Page 54 of Luca

Going back further might reveal whatever Sofia's hiding. But it might also reveal things about the Arcari family that I'm not prepared to know. Information that could complicate the alliance in ways I can't control.

"Not yet," I say finally. "I'll let you know."

"Your call. I’m always here if you need me."

I hang up and pour myself a drink. The more I learn about Sofia, the more confused I am.

Paolo calls me. "Boss, we've got a situation."

"What kind?"

"The kind where Mr. Arcari has been making calls to some very interesting people since last night."

I set down my glass. "Who is he calling?"

"Travel agents. High-end ones that specialize in... discrete arrangements. Also reached out to a contact in the Swiss banking sector. "

"Any idea what he’s doing?"

"No idea. To me it sounds like either he’s trying to track someone or make arrangements to leave town in a hurry."

"Keep monitoring his communications. But don't interfere. Not yet."

"Understood."

My study door opens without a knock. Sofia appears in the doorway wearing a sundress, but something's different about her posture. More guarded.

"Good morning," she says, crossing to kiss my cheek. Her voice is softer than usual, more like the Sofia from our engagement dinners.

"Good morning. You're up early."

"Couldn't sleep either." She settles into the chair across from my desk, but doesn't meet my eyes the way she has been lately. "I wanted to apologize for last night."

"Apologize for what?"

"The tension with my father. I know you noticed." She fidgets with her wedding ring, a nervous gesture I haven't seen from her in weeks. "Family dynamics can be... complicated."

"What were you discussing on the terrace?"

"He worries about me adapting to married life, to being part of your family. Sometimes he gets a bit dramatic about it."

She's lying, but more carefully than before. Gone is the confident woman who demanded freedom and hustled poker players. This version is closer to the Sofia I remember from our engagement.

"He seemed more than worried. He seemed upset."

"He has strong opinions about proper behavior for wives. He was giving me guidance about my role as a Romano." She finally looks up at me, and I see something that might be fear. "I hope his concern didn't cause any problems."

"No problems," I say, though we both know that's not entirely true.

She nods and stands up quickly, as if she doesn't want to prolong the conversation. "I should let you work. I know you're busy."

"Sofia." She pauses at the door. "If there's anything else you need to tell me about last night, now would be the time."

For a moment, she looks like she might say something. Then she shakes her head.

"There's nothing else. Just my father being overly concerned and protective. He’s always been this way."

She's gone before I can ask anything more. I sit there for a long time after she leaves. Something is definitely wrong.