Bertelli Investigations Volume 1: Noteworthy Mysteries

Chapter 15

Tino knew that this conversation could go two different ways. He could tell Sammy that yes, they do have a lead into Tia's disappearance, letting him think that they might find her soon whether they do or not. Or he could keep that information to himself like he was supposed to as a cop.

Tino leaned back in his chair, taking a deep breath, smelling the wonderful aroma of the restaurant. He was thinking hard about how to answer Sammy. "You know Sammy, we've known each other for a long time. I wouldn't lie to you. But all I can tell you right now is that we do not know what we have in regard to Tia's disappearance. We might have a lead, we might not. So, it's best if we don't give our hopes up."

Sammy pulled out his cellphone, showing a picture of a baby boy. He had chubby cheeks and a full head of black, curly hair. He was wearing a blue onesie with yellow ducks on them and was smiling with joy. He looked a lot like Sammy would if Sammy had weight put on him. "See him?", Sammy asked with pride. "That's my son. His name is Jamal. He'll be 3 years old this year."

Tino was caught off guard. He didn't know much about Sammy's personal life anymore. He raised his eyebrows and smiled." I didn't know you had a son. Congratulations."

Sammy looked at Tino sincerely. "Look I loved your sister. I really did. We were kids and we loved each other like young kids do. When she first disappeared, it was hard. It really was. But I've moved on. I didn't want to. I always hoped she'd be found, and we could be together again. But i had to learn to live my life like she wasn't ever going to come back. Because who knows? Maybe she will be found tomorrow, or maybe she won't be found ever."

As much as hearing those words stung, it was good for Tino to know that Sammy had finally moved on with his life. It was a relief. To think of a man so caught up in someone that hadn't been around for so long, well, that was a worrisome feeling. And even though Tia was his sister, he knew that everyone had to learn to move on.

"I know. I've went through the same emotions. I'm really glad you've learned to move on." Tino remembered what it was like to try to move on. He remembered the guilt, the freedom, the anguish. For Tino, as well as everyone that knew Tia, it took a long time to accept the fact that she was gone and there was a chance she would never come back. But no matter how much they told themselves that, everyone always held out hope that there was an opportunity for Tia to be found safe and sound.

Tino felt reassured that he could tell Sammy what was going on. "Okay, I'll tell you: we are thinking that Tia might've been kidnapped by someone who knows the mafia."

"But aren't you guys related to some guys in the mafia?", Sammy asked confused.

"Yes, we are. And knowing our little mafia family, they wouldn't know someone has Tia, and then not do anything to stop them. To them, family comes first. No matter if they like their family or not. So, whoever has Tia, the mafia has no idea."

"Well, that's good that you are confident in your family. But I don't really know if anyone we knew had much to do with the Mafia or not to be honest. That's not something people usually let be known."

"I can understand why. I am a part of that family, and I don't like to let everyone know.", Tino laughed.

"Besides the usual party me and her would occasionally sneak out to, I don't think there's anything else that I can tell you. There were some guys there at the parties that would hit on her, but that was about it."

"Nobody that ever tried to follow her home or harass her?", Tino asked curiously.

Sammy puffed his chest up and scoffed. "Are you kidding me? I wouldn't allow that."

"I should've known.", Tino said with his bright, white smile. Sammy might've been a lot of things, but he was never a believer in beating or harassing women.

Sammy took his last drink of coffee, satisfied with the delicious breakfast. "Look I gotta be going soon. I've got a job to get to. But I really hope that you find her. And if there's anything that I can do to help, I will."

"I know. And hey, you take care. Try staying out of trouble and do what's right."

"I try. You know that's hard for me. Heck when we were in school, you and your brother weren't angels", Sammy pointed out.

Thinking back to high school, Tino could agree with that. They didn't do anything terrible or life threatening, but they were teenage boys. "Okay we might've vaped a little, snuck out a few times with girls, and had a few beers at some parties. But we weren't too bad, do you think?"

"Of course not. "Sammy laughed at even the thought of Tony and Tino being considered bad. "You guys have always been good people. And I'm trying to be that kind of a good person too."

Sammy looked over at where the blonde worker was that gave them their food. He smiled at seeing her and got up from his chair. "Now if you excuse me, I've got a blonde-haired worker to chat up", he chuckled as he gave Tino a fist bump." Catch ya later brother."

Even though Sammy didn't look like he was in the best condition, it was good to see him acting like himself again. After the years of looking like a sad, depressed, lonely, man Sammy was finally seeming to get back to his old self again.

            ''There was nothing he said that really gave me any helpful information ", Tino thought to himself. 'But at least I tried. I guess it's back to the drawing board.'