Total pages in book: 163
Estimated words: 163540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 818(@200wpm)___ 654(@250wpm)___ 545(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 163540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 818(@200wpm)___ 654(@250wpm)___ 545(@300wpm)
Pedro replies, “You went on a date with him, and then he vanished into thin air.”
“Oh. I thought it was weird that he never contacted me again.” I shrug with a subtle shake of my head. “I just assumed he didn’t like me.”
The men glance at each other. “Tell us what happened that night.”
“Well…” I pause as I try to remember. “We’d been talking on Tinder for a few weeks and he wanted to meet. We had dinner, and then…”
Shit… then he had a fight with Rico. Do they know that? My eyes rise to meet theirs as horror dawns. Did Enrico have something to do with this?
Holy fuck.
“Go on,” Pedro urges as he takes notes on a small pad of paper.
Goosebumps scatter up my arms.
“Umm.” I stare at them as my brain begins to misfire. I can’t lie for shit. I scratch my head. “He wanted me to go back to his house, and I wasn’t really into him, you know?” I look between them guiltily. “We ended up having a fight about it, and he left in a rush.”
“Did he say where he was going?”
“No.”
“What restaurant did you have dinner at?”
“Ah.” I snap my fingers as I try and remember the name. I’m beginning to perspire from the pressure. “It’s the one down on the main street, next to the theatre.”
“Apocalypse?” Michael asks.
“Yes, that’s it.” I smile awkwardly. “Maybe check the cameras of the parking lot?” I offer.
“We did. The entire night of security footage has been wiped.”
“Oh.” My face falls as my heart begins to thump hard. “That’s… weird.”
“Very,” Pedro replies calmly. “Where are you staying at the moment?” he asks.
“I’m at a hotel a few blocks down. I just moved here from Australia.”
They both stare at me, as if they’re waiting for me to slip up. “Where were you all weekend?”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “Lake Como.”
“Who with?”
I have a momentary brain slip. “Alone.”
What the fuck did I say that for?
They exchange looks. “You were alone all weekend?”
I look them straight in the eyes. “Yes, I was.”
Oh, fuck.
I don’t know what the hell is going on here, but I need to get away from them. “I have no idea where Franco is. Have you searched his Tinder profile? He’s probably shacked up with someone.”
“Do you have any friends in Italy, Olivia?”
“Just one, a friend from Australia just moved here.”
“Are you dating anyone?”
Our eyes are locked. “No.”
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
“I really have to get back to work.” I stand. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be more useful. Please let me know when you find him.” I shake their hands.
Pedro hands me a business card. “If you think of anything, please call us.”
“I will.” I turn to walk off.
“Oh, and Olivia.”
I turn back to face him.
“Obstructing justice and lying to the police is a criminal offence in Italy, just so you know.”
I fake a smile. “As it should be. Goodbye, gentlemen.”
With my heart in my throat, I turn and walk out of the room. Oh, my fucking God, what the hell is going on?
Three hours later and I’m sitting at my desk with my mind in overdrive.
Where the fuck is Franco?
Why would they be asking me, and why did I immediately think that they were suspicious? I know Rici had nothing to do with this, so why did I feel compelled to lie on his behalf?
With shaky hands, I Google
Who Is Enrico Ferrara
Enrico Ferrara is a thirty-four-year-old billionaire. Well known for being hard and driven, this Italian thoroughbred is head of the infamous Ferrara dynasty.
The CEO of Ferrara Enterprises, Enrico became the sole heir to the company on the death of his father Giuliano, and his grandfather Stefano Ferrara, who were both killed in a tragic car accident near Roma two years ago.
Known for his striking good looks and womanizing ways, Enrico is fast becoming a global force to be reckoned with, having a sharp intellect and impeccable work ethic. He continues to work unbelievably hard. In the midst of accusation and scandal, he has been forced to find new strength in order to face the accusation of bribery, corruption, and hacking by subsidiary firms.
The Ferrara family have been linked to, but not accused of, having deep ties within organized crime throughout Europe.
I knew all this from when I researched him before.
Womanizing ways…. hmm, I hate that description. That’s kind of disturbing.
He’s not a criminal. Just because his family own brothels, it doesn’t mean he’s a criminal. He wouldn’t know where that stupid fucking Franco is. Franco is probably balls-deep in his next Tinder date somewhere.
I read over the text again.
Enrico is fast becoming a global force to be reckoned with, having a sharp intellect and impeccable work ethic.
I smile proudly. That’s my man. Go, baby.
My phone rings at 5:30 p.m., and the name Lorenzo lights up the screen.