Page 27 of Little Hidden Fears

“I’d add a classy, hidden speakeasy, requiring a password to gain entry. In terms of décor, I’d fill the place with mobster memorabilia, similar to what they have on display at the museum in Las Vegas.”

“And where do you plan on getting this ‘mobster memorabilia’?”

“We could start by looking in the attic at your family estate. I’m sure we’d find plenty of things in there.”

I’d said it as a joke but knowing there was some truth to it.

“A speakeasy ... not a bad idea,” he said.

“As far as what happened in the past, your family’s business dealings are legitimate now,” I said. “Why not let the past and the present collide and give the customers a bit of history while they’re sipping away on a mint julep?”

“It sounds interesting. I’m just not sure about the timing. I’ve given some thought to expanding my restaurant, opening a second location.”

“Why not open it inside the hotel?”

“Another good idea. I’ll see what Angelo has to say. He hired an architect to draw up his vision for the place. I’ll look it over when I see him.”

“Sounds like he’s put a lot of thought into this dream of his.”

“I agree.”

Giovanni grabbed the napkin from his lap, wiping his mouth. Then he stood, reaching for his plate and mine. “Did you get enough to eat, amor?”

“I did.”

“Good, if you need me for any reason while I’m away, you will call, won’t you?”

I nodded, and my phone rang. Looking at the name on the caller ID, I saw it was Simone. I answered with, “I’ll be heading to the office in about fifteen minutes.”

“Good,” she whispered.

“Why are you whispering?”

“Your client is here, and if she doesn’t simmer down, I’m going to drop-kick her booty right on out the front door.”

“Understood. Hang tight. I’ll be there soon.”

CHAPTER 12

I hadn’t made it more than three steps inside the office before Zoey charged at me, her voice raised, demanding information about Dominic.

I squared off with her, lifting a finger as I uttered, “No.”

“No ...what?”

“If you want to have a conversation with me, you need to calm down and behave in a more civilized manner.”

“Iambeing civilized. It’s obvious you don’t care about my feelings, or about what I’m going through!”

“Take a breath, Zoey, and then we’ll have a conversation. Or don’t, and we won’t. It’s up to you.”

“You can’t talk to me this way. I’m your client.”

“Does being my client give you free rein to treat me any way you like? If you believe it does, you’re mistaken.”

Zoey fisted her hands, and I stepped back. For a moment, I thought she might attempt to strike me, but she didn’t. She burst into tears and plopped down on the sofa, bawling into her hands.

I thought about consoling her in some way but decided against it. Perhaps the best thing to do was to give her a moment to work through her feelings.