Page 33 of Unbreakable Connection (Connections Duet)

“What do we know so far? Is the tracker in place on Paolo's car?”

“It is, and are you ready for this? He's close to where we are now, like down the road.”

“Is the car moving or parked?”

“It's parked; let me pull up the feed and get the exact location.”

My eyes focused on the screen, and I recognized the other person in the frame when I looked closer. “No, this can't be, rerun it,” I ordered.

“Edric, it's right there in front of your face,” he said as he pointed at the house and the two figures on the screen embracing one another before he stepped inside and the door closed. We watched closely for about five minutes, and then he emerged carrying a basket resembling what Antonia delivered to Ellen. She waved from the doorway, and after he closed the trunk, he waved back and drove off.

“Okay, let's break this down. Antonia is the grandmother to Nai, the nurse at Ellen's clinic. Nai has no siblings and doesn't like Paolo unless that was her way of covering up to throw us off. I need to get over there and figure out the connection. She's been here several times since I arrived with food baskets andwas visibly affected when Ellen got hurt. I’ll have to talk to Ellen before I accuse this woman of deceiving us. Patch, you know what to do. If you find any red flags, let me know.”

“I'm already on it. Don’t worry, I’ll find what you need and bunk on the couch while you tend to your woman.”

“Thank you, Patch.”

She was sleeping as I made my way back upstairs. The tray of food was sitting on the nightstand with a half-eaten meal. I was happy she at least tried because the antibiotic she's on is strong, and she needs to keep up her strength. I quickly showered and placed my head against the shower wall to take a deep breath. Why is this happening? And why Ellen? Four months ago, there were no reports of any mob activity surrounding the clinic. However, it happened once we parted, making me now consider if this is more about me and less about Ellen. Could someone be targeting her to get to me? It’s not like we haven’t made any enemies throughout our careers, but none to speak of here in Italy.

I crawled in beside her and brought her close as I protectively wrapped my arms around her. No one would ever hurt her again; they would have to go through me if they attempted. The next time I opened my eyes, it was morning and close to nine. I bolted up to check for Ellen since she wasn't beside me, and then my heart calmed when she walked in holding a cup of coffee.

“Morning, how did you sleep?” She asked as she handed me my cup.

“I should be asking you why you are out of bed. You couldn't wait for me?”

“Hey, stop that, Edric; it's just coffee, and all I had to do was pour it into the mugs. Your friend Patch was rifling through the kitchen making breakfast and brewing the coffee you need because you are grumpy this morning.”

“I'm angry, and I don't like feeling helpless, and that's what I am right now because I don't know what's out there, and every second you are not with me makes my heart race, and I can't turn my mind off.”

“Oh, Edric, I feel the same way, and I'm finally in a place where I can admit that. I swear I'm fine and would not put you through any unnecessary worry again. If you're feeling up to it, Patch cooked breakfast if you're hungry.”

“If Patch cooked it, I'd rather starve,”

“Is it that bad? He looked like he knew what he was doing with the pancakes.”

“Who knows? Maybe he's improved since our last mission. Thanks for this,” I raised the coffee cup as I finished my last sip.

“Um, Edric?”

“Yeah, baby?”

“You might want to put on some clothes,” she said, stifling her laugh as I looked down and realized I was naked.

“What can I say? I guess around you, I always have to be ready.”

“If you would have woken me up last night, I definitely would have been open to some fun.” She said, leaning up on her tiptoes to kiss me.

“Raincheck, get better first, and then we will do all the naughty things you want.”

“Deal!” What I wanted most was time with Ellen, but she was insistent we join Patch downstairs since he was kind enough to cook breakfast.

“Hey asshole, it's about time you woke up,” Patch called out, not realizing I wasn’t alone. I practically growled, and then he looked up and raised his hands, which was the only apology I would get. Ellen giggled and nudged me on my side. She sat at the counter, and Patch placed a cup of orange juice in front of her with a plate overloaded with pancakes, melted butter, andsyrup. WTF? Who is this guy? And what has he done with the friend I know?

“This smells delicious; thank you for cooking,” she smiled and took a bite of the pancakes. “And tastes just as good,” she looked toward me and winked as she continued eating.

“No problem, beautiful,”

“Hey, watch it,”

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