Page 26 of Stolen Wife
Chapter Eleven
Santino
It’s been a full twodays since I drugged Giada and put her on a plane, sending her away from me. The pain in my chest feels like it’s getting more intense with every hour that passes.
She probably wants to punch me in the dick for this latest abduction, but it was for the best. She wouldn’t go willingly because she doesn’t trust me. I felt it after our fight. Seeing her again is all I can think about, but it’s not safe for her until I deal with my family and their inquisition.
A friend of mine in law enforcement sent me a text about an hour ago, but I’d already expected the Marchetti family to not let up.
Rita, Jasper, and Martin help me prepare for the visit I know is coming. We clean the house and show no signs of Giada’s presence. The gate buzzer rings. I hit the screen on the security system, opening it when I see it’s my lawyer.
When he comes in, we shake hands. “It’s good to see you. I’m assuming there’s a reason you summoned me so early.”
I pat his shoulder and lead him into the living room. “Come on, let’s have a seat. Do you need something to drink?”
“Yes, a cup of coffee would be great.” Rita goes to make us some coffee while we sit down. “So? What’s this about?”
“It seems I’m about to be visited by the sheriff’s office with a warrant any minute now.”
Tilting his head, he asks, “For what?”
“They’re under the impression that I kidnapped Giada Marchetti.”
He knits his brows and tilts his head. “Your brother’s wife?” I hold back the growl, swallowing back the bile that pools in my throat. The less people know the truth, the less people who have to lie for me. Although, he’s a lawyer so he’s probably a fucking expert at it.
“That’s what they believe.” My tone even strikes me as gruff, and he eyes me suspiciously. I can’t reveal my secret just yet. I trust Dimitri because he’s one of the people instrumental in securing my freedom, so I try to ignore the visible tension running through him.
“Why?” Dimitri stammers on the word, and I can’t let go that something’s bothering him.
Staring at my friend, I ask, “Are you okay?”
The sound of footsteps stops him from replying. He takes the coffee that Rita brings in, setting it on the table next to him. “Thank you, Rita.”
“You’re welcome.”
She hands me my cup and then excuses herself. “So you were about to say?”
“Yeah, nothing that should worry you. It’s just this Russian asshole called me this morning.”
“I’m sorry. Anything I can do?” Shit. That’s probably what’s got him shaking. He looks squirrelly today.
“No. It’s okay. So, the warrant?”
“Listen, I don’t know how they got it, but I’m guessing the judge they got to sign the warrant is in their pocket because they don’t have any evidence that I took her.”
“Really? I’ll do all the talking.” As my lawyer, he’s not going to let them get away with it.
“Good. I’m not in the mood for this.” I drink my coffee with a frown.
“How do you know they’re coming?”
“A little birdie told me.” Seconds later, the squad cars pull up to my house. “Let the show begin.”
I buzz them on through because I’m ready to have them in and out of my house as quickly as possible.
I wait just inside the door for them to come up the steps. A slender man in a cheap suit approaches with six other uniformed officers. “Mr. Santino Marchetti. I’m Detective Romo, and I have a warrant to search your premises for Ms. Giada Marchetti.”
“On what grounds?” my attorney asks, stepping in front of me. Ah, he’s back to normal.