But Marco shook his head. “That’s not gonna happen.” He paused a second, and from where I sat, it looked as though he was thinking very hard about what he was about to say next. “Everyone answers to somebody. You know that, right? Everybody, even Ettore Scala. And when they demanded blood, when they called for your head, he refused to give it to them.”

My shoulders drooped.

He did?

A somber look settled over his features. “Ask yourself why.” I was, but the answer wasn’t clear. “Look, he needs time. What kind of father would he be if he let you into his home, close to his kids after-”

“Oh God, I would never hurt our kids.” The words rushed out of me so quickly that I didn’t really hear what I’d said, but Marco did. And whatever it was he heard made his face soften some.

When Marco stood and picked up the receiver, I rushed to get one more question in before he switched it back on. I knew the answer before I even asked. “He’s watching me, isn’t he?”

Marco shot me a knowing look. “What do you think?”

Of course, he was. I think I’d known for some time now. After all, mirrors rarely hummed and whirred.

As Marco moved to leave, he stilled just inside the doorframe. “I’ve known Ettore a long time. When I asked him what you were like, he told me you were a foolish little girl.” Not entirely untrue, but ouch. “He also said you were the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen.” Okay. Less ouch. “Part of me wonders whether he’s keeping you here just so he doesn’t have to share you.” I thought about that as he added, “Look, he’s an asshole. Putting yourself in a position to be humiliated will please him immensely. Make a gesture so grand he can’t ignore it. But be prepared, it might take a few attempts before he responds.”

He patted the wooden doorway twice, reached behind him and fitted his receiver, replaced his earpiece then lifted his brows deliberately, leaving me alone to consider what he’d said.

After some time, I made a quiet realization. I wasn’t getting anywhere with anger and tears.

I needed to change tactics.

* * *

Marco

Interfering was not something I was paid to do, but somehow, I couldn’t stop myself. There was a reason I was here. Ettore Scala was my best friend and he trusted me implicitly. So, when I stepped outside, gently closing the front door behind me, I put my finger to the earpiece and held the button down. “I know you’re listening, Tor. You’re always listening. You happen to get all that?”

He was there. It was just taking him a moment to answer, and when he did, I heard exactly what I planned to. I heard a man who was questioning himself. “I did.”