Chapter 33
Santa Monica, 1953
“How did you find us?” Celina was shocked at Lauro’s presence at the Sunset Poppy Inn. She could hardly believe he was here, and she kept running her hands over his face and shoulders just to make sure.
“You’re not the only detective,” he said, kissing her cheek.
Sara appeared behind her son. “We came as soon as we could. I insisted on coming, too.”
Soon they were talking excitedly over each other in English and Italian, and Celina could hardly follow their story. She stood listening, drinking in their presence with gratitude.
Lauro took her hand and brushed his lips over her fingertips, never letting go of her gaze. “Let’s go for a walk on the beach, and we’ll tell you everything.” He looked past her into the room and called out. “Where’s Marco?”
At th
