Page 40 of Twisted Obsession

With that focus came an idea.

‘How about we order you in a new dress today? I think a dark, conservative one would be for the best.’

‘What a good idea. Yes, I believe it would.’ I watched her nod and force a small smile.

‘Shall I get a couple delivered here this morning for you to take your pick? I know my taste isn’t quite yours.’ I shrugged an almost apology.

‘That would be fine, Giovanna. As you know, I think you do conservative very well.’

I managed to repel the backhanded compliment and even carry on smiling at her. ‘I’ll make a few phone calls while you eat breakfast. I’m sure they could be delivered by late morning. Then you could pick one to wear this afternoon?’

‘That’s a wonderful idea. Well done, Giovanna.’

I smiled and made my way out of her room as quickly as I could, before the bile I could feel rising forced its way from my mouth. I had lied to her; her husband wasn’t part of my planstoday. But it had to be said, so far Dante’s plan was going well. The only part we both felt was weak was the fact we had to get the gates opened to my family home for me to drive away.

Having arranged for some dresses to be delivered, it appeared I had hopefully filled in the gap.

Moving away from her rooms, I made my way to my own. As I walked, I took in the fact I heard no footfall behind me. The audible sigh I released was one of relief and satisfaction.

It seemed the dutiful mafia princess act was even working on Lorenzo and Paulo, who were nowhere in sight for the first time in days. Before seeing to my mama’s breakfast, I had cooked them up everything imaginable, as I offered my thanks to them for their devotion and protection. At first Paulo had seemed wary of my intentions, but as he finally sat down to eat, I gave them a breakdown of my plans for the day, by way of an apology. I’d added in that I was aware of how difficult I’d been the past few days and had realised that if I wanted to visit Mia, I needed to show Salvatore that I was mature enough to recognise how childish I’d been and wanted to make amends.

By the time he’d watched me making my mama her favourite breakfast, he and Lorenzo had been sat at the large kitchen table enjoying their feast and downing yet another cup of espresso.

Entering my room, I found my phone and searched for a couple of the more expensive boutiques in Calabria that my mama used; the ones I hated being pulled into. Finding the numbers I needed I took a screenshot, then picking up the heavy receiver off the hook, I dialled the numbers needed and placed the phone to my ear.

‘Good morning.’ I looked fleetingly at the time on my watch. It was just after nine.

‘Buongiorno, Signorina,’ the assistant replied with a bored tone.

‘This is Giovanna De Luca.’

I didn’t think I would ever get used to the way using my name made people sit up and take notice. But for once I was going to take advantage of it.

I went on to explain, in a friendly yet assertive tone, what I wanted and just what they needed to do to keep my mama’s custom. At least three dresses in her size, in darker respectful colours had to be delivered to our home at ten this morning on the dot. Upon their agreement, I’d then phoned the other boutique and repeated my request.

At last, with my deed done, I replaced the receiver back onto its cradle and rubbed at the ache in my wrist from pushing the phone so close to my ear.

‘Now to check my emails.’ I spoke out loud to myself.

Sitting down quickly on my bed I scrolled through my phone, and almost couldn’t contain my squeal of excitement to find the reply.

Dear Giovanna

I can understand your frustration with Schumann’s Toccata, but in time I know you will conquer it. I can, however, see you in my rooms at five this afternoon, and we can discuss the way forward.

Kind regards

Marcus Walten

Professor of Music

I replied quickly and accepted the appointment and forwarded it to Salvatore. Then, taking a deep breath, I called my eldest brother.

‘Ciao, Gi. Are you okay?’

‘Ciao. I am, but I’m not.’

‘No?’ His voice held concern.

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