Queen Of Hearts

Information

Julian

The following morning, we showered and changed. When we came downstairs, we discovered breakfast waiting for us. We joined Cruz and Joe at the table and plated our food.

Joe opened a file and read through it while we ate. "Benjamin Moretti aka Benny worked for Dominick Benetoli for forty years until he retired to a small countryside outside of Venice. He has a rap sheet a mile long but managed to evade the Feds."

"What did Benny do for Don Benetoli?" Cruz asked in between bites.

"He was the Don's trusted right-hand man, but his health declined. He's been living a quiet life at his vineyard."

"Any wife or children?"

"No."

I finished my meal as I listened to Cruz and Joe discuss Mr. Moretti. I glanced at Katherine as she played with her food. "You should eat, my love."

"I'm not hungry," Katherine replied.

"I'm aware, but you need sustenance."

Katherine knitted her brows and wrinkled her forehead. I placed my hand on her and gave her a reassuring rub. She heaved a sigh and took a bite. I understand Katherine learned disheartening information about her father last night, but I didn't want it to affect her appetite.

After we finished our breakfast, I helped Katherine clear the table and clean up while Cruz and Joe gave us space. "I realize you learned disturbing news about your father, but he can't harm you."

"I don't understand how someone can sell human beings. It's like human life means nothing to them. I couldn't imagine being cold and callous enough to hurt someone."

"Because you aren't."

Katherine looked at me with curiosity.

"You radiate warmth and kindness. My mother was the same way."

"What do you remember about your mother?"

"I remember the fear in my mother's eyes when Henry was home. She would shut down her emotions. When he wasn't home, she would cradle me in her arms. It was one of the few times I felt her warmth and kindness, but it wasn't often."

Katherine nodded.

We finished cleaning and headed out to the car. Cruz opened the back door as we climbed in. Once everyone was inside, he drove to our destination.

*******
Katherine

I gazed out the car window as the scenery past us in a blur. I kept trying to wrap my head around the information Joe gave me. How could my mother have an affair with someone who sold human beings?

Julian's hand cradled mine as warmth radiated from it. I glanced at him as he gave me a reassuring smile. He moved his hand from mine and wrapped his arm around me. I snuggled into his body, reveling in comfort.

Cruz turned onto a winding road as he drove toward a house surrounded by vineyards. Once he arrived, he parked, and we exited the vehicle. Julian took my hand and walked with me as we followed Cruz and Joe to the front door.

Cruz pressed the doorbell a few times before a woman answered the door.

"Can I help you?" The woman asked.

"We're here to see Benny Moretti. Vincent Powers sent us," Cruz answered.

The woman nodded and stepped aside. "Benny has been waiting for your arrival."

We entered the house as she led us through it to the backyard, where an older plump man with white hair was sitting at a table. The woman leaned into his ear and spoke. Mr. Moretti nodded as the woman left us.