Page 21 of Code Name: Dante

Fantastic news,I responded.

Removing the rest of what was stored. Where should we take it?

My first inclination was to say to bring it here, but that would be a unilateral decision made without asking Lark her opinion. “Hold up,” I said to Tank before racing downstairs to deliver the news.

I rapped on the partially open bedroom door. “I have news,” I said when she pulled it open and her eyes widened. “The safe has been recovered. No damage.”

She breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank God.”

“One of the crew still in Gloversville asked where to take the rest of the things recovered.”

“Err, I’m not sure. That safe is huge. Maybe they could just remove the contents. Then, I don’t know. Maybe take it to Gram’s house?”

“Would you rather they bring it here?”

She cocked her head and grinned. “This is really hard for you, isn’t it?”

I smiled. “Honestly, torturous.”

“So, if I allowed you to make the decision, what would you recommend?”

“It would be safe here.”

“Good thinking, Alessandro. I agree. See? That wasn’t so bad.”

I shook my head and chuckled. “Is it keyed or combination?” I asked.

“Both.” She gave me the code and told me where they could find the key, then surprised me by stepping forward and pressing a light kiss to my cheek. “Be safe,” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. “And come back.”

I stood frozen for a moment, the warmth of her lips lingering on my skin. By the time I found my voice, she had already turned away, moving to rejoin Alice’s and her grandmother’s voices down the hall. There were so many things I wanted to say, but the right words escaped me. Instead, I returned to the main level and followed Tank out to the SUV.

8

LARK

By the time I got upstairs, Alessandro was already in the vehicle. I watched it disappear down the winding drive until the trees swallowed it from view. The late-afternoon sun came through the window, but despite its warmth, I shivered.

“Tea?” Alice appeared beside me, two steaming mugs in hand. The familiar scent of my own Matcha blend was comforting.

“Thanks.” I wrapped my hands around the warm ceramic, trying to ground myself in its solid comfort. “Is Gram settled in okay?”

“Fast asleep in the downstairs bedroom. The stress of the morning must have worn her out.” Alice leaned against the railing. “I’m glad you’re both here, Lark.”

“I appreciate this so much,” I said, following her over to the floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the lake.

“I heard someone say there was a flood in the coffee shop basement.”

I nodded, sipping my tea and taking in the peaceful scene before us. “There was. But, according to Alessandro, they were able to recover what was stored down there. I think someone might bring it here later. I hope that’s okay.”

“Of course it is,” she said, nudging me, but not enough that the hot liquid in my cup spilled. “So, what was down there?”

“So much. Historical documents, glove patterns, and I’m not sure what else. Alessandro knew how important it was to me and to Gram.”

“He understands how much your family’s history means to you both,” Alice said softly.

“He does,” I agreed, remembering the intensity always evident in his eyes, regardless of what we were talking about. It was hard to reconcile that care with the stories I’d grown up hearing about his family. But, again, he wasn’t just his family name, any more than I was mine.

Alice touched my arm gently. “You can talk to me about him. You know, if you’re trying to sort through your feelings. I had a hard time admitting how I felt about Pershing, even to myself. Honestly, the two men aren’t that different.”

---