Page 90 of Gin & Trouble

“Where is that exactly?”

“Off the coast of Sicily.” I glanced at the flight attendant and caught her staring with her mouth hanging open.

Making a mental note to pick my words more carefully, I said, “It’s a good thing. I’ll be safe. My plane’s delayed, but I am meetingourcousin in Trapani. He’s taking me by boat to the island.”

“Our cousin?” She went quiet. “Oh. You’re speaking in code?”

“Yep. Giancarlo is meeting me at the docks. Can you let Mia know I’m okay?”

“Mia is your sister, right? Where is her number?” Iris seemed to catch on quick.

“My phone’s dead so I can’t access it.” I hated, and I mean, hated to share my login information with anyone, but I trusted her. “You can get it by signing into the Apple cloud. Use my personal email and the password is CaptainMarvelRocks345. Look for a 318 area code.”

“Got it. You want me to tell her where you are going, right?”

I remembered the weird conversation I’d had with my sister after I’d picked up Enzo’s DNA results. “Actually, no. Just tell her I’m safe and will be in touch as soon as I can.”

The flight attendant waved her hands. “He’s coming.”

“I have to go, Iris. But thank you.” I hung up and hurried to my seat.

She gave me a quick nod and busied herself in the small kitchen area. “You really should eat.”

My stomach shriveled at the thought of food. “Fruit or something light, please.”

The pilot walked through the door, wearing a no-nonsense expression. “Ladies. You might as well make yourselves comfortable. Looks like we’re going to be here for a couple of hours, at least.”

“I think I’ll go freshen up and get a nap.” I stood and made a show of stretching. Long flight, stiff muscles. No sense in alerting him I’d gotten out of my seat while he was gone.

“I’ll serve your snack in the master suite.” The flight attendant smiled too wide.

I never got around to eating the sandwich and fruit she’d left for me. After a quick shower, I’d zonked out so hard I slept through takeoff and landing.

By the time I stepped off the plane in Trapani, the sun sat high in a cloudless sky. The winds blowing off the sea were chilly while on land. However, I had a feeling I’d need something heavier than Dante’s T-shirt if I wanted to remain on deck once we hit open waters.

“Here. Take this or you’ll catch a cold.” The flight attendant handed me a windbreaker.

“Thank you.” It fit like a Hefty bag, but it provided some warmth.

I’d only made it a few feet when the pilot joined me on the tarmac.

Holding a phone to his ear, he motioned for me to wait. “Yes, sir. I understand.” He glanced at me before turning away to continue his conversation.

I squinted at the two dark sedans parked near the plane but I couldn’t see the drivers through the tinted windows. When I’d deplaned, I’d assumed one of the cars was there to take me to the harbor, but the longer we stood there, the more I wondered what the hell was going on.

It dawned on me that I was home, or as close to it as I’d been since my father’s funeral. Being back in Sicily didn’t give me the warm fuzzy feeling it should have. No. Standing out in the open sent a chill through me.

I glanced at the airport employees milling about. It didn’t matter we were in Lazio territory. Any one of them could be a spy for my brother.

I’m too exposed here.

I motioned to the pilot and turned to the stairs. As much as I hated the thought of getting back on that infernal plane, I couldn’t risk someone recognizing me.

Dropping his phone in his pocket, he nodded to an approaching SUV.

The vehicle came to a quick stop and the driver’s side door opened.

I’d expected my cousin Giancarlo or one of his men, but never in a million years did I think Dante would step out of the SUV.

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