Chapter 26
Ainsley – twenty / Renzo – thirty-three
UNFORGETTABLE
You’re the reason I bought so many postcards.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen water so clear as I did in the Polynesian Islands. I know you’re the one who suggested this vacation to Tore. Thank you so much.
It was better than I ever dreamed of. The sun shone off the water.
The fish were visible no matter how deep the water was.
The views were out of this world. I wish you could have been there.
We went snorkeling with marine life in Moorea, hiking in Tahiti, and sunbathing in Bora Bora.
When my parents were still alive, they took me to Paris once and also to Dublin, but this trip was out of this world.
I can’t wait to travel more in the future. Together, like we planned.
What’s your favorite trip you’ve ever taken?
I’ve checked. You can receive postcards and photos. I’ve included a couple to give you some new scenery to look at. There’s a group photo with Tore, the kids, and Isa (she came with us too). And a second one of just me. I’m not the same I was six years ago. Can you tell?
You know, if you just lifted the visitor restrictions, we could talk in person once a month at least. Might be nice.
You know, to see each other face to face.
Get to know each other better, instead of mailing letters once a week.
Honestly, we’re probably supporting the paper industry all on our own with all the back and forth.
I’m amazed we still have so much to talk about.
Ainsley,
The photo is inappropriate. Your face is barely visible compared to your…womanly attributes. I wouldn’t even know who it was if you hadn’t told me.
We know each other just fine through words.
We don’t need more than that. Anything else will invite problems. My cousin adopted you.
I nearly adopted you. And what about your brother’s death?
It’s for the best that we don’t venture down a path neither of us could come back from. We shouldn’t change what works.
I took a business trip to Singapore years back. The city is beautiful. The design and architecture are stunning. The city life is active without being overbearing, and it is remarkably clean. I think out of everywhere I’ve visited, that has been my favorite.
I’m glad you enjoyed the Islands.
Yours sincerely,
Renzo
Dear Diary,
You can be so heartless sometimes.
DID YOU KNOW
I learned something interesting the other day.
I convinced Bee to take up your case a while back, and she decided to check the case files first. Turns out a few key people in your case have died.
Police Chief Jack Bowman, who filed for your arrest warrant.
Police Captain Al Martinez, who served as a key witness.
I remember him: He was at the Hayes house that night.
And Judge Moore, who not only signed off on the warrant for your arrest but also presided over your trial.
Each of them was found suffocated in their own home about twelve to eighteen months after your conviction.
Tore knew this part, so I’m sure you did too.
However, what’s even more interesting is the money trail.
All three received transfers totaling a hundred fifty grand each, starting the day of your arrest up until your conviction.
Unfortunately, tracking the money so far hasn’t borne much fruit.
Bee checked all of Dimakos’ accounts, on and offshore, but only twenty percent of those funds appear to have come from him.
There’s definitely another player on the board.
Bee will keep searching as a side project while we focus on the sitting duck of this whole thing that can get you out.
There’s a cold front coming in soon. Let me know if you got the blanket I ordered from the catalog and if you’re warm enough at night. I can always buy more if need be.
Ainsley,
The information you shared is not new. We found out the details two years ago, and trust me, Dimakos has suffered for it since then. A rich man’s worst tragedy is the loss of his assets.
I will grant you, Ms. Johnson’s abilities are impressive. Time will tell if she can deliver what you believe she can. However, if she applies herself to discovering the missing player on the board, I will be most grateful.
How are you settling in?
P.S. The blanket is wonderful. What would I do without you?
Yours sincerely,
Renzo
Dear Diary,
Miss me? Regret me? Realize what you once had? That’s what you’d do without me.
I hadn’t realized how much I missed living in San Francisco until I started living here again.
I was too young before everything happened to really go out and venture on my own, but now, I’m seeing a side of San Francisco I didn’t before.
I’m fully moved in now despite Tore’s protests.
I think he’s just worried I won’t babysit the kids anymore.
I’ll have to see how my first semester goes (medical school is no joke), but for now, I’ve promised to take Lou and Boyan off his hands on weekends during the school year and at least three days a week on vacations.
Seeing how protective you are of kids, I think you’d love them.
Boyan is still in that discovery phase. He loves everything that’s new to him. He’s a very curious kid and doesn’t let anything beat him down. I’m so proud of him for never letting his scars define him.
Lou is getting more and more opinionated every day, but she tends to bottle everything up and explodes once in a blue moon when she’s had too much.
I think Tore’s freaking out about how she’s going to be once puberty hits.
He’s literally said you need to be out by then to share the load.
I’m just happy they’re normal kids. You gave them that, and I’ll never be able to thank you enough.
Waking up early and walking through San Francisco’s streets is invigorating. I’m constantly trying new coffee shops, hoping to find a few favorites before I’m too busy with school to care what I’m pouring into my stomach to stay awake.
Have you ever been to Golden Gate Park? I remember coming to the Conservatory of Flowers as a kid with my parents, but the place is even more beautiful than my memories.
It’s a shame, though, that I have no one to walk down the forest trails with or to rent a boat with to go around the lake.
The greenery is so plentiful and peaceful.
I can almost forget the constant smog nowadays and pretend I’m back in Santa Rosa at the villa.
When you’re out, will you keep me company there? We could walk down JFK Promenade and through the forest trails together. See the waterfalls on Strawberry Hill. Eat a snack at one of the food trucks. It’d be nice to go with someone. What do you say?
P.S. It seems your hint to Tore about Massimo a couple of years ago has worn off.
If Massimo had his way, he’d probably move into Tore’s home.
Every time I stay over, he’s there. I know Tore appreciates all the help Massimo’s been providing as his stand-in second while you’re preoccupied, but he makes Boyan and Lou uncomfortable.
It also means Alfie is there most of the time, and you know how Lou feels about him.
She’s never quite forgiven him for that time he threatened us.
I brought it up to Tore, and he did ask Massimo to limit his visits to no more than once a week, but you know Tore.
He’s great and all, sweet and caring and playful, but he’s not the workaholic type like I think you are.
Massimo is pressuring him to handle more of the business, and while it might not involve house visits as much for now, I still think it’s something to be careful about.
The guy rubs me the wrong way, and it’s not just because I overheard him suggesting Tore put the kids in boarding school a while back.
Anyway, your choice. I’ve said the same to Vinny. I hope one or both of you will step in.
Ainsley,
I would love to go with you. It would be a nice change of scenery. The whole family can go. We could make a picnic out of it, if that day ever comes. It’s a nice daydream. For now, the patch of grass in the prison courtyard does the job.
I would certainly miss you. You have kept me good company over the years. However, if I ever do get out, I am afraid we will have to become strangers once more. I will regret that, but I will always cherish the connection we shared.
Tore is scheduled for a visit next week. We will discuss it then. I don’t want you to have to worry.
Yours sincerely,
Renzo