Page 21 of Little Last Words
“If you ever want to talk, or if you need anything, you know where to find me.”
Angelica took Sadie by the hand, and they walked out the front door. One minute passed and then two. I waited for the car to start. When it didn’t, I pulled the curtain back just enough for me to see Angelica without her seeing me. Inside the car, she pounded her fists onto the steering wheel, a frightened Sadie looking on as her grandmother shed her steel cage and broke free, releasing a tidal wave of uncontrollable tears.
CHAPTER8
Iconsidered approaching Angelica’s car and lending my support, but I didn’t. She’d remained stoic in my presence, even though the sting of losing her daughter had been evident. Perhaps she preferred to grieve without an audience, or in this case, to an audience of one—a granddaughter who shared her pain.
I remained at the window, sneaking a glance every now and then until I heard the hum of the car’s engine. Angelica headed down the driveaway, leaving me to begin my day again, at long last. It was just after one in the afternoon, and I still hadn’t showered yet. So much for the calm, relaxing birthday I’d hoped to have.
I grabbed a quick shower, changed into a pair of black, high-waisted sailor pants and a cream, silk-embroidered sleeveless top. I paired it with black, T-strap, rounded-toe heels I’d just received in the mail from a vintage clothing shop. They were an excellent find, so well-preserved they looked like they’d never been worn before.
“You look stunning,” Giovanni said as I walked into the kitchen.
“Thank you. Funny thing about showers. I was hoping it would help get my mind off Penelope for a minute. Instead, I thought about her even more.”
“Do you plan on pursuing the investigation, even if her mother doesn’t hire you?” Giovanni asked.
“Angelica made it clear she wants me to leave it to the police.”
“It may be whatshewants. What doyouwant?”
He’d said it out of concern, knowing if I wasn’t involved in the case somehow, it would be hard for me to let it go.
“I want to know why Penelope was murdered, and I want justice for Sadie,” I said. “But maybe Angelica’s right. Maybe I should leave it to the police this time.”
He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. “You have my full support either way. All I ask is that you don’t let it spoil the rest of your birthday plans. It’s spoiled them enough already.”
I leaned back and shot him a wink. “How can I spoil the future plans you haven’t even told me about yet?”
“You’ll know soon enough. Patience is power.”
I had about as much patience as a gnat with a two-week life span—zero.
A ringing sound in the background signaled someone was at our front gate.
What now?
I pulled up the security footage on my phone and saw Binocular Woman standing there, hands on hips, staring right into the camera.
“You going to let me in, or what?” she said. “I know you’re here.”
Giovanni leaned in, eyeing the woman with curiosity. “Who is she?”
“One of our neighbors. She was staring at Foley and I through binoculars earlier when we were chatting in front of Penelope’s house. I’ve seen her before, several times during my morning walks. She’s never cared to speak to me, until now. I’ll walk down and talk to her.”
“Better talk fast.”
I raised a brow. “Why?”
He glanced at his watch. “Your mother will be here in fifteen minutes to take you to lunch.”
“Oh…kay. When were you going to tell me?”
He grinned. “I just did,cara mia.”
“A little more notice would have been nice. What if I hadn’t showered?”
“Youhaveshowered, and you’re all ready to go.”