Thirty minutes ago…
I sniffed, happy to be alone for a moment to gather my feelings on what just happened. I pulled out my phone and called Ugo, but he didn’t answer, so I hung up. I had hoped maybe Ugo was up for another visit tonight. I could have used a little family time because, chances were Elio wouldn’t return tonight. I dropped my phone in the pocket of my dress as I dug around for my house key. I turned the key, pushed the door open, and stopped short.
“Since when do you have a key to Elio’s house?” Mariano’s voice was calm. He sat on the stairs, arms resting on his knees, hands folded together, but his red-dilated eyes told me he had recently taken something.
“They’re his,” I lied, and a warning passed through me to leave.
“Where is Elio?”
“He,” I paused, trying to find my v
