Juliet was close to panic when she spotted Carlo strolling down the corridor with Summer on his arm. They might’ve been taking in the afternoon sun on the Left Bank. The first wave of relief evaporated into annoyance. “Carlo, I’ve turned this place upside down looking for you.”

He merely smiled and touched a finger to her cheek. “You were on the phone.”

Telling herself not to swear, she dragged a hand through her hair. “Next time you wander off, leave a trail of bread crumbs. In the meantime, I’ve got a very cranky cab driver waiting outside.” As she pulled him along, she struggled to remember her manners. “Did you enjoy the show?” she asked Summer.

“I always enjoy watching Carlo cook. I only wish the two of you had more time in town. As it is, your timing’s very wise.”

“Yes?” Carlo pushed open the door and held it for both women.

“The French swine comes through next week.”

The door shut with the punch of a bullet. “LaBare?”

Juliet turned back. She’d heard him snarl that name before. “Carlo—”

He held up a hand, silencing any interruption. “What does the Gallic slug do here?”

“Precisely what you’ve done,” Summer returned. Tossing back her hair, she scowled at nothing. “He’s written another book.”

“Peasant. He’s fit to cook only for hyenas.”

“For rabid hyenas,” Summer corrected.

Seeing that both of her charges were firing up, Juliet took an arm of each. “I think we can talk in the cab.”

“He will not speak to you,” Carlo announced, ignoring Juliet. “I will dice him into very small pieces.”

Though she relished the image, Summer shook her head. “Don’t worry. I can handle him. Besides, Blake finds it amusing.”

Carlo made a sound like a snake. Juliet felt her nerves fraying. “Americans. Perhaps I’ll come back to Philadelphia and murder him.”

Trying her best, Juliet nudged him toward the cab. “Come now, Carlo, you know you don’t want to murder Blake.”

“LaBare,” he corrected with something close to an explosion.

“Who is LaBare?” Juliet demanded in exasperation.

“Swine,” Carlo answered.

“Pig,” Summer confirmed. “But I have plans of my own for him. He’s going to stay at the Cocharan House.” Summer spread her hands and examined her nails. “I’m going to prepare his meals personally.”

With a laugh, Carlo lifted her from the ground and kissed her. “Revenge, my love, is sweeter than even your meringue.” Satisfied, he set her down again. “We were students with this slug.” Carlo explained to Juliet. “His crimes are too numerous to mention.” With a snap, Carlo adjusted his jacket. “I refuse to be on the same continent as he.”

Running out of patience, Juliet glanced at the scowling cab driver. “You won’t be,” she reminded him. “You’ll be back in Italy when he’s here.”