“We’ll speak again,” Tanner said.
The two bodybuilders were blocking the door as they tried to stare Tanner down. Both men looked away after only a few seconds of taking in Tanner’s intense eyes. The one on the left moved aside, and Tanner and Sara were back out in the corridor.
“Why would he have bodyguards?” Sara asked.
“That’s what I was wondering.”
“There also seem to be a lot of very young women around, and I can’t be sure, but Bianchi’s pupils appeared dilated.”
“I’ll look into it tomorrow; maybe it’s all connected to Scallato somehow. I also want to meet with Durand.”
Sara moved closer and kissed him.
“Tomorrow, the rest of the day is all ours.”
“Why don’t we go back to the hotel?”
“That’s a good idea.”
As they were leaving the parking lot, Tanner spotted the nurse, Ginevra. She was seated alone at a picnic table and eating. When she saw Tanner, she waved and smiled. Tanner gave his horn a toot in reply. He made a mental note to talk with Ginevra again, as the nurse could be a good source of information.
Something was going on inside the nursing home that had nothing to do with caring for the elderly, and Tanner planned to find out what it was. With luck, it would lead him right to Maurice Scallato.
21
If At First You Don’t Succeed…
Maurice Scallato arrived in Rome the following morning and took a cab to the office of a private detective agency.
The agency was of a high caliber and guaranteed results and confidentiality. Scallato was ushered in to the office of an agency executive by a male secretary who asked him if he wanted anything to drink.
Scallato declined the offer. A moment later, the man he’d come to see entered and sat behind the desk. His name was Reginald Thurgood the fourth.
After greetings were exchanged and the secretary left the room, Thurgood took a file from a locked drawer and passed it across to Scallato, who he knew by another name.
Before opening the file, Scallato held it up.
“Is there any bad news in here?”
Reginald Thurgood smiled. He was the son of an Englishman who had divorced his Italian mother when he was three-years-old. Despite his name and paternity, he looked like a Sicilian and had never learned the English language.
“You would have been informed, Signore. No, your lady has remained faithful, although she’s constantly approached by men, but what beautiful woman isn’t?”
Scallato studied the surveillance file that concerned Veronika. He usually browsed through the reports only once a year, since Thurgood had orders to contact him if Veronika was unfaithful. In truth, Scallato was amazed that they were still together. He had never expected their relationship to last for years. He’d slept with many women during that time, including the late Claire Newport, and of course, his wife, none of them pleased him as Veronika did.
When he came across surveillance photos of himself and Antonio entering Veronika’s building, he felt a pang of depression. That had been such a happy day for him, to have his son become a man. But Antonio lacked the killer instinct and had no guts. If the Scallato name was to carry on, Maurice knew that he would have to have another son, or even better, two.
“That other information I asked for, were you able to acquire it on such short notice?”
Thurgood said yes and apologized for not remembering that they had other business. There was a slim red file atop his desk. He passed it over to Scallato. It was a genealogy report on Veronika. It confirmed what she had told Scallato about herself over their years together. She was the only girl in a family of six children. Her five brothers had eight sons and only one daughter between them. Her mother had six brothers, and her grandmother had been one of only two daughters in a family of fourteen. Twins were also a frequent occurrence in the family, and every set born had been male.
Scallato finished with the files and passed them back across the desk.
“Destroy them.”
“Yes, as usual, and do you require anything to be changed?”
“Not changed, ended, there is to be no more surveillance on her.”
“Yes sir,” Thurgood said. “but I do hope that you’ll use us again in the future.”
“I will, but likely in a different capacity.”
Scallato left the agency and headed off to see Veronika. She was about to get the deal of a lifetime.
Three hundred miles away in Genoa, Tanner and Sara were finishing a run.
Neither of them had run in days, while both were habitual runners. The first lap had been taken at a languid speed for Tanner, who usually ran full out. When Sara saw that he was holding back, she told him he didn’t have to stay at her pace. As a result, Tanner covered sixteen half-mile laps to Sara’s seven.
When Tanner finally slowed his pace, then came up beside her, Sara saw that he showed only faint signs of exertion. Tanner’s breathing was almost normal, although he was sweating profusely.
“If I ran that fast for that long I’d be puking,” Sara said.
“You get used to it with training,” Tanner said. He then pulled a water bottle off his hip and sucked down the contents.
Their hotel was near the park and so they walked back. Sara felt her phone vibrate and saw that she had a text from Durand.
“He wants to meet.”
“Tell Durand that we’ll get together at the airport bar. I want him to think that we’ve given up on finding Scallato through his father.”
“What if he asks where we’re going?”
“We’ll tell him we’re going home.”
“Do you think he’ll believe that?”
“He will. Durand thinks I’ve gotten by on luck. He’ll believe that when things got hard I just gave up.”
Sara sent the text mentioning the airport, along with a time and place. Durand agreed to the meeting and she saw that they had four hours to kill.
“There’s plenty of time before we have to meet Durand; why don’t we explore the city?”
“Sounds good,” Tanner said. “This is my first time in Genoa.”
They showered together, with plans to get dressed and travel about like a pair of regular tourists. They should have bathed separately, as both became aroused, and they wound up back in bed, soapy, wet, and laughing like young lovers.
By the time they left their hotel room, they had just enough time to get to the airport and meet Jacques Durand.
In Rome, two other lovers were lying in bed together.
Scallato was with Veronika in her apartment and had just offered her the opportunity of having his children.
“Oh Maurice, of course I’ll have your children, then I won’t be so lonely while you’re gone.”
“I need sons, Veronika. Antonio is not worthy.”
“Baby, I’m so sorry, but the sons I give you will make you proud.”
“I understand that this is asking a lot and I will change our deal to reflect that financially. Also, I’ll start looking for a house in Sicily for you, something secluded and with land.”
Veronika straddled Scallato’s hips, then lay atop his chest.
“I don’t want more money, but the house is a good idea.”
“Why don’t you want the money?”
“Because all I want is you. Instead of money, promise me you’ll spend more time with me.”
“Once you’re pregnant and living in Sicily I’ll be able to visit more often. My home holds little attraction for me these days.”
“You could start over. You know, get a divorce and stay with me.”
“Or, I could hire a whore like that Yana to have my sons and hire nannies to raise them.”
Veronika’s head jerked up.
“No, and I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to pressure you into anything.”
Scallato sighed and caressed her cheek.
“I know you wouldn’t do that; I’m just in a foul mood.”
> “I can do something about that,” Veronika said, as she slid down toward the foot of the bed and disappeared beneath the covers.
22
Something Is Rotten In Genoa
Tanner saw Durand watching them as they loaded luggage onto a cart. That was good, they wanted him to think that they were leaving Genoa.
Durand sent Sara a smile and disappeared into the airport bar, a well-decorated lounge with rich wood and deep red carpeting. Tanner and Sara joined Durand moments later and both ordered drinks.
“I’m disappointed in you, Jacques,” Sara said. “You must have known that Carlo Scallato was in no condition to help anyone.”
“No, Sara, I was unaware, but as the man’s father, it was always a long shot that Carlo would have led you to Scallato’s whereabouts, yes?”
“I don’t like being played with, Durand,” Tanner said.
“We had a deal, Tanner, and I kept my end of the bargain. I never promised results.”
“I could kill you, Durand, that would be a result.”
“No,” Sara said. “Let’s just put Europe behind us and go home.”
Tanner let out a long sigh.
“If only that damn nursing home had worked out.”
Tanner looked back at Durand and saw that the Frenchman was taking in their act. He then waved a hand at Durand and stood.
“Let’s get out of here. I want to get back to the states. I’m sick of Europe, and if Scallato is stupid enough to come after me again, I’ll kill him.”
Sara stood and smiled at Durand.
“I hope to see you again someday, Jacques.”
“If you want that day to arrive, then leave Tanner, otherwise, Scallato may kill you too.”
Tanner took Sara by the arm and spoke over his shoulder to Durand, as he headed for the exit.
“Go to hell, Durand.”
After leaving the bar, Tanner and Sara moved to a spot where they could view the entrance. When Durand walked out, they followed him from a distance and saw him take a taxi.
“I think our deception worked,” Sara said. “But I’m still not convinced that Jacques would betray us.”
“We’ll see, in the meantime, no one will be looking for us at the nursing home.”
“What’s next, the nurse?”
Tanner nodded.
“Yeah, I think that nurse, Ginevra, knows what’s going on in that nursing home, but is staying quiet about it to keep her job.”
“And you’re still hoping it will lead you to Scallato?”
“It’s all I’ve got, Sara, and the man is linked to the place by his father’s presence there.”
“I agree, but I never thought that killing Scallato would be so difficult.”
Tanner shook his head.
“Locating him is difficult. Killing the man will be easy… and enjoyable.”
Ginevra’s smile was tentative as she opened her apartment door to find Tanner and Sara staring at her. Without waiting to be invited in, Tanner pushed past Ginevra and went off to check out the small apartment. He was surprised by the scant square footage and the sparseness of the furnishings, as he believed that the nurse was involved in something illegal that paid well.
Sara entered, then shut the door behind her as Tanner returned.
“There’s no one else here,” he said.
Ginevra looked from Tanner to Sara, then back at Tanner. There was anger in her expression, but her eyes held only fear.
“Signore and Signora Rossi, why are you here?”
“I want to know what’s going on in that nursing home you work at, and you’re going to tell me.”
Ginevra’s breath caught in her throat, but then she pointed at the door.
“Get out or I will call the polizia.”
Ginevra’s phone was on a coffee table. Tanner snatched it up and handed it to her.
“Call the cops. Maybe they can figure out what you and Bianchi have been up to.”
Ginevra took the phone from Tanner’s hand, then just held it, as she looked down at the floor.
“I am not involved with Bianchi’s activities.”
“That’s a lie and we both know it. I believe you’re being paid to keep silent; that makes you a part of it, whatever it is.”
Ginevra looked up, and there were tears in her eyes.
Sara moved closer to her.
“We’re not here to hurt you. We just need to know the truth. Once we know what’s happening, maybe we can help you.”
“And what happens if I don’t talk to you?”
“I’ll find out some other way,” Tanner said. “And if I have to do that, then you’re on your own.”
Ginevra considered Tanner’s words as she wiped at tears. After inhaling a deep breath, she spoke.
“I do take money to stay silent. I have a younger sister who requires special care and it is very expensive. The government used to pay for it, but that ended.”
Tanner softened his tone.
“Tell us what’s going on, Ginevra.”
Ginevra gestured for them to sit on the sofa as she sat in a wing chair.
“I’ll tell you everything, and I apologize in advance.”
“Apologize for what?” Tanner said.
Ginevra let out a sob.
“For the way I’ve treated your uncle, Signore Rossi. I’m so sorry.”
Sara reached over and gave Ginevra’s hand a squeeze.
“Just start at the beginning.”
Ginevra did just that, as she recounted the changes that took place when Bianchi became the new head of the facility.
“At first, they were little things, although they were many in number. Everything the home used became of a cheaper quality, the food, the linen, everything. At the same time, we had many employees who were retiring, they were all replaced with young and inexperienced women. Since then, many more have quit, or found other jobs, and again, Bianchi hired very young women.”
“Are these women qualified?” Sara asked.
“Their credentials say so, but I have my doubts about their authenticity.”
“You said yesterday that Bianchi’s family has money. I take it they own the nursing home?” Tanner asked.
“Yes, but he is what they call the black sheep, and his family never visits him. I think they put him in an old-age home because they believed it was one place where he wouldn’t get into trouble.”
“I think I can guess, but tell us what Bianchi did after hiring so many young women?”
Ginevra’s eyes narrowed into slits as her face reddened in anger.
“Yes, they are all whores. The east ward is off limits to the regular staff and has a new rear entrance. Cars come and go back there all day long.”
“Who is Bianchi’s partner?” Tanner asked.
Ginevra blinked in surprise.
“How did you know he had a partner?”
“If the mob wasn’t getting their cut, Bianchi’s play zone wouldn’t have lasted this long.”
“The man’s name is Bruno Allende. He is a mobster, yes, but he owns many other businesses, mainly bars and restaurants. He is the one who hired away so many of our people so that they could move the girls in.”
“Why did they keep you?” Sara asked.
“They knew I needed money, and they still require some healthcare professionals to maintain the illusion that the nursing home is legitimate. The others who stayed, they are all like me and have need for money to help their families. If we talked, the mob would kill us, and even if the police protected us, then what would become of my sister?”
“I still don’t understand why you’re ashamed of the way you’ve treated my uncle,” Tanner said. “It sounds like you’re the only one looking out for him.”
Ginevra began crying again.
“Bruno makes Signore Bianchi money with the whores, but he gets most of it, so… Bianchi cut off the medications.”
“The medication for the patients, including my uncle?”
“Yes. Your
uncle’s condition can’t be cured, but it should be treated with drugs such as memantine or a cholinesterase inhibitor. They receive nothing but vitamins.”
“Those drugs you mentioned, would they help my uncle enough so that he might be able to communicate with me?”
“Oh, yes, it is possible, but there are many factors involved.”
Tanner glanced over at Sara and saw that she was as excited by the news as he was. Perhaps he would get to speak with Carlo Scallato after all.
“If I got you the drugs, could you administer them?”
“Sì, but I would need a doctor to recommend the dosage; there would also be lab work and blood tests involved.”
Tanner stood and paced for a moment, then stopped and spoke to Sara.
“Could Conrad Burke help us with this?”
“He has the resources, and he owes you his life.”
“We’ll contact him,” Tanner said, then turned back to Ginevra. “We’ll need your help, but when we’re through, I think you’ll no longer have to worry about Bianchi or the mob.”
Ginevra stood.
“How is that possible?”
Sara got to her feet.
“Trust him. In the long run, we’re your best hope.”
Ginevra looked at Sara, then back at Tanner.
“What do you need me to do?”
“We’ll contact you soon with details, but tell me, can you get us in and out of the nursing home without being seen by Bianchi?”
“Yes, there’s a side door we can use, and it leads to your uncle’s ward.”
“We’ll be in touch,” Tanner said.
After leaving the apartment, Sara sent off a text asking Conrad Burke to call her at his earliest convenience.
“If we can get Carlo talking about his son we’ll have a lead,” Tanner said.
“But Durand had a point,” Sara said. “Carlo may not be willing to talk to us. Would you torture him?”
“No, but he may not have much love left for Scallato. Remember, he’s the one that placed the old man in Bianchi’s care.”
[Tanner 16.0] To Kill a Killer Page 13