Questions for Answers

Chapter Twenty One

The next morning, Natalia woke up bright and early to start making us breakfast. She said it was her showing her appreciation for me traveling to Italy and sticking it out with her. As she flipped the pancakes, "I think I have a solution to our problem with that encrypted website. There's this guy, Benny Armani, that deals with that type of stuff."

I scooted up in my seat, "How do you know him?"

"Met him online a few years ago. I was trying to make some friends since I didn't really go to college, and we ended up matching with each other. It wasn't anything romantic, though. All he talked about was computers, really boring stuff, so I zoned out mostly when he talked. But I do remember him saying that one time he hacked into his administration's website and changed what days they would be open for school. It was pretty cool", she said.

My eyes got big, "Oh wow. So he'll help us then?"

She shrugged, "Uh...maybe! I haven't talked to him in, like, two years, but I still have his number, so I could try asking him."

"Wait, you haven't asked him yet? I thought this was a for sure thing."

She placed the pancakes in front of me, "Look, I only remembered the guy just this morning. You'll probably have a better chance at getting through to him than I would. I'm not sure if he wants to talk to me anymore. I'll just send you his number."

I checked my phone to see that she'd sent it to me and then looked back up at her, "Thanks, but why wouldn't he want to talk to you anymore? What happened?"

She swatted her hand, "It's nothing, really. Let's just say he...got a little creepy. I called him out on it, he didn't like that and so I just distanced myself from him."

"How creepy?"

"He's not gonna try anything if that's what you're worried about. He'll help us, I'm sure of it. Plus, I have the money to pay him for the job. It's in the far left cabinet inside my cookie jar. What? It's the best hiding spot."

I chuckled, "I didn't say anything. I'll give him a call and vaguely mention what we need help with."

"Good, now let's enjoy this big breakfast. And you better eat it all too!" She said stuffing her face.

I joined her and ate a good amount of food before tapping out. She jokingly called me a wimp before finishing the rest of it by herself. I helped wash the dishes as she got ready for work. Once she finished, she grabbed her purse and turned to me, "Don't wait too long to call him. He has a weird schedule. And remember, we need his help so don't push any buttons, okay?"

"I'll be cool...it just depends on him", I said folding my arms.

She sighed, "River."

I threw my hands up, "Alright, alright. I'll be cool regardless."

"Thank you", she said smiling as she headed toward the front door.

As soon as she swung it open, two police officers were standing outside who looked like they were just about to knock. My eyes widened as I looked at Natalia, panicked.

One of the officers spoke up, "Lei è Natalia Bonetti?" (Are you Natalia Bonetti?)

How in the world did they know her real last name? I was confused about why they were even there in the first place, so I stood frozen in position.

She backed up, "Uh..."

They immediately rushed in and grabbed her, "Lei è in arresto per aver contribuito alla scomparsa di Antonio Ricci." (You're under arrest for assisting in the disappearance of Antonio Ricci).