Page 20 of Tessa's Trust

Nick shook his head. “Rory, you need to know—”

“I already know,” Rory said quietly.

I jolted. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve already seen the apartment. Called Detective Pierce and found out what was going on.” Rory still watched Nick. “Heard about the dead body in Silverville, as well.”

My mouth gaped. “How? Hey, wait a minute. How’d you get into my apartment? I locked it.”

He didn’t bother answering me. Man, he had some wicked skills that I didn’t understand. We had pretty much decided he worked for either Homeland Security or the CIA as some sort of spy or operative or whatever, and we knew not to ask questions because he wouldn’t answer them, so it probably wasn’t a surprise that he’d broken into my place.

I was somewhat taken aback that Detective Pierce had spoken so freely, though. “I didn’t know you and Grant were close.”

“We get along just fine,” Rory said. “Are you staying to help today, Basanelli?”

“No.” Amusement tilted Nick’s lips. “I have trial prep, but it was really nice seeing you again, Albertini.” Then, with a wink at me, he jumped back into his SUV and drove slowly away from the curb.

Rory shook his head. “What are you doing? That guy’s not going to settle down.”

I wanted to stomp my foot, but I also didn’t want to act like a two-year-old. “I didn’t ask him to settle down. Mind your own damn business.” With that very perfect response, I pushed him back. This time, he let me.

I opened the outside door just as a truck rumbled down the street and slid to a stop right in front of the diner. I paused and looked to see a 1970 Chevy with hay mingled with snow in the bed.

“Hey there,” Bobbo said, jumping out. The truck actually jerked when he lifted his bulk out and slammed the door.

I blinked. “Bobbo, what are you doing here?”

His smile was wide. Today, he wore a black pair of overalls with a white-and-lime-green-checked shirt beneath it. “Your nonna called. Said you needed help moving and wanted me to come.”

I swallowed. “She did?” She knew I wasn’t interested in Bobbo.

“Yeah. Said to make sure I dropped by and told Basanelli that I got this.” Bobbo shook his head, and snow flew off his thick hair. “He wasn’t at the office yet, so I just left a note. Can you believe it?” He jerked his head at Rory. “It’s almost eight in the morning, and the guy’s not at work. I mean, come on. I’ve been up since four.”

“Me, too.” Rory looked at me, then Bobbo, then me again.

I shook my head. “Nonna.” That was all I said.

“Fantastic,” Rory muttered.

Bobbo scrubbed both hands down his beefy face. “I heard about Rudy. I didn’t know the guy, but it sucks that he was killed at Sadie’s old place. I’m sure you didn’t do it, Tessa.”

“Um, thanks.” Did anybody think I’d killed him? “I don’t suppose you know where Sadie is at the moment?” I asked.

Bobbo shook his head. “No clue. I’ve called and she doesn’t answer, but that’s not rare for her. I’m not worried.” His wide smile spread across his face. “What do you need me to do here?”

Rory turned toward me. “My brothers will be here soon, and Anna and Devlin are on their way, as well. We’ve got three trucks coming, and we’ll have you moved within a couple of hours. Although, from the looks of things, one of those trucks will have to go right to the dump.”

I bit my lip. “I know.”

“Who do you think trashed your apartment?” Rory asked.

“I have no idea,” I said. “It must have something to do with Rudy Brando’s murder, and the only reason I say that...” I trailed off.

“Is because the knives looked the same,” Rory finished.

“Yep.” Detective Grant had apparently told him everything. Rory had a way with people that others didn’t because I knew for a fact that Grant Pierce didn’t share information unless it was pretty much tortured out of him.

Bobbo smacked his hands together, not looking cold in the slightest, even though it was well below zero. “I don’t want to hear a thing about knives or murders, so please leave me out of that. However, your nonna said you might want to come home with me tonight, and that plan still works just fine with me.” He clapped his hands again, the sound gleeful.

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