The Chainmakers (27 page)

Jennie smiled uncertainly. 'Yes, he is, isn't he?'

'Hasn't he asked you out yet?' Anna probed gently.

'Yes! The very first day he was here!' Jennie burst out. 'I said no, of course.' she added primly.

'And he hasn't asked you again?'

'No.' Jennie's lips were tight. 'He's found other fish to fry. I've seen him talking to that new girl at the delicatessen. Joe Kowalski had to speak to him for wasting staff time.'

'But that doesn't prove anything. He's probably a little lonely, he has no-one in New York. What do you expect him to do if you sent him away with a flea in his ear?'

Jennie's eyes were round. She thought a moment and then blurted out, 'It's too late now anyway. In a couple of weeks his uncle will be here. Paolo will leave and I shall never see him again...' her voice tailed off in despair, and she began to cry.

'What nonsense! I didn't think you were a girl to give way to such silly imaginings.' Anna chided gently. 'All you need is a plan of campaign. I'll help you.'

'How?' Jennie sniffed, wiping her eyes.

'Next Monday evening, come to dinner. I'll invite Paolo too, and you can get to know each other a little better.'

'Dinner? At your house? But Anna, your dinner parties are famous! Everyone says...'

'Everyone won't be there. Just you and Paolo, and Clancy of course. A nice quiet dinner, and I'll cook for you myself.'

As Anna made her way home a few hours later she reflected sadly on the weakness of womankind. How vulnerable we all are, she thought, when we meet that certain man, the one who has the power to make our heart race the moment we see him. Who would have thought that Jennie, prim, practical, down to earth Jennie, would have been so affected by a bumptious young Italian with a heavenly smile?

How well she remembered that feeling, the delicious excitement and anticipation, mirrored by the agonies of self doubt which inevitably accompanied the early stages of love. How long ago it seemed now, and yet... the feeling had never left her, that deep seated longing for... she knew not what. All she was sure of was that it was gone. Gone for ever.

~

With his usual dashing courtesy, Paolo arrived on the following Monday evening bearing a dozen red roses for his hostess. When Anna protested that the flowers must have cost half his wages for the week, he was unrepentant.

‘What better way to spend one’s money?’ he murmured, kissing her hand with an extravagant gesture. ‘Than to please a beautiful lady?’

‘My beautiful lady,’ Clancy reminded him. ‘Just in case you forgot,’ he added, laughing, unable to resist Paolo’s infectious smile. ‘Will you have a drink?’

‘Thank you. A little wine perhaps? Er... I wondered... is James still awake?’

‘He was a moment ago,’ Anna smiled. In the three months since he had joined the restaurant, Paolo had become James’s favourite uncle.

‘May I go up, just for a moment? I brought him this.’

Paolo took a small wooden humming top from his pocket. ‘It’s just a small one,’ he explained. ‘But it makes a grand noise as it spins, and you can keep it going for ages. I got it from the market.’

‘You spoil James,’ Anna said. ‘It’s the second door on the right.’

Paolo raced up the staircase two at a time and Clancy began to laugh again. ‘It makes you wonder who is the child out of the two of them, so it does,’ he said, pouring Paolo’s drink.

Jennie arrived at that moment, and by the time Paolo returned minutes later, she was already seated on the large sofa in the drawing room, looking very elegant in her deep blue dress. Paolo’s initial surprise at seeing her was replaced by obvious pleasure, and as usual, he soon became the life and soul of the somewhat hilarious party.

By all measures it was a very successful evening, and Anna was happy to observe Paolo’s keen interest in Jennie, when he thought she was not looking and could steal a sidelong glance. After dinner the conversation turned on many subjects, from the international situation to prospective sites for more Sullivans restaurants. By ten o’clock they were completely relaxed, and were listening to Paolo extolling the delights of Rome, when the door suddenly opened and Lottie appeared, a little flustered.

‘Mr. Sullivan... there’s a gentleman here... he insists...’ Before Lottie could finish speaking, a big heavy set man pushed his way into the room, followed by two equally large companions. He wore a grey suit and a wide brimmed Homburg hat, and as Anna stared in astonishment she noticed his heavy lidded eyes, which roved around the room in languid enquiry. Following his look, she saw an almost imperceptible smile touch his mouth as he saw Paolo.

‘Uncle!’ Paolo, white faced, had got to his feet.

‘Paolo.’ The big man’s voice was soft, with a thick accent. ‘So I find you at last...’

‘I thought you were coming next week sir...’ Paolo still looked shocked.

The big man smiled. ‘You know I do not do what others expect,’ he said, not unkindly. He looked around the room. ‘It seems I find you in good company after all,’ he said, with an air of condescension. ‘After seeing that slum you are living in I am surprised.’

Paolo remembered his manners. ‘Uncle Vittorio, may I introduce my hosts, Mr and Mrs Sullivan? They own the restaurant where I have been working. This is Miss Jennie McCormack.’

Vittorio Vetti inclined his head slightly, ignoring Clancy’s outstretched hand. ‘I see. You have been working in a restaurant? I heard miracles happened in New York, now I know it is true.’

His joke seemed to please him and he gave an expansive smile. Turning to his companions he made a dismissive gesture, and the two men left the room. Anna regained her composure. ‘Mr. Vetti, we are so pleased to meet you. Clancy, do get Mr. Vetti a drink.’

‘Glad to,’ Clancy growled, ‘If he is staying...’ He stared at Vittorio. ‘You haven’t removed your hat sir,’ he said pointedly.

For a moment Vittorio Vetti held Clancy’s look, and Anna had a sudden impression of menace. Then he smiled again, and removing his Homburg murmured, ‘My apologies ladies... I am a little tired after the journey. A whisky would be very good.’

He accepted his drink and made a few desultory remarks about his journey and the weather. Paolo seemed struck dumb for once, and the atmosphere remained tense, in sharp contrast to the relaxed intimacy of only minutes before.

Anna said, ‘I’m sure your friends would like a drink. Please ask them to join us.’

‘No Mrs. Sullivan,’ Vittorio Vetti responded in his soft musical voice. ‘That is perfectly alright, my... friends... will not wish to disturb you further.’ He seemed amused, and added quickly, ‘I came here only to find my nephew. When I went to the address he sent me I was shocked to find him staying in such a place. The landlady said he had come here, and so I followed. I was anxious to check that he was not in bad company...’

‘Uncle!’ Paolo burst out, ‘Mr and Mrs Sullivan are very respectable people and have been very kind to me...’

‘Of course! I understand that now.’ Vittorio Vetti turned to Anna. ‘Please forgive me Mrs Sullivan, but I worry about Paolo. He is a little headstrong.’

‘I know,’ Anna smiled.

‘Thank you for befriending my nephew. I will take him off your hands now.’

‘I can’t leave the restaurant until next week uncle,’ Paolo protested. In response to a look of withering coldness from his uncle he added lamely, ‘They were expecting me to work next week, I have to give notice...’

‘That’s all right Paolo,’ Anna said gently. ‘We can manage, I can take someone on easily enough.’

Vittorio Vetti gave a lofty smile. ‘I can hardly believe it. My nephew is actually needed at this restaurant?’

‘Paolo has worked very hard.’ Anna said sharply. ‘We shall miss him a great deal.’

Vittorio looked surprised, but nodded his head and finished his drink. He put down his glass and said ‘Then I’m pleased. Come along Paolo, we must leave these good people in peace.’ He nodded to Jennie and Clancy, and said quietly to Anna, ‘You have been kind to my nephew. Thank you. If you ever need anything let me know.’ He picked up his hat and left the room, and Paolo, with a hasty goodbye, followed him. In the hall Paolo turned back to Anna as Lottie went to fetch his coat. ‘Mrs Sullivan... I am sorry, but you see how my uncle is...’

‘It’s alright Paolo. Try to keep in touch with us, and with Jennie.’

His beautiful eyes blazed. ‘You think I have a chance?’

‘I think so. Yes, I think you have a chance.’

The stunning smile lit up his face, as Lottie helped him into his coat. ‘I must hurry,’ he said, ‘My uncle is waiting in the car, but... Mrs. Sullivan... Anna?’

‘Yes, Anna.’

‘Anna, I want to say thank you for... everything. Everything! I will never forget and I am always your friend. You understand? Always!’

‘Yes Paolo. Always.’

Anna watched the large car drive away, and then turned to find Jennie and Clancy in the hall.

‘It seems the party is over,’ Anna said ruefully, ‘But you don’t have to leave just yet.’

‘I must,’ said Jennie. ‘I work for this dreadful boss who will expect me to be bright and efficient tomorrow.’

Clancy went to find the chauffeur to take Jennie home, and Anna confided, ‘It’s alright Jennie. Paolo will keep in touch.’

‘I doubt it,’ Jennie responded, ‘Uncle Vittorio will never let him out of his sight. Did you ever see such a strange person? Poor Paolo!’

‘He is intimidating I agree, but Paolo will keep in touch, he told me.’

‘Did he?’ Jennie asked eagerly, ‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes, I’m sure,’ Anna said, as Clancy returned with the chauffeur.

As they waved the car away Clancy said, ‘I hope you aren’t encouraging anything between Jennie and Paolo.’

‘You noticed it?’

‘I’d have to be blind not to,’ Clancy retorted. ‘They were both so aware of each other, and trying to pretend they weren’t!’

‘I am encouraging it. Why do you think I invited them here together?’

She expected Clancy to laugh, but he turned away quickly and returned to the drawing room. He poured himself a nightcap and then said shortly, ‘It’s not a good idea, Jennie has a good position with us, and we can’t afford to lose her.’

‘I shouldn’t like to lose her certainly, but I would never stand in the way of her happiness.’

‘Happiness? You think she’d be happy with him?’

Something in Clancy’s tone alarmed Anna. ‘What is it Clancy? You like Paolo, I know you do.’

‘I don’t like his family.’

‘I admit Uncle Vittorio is a bit strange, but...’

‘Strange? Anna, that man is Mafia!’

Anna felt her blood run cold. ‘No! You must be wrong. How can you possibly know that?’

Clancy turned, and his face was tense. ‘I thought there was something odd about Uncle Vittorio even before I met him, so I did. Twice I have asked Paolo what his uncle’s business is, and twice I got fobbed off.’ He laughed bitterly. ‘I asked because I thought we might be able to help, give his uncle a start over here. What a joke! Did you see his suit? The car? That man is no ordinary immigrant, he’s rich already!’