“Why?”
“Valentini may be worth far more than the vineyards and wine.”
“Estancia’s fortune.”
Her response surprised me. Perhaps she knew more than anyone realized. “Yes.”
“They’re attempting to get control of Valentini over something that may not even exist? That makes no sense.”
“There are reasons to believe it does exist, Pia.”
“What?”
“It’s possible they found proof.”
I watched as she processed what I’d just told her.
“How is Lucia involved?”
“It would be best if you didn’t know at this time.” I felt her stiffen. “Pia, trust me. I know it’s difficult, but I promise that whatever information I keep from you is only to ensure your safety.”
“Why isn’t it as simple as barring them from Valentini?” The moment the words left her mouth, she turned white. “Did they have something to do with my father’s death?”
I couldn’t just hold her hands. I needed to soothe her. I pulled her from the chair and onto my lap. “Yes, Pia. Your father’s heart attack may have been brought on by something else.”
“They killed him?”
“There is a strong belief that was the case.”
“Mio Dio.” Pia covered her mouth with her hand and raced into the farmhouse. I followed her to the lavatory and rubbed her back as she emptied the contents of her stomach. I knew then that I’d gone too far. There was no way she’d be able to feign ignorance in front of Georgio. In fact, I feared she’d go after him.
I helped her to a chair in the sitting room and took out my mobile.
“We need to talk. We’ll come to you,” I said when Lucia answered. “Where are Georgio and Gabriella?”
“Gabriella?” Pia mouthed, and I nodded.
“I don’t know,” Lucia answered, “but I’ll find them. Tell Pia to come into the main house from the back way.”
“Do you feel well enough to return to the villa?”
“Yes.”
I heard a vehicle drive up to the farmhouse and stood to see who it was. Rile’s timing could not have been better, nor could his choice of a black SUV with darkly tinted windows.
“Hello, my friend,” he said when I opened the door. “This must be the lovely Pia.” He took her outstretched hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed the back of it.
“Pia, this is Cortez DeLéon, also known as Rile. He is one of my business partners.”
She appeared wary, and rightly so. Her world had just been rocked significantly. I could only imagine the gamut of her emotions.
“We were about to go up to the main house. A ride would be helpful.”
Rile nodded and led the way.
“A moment,” said Pia, going back to the lavatory. “I’ll be right out.”
“I’ll be waiting,” I murmured as she closed the door behind her.