‘Thank you.’ She put her arms around him and gave him a little hug.
He pushed her gently away and glanced at his watch. Lucky would be here soon. It would not be cool for her to find Claudia hugging him.
Leonardo had gone straight out by the pool, and was sitting on the edge, gazing into the water.
‘I hope he can swim,’ Lennie said.
Claudia shook her head vigorously. ‘He does not swim. Will you teach him?’
‘Sure,’ he said easily. ‘We can all be friends. Once you get to know Lucky you’ll love her, and she’ll love you. And the kids – well, the kids are something else. Gino and Maria will teach Leonardo to swim in a minute. He needs to spend time with other children.’
‘He can’t be with other children, Lennie. Because he doesn’t hear them, they tease him, call him names.’
‘I talked to the doctor. He thinks there’s something they can do about his hearing.’
She clasped her hands together. ‘Oh, Lennie, that would be so marvellous!’
‘It would, wouldn’t it?’ he said, hoping that everything was going to work out.
* * *
Duke had parked his car on the street near the house. It was not his car, it was another stolen one. This time he’d taken a Mercedes – striving for a more classy image.
He’d followed Lennie and the woman and the child from the hotel, wondering where they were leading him. And when they’d arrived and parked in the driveway of what seemed to be an empty house with a for-lease sign outside, he couldn’t have been more delighted.
This meant he could achieve both of his objectives: do away with Lennie Golden and satisfy himself with the woman.
Of course, if the woman saw him shoot Lennie, he’d have to get rid of her too. But Duke didn’t mind. There was nothing to connect him with either of them. He would never be caught.
He waited five minutes before leaving the Mercedes, locking it carefully behind him. Then he walked up to the house.
The front door was slightly ajar. What was wrong with these people? Didn’t anyone consider that there were bad elements in the world who were out to do them harm?
He’d instructed Maybelline never to let her guard down. She carried mace, a lethal hunting knife and a stun gun. He’d even taught her some karate.
He pushed open the door and walked inside, straight into a spacious hallway that led through to a huge living room overlooking an azure lap pool.
The boy was sitting outside by the pool. Duke had forgotten about the child. He stared at the boy for a moment, wondering what he should do about him. Then he decided he would face that problem when the time came.
He could hear voices coming from the back of the house.
He took out his gun.
First he would rape the girl.
Then he would kill Lennie Golden.
An audience would make it all the more fun.
Chapter Ninety
‘I can only stay a minute,’ Lucky said, running into the production office.
‘Why?’ Alex asked. ‘Where are you rushing off to?’
‘I told you, I’m meeting Lennie.’
He nodded. ‘Okay, that’s good – I guess. Will you call me later?’
‘Will I call you later?’ she said mockingly. ‘I told you, I’m meeting Lennie. Hopefully I won’t be calling anyone later. Where’s Venus?’
‘She went home. Cooper’s getting edgy, says she’s spending too much time here.’
‘Ah . . . she’s giving Coop a taste of what it’s like. He was the biggest playboy of all time.’
‘Nothing wrong with that,’ Alex said.
‘Anyway, I just wanted to drop by and go over a few things with you,’ Lucky said. ‘And to tell you that I definitely approve of Billy Melina. You’re right. He’s fantastic.’
‘Yeah, Billy’s got a quality,’ Alex said. ‘And this is just the beginning. Once I get my hands on him . . .’
‘Oooh, I’ve heard what happens when you get your hands on actors. They become nervous wrecks and end up in the psychiatric ward.’
‘Yeah, but do I get a performance out of them?’
‘You certainly do, Alex.’
‘Now listen,’ he said, ‘how about a drink before you go?’
‘Do you think I need one?’ she asked, amused.
‘Wouldn’t do any harm. C’mon, spend a few minutes with me.’
‘I don’t want to be late. Lennie is showing me the house he’s renting for the Sicilian and the kid.’
‘Now there’s a title for a movie – The Sicilian and the Kid.’
‘Don’t make fun of me, Alex. I’m very vulnerable right now. I’m not used to feeling like this.’
‘No, you’re not, are you? Lucky Santangelo, mobster’s daughter. Fearless in the face of anything.’
‘Will you stop? I have a good mind to sue them.’
‘Yeah?’
‘Why should they be allowed to say whatever they want about people?’
‘’Cause they know they can get away with it. It’ll cost you more money and more time to sue them, so forget about it, it’s yesterday’s newspaper. Somebody’s using it to clean up the rat shit.’
‘You’re right.’
‘How does Gino feel about it?’
‘Oh, you know Gino. It’s kind of given him a higher profile amongst his friends down in Palm Springs.’
They both laughed.
‘Come into my office,’ Alex said. ‘I’ll fix you a Scotch on the rocks, set you up for the night.’
‘I guess I could do with a drink.’
‘How’d it go this afternoon?’
‘Things are plodding along. The media is there in full force. And those two kids are sitting up there like little superstars surrounded by their lawyers. And Steven – oh, God, I forgot to call him. He wanted to talk to me about something, and we didn’t get a chance in court. Can I use your phone?’ she asked, following him into his office.
Alex was not the neatest person in the world. There were scripts and CDs, tapes and books stacked everywhere. At the centre of it all was his desk, a huge sprawling dark-wood affair, also piled high with scripts.
He passed her the phone, and opened a desk drawer.
‘Somewhere in here I’ve got a bottle of Scotch,’ he muttered. ‘Don’t keep it out in the open because everybody drinks it.’
‘What’re you – stingy?’ she said, laughing.
‘Naw, don’t like to tempt people.’
She quickly reached Steven’s number. A woman answered. ‘Jen?’ she said.
‘No, who’s this?’
‘Lina? ’ she said. Lina’s thick Cockney accent was unmistakable.
‘Lucky, is that you?’
‘Lina. What are you doing at Steven’s house?’
‘Oh . . . I think we’re supposed to be a secret.’
‘What’s supposed to be a secret?’
‘Me and Steven.’
‘I’m not quite following you here. Are you telling me that you and Steven are an item?’
‘I guess so,’ Lina said, with an embarrassed giggle. ‘Never thought I’d get into this ’ole domestic bit, but I’m ’ere, supportin’ him through ’is time of trouble. Making ’im scrambled eggs, massaging ’is feet, an’ giving him anything ’e needs.’
‘Who’d believe this?’ Lucky exclaimed. ‘You and Steven.’
‘What’s so ’ard to believe?’
‘Well . . . I mean I didn’t think Steven was planning on getting involved with anyone.’
‘I’m not just anyone, am I?’ Lina said cockily.
‘That’s true,’ Lucky said. ‘I guess he was going to tell me, because in court he said he wanted to talk to me about something.’
‘Probably me,’ Lina said. ‘I’m talkable about, aren’t I?’
‘You certainly are. Wow! This is a shock. But I’m real happy for the two of you. In fact, it’s great! Is it serious?’
‘I moved in,’ Lina stated. ‘Given up
me modelling gigs for a while.’
‘Let’s have dinner, we should celebrate. Will you tell Steven I called?’
‘I’d better not. I’m sure he wants to tell you about us ’imself. ’E should be ’ome soon. Give us a buzz later.’
‘I’ll do that.’ She put down the phone, still in a state of shock. ‘Guess what?’ she said to Alex, who was busy pouring her an extra-large tumbler of Scotch.
‘What?’ he said.
‘My brother has a girlfriend.’
‘Your brother Steven?’
‘I only have one brother, Alex, and easy on the Scotch. I hardly want to stagger in to see Lennie.’
‘Good for Steven,’ Alex said.
‘I didn’t expect it to happen so soon,’ Lucky said.
‘It’s not that soon. And I’m telling you, a man needs a warm body beside him in bed. Especially when you’re not so young and horny any more.’
‘Is that why you’re thinking of marrying Pia? By the way, I meant to ask you, have you mentioned this marriage thing to her?’
‘I’ll tell her when I’m sure you’re not coming back.’
‘Very romantic.’
‘Who is Steven’s new girlfriend?’
‘Even more peculiar. It’s Lina. You know, the supermodel?’
‘Holy shit!’ Alex said. ‘Steven and the supermodel. He seems so . . . kind of laid-back and quiet.’
‘Before he was married, Steven was a big player. He settled down when he met Mary Lou. It is kind of a strange duo, but Lina’s really nice, and a lot of fun.’
‘Maybe it’s exactly what he needs right now,’ Alex said, handing her the drink.
She took a couple of gulps and almost gagged.
‘Wow! This is strong,’ she said. ‘Don’t you believe in adding water and ice?’
‘What do you think this is? A bar?’
She laughed. ‘I appreciate the drink, Alex, but I have to go now. Let me know what happens with you and Pia.’
‘No, Lucky,’ he said. ‘You let me know what happens with you and Lennie.’
‘I’ll speak to you tomorrow,’ she said. ‘What are you doing tonight?’
‘Pia is cooking me dinner.’
‘There, you see – she is the right girl for you. Not only a warm body, but she cooks, too!’
‘I’ll see you in the morning.’
‘You got it, Alex.’
Chapter Ninety-One
It was almost dark, and the rain was pounding down. Boogie had been listening to the radio, the newscaster was predicting a big storm. Driving carefully, he noticed car lights up ahead of him on one of the many dirt roads he’d driven down over the last hour. It looked like a Maserati with a lone male driver. He wondered if he should flag the car down and ask directions. Or maybe he should just follow behind. The driver must be heading somewhere in this wilderness, and when he arrived, that would be the time to get directions.
This seemed like the best idea, because if he flashed his lights at the guy, it was highly unlikely he’d stop in this weather.
Boogie was angry with himself. He should have paid Lorenzo to come with him, guide him, but Christ, who’d have thought the place would be this hard to find? Although Lorenzo had warned him.
He had a feeling he must be getting near.
Up ahead of him, the Maserati was travelling too fast for the driving rain. Boogie found it easy to keep up – he hadn’t taken a course in hazardous conditions for nothing.
It occurred to him that the man driving the car must notice he was being followed. How come he didn’t stop and ask what Boogie wanted? Although, since this was Italy, perhaps he thought the car behind him might be driven by a kidnapper.
Boogie hung back, allowing the Maserati to race ahead. He didn’t want the guy coming at him with a gun.
Suddenly the Maserati hit something, and for a few seconds the powerful car swerved out of control. The driver didn’t stop.
Boogie slowed down to see what he’d hit. Checking it out, he spotted an old bicycle lying across the dirt road.
Something told him to stop. Like Lucky, he always followed his hunches, which is probably why the two of them got along so well.
He knew that if he stopped he’d probably lose the driver up ahead, but somehow he also knew that he had to.
He pulled over, turned off his engine, armed himself with a flashlight, and got out of the car.
The bike was dilapidated and rusty: it could’ve been lying there for months. Or maybe not.
Boogie began kicking it to the side so he wouldn’t have to ride over it. He was surprised it hadn’t torn up the Maserati’s tyres.
As he was moving the bike, he noticed a flash of golden hair and an arm over to the right.
Christ! There was someone on the ground.
He ran over. A woman was lying there, semi-conscious. He immediately felt her pulse. Thank God she was still alive.
He shone his flashlight on her face and was horrified to discover it was an almost unrecognizable Brigette. She was shivering and shaking, her clothes saturated with rain and mud.
He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to his car.
Her eyelids fluttered open for a moment. She was delirious. ‘Where . . . am . . . I? Where’s my baby? He’ll be all covered in mud, and the grave will float away.’
He laid her down on the back seat of the car, stripping off her wet clothes and wrapping her in his shirt and jacket.
She was shivering uncontrollably, teeth chattering, lips and eyelids blue with cold.
‘Don’t worry, little Brigette,’ he said, remembering her when she was a child. ‘Stay with it, we’re getting help.’
‘I lost the baby,’ she sobbed hysterically. ‘I lost my baby.’
‘It’s okay,’ he said, running around and jumping into the driver’s seat bare-chested. ‘We’re getting you to a hospital, honey. Hang in there, it won’t be long.’
* * *
Carlo had noticed the car behind him, and it bothered him. What would a car be doing out here at this time of night in the pounding rain?
He had no intention of stopping to find out. He had an uneasy feeling that maybe somehow Brigette had been able to summon help, and someone was coming to get her.
If that happened . . .
He wasn’t too far from the house when his Maserati hit something in the middle of the road and veered over to the other side. Fortunately this forced the car behind him to stop, and checking out his rear-view mirror, Carlo roared away. They’d never find the hunting lodge – nobody would unless they knew exactly where they were going.
A few miles on he took a sharp left turn, then two more rights, and finally he was there.
The house was in total darkness since there was no electricity. He’d left Brigette a few candles and some matches, but obviously she wasn’t using them. Grabbing a flashlight from the glove box, he jumped out of the car, threw open the front door, and ran into the house.
‘Brigette!’ he shouted. ‘Brigette – where are you?’
No answer. He hurried into the living room, the flashlight making shadows on the wall. Then he saw the dried blood all over the floor. Oh, Christ! What had happened here? Had she killed herself? Was he about to find her dead body somewhere?
He hoped not, for he was under enough suspicion as it was concerning the death of Isabella’s husband. If Brigette’s body was discovered at the hunting lodge, he’d be the first person at whom they’d point an accusing finger.
Quickly he set about searching the house. Upstairs. Downstairs. All around.
She was not there.
He searched again, shouting out her name.
No Brigette.
How could she escape from this place? She had no phone, no car, no means of communication. It was impossible for her to get away.
And yet . . . she was gone.
He searched one more time, and then he ran out to the Maserati.
He would find his wife. And when he did, she would be
very sorry indeed.
Chapter Ninety-Two
Lucky pulled up at a stop light. She was on her way to see Lennie, which made her feel good. She’d enjoyed her short meeting with Alex, he was still her best friend, but she couldn’t believe he’d said that if she got back with Lennie, he was marrying Pia. What was that all about? Was he trying to piss her off?
Too bad, Alex. It doesn’t piss me off at all. I’m simply worried that you’re settling for less than you deserve.
Although who was she to interfere? Maybe Pia was the right one. She’d certainly been with him longer than any of the others, so she obviously made him happy.
Hey – it wasn’t Lucky’s problem. Right now all she had on her mind was seeing Lennie and working things out. She called Venus on her cellphone.
‘Wasn’t I right?’ Venus crowed, picking up on her private line.
‘You were absolutely right,’ Lucky agreed. ‘Billy is great. Between you and Alex, you’ll get him doing everything you both want.’
‘Let’s not forget you,’ Venus said. ‘You’ll have him running around with his dick hanging out. We all know how you like equal nudity on the screen.’
‘Quite right too,’ Lucky said succinctly, remembering how when she’d taken over Panther, that had been one of her edicts. If the actress takes it off, so must the guy. Boy, there’d been some screaming about that one.
‘Wait till Cooper gets a look at him,’ Venus said. ‘He’ll throw a jealous fit!’
‘Why are you always trying to break Cooper’s balls?’
‘’Cause that’s our shtick,’ Venus explained, laughing. ‘We have fun doing it.’
‘So here’s the latest,’ Lucky said, moving away from the light, which was now green. ‘It’s juicy stuff.’
‘What?’ Venus said. ‘Tell me immediately.’
‘Okay, okay.’ A beat. ‘Steven has found himself a new girlfriend.’
‘I think that’s great!’ Venus exclaimed. ‘Is she nice?’
‘Well . . . nice isn’t exactly the word I’d use to describe her.’
‘Is she pretty?’
‘Staggeringly gorgeous.’
‘Staggeringly gorgeous?’ Venus repeated. ‘Hmm . . . who is she?’
‘Lina.’
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