Lost Lombardi

Chapter 56

Pietro came home around 7 p.m. He felt exhausted from all the business work and went straight to take a shower. It had been a stressful day. After showering, he decided to check on Don. Don was old now and preferred to spend time alone in his room or the garden. He didn't like noise but enjoyed the quiet company of his children and grandchildren sometimes.

"Papa, how are you feeling today?" Pietro asked.

"I'm good, Pietro. How's the business going?" Don asked.

"Everything's fine, Papa," Pietro replied.

After a brief conversation, Pietro left Don's room. He glanced up at Dino's room on the second floor, wondering what he was up to. Pietro hadn't had much time to talk to him lately because of his busy schedule. They only really spoke during breakfast and dinner. Feeling the need to check on him before dinner, Pietro headed to Dino's room and knocked on the door.

"Dino," he called, but there was no answer.

He knocked again. "Dino," he said, but still no response. Pietro opened the door, but the room was empty. He checked the bathroom—it was empty too. Dino was supposed to be home before 7 p.m., but he wasn't there.

"Luca, Luca... where's Dino?" Pietro asked.

"I don't think he's come home yet, boss," Luca replied.

Pietro tried calling Dino's phone, but it didn't go through. Panic surged through him, and his chest tightened.

"What's wrong, boss?" Luca asked, seeing Pietro's pale face.

"His phone isn't working," Pietro said, his eyes wide with fear.

Luca quickly dialed Dino's number, but it didn't work either.

"He went to meet his friends today. Maybe he's still with them," Luca said.

Pietro wasted no time and called Kacper.

"Kacper, is Dino with you?" Pietro asked, his voice filled with urgency.

"What? You all came home around 5 p.m.?" Pietro asked, shocked. He realized he couldn't waste any more time.

"Let's go find him," Pietro said to Luca. They were about to get into the car when they saw Dino's car pulling into the driveway.

As soon as Dino stepped out of the car, Pietro grabbed him by the collar and shoved him against the car door, glaring at him angrily.

"Where the hell did you disappear to?" Pietro demanded, his voice sharp with anger.

Dino's eyes widened in shock. "Papa, why are you doing this?" Dino asked, confused. Pietro released his grip, realizing he was overreacting, but the panic from earlier still fueled his emotions.

"It's past 7. You know you're supposed to be home before then! And when I called, your phone wasn't working. Kacper said you were home at 5. Where the hell were you?" Pietro demanded, still seething.

"I had to help a friend. She said she felt dizzy and couldn't drive, and she was scared to take a taxi. So, I drove her home," Dino explained, looking directly at his father.

Pietro took a deep breath, calming himself slightly. When Dino mentioned a "friend," Pietro assumed it was someone around Dino's age. It never crossed his mind that he was talking about Rosi—he had almost forgotten about her since no one had spoken of her lately.