10. Chapter Ten
Chapter Ten
Rory
Unable to rest, I spent the night in Carlotta’s room on the sofa, a small blanket covering me. She woke several times, and I did my best to soothe her with gentle words and cuddles.
By the time the sun rose the following morning, she was finally sleeping peacefully.
I tiptoed out of her room and into the kitchen. I’d need to let the school know she wouldn’t be in, and I’d message her friend too and tell her not to wait around for her.
With those tasks done, I sat at the dining table with a huge mug of steaming coffee. Contrary to belief, we Brits didn’t always drink tea.
Coffee had been my go-to ever since living in Italy, and it was hard to break the habit. I preferred mine black with a hint of sweetness to take the edge off the bitterness.
One more call to make, and I’d get myself dressed for the day. It was going to be a long one, and if the hospital called, I’d be dashing there with Carlotta.
“Hey, Lisa. Something’s come up, and I need to take a couple of weeks off work. Carlotta broke her wrist.”
“Oh, the poor dear. Is she okay? Is there anything I can do?”
“Not unless you can perform surgery or wave a magic wand and take her pain away.”
“I am a miracle worker, but that I can’t do. How did it happen?”
The truth would pose more questions. I wasn’t ready to go into details, so I went with a generic answer.
“She fell when we got home. Put her hand down to stop herself and unfortunately broke her wrist in the process. She’s a fighter, though.”
“Keep me updated. I’ll let the boss know what’s happened. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
Carlotta had been so preoccupied with her arm I didn’t think the fact that she’d been kidnapped had set in. We’d gone from the X-ray department to the doctor, back to X-ray, and then another doctor. When she got home, she’d eaten and fallen asleep.
Drugs had kept her drowsy, but today, the full force of what had happened would hit. I’d need to be here for her, but what did I say?
First, I needed to talk to Zeke. If that piece of shit of a grandfather was to blame, I’d be letting him know he’d lost every right he ever thought he had to see his granddaughter again.
I’d barely put the phone down when it rang again.
“Rory speaking.”
“Is this Carlotta’s father?”
“Yes, who’s calling?”
“It’s the Royal London. Unfortunately, because of a large number of emergency cases that came in overnight, we’re unable to perform the operation today.”
“How long will we need to wait? We followed your instructions, and she’s been nil by mouth since midnight.”
“It won’t be today, I’m afraid. She can eat and drink normally. We’ll call again tomorrow after our meeting, hopefully with better news. Nil by mouth again after midnight.”
Carlotta would be as frustrated as I was, but I had to trust the hospital knew what they were doing.
“Hopefully, she’ll be able to have her operation tomorrow.”
I ended the call and peeked into her room. Her eyes were open, barely.
“Hey, sweetheart. How you feeling?” I sat on the bed and took her good hand in mine.
“Still tired and sore. It really hurts, Papa. I can’t even move it today, and my shoulder hurts too.”
I was going to fucking kill Ernesto, putting her through this.
“The hospital called. They can’t do the surgery today, but I can make you your favourite breakfast. French toast?”
“I’m not hungry.” She pouted. I knew that look. It was the one her mother used to have when she was in a bad mood.
“You need to keep your strength up, Carlotta.”
She had a long road ahead of her. The operation, subsequent physiotherapy, not to mention possible therapy from the attempted abduction.
“I said I’m not hungry.”
She snatched her hand away and turned her face from me. She’d had a tough time, and patience was needed, but I was only trying to help.
“Carlotta.” Finding the words to console her was hard. What would her mother have said? “I understand you’ve been through a lot and you’re feeling sad, tired and in pain. Let me get you some breakfast and more medication. You can go to sleep and rest more.”
She refused to face me, but I didn’t miss the small tear running down her cheek. “Why me, Papa? What have I ever done to anyone?”
“Oh, baby.” I put my arm around her and brought her closer. “It wasn’t anything to do with you, and I promise I will find out what happened. As for your arm, it will get better, and in a few weeks, you’ll be right as rain.”
“Promise?” She looked up at me now, all wide-eyed and wanting reassurance.
“I promise. Now make your papa happy and have something to eat.”
She wiped her eyes, nodded, and smiled, albeit weakly.
“French toast coming right up, and then we’ll see where the day takes us. Doctor Rory is in the house.”
She giggled and snuggled farther down under the covers. Progress and baby steps.
With her fed and sleeping, I set up my laptop. A week at home with nothing to do would drive me mad, but I couldn’t settle.
Thoughts of what had happened yesterday were never far away, and even though it was early, I called Zeke.
“Can you come over?”
“It’s barely nine.” He sounded tired. Had I woke him up?
“This can’t wait. I have to know what happened to my daughter, and you’re the man with all the answers. How soon can you get here?”
“Give me an hour. There are a few things I need to do.”
For that hour, I busied myself tidying the apartment. I needed to do something to keep my mind off the problems.
Fifty minutes later, the buzzer sounded.
“Door’s open. Come on up,” I said into the intercom. I opened the front door and headed to the kitchen to make coffee.
Zeke followed me, looking like a model. I might have lost the ability to speak.
“Erm, would you like coffee? Breakfast?”
“I’m good, but thank you. I already ate.”
He removed his jacket and joined me at the table. His white T-shirt clung to all the right places. Why was I noticing this now?
His chest muscles stretched the thin fabric so his peaked nipples were visible. I stared with no shame.
“Rory, what do you want to know?”
“What? Oh, yes. Ernesto. He was behind yesterday, wasn’t he? He tried to kidnap his granddaughter.”
“I’d love to tell you it was a random act, but you’re right.”
“And what do you have to do with this?”
Was it my imagination, or did he look ashamed? His eyes refused to meet mine.
“It’s a long story.”
“Then you’d best start at the beginning. I have all day.”
I folded my arms and sat back in my chair, stretching my legs before me. This was going to be good.
“A few weeks ago, I heard about a job offering a lot of money.”
“I—”
He held his hand up to stop me, but I couldn’t stop the anger growing inside me. What were we? A cash cow?
“Please let me finish. It’s not as bad as it sounds.”
“Let me be the judge of that, but continue.”
For the next ten minutes, Zeke explained his trip to Italy, his meeting with Ernesto, and his reason for being in London. To observe.
“So, you’ve been watching me and Carlotta. I knew I’d seen you about. Did you get your million euros? Is that all we were to you?”
“Hey, let me explain more.”
“Have at it. I’m listening.” But a rage was building, and I was ready to call the police and throw him out of my apartment and our lives.
“Yes, the money was important to me, but yesterday, after his men tried to take Carlotta in broad daylight without a thought for her safety, I had to step in.”
“Did you know it was him, then?” I sat forward. The story he was telling me beggared belief.
“Not positive, but it didn’t matter who was behind it. I wouldn’t have let your daughter be taken against her will. When I got home, I called him and told him to stick his fucking job and his money. ”
“So, you’re not working for him anymore?”
“Nope. I told you. I won’t work for someone like him. He’s out of control, and… what he was doing to you and your daughter wasn’t right. At first, I thought he was just a little obsessive, but the more I spoke to him, the more I realised it was more than that.”
“What do you mean?
“I’m not sure he’ll stop there. He’ll do anything to get her back. It might serve you well to move out of London, and don’t tell anybody where you’re going.”
I shook my head. “No. Never. That’s not going to happen. We moved our lives here from Italy. I’ll not run from him again. I’m going to have to call the police.”
“There’s no point.”
“There’s every point. I’ll report him to the police. Tell them where they can find the men who kidnapped her.”
“That’s what I was doing this morning. The hospital discharged them, and according to my sources, they’re already on their way back to Italy. Do you honestly think that the UK police will prosecute a member of Italian royalty?”
He had a point, but I wouldn’t give up our lives here. We were only settling in.
“So, what do you suggest? We sweep it under the carpet and forget it ever happened? My daughter is lying in her bed in pain. Her arm is broken, and fuck knows what’s going on in her mind.”
“I can’t guarantee he won’t try again, Rory. I’m sorry.”
Fuck. I’d moved us here, spent much of my money getting the apartment, paying the school fees.
I stood and walked to Carlotta’s door. She was still sleeping soundly. She looked so much like her mother. If only she were here with us. She’d know what to do.
“I’m not great at this father thing, but there’s no way she’s going back to Italy. Over my dead body, Zeke.”
“I don’t want to say this, but your life isn’t important to him. Only Carlotta’s. He as much told me he doesn’t care what happens to you.”
“Well, shit.” That wasn’t good. “Any other good news you want to tell me?”
He shook his head. “I know now I shouldn’t have taken the job, but…”
“I get it. A million euros is a lot of money. I just didn’t think he’d stoop that low. You must need the money, so I’m sorry you’re not getting paid.”
He smiled and ran his fingers through his hair. It fell perfectly back in place, and my heart skipped a little.
“This isn’t funny.”
“I know, and I assure you I’m not laughing at you. I don’t need the money.”
“Then why did you take the job?”
This time, he shrugged. “I was bored.”
“What the actual fuck?”
“I was between jobs and wanted something to fill the time. Look, I know how that sounds, but as soon as I realised what was going on, I told him I wanted nothing more to do with him. I didn’t take any of his money. I promise you that.”
He looked genuinely concerned and sorry.
I sat opposite him. “I suppose that’s something.”
“I should probably go. I’ve caused enough trouble.” As soon as the words left his mouth, he doubled over, clutching his stomach.
“Are you okay? What’s wrong? Do you need a doctor? Ambulance?” I reached for my phone.
He squeezed his eyes shut. “No. It’ll be fine. Stupid fucker.”
“What did you just say?”
“Not you.” He bent over again, his face white.
“Where does it hurt?”
“It’s nothing.” He tried to stand but stumbled. I rushed to his side and placed his arm around my shoulder. I led him to the sofa and laid him down.
He grunted and rubbed his chest. Was he having a heart attack?
“I’m going to call an ambulance. You don’t look so good.”
“Let me lie here for a minute. I’ll be right as rain. Go check on Carlotta. I think I heard her wake up.”
I’d heard nothing, but as reluctant as I was to leave him, I went to her room. She was sitting up, looking a little better.
“Did I hear Zeke, Papa?”
“Yes, sweetheart. He popped round earlier. He was about to leave, though.”
“Can I see him? I drew him a picture last night.” She opened her nightstand drawer and took out a picture.
“Who’s this?” There were three people in the drawing, plus a motorbike. There was no mistaking Zeke, with his jacket and yellow eyes. “Is this me?”
“It is.” She’d drawn me standing next to him, holding hands.
“I’m not sure he’d like that. Why are we holding hands?”
“I don’t know. I thought you looked good together.”
“And where are we?” I didn’t recognise the building. It was a big house, with lots of trees around it.
“It’s a pretty house in the country. We’ll have a dog and everything.”
She got out of bed and walked to the open-plan room.
Zeke was still lying on the sofa, mumbling to himself. His words weren’t clear, but I swore I heard the word demon and ‘stupid fucking mate’.
Hopefully, Carlotta hadn’t heard, although I was sure she was no stranger to the words.
“Zeke, hi! I drew you a picture. Do you like it?”
Ignoring his discomfort, she thrust it into his hands and plonked herself down next to him.
“Who is this?” Seemed he was as clueless as I was.
“This is you.” She pointed to the page. “This is Papa, and we’re at a big house. Isn’t it lovely?”
She danced over to the kitchen, obviously feeling much better, and grabbed a carton of juice out of the fridge.
I looked at Zeke, who had a surprised look on his face.
“She, um, drew us holding hands. I have no idea why she did that, and I’m sorry.”
“No need to apologise. Maybe she knows something we don’t.”
“What could she possibly know? She’s twelve and has never seen me with a man. Why would she draw us together?”
“Maybe the world is trying to tell us something.” Zeke threw his head back and laughed, an infectious sound that had me joining in.
It had been a trying few days, and this was the laugh I needed.
“Yeah. Imagine that. You and me together.”
Except it didn’t actually seem that funny, and I couldn’t help but think about how his lips were to taste if I kissed him now.
What the fuck was the world coming to?