Viper - Michael Morley [111]
‘Probably the change of diet, good food can be a shock to the system.’ Finelli did his best to sound understanding. ‘When did you get in from the United States?’
‘You could be right,’ said Jack. ‘I’ve been here a while but probably not made the full adjustment yet.’
A tray of coffee and water arrived, courtesy of a young woman in a black dress that fell modestly to below her knees. She never spoke, except for the obligatory prego as they took their drinks and thanked her. She left without having looked directly at anyone. The air was thick with discretion. The kind of well-practised, silver-service discretion that always prevailed in the homes of the monstrously corrupt.
‘This is an incredible house,’ said Sylvia, balancing an espresso on her lap. ‘You live here alone, or with the whole family?’
‘My wife died some years ago, but I still live here. As you said, it is our family home, and I cannot see myself living anywhere else.’
‘And your daughter, Gina, she lives here too?’ added Jack.
Finelli read the depth of the question. He answered cautiously. ‘At the moment, yes. She and her family come to stay sometimes. It is nice for us all to be together.’
The bedrooms Jack had just looked in had told a fuller story. Bruno Valsi was certainly not staying in the house. There was clearly a rift in the family. But was it between Gina and her husband, or between her husband and her father?
‘Why do you ask?’ the Don added, defensively.
Jack put on half a smile. ‘Guess I’m missing my wife and child. Seeing your daughter and grandson here made me think of my own family.’
Finelli looked across at the door and worked out how Jack might have spotted them. ‘Forgive me, but I am quite busy tonight. Is there anything more I can help you with?’ He put his coffee cup down and gave out all the signals that he wanted them to leave.
They rose and Finelli shook hands with Sylvia, Lorenzo and finally Jack. ‘I hope you feel better very soon.’
‘Thank you, I think I already do. Before we go, I’m interested to know how you get on with your son-in-law?’
Finelli smiled. ‘Signore, I’ve been very generous in my hospitality, please don’t abuse it.’ He motioned an open hand to the doorway.
Jack stood his ground. He leaned towards Finelli and spoke in a confidential tone. ‘From what little I know of Bruno Valsi, he is not the type of man I would want my daughter sharing her life with. And not the kind of man I would consider good for my own health.’
Finelli looked amused. ‘Thank you for your opinion. Now, it really is time for you to go.’
A gym monster in a black suit appeared from nowhere. Jack guessed he was six-two, late thirties and no doubt tooled up. Nothing would have delighted him more than demonstrating how quickly he could disarm a monkey that big, but he didn’t have to. Lorenzo stepped forward and quietly said something in Italian that stopped the guy in his tracks. It gave Jack a final chance to speak to Finelli. ‘Signore, your charm doesn’t disguise the fact that you’re a very worried man – and you have a right to be. If there is anything you can tell us about your son-in-law, then you may well be helping yourself and your daughter and grandchild as much as you help us.’
The Don said nothing but, just before he walked away and left them, the look on his face