoy it. Especially in such pleasant company.”

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