“Polizia,” the officer said as he closed in on the two of them, Berretta 9mm drawn.
Robbie sprang to his feet, grasping the man’s arm tightly and yanking him up. “This man tried to rob my girlfriend and me.” Robbie didn’t know enough Italian to explain in their language. He knew Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Some words were similar, but not near enough. “He has apistolain his pocket.”
“Mani in alto,” the policeman commanded. “Raise hands.”
Robbie didn’t want to release the assailant, but he obeyed and raised both of his hands. The man looked as if he’d scamper away, but he also obeyed.
They stood there uneasily for half a minute before more policeman joined in. Luckily, one of them spoke English and Robbie could explain.
They confirmed they’d had a call from ‘American retired military’ and had been looking for Robbie and the assailant, but with so many alleys and narrow streets they had no way of knowing where the chase would go and hadn’t been able to catch up.
They took them both to a police station. Robbie told his side of the story, and he also asked them to question the man about Big Buddhaand the murders. After far too long waiting in a sterile room, Sergente Panera returned. “You are free to go,Signore Perrine.”
“Did you get any information out of him?”
“I do not believe he is the man you seek. He is … what you say in English … pickpocket. Thief. He illegally carry thepistola,and he had all manner of wallets and jewelry stuffed in his backpack. He followed you two because your woman looked wealthy and had real diamonds and didn’t see your bodyguards until too late. He knows nothing of American murders and Big Buddha.”
Robbie wasn’t certain the last part was true, but he wasn’t in a position to argue with the sergeant. “You’ll detain him and make certain?”
The man smiled briefly. “Of course. He’s broken many laws. He won’t be seeing the sun for many days.”
“Grazie.” Robbie shook his hand and a few minutes later walked out of the police station. He hurried through the darkened streets, anxious to get to Alice.
He called Price as he walked. His friend assured him Alice was safe in the condo’s living area and all was well. Robbie shared his side of the story, frustrated that the attempt seemed to have nothing to do with Big Buddha. He was only a few streets away from the condo when another call came in. One of Aiden Porter’s research and tech guys, Oliver.
“Hey, Ollie. What’s up?”
“Just touching base with you on the research on Marianne Marshall. She looks squeaky clean—ultra-wealthy because of her husband’s family trusts, huge life insurance payouts when the husband died twenty years ago, and a solid investment team taking care of her money. She donates to charities and spends a lot of money on her own health care, her house and staff, jewelry, and clothing. Not much else going out, man.”
“Seriously?” Robbie groaned. It was downright awful of him to wish Alice’s mom was the villain. Still, it was disappointing that his hunch hadn’t panned out.
“Sorry, man.”
“Appreciate the help. Take care.”
“You too.”
Robbie slid the phone into his pocket. He took the stairs instead of the elevator up the twelve levels to the penthouse. His legs felt tired again. At least the pickpocket had been good for something; he had given Robbie an intense cardio workout.
Arriving at the door, he rapped on it. He knew the codes, but they’d have the deadbolts and extra locks engaged.
Merrick opened the door and gestured him through. Alice was pacing in the living area, Curtis standing nearby.
“Hey.” He raised a hand.
“Robbie,” she cried out as if he were her long-lost lover.
Robbie’s eyes widened and his pulse spiked as she rushed across the space and flung herself against his chest. He had no problem wrapping her up tight and lifting her slightly off her feet.
“You’re safe,” she gushed. “Price said the police captured the guy, but I was so worried.”
“I’m fine,” he assured her, a touch annoyed that she didn’t think he could take care of himself and that Price hadn’t kept to the bro code and bragged to her that Robbie ran the guy down, for miles and miles, and was the one who’d tackled him. That scrawny guy hadn’t stood a chance against him. Only of out-running him, which Robbie hadn’t let happen. Price was great, for a Navy guy, but unfortunately not one to brag about himself or anyone else.
Alice drew back from his embrace.
He set her on her feet, released her, and took her hand. “Have you eaten?”
She stared at him as if he’d grown another head. “Eaten? No. I really couldn’t think of food at a time like this.”
