Dead Wrong (19 page)

With a hug and kiss on the cheek, Gio walked her from the house and watched her head down the driveway.

When he returned to the kitchen, I had cleared the counter and tossed the plates into the trash. Turning toward my brother, I took a deep breath and said, “You need to get Jill on the phone, now.”

Raising his eyebrows, Gio asked why.

“I didn't want to bring Lola into this any more than I have already, and there are some things I want to know.… Did Jill remove the merchandise from the unit herself or was this really a legitimate theft? Did she realize what she was keeping for Uncle Nate? Had he ingratiated himself with her to do that for him, or what?”

My brother's eyes had widened as I spouted off the questions, and I could see the anger in his face. His eyes sparkled with it. An argument was about to burst forth. I knew we would be yelling at each other, but my job and reputation were on the line by helping these two, and I needed answers.

“Vin…” he started to say.

Holding up a hand, I interrupted him. “Don't argue with me over this. You and wifey have managed to become embroiled in a situation that never should have taken place, and now I am involved. My life and my reputation are at stake here, not just yours. Just do as I ask so we can move forward.”

A stubborn gleam entered his eyes taking the place of anger, but he punched Jill's number into the phone and put it on speaker so we could both hear what was said.

Jill answered the call with a faint ‘hello?'

“Honey, my sister wants to speak with you concerning Uncle Nate.”

“Honestly, Gio, I have told you everything. I don't need to be drilled by your sister,” Jill snapped.

Before Gio could open his mouth, I said, “That's just too dammed bad, now isn't it? You expect us to haul your ass out of the fire, but aren't willing to answer a few simple questions? What are you thinking, Jill?”

I could hear some blustering on the other end of the line and waited until Jill managed to regain control of herself. A few seconds passed before I started speaking again.

“Jill, why did you ever agree to hold artwork for Nate?”

“He was charming. I didn't realize the art would be hotter than hot – you know what I mean? I never thought for one minute that Gio and I would end up under investigation by the FBI.”

Now, I could have argued that she had to be just downright stupid, but having been called that quite often myself of late, I figured it wouldn't help to do so. Instead, I took a deep breath and moved on with the next question.

“Did you know it was art that he sent down to you? And also, when did you notice the unit was empty?”

“I just found it cleared out this morning. Even though I had no idea how to get rid of the paintings I went down to tell the manager of the storage units that I'd be ending the lease this month. I hadn't been there since Giovanni left for Rhode Island. Nate told me he had some pieces of art he'd bought as a surprise for Aunt Lena and asked if I would put them in storage for him. He didn't say they were stolen. As a matter of fact, he didn't say anything else, except he would need the works shipped back to him by December. I'm sorry about this, Vinnie, I really am.”

Sorry didn't make me feel warm and fuzzy, but I could hear anxiety in her voice, so I let it go.

“Have you been visited by men in suits since Gio left?”

“No, no one has been by,” Jill said.

“You really believed Nate would send you art to hold for Lena?” I asked while trying to keep from sounding incredulous.

Jill, being Jill, bitchy on a good day in my opinion, had heard the tone and reacted to it by disconnecting the call. Oh well, I'd gotten further than I thought I would.

My sister-in-law and I didn't often see eye-to-eye on most matters, so the fact she had even answered any of my questions was really big. I secretly held the belief that Jill was jealous over the close relationship Gio and I have as twins. I might have been wrong about that, but I doubted it. I set the phone on the charger and ran a hand through my hair, flipping it back from my face. Jill wasn't the only person with anxiety.

The phone rang as I flipped the coffee pot switch to the off position.

“Hello,” I said, expecting to hear Jill's voice. My eyes slid to caller ID. The number was unknown and gave me no clue as to the caller since, if it were Jill, Jill's number would have shown up.

“Vinnie Esposito, please,” the man said in a heavy Rhode Island accent – the kind of ‘Duh, ya know' accent, known among those Rhode Island Italians who had been brought up without any class in their lives. The ones that needed elocution lessons.

“This is Vinnie. How can I help you?”

“I'm talkin' to Vinnie, right?”

“Yes, Lavinia Esposito, or Vinnie for short. Who's calling?” I listened to the man's deep voice and could only imagine heavy gold rings on the hand holding the phone, and a face that had been pummeled often – one revealing a street-smart education. My eyes flew to Giovanni. I watched his face pale.

“We got the art. You want it back, you gotta pay. Understand?” the oaf said.

“If I don't want it back, then what?”

“You'll want it back. It's expensive. You don't want the cops sniffin' around, and we know you need it back.” His voice grated.

“How's that?” I asked, tapping my nails on the counter.

“We just know it, that's all. Listen up. We want money and we want lots of it, so open up your piggy bank and start countin' the cash – or have your aunt pay for it, doll. We'll be in touch.”

The line went dead, and I set the phone in the charger.

“Let's go to Aunt Lena's. I'll fill you in on the way,” I said to Giovanni. “It's getting late and she'll want to go to bed.”

“It's only six o'clock, Vin.” He grimaced.

“I know, but she's ancient and likes to hit the sack early. Let's go.”

We headed out the door and down the street, waving to Aaron as he drove past. I was relieved we had managed to leave before he arrived. Anything to save another explanation by way of a lie, I thought. There was no doubt I was on the fast track to hell.

Chapter 24

Magnolia Street loomed ahead of us. Giovanni took a deep breath and glanced at me. Looking back, I realized how much my brother had changed in the years he'd lived away. I parked the car in Lena's driveway before the garage doors.

Warm lighting glowed from the windows of the oversized house. The whole scene reminded me of a Thomas Kincaid scene as the soft color spread across the lawn.

We sat for a moment. I gathered my wits while Gio appeared to be gathering his courage. Good God, what the hell had happened to the arrogant, swaggering young man who had left Rhode Island for medical school fifteen years before?

There was an FBI van parked near one of the houses. It touted cable services, but I knew better. I squeezed Gio's shoulder to reassure him before we got out of the car to walk up and ring the doorbell. I heard the bell sound within and footsteps approached the door.

As the door swung inward, I saw Elsie the housekeeper smile when she recognized me. Her gaze swept to my twin and she realized who he was immediately. We do look alike, so the assumption mustn't have been difficult.

“Come in, come in. It is chilly out there. I'll tell Lena you are here. She's in the parlor.” She motioned for us to follow her. I smirked at the ceremony used to announce us when we arrived at the parlor. Gio's eyes slid to mine, and he snickered under his breath.

“You'd think she was royalty,” he whispered with a grin.

“Shh. We'll be in trouble with the old battle-ax,” I whispered back.

“Come in. Lena will see you now.” The stout housekeeper motioned us into the room and scurried off toward the kitchen.

I hoped there wouldn't be any cat food sandwiches but didn't say so. Instead, I grasped Giovanni's arm and propelled him into the ugly living room.

“Auntie,” I said as I kissed her wrinkled cheek, “I brought Giovanni to see you.”

He stepped forward to lean down and kiss the crepe paper textured skin. When Gio leaned back, we both saw the sparkle in her black, bird-like eyes. She knew why we were here. I was certain of it.

“Sit, both of you. We'll have some tea and talk. I know you must need some refreshment,” she said through lipstick-covered lips.

Her dentures clicked as she spoke, and I imagined them in a water glass at night. That was enough to turn my stomach, but the thought of cat food sandwiches won out over floating teeth.

Elsie entered the room, carrying a tray with paste-filled sandwiches and cookies – a repeat of the fare I'd had the last time. I never said a word to Gio about the offerings. Let him find out for himself that Aunt Lena served something she called pate.

With a sly grin, Lena leaned forward, poured the tea and offered us the light repast. I took a cookie and a cup of tea while my brother took a sandwich. Gio gagged and coughed after he'd chewed the sandwich. My sense of humor kicked in and I slapped him on the back as I chuckled.

“Go down the wrong way, did it?” I offered this excuse to my twin as he continued to gag on the sandwich. He sipped the tea I handed him and sat back with a nod and a grimace. He knew I'd set him up and his look promised retribution. Ahh. Just like the old days.

“So what brings you two young people to visit on such a cold night as this?” Aunt Lena asked with that same gleam in her eyes.

Unwilling to procrastinate, I got right down to business.

“We have something to ask you,” I said. “Did you hire someone to retrieve those items from my garage and the storage unit in Nebraska?”

“No. You asked me to keep my hands off them and I promised I would do that,” Lena said. “Why? Have they disappeared?”

“Mmm. Not only have they done so, I have received a request for money for their return. Quite frankly, I'm surprised. I don't want the art back and I'm not sure how to react to the situation.

“Someone is trying to cash in on my husband's handy work? The lousy bastards.” Lena sneered and sipped the tea. “Imagine the nerve.”

It was clear Lena was offended that someone had tried to reap the rewards of Uncle Nate's thievery. As I sat back and stared at her from under lowered lashes, it occurred to me that the perp could be the third party I'd considered earlier. Maybe the guy that grabbed me….

“Did you happen to discuss this situation with anyone?”

“Nah. Who would I tell? The kids treat me like I'm a nutcase, and Elsie doesn't know shit. So who could it be that has stolen the stolen art?” Her thin, penciled eyebrows rose to new heights as she glanced at us.

“How about the fence Uncle Nate used? Is he beyond reproach?” It was a stupid question for sure, but one that would make sense to Lena. After all, she and Nate lived in a world of thieves, scumbags, and thugs so why wouldn't she understand when I asked if there was honor in the man who fenced stolen merchandise for a living?

Huffing and puffing like a dragon, Aunt Lena hauled her body into a straighter position. Her eyes narrowed and the ruby-red, wrinkled lips puckered in disbelief. Rosewater perfume wafted from her clothing. The heat in the room made the smell sickening. Thank God I hadn't eaten the sandwiches.

“How dare you ask me such a question, Lavinia? Of course the man is beyond reproach. He's a good man, one that I'd trust any day of the week. Don't even think about accusing him of such a deed.”

As she worked herself into a full-blown fit, I leaned forward, laid my hand on hers, and gave it a light squeeze. I didn't want to break any of the tiny, frail bones. Within seconds, the old woman had settled down, and I'd been given a reprieve.

“Auntie,” Giovanni murmured, “I really need your help with this. My wife is scared to death the FBI will be around to arrest her at any minute. Quite frankly, I don't know what to do.”

“Grow some balls. That's what you oughta do. Hell, your sister has enough for the two of you. She knows the damned FBI is outside, but she doesn't faint and swoon about it. No siree, she just forges ahead and lies her way outa things.” Lena nodded as she spoke. “A good Italian girl, my Lavinia. Proud of her, I am. Now take a lesson from her book and straighten up young man. You been in the cornfields of Nebraska too long and have lost your heritage.”

Unruly laughter bubbled from within me. I couldn't help it. I had to grin. The more I grinned, the funnier it became. I couldn't stop until I laughed outright. What had been a serious situation had turned humorous. Don't ask me why, but it had.

A snarky glare from Giovanni brought me around before I got completely out of control. At least Aunt Lena had said what I'd been dying to say to him since he'd arrived and started whining about Jill. With great effort to be serious, I finished my tea and refilled the teacup again from the silver tea service on the tray. I snatched another cookie and realized we hadn't had dinner. No wonder I was hungry.

“If it wasn't anyone we know, then I can't imagine who got wind of the paintings and lifted them from under our noses,” I said and munched the lemon sugar cookie.

I began the story and within a few moments, I had filled the gaps for Aunt Lena. I watched her face the whole time. She was a shrewd woman, a fantastic liar, and world-class manipulator, but with God as my witness, I believed her when she said she knew nothing about the theft.

Giovanni sipped his tea, but never ate another thing. I smirked, but said nothing. He listened in wonder as Lena and I discussed the possibilities. Apparently he couldn't fathom the idea that this type of conversation was commonplace for me. I, on the other hand, wished it wasn't quite so much so.

“I will check with some people tomorrow. Come by in the afternoon and we will talk, Lavinia,” Lena said. A tiny grin played around the corners of her wrinkled lips.

“Good enough. I can't ask for more than that, Auntie,” I said with a smile and a nod.

Gio and I rose from the sofa and bid Aunt Lena good night. We'd just reached the front steps after the door closed when Giovanni grabbed my arm and demanded to know what the hell I thought I was doing.

“Trying to stay out of trouble. Shut up and get in the car – the FBI is watching,” I murmured through gritted teeth.

Gio gawked around the street before his unbelieving gaze hit upon me once again. I tipped my head toward the car and told him to get in.

The cable truck was still parked on the curb down the street and it didn't take a rocket scientist to know it was too late in the evening for cable guys to be out working. That left the only possible explanation. The FBI still had Lena staked out. I said a silent prayer that they were still using simple surveillance equipment and not the dish thingy that allowed conversations to be overheard – damn technology.

A few seconds after we got into the car, Giovanni turned to me with a glare and demanded an explanation. Could he be that stupid, I wondered?

“Gio, I know this affair is difficult for you to deal with now that you are an upstanding doctor and all, but I must tell you that I'm truly disappointed in you. The FBI is in the cable van outside of Lena's, that's why I hurried you along.” I glanced at him as we left Magnolia Street. His demeanor hadn't changed, and I knew we were about to have a blow out. I pulled into Dunkin' Donuts and parked the car. There were only two other vehicles in the parking lot. I figured we were safe from the feds or anyone else who might be detrimental to the current situation.

“What the hell were you thinking?” Gio whispered across the table once we settled in, sipping the hot coffee and eating our jelly donuts.

When I bit into it strawberry jam oozed out of my donut, slopped down my chin, and onto my jacket. Grasping a napkin, I dabbed at the sticky confection only to make things worse.

“I'll be right back, Gio. I need to wash my hands and get this mess off my jacket.”

His head bobbed up and down in agreement as I walked away. It took a few minutes to get the jelly out of the spot on the material where I'd managed to rub it in. Wiping my washed hands on paper towels, I sauntered back to the table with the hope that Gio had chilled out a bit.

“Now will you answer my question?” He snapped the words out.

My trip to the restroom hadn't improved his mood. I figured it was time for a heart to heart with my twin.

“Yeah. Yeah, all right. If you must know, I don't think Lena had anything to do with the missing merchandise. As a matter of fact, I think she's ticked off about the fact that I'd made her promise not to touch it and then some jerk stepped in and took everything. She'll check with her Goombahs on the Hill tomorrow and then I'll find out what happened.” I leaned back and stared at him for a few minutes.

In a soft voice, I said, “You know Gio, there was a time when you could have followed the conversation without blinking an eyelash. You have been out of things too long. You've lost your nerve, and you've lost your touch.”

Bristling at the remark, Giovanni leaned across the table into my face. He mumbled some swear words under his breath and then squared off.

“That's not the case at all, dear sister. Instead of running around with gangsters, fist fighting with thugs, and dodging the feds, I grew up and shouldered my responsibilities as a doctor. I have not lost my mind. Maybe I've just lost my touch. I can't imagine living the way you have decided to live. Dad's right. You have a terrible life.”

That did it. He'd brought our father into the conversation. It was more than I could handle. My life was a pile of shit at the moment without him reminding me. But then, to have an insult ladled on top of it, was just too much.

“My life is fine, thank you very much. At least I'm not boring, scared of everything, and leading a mundane existence. I can only imagine what life is like in Nebraska. What do you do for fun? Shuck a few ears of corn when things get slow at the ER?”

Leaning back in the booth, Giovanni let out a heavy sigh and ran a hand through his dark curly hair. He shook his head back and forth and then apologized for what he'd said.

“I shouldn't have said that to you. I know how your life has been turned upside down this past year. I'm sorry.”

“Damned straight it has.” My temper was on the rise and it would take more than his apology to get back on my good side. “While you and wifey have been playing doctor and nurse, I've been dealing with the fallout of the life Aunt Livvy had, the things she left behind, some slimeball trying to get even with me for something I had nothing to do with and now these dead bodies. I don't need you or Dad or anyone else standing in judgment of my life.” I stood up, tossed my coffee cup into the trash, and strode angrily out of the donut shop.

In the car, I sat and waited for Giovanni. Through the glass panes of the donut shop I watched him head toward the men's room. I thought about the past six months of my life. Aunt Livvy had died unexpectedly. Her house, left to me, had been burgled more than once for stolen gems she'd hidden from my creepy cousins. Then a jerk I'd had the misfortune to run into had stalked me a second time. Now I was involved with the deaths of medical fraud people and this was my fault – how?

When Giovanni entered the car, I said nothing and drove toward home. If my brother hadn't left his car in Scituate, I'd have dropped him at my mom's. Instead, I faced an uncomfortable ride with my twin who considered me a screw up. His apology hadn't dulled the hurt he'd caused with his unthinking comments about my life. Maybe he was right, but it was my life and no one else's. Right?

Arriving at the house, I realized I'd forgotten to show Lena the cufflink. Annoyed by my forgetfulness, I slammed the car door as Gio left the passenger side. His gaze locked onto me. He hesitated a moment before turning to his rental car.

“I'll see you tomorrow after you've met with Lena, then?”

Pissed off and put out, I swung around to glare at him. The look should have dropped him in his tracks.