Page 62 of Chasing Caine
He shook his head, running hands through his hair again, the sexy little wave fanning back into place after the fourth correction. Like he could convince even hair to do what he wanted. “Once you’re up the embankment, there are fields, but there are also buildings, construction trucks, trees and a park beyond. Not to mention people as you get far enough. There are too many places to hide.”
His fist clenched, like he was about to punch something. Agitated gaze flying around the room, up to the metal roof over the space, to the officers just outside the Mars room. But then it settled on me, and everything softened. A smile broke. “What was that maneuver you were attempting on him?”
“It was supposed to be a takedown. Twist the arm and use the momentum to get him on the ground and keep him there.” I rolled my eyes, heat flushing my cheeks. “I can’t believe you saw my epic failure.”
“You realize being in a relationship means sharing both highs and lows, sì?” He winked and came closer, threading an arm around my waist and dropping his voice. “It was sexy as hell.”
I leaned toward him and we walked together to the Minerva wall.
“Such a shame.” He sighed. “Her beautiful face.”
Umberto had used a rotary cutter to outline the piece he was going to remove. Fortunately, he’d started cutting into the plaster above Minerva’s head and we’d caught him before he got beyond the trees in the background. It was a small blessing.
“We may be able to repair the seam he created while restoring some of the other cracks.” He lifted a hand to Minerva’s painted face but didn’t touch it. “You know, I spoke to her so many times when I first arrived, she’s like an old friend.”
Spoken to her as a replacement for me. We’d been back together a week after being broken up. Confronting my failures wasn’t one of my strong suits, but admitting I’d made a mistake pushing him away was one of the best things I’d ever done.
“The flower fresco isn’t here,” said Gallo. We turned to face him and Elliot, who were inspecting the contents of Umberto’s case.
De Rosa arrived, sweaty and sucking in breaths. He cast a suspicious look at Antonio and me. “I can’t find him anywhere. Are you sure there was really someone else here?”
“Calm down, Fredo,” said Gallo. “We have photographic evidence.”
Given their familiarity, they knew each other, and not just from this investigation, but before. De Rosa said he’d been stationed in Rome. Gallo was working with Elliot in Rome. What was the link there?
“The flower fresco is probably long gone.” Antonio’s gaze settled on Minerva again, frustration clouding his face.
“We don’t have any way of tracking it, do we?” I asked.
Gallo shook his head. “We’ll have it added to all the right databases, but odds are it’s gone for good.” He approached us, holding out his hand. “Thank you for your efforts. Both of you. Come to the office, transfer the photos, give a statement, and then you can be on your way.”
“Unless…” Elliot joined him, that familiar smile on his face. Thatwhen are you coming to work with mesmile.
Maybe now was the right time. Join them at the Carabinieri office, upload the files, discuss some leads. Maybe take on some research. An interview or two. Gallo—and definitely De Rosa—may not be happy with it, but maybe Elliot could pull some strings. I’d chosen Antonio over Elliot and the investigation on Thursday, but that was when it was a dead end. Now we had something concrete, a lead to follow.
“We still have that hike this afternoon.” Antonio squeezed my waist. “We talked about it Wednesday?”
“But we don’t have hiking gear. At least, I don’t.”
Antonio grinned. “I know you hate shopping, but perhaps a quick trip to Napoli to pick up some basics? There’s an old Minervan temple ruin at the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula I thought you might like. Four and a half miles.”
“Oh, I know that place!” piped up the female officer. “There’s a grotto near there that’s worth the climb, if you’re up for it?”
“That sounds perfect for my rock climber.” Antonio released me and took the backpack, a broad smile on his gorgeous face.
I could come up with an excuse. Tell him I hurt my ankle when I fell and join Elliot. But if I chose Elliot, Antonio wouldn’t have any reason to stay except to watch me. He’d go to the office, or maybe the villa.
The alternative was to buy new hiking gear. I’d need a new GPS. New backpack. My hiking boots needed to be replaced, anyway. It couldn’t hurt. And I’d be with him.
Antonio hefted the pack onto his shoulder and kissed my temple. He didn’t seem to consider for a second the possibility I’d ditch him. Of course not. He probably figured the investigation in the morning and the hike in the afternoon were just him doing things I loved all day. And it was.
I smiled at him. “You’re a good boyfriend.”
He held out a hand. “That’s what happens when I have such a good girlfriend.”
Instead of bothering with the professional appearances, I slid my hand into his and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You’re a lucky man.”
Chapter 22