Page 44 of Deception

One more spot checked. Not caught.

It’s a bit disappointing to check another search off my list with nothing to show for it. Until I study the photo I took. Despite the crinkled edges, it’s still in good condition.

Most of the faces are strangers, run of the mill men and women, all dressed nicely.

But there in the back row, almost unnoticeable…

That hairline. Those eyes. That nose.

I realize I haven’t taken a breath and gasp.

It couldn’t be my brother. Not Giorgio. It must be someone else.

My brain can't reconcile that he would be anywhere with these men, with these terrible people.

Shaken, I close my phone and pace my room for a few minutes, wringing my hands.

There has to be an explanation.

And I need to know right now if Giorgio knew Alessandro. Ineedto know if the man I am staying with—the man I am developing feelings for—killed my sibling.

“There’s gotta be something. Some evidence here, dammit!” I hiss, running my fingers through my hair.

The simplicity of my plan, trailing them to a vacation home seems so foolish, now.

Plus, all this sneaking around is wearing thin, making my time here stressful. I have to rise early, go to bed late, sneak around in the dark of night and hope that the staff doesn't catch me doing so.

Something snaps inside of me.

I have to get into Adriano’s room.

Two steps down toward the landing I get a thrill, hearing two male voices coming from the game room.

“You keep practicing and maybe one day you'll beat me, Alessandro.”

“Bullshit. I was drunk and I want a rematch.”

“Fine. I’ll even let you break.” The pool balls clack, echoing up through the house.

“Thanks, I was going to.”

The pop of the balls breaking sends me scurrying toward the east wing door. It’s now or never.

I slow as I reach for the doorknob and to my surprise, it’s not closed all the way.

“Deep breaths, Isa,” I whisper, praying the door doesn’t creak. “Calm. Get in, get out.”

Slipping inside, I push the door closed in case Carla or Ava pass by.

Inside it’s dim, light coming into the hallway from a window at the end of the walk. Two doors on each side are closed, except for the far door.

Otherwise, it's like a time capsule from more than twenty years ago.

Photos of a family, more than two generations in some, decorate the walls. An old buffet houses frames filled with pictures of couples, children.

Alessandro is front and center, his beaming smile catching me off guard.

He was adorable.

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