Heart pounding, she lifted her chin and stated, “No, you answered that question when you stole the SD card from my camera.”
“What? You think that’s...” He leaned his head back, and swore at the ceiling. Then he met her gaze dead on. “I did not steal the card. It’s in a safe place.”
“And where’s that, in your pocket?”
Hurt flashed, then his gaze sharpened as his features turned to granite. “On the boat, Halli. I had a bad feeling about the consulate so I hid the card to ensure your safety in case anything happened.”
“Oh.” Remorse was an understatement now. “Why didn’t you say something?”
“You were excited about seeing your family. We’d had a good morning and I didn’t want to ruin it by worrying you in case I was wrong. And God do I wish I would’ve been wrong.”
When he pushed away from the window and walked past her toward the living room, she cleared her throat to find her voice. “Trent...”
He kept walking.
“Trent.”
This time he stopped, and when he swung around, his expression was cautious.
“I’m sorry.”
All she got was a tight nod.
Blinking away the moisture blurring her vision, she smoothed her damp palms down the sides of her newly borrowed jeans. “About the money…”
“What about it?”
“I’ll probably never be able to repay you, but I’ll do whatever I—”
“Christ, Halli, I don’t give a damn about the money!”
“It’s a million dollars.”
“Which is peanuts compared to what I make on one Shain West movie. Hell, I’d pay ten times what the bastard asked for. What does it take for you to believe in someone?”
A sound in the doorway brought them both around. Simone stood behind the couch where she’d settled Rachel to rest after giving her a mild sedative. The petite Italian woman’s gaze shifted between them before settling on Trent.
“You need a new bandage,” she said quietly.
“Okay if I shower first?”
She nodded and Halli stared after his back as he walked away from her yet again. After she forced her gaze from his long stride and the ripple of muscles across his shoulders, she caught Simone watching her watch him. The older woman offered a sad smile, fresh tears in her eyes.
Halli walked over and gave her another hug. Despite being strangers, she felt Simone’s loss and feared what she and Rachel might face in the next twenty-four hours if they didn’t get Ben back. The comfort worked both ways.
Neither of them said a word as they cleaned up the mess in the kitchen. After they’d finished, Halli returned to the living room by Rachel. Her sister slept, leaving her alone with her thoughts and guilt.
The first sixteen years with her parents taught her to look for ulterior motives, especially when money was involved. The past ten years struggling on her own taught her to only depend on herself. So it wasn’t that she didn’t want to trust Trent, but a lifetime of hard lessons was almost impossible to set aside in two days. She’d done it once and was already second-guessing herself.
Trent’s footsteps in the hall brought her forward in her chair, but he didn’t even look in her direction as he strode past, shirt fisted in his hand. She rose and circled around the couch, only to pause out of sight when Simone’s voice reached her from the kitchen.
“You will get justice for my Renzo?”
“I will,” Trent answered. “I promise they’ll pay for what they’ve done.”
Halli stood there, the conviction and tenderness in his voice resonating in her heart. It reminded her of the gentle kiss she’d shared with him in this very spot just a few hours ago. The man who’d kissed her like that had to be someone she could trust.
“I do not work for two days,” Simone said. “I will help with anything you need. You can stay here and I will see to the sister.”
“A computer would be very helpful,” Trent asked, a hopeful lift to his voice.
“Sorry, no computer.”
“It’s okay. Any chance I can use your car?”
“Si.”
“Thank you,” Trent said. But then his next words were low and indecipherable.
When Simone’s response was just as quiet, Halli’s inner skeptic quickly reminded, that man you want to trust is also an Oscar-winning actor. And he’d said I again, not we. She entered the kitchen just as Simone pointed Trent to a chair.
“Let me bandage that before you go.”
Halli narrowed her gaze on Trent. “Where are you going?”
He rolled his eyes as he removed his shirt and sat down. “Here we go again.”
Halli crossed her arms over her chest and waited.
“I’m heading back to the boat to get the memory card.”
“You mean we.”
“No.” His jaw clenched. “I mean I’m going to get the card, and you’re—”
“Going with you.”
“—staying here with your sister. Where it’s safe.”
“It’s my video, Trent. My brother.”
He watched Simone work for a moment. She noticed his fingers curl into a fist on his thigh but didn’t think it had anything to do with pain when his gaze lifted to hers.
“Yesterday you didn’t trust me to stay with me. Today you don’t trust me to leave you.”
She gave him a fake smile, no longer sorry about her doubt when he clearly intended to ditch her. “Don’t take it personally.”
“How can I not?” he muttered. As Simone finished with his arm, he shrugged his uninjured shoulder and rose to his feet. “Fine. Come along and guard your damn video. You can watch your own ass while you’re at it, too.”
That argument was over much quicker than she expected. Instead of being relieved, she wondered what’d changed his mind. Nothing she’d said—she hadn’t said much—so what was he up to?
Simone handed him his shirt and then turned to Halli with a wrapped syringe and a bottle of clear medicine. “He requires a second shot tomorrow. Fill the syringe three milliliters and—”
“Me?” Halli’s gaze found Trent’s again. “We’re coming back here, aren’t we?”
“Not until we have your brother. I don’t want to risk leading anyone here until this is all over.” He paused a beat. “Now will you stay?”
Her stomach flipped at his ominous tone. “No.”
Trent held out a hand toward Simone. “I can give myself the shot.”
“I’ll do it.” Halli quickly took the supplies. If she hadn’t argued, the jerk would’ve left her behind and not come back. She’d give him a shot alright. When Trent’s gaze narrowed toward her, she maliciously added, “It might even be fun.”
“We’ll just see about that,” he warned softly as he pulled his shirt on. He jerked his chin toward the living room. “Say your goodbyes and let’s go.”
Halli made her way to the couch and looked down at Rachel. She hated to wake her, but didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye. Yesterday everything had seemed so surreal. Today it was harsh reality. As she moved around to sit on the edge of the couch, it struck her that there was a chance this could be the last time they saw each other.
Instant tears sprang to her eyes. She covered her face, took a deep breath, and wiped away the moisture on her cheeks. When she opened her eyes, she found Rachel watching her.
Halli forced a smile. “Hey, how are you doing?”
“I feel like I’m more than a little out of it, but I s’pose that’s a good thing. Not much pain.”
“That is good.” She took Rachel’s hand in hers. Noticed the broken, chipped nails that two days ago had been manicured to perfection, and prayed everything would turn out okay. “Listen, Rach, you’re going to stay here with Simone, and I’m going with Trent. We’ll be back tomorrow night with Ben.”
“That last part sounds good to me.” Rachel’s fingers tightened on hers. “Halli…I need you to know how sorry I am about all this.”
“I told you, it’s not your fault.”
“But we left you. None of this would’ve happened if we—”
“If I hadn’t insisted on filming those stupid swans,” Halli interrupted.
Rachel’s eyes widened. “Hal, this is not your fault.”
“I should’ve shut off the camera when you asked.”
She tried to pull away but Rachel held fast and ordered, “Stop it.”
They stared at each other until finally Rachel heaved a weary sigh. “We can’t change what happened, so this isn’t helping at all.”
“No, it’s not.” Halli squeezed her sister’s fingers. “But we’re gonna get him back, so you concentrate on getting better, and pray for Ben, okay?”
Rachel nodded.
“Halli.”
Trent’s low voice in the doorway drew their attention. She’d just seen him in the kitchen, and yet when she glanced over her shoulder, Halli’s breath caught in her throat.
He hadn’t shaved after his shower and wore the same black shirt and jeans. His dark hair was still damp, its tousled disarray sexier than if he’d taken the time to comb it. The man’s effortless appeal stirred butterflies in Halli’s stomach and annoyed her at the same time. She should be completely focused on her family right now, not noticing his sex appeal.
Rachel’s tired gaze transferred back to Halli and she gave a pitiful excuse for a smile. “On the bright side, we got to meet Trent Tomlin, right?”
I got to kiss Trent Tomlin, but she wasn’t going to tell Rachel that right now. Maybe never. Instead, she rolled her eyes. “Not such a big deal when you consider what a jerk he can be, but I try to look past that.”
“While I deal with her neurotic, bossy brattiness,” Trent countered.
Rachel smiled for real. “He knows you already.”
“Shut up. You’re supposed to be on my side.” She leaned over and hugged Rachel. “We’ll all be on our way home before you know it. Years from now, you, me and Ben will laugh about our big adventure.”
“You cook, I’ll bring the wine,” Rachel whispered.
“Deal.”
Rachel’s hold tightened. “Be careful, Hal. I love you.”
“I love you, too.” She sniffed back tears.
On their way out the door, Rachel called out, “Take care of my sister, Trent.”
He nodded once and they left.
****
Trent’s impatience grew by the minute and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it. Halli’s need for essentials made sense, he just hated being cooped up in the car while she shopped. He tugged on the bill of one of Lorenzo’s caps and adjusted his sunglasses. She’d claimed it’d only take her a few minutes, and she’d only been gone five, but past experiences told him his wait had barely begun.
Damn it, the clock was ticking. If someone recognized him and alerted the authorities, his arrest would put her brother in more danger. Not to mention, the fact that Simone had given him Lorenzo’s gun wouldn’t help his case one bit. He should’ve stressed all that to Halli before she went inside the store.
It had crossed his mind to drive off without her. But as quick as the thought formed, he knew he’d never leave her alone without her safety guaranteed. Besides, with the money he’d handed her to shop with and the backbone she’d found over the past twenty-four hours, he had no doubt she’d figure out a way to follow him back to Bellagio.
If he was going to leave her behind, he should’ve done it at Simone’s.
So why the hell didn’t you?
Her sister would’ve talked some sense into her after he left, and he wouldn’t have another fight on his hands when he told her in no uncertain terms that he’d make the exchange alone. Leaving her at Simone’s would’ve forced her to trust him to do the right thing.
The hell of it was, he didn’t want her forced trust. He wanted her to trust him of her own free will. That she thought he might rank his freedom over her brother’s life cut deep, and pissed him off. It shouldn’t. In her shoes, he would’ve asked the same question. Would’ve thought the same thing she did when the memory card came up missing. But all they’d been through so far should count for something—right? He finally played the hero for real; a little faith was not too much to ask for payoff.
Besides, she should know he had the resources to defend himself if it came right down to it, so of course her brother came first. Hell, even without the money to hire defense lawyers, he’d like to think he’d still make the right choice. Good thing for her he had his movie star fortune, or paying the ransom would be impossible. What would Halli have done then?
Trent shifted in his seat, trying to stretch his legs as the second phone call from Lapaglia replayed in his mind. At first, he’d been so shocked by the demand for money, he hadn’t thought beyond doing what was necessary to ensure her brother’s safety. Now that he’d had time, he kept thinking how Lapaglia had been ready to deal, then told him to hold on.
Something about the whole thing didn’t sit right. Nothing he could actually put his finger on. The men sold near-extinct animals for money, they murdered for money, so it was no surprise they’d use any opportunity presented to make a fast buck. A million in cash in twenty-four hours was a no-brainer.
And yet, gut instinct said someone else had suggested the ransom. He hadn’t heard it directly, but the muted conversation on the other end of the phone had indicated a heated discussion. Then Alrigo’s smug stipulations. Not that it really mattered who suggested the ransom, did it? The end result would hopefully be the same. In their favor. His and Halli’s and Ben’s. After he paid.
Now all he had to do was figure out a way not to get killed in the process. More than anything, he wanted to take a trip up along the west coast of the lake and check out Lapaglia’s villa. See what they were up against. But something told him Halli wouldn’t let him go alone, and taking her that close to the hornet’s nest was a risk he wasn’t willing to take. He’d have to make do with the information Rachel had provided to coincide with Lorenzo’s headcount over the wire recording.
The back passenger door of Simone’s silver Lancia opened, bringing him out of his thoughts with a jolt. He immediately went for the gun, until he saw Halli. His tension eased as she tossed a couple bags onto the backseat and then got in the front.
She buckled her seat belt. “All set.”
Starting the car and checking for traffic before pulling out, he then glanced at the clock. Ten minutes. “That was fast.”
“I told you I wouldn’t be long.”
“I’ve heard that before.”
“Yay for me. Yet another way I’m the complete opposite of women you’re used to.”
More than you know.
“Here’s your change, by the way.”
A wad of bills landed in his lap. Change? Really? He stuffed the money into his pocket without looking to see what she’d spent. He shouldn’t even care if she spent all or none, damn it. Why was it that, despite the fact she drove him crazy and annoyed the hell out of him with her sarcasm and distrust, she was the first woman in a long time to interest him beyond sex?
Come to think of it, where the hell was that detached character he’d assigned to himself back at the villa yesterday evening? The one who set everything else aside and simply did what needed to be done to take down the bad guys. New roles came easy to him, but getting a handle on that guy was proving to be very difficult.
“Rachel said they hurt him.”
Halli’s soft words jolted through him. She didn’t have to say her brother’s name for Trent to know who she was talking about. So much for staying aloof. His fingers tightened on the steering wheel.
“It’s not your fault, Halli.”
She stared out the window long enough that he wondered why she brought it up in the first place. A quick glance revealed no tears, and yet the need to offer reassurance took hold. “I’m going to do whatever—”
“Do you think they’re holding Ben at the same villa that I filmed
?” she asked, cutting him off.
He hesitated before answering truthfully. “Based on Rachel’s description, probably. Plus, it’s the only place I know of that Lapaglia operates from on this lake, and he specified we’d meet by boat.”
“Any chance we can get inside?”
His brows lifted. “You want to pull a Remington and Mrs. King?”
“I’m serious.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of. It’d be a suicide mission for all of us.”
“You didn’t think so this morning.”
“I wasn’t wanted for killing a cop this morning. Have you stopped to think about what happens to you if I get arrested? What happens to Ben?”
Her silence confirmed she hadn’t.
“Our best bet is to trade the video and pay the ransom.”
She rubbed a hand over her face, propped her elbow on the door and chin in her hand, and sighed. “Are you going to contact that guy with the military police?”
Lorenzo’s cousin Luca, the Carabinieri officer. “Simone gave me his number, and God knows we can use all the help we can get, but I worry about how far Lapaglia’s arm reaches, especially after finding out he’s got an informant at the consulate. If he gets wind we contacted the authorities…”
No amount of money would save her brother.
He also didn’t tell her one or two of Lapaglia’s comments made Trent wonder if the ransom would do the trick , even if they followed instructions to the letter. The man’s arrogance confirmed he believed himself above the law, no matter the evidence they had against him. During their phone conversation, he hadn’t even reacted when Trent brought up Lorenzo’s murder. With so many men of authority in his back pocket, a few more added to the body count wouldn’t faze him.
As he slowed for the turn that would take them along the lake up to Bellagio, Trent glanced over at Halli. “But he’s your brother, so it’s your call. Do you want to contact Luca?”
She looked surprised that he’d given her the decision and it took her a moment to answer. “I think we should figure out how the exchange is going to take place without these guys just killing us after they have the video and the money.”
Lost in Italy Page 24