Earlier that day...
“Mummy, will you come get me after school?” Gianni asked as Joe helped him out of the car in front of his school.
“Of course,” I said with a smile, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “Be good, okay?”
He nodded eagerly, clutching his backpack as he ran toward the gates. I watched him disappear through the crowd before exhaling softly. For a few seconds, the world was quiet again — just me, Joe, and the low hum of the car engine.
Joe handed me his iPad before starting the car. “Ma’am, my people have been monitoring the Hawthornes. Nothing new so far, but… Jean Lacroix reserved a private shopping session at one of Mr. Kane’s boutiques this morning. It’s probably nothing, but I thought you should know because Mr Russo booked a session. For you there almost the same time toda
