Chapter 5 - THE BROTHER WHO SAW THROUGH HIM
Cole met Matteo on a Sunday afternoon.
It happened at a community center where Isla volunteered.
Matteo had agreed to visit after she mentioned that the center needed help replacing outdated computer equipment.
He arrived wearing a plain dark shirt.
No entourage.
No expensive watch.
Just Matteo.
Cole was repairing a faulty electrical panel when he noticed him.
He straightened.
Then signed to Isla:
That's him?
She nodded.
Cole looked Matteo up and down.
Then signed:
He looks like a man who charges people for breathing near him.
Isla burst out laughing.
Matteo watched their hands.
Then smiled.
Only on weekdays.
Cole froze.
Then grinned.
Within twenty minutes, the two men were discussing electrical systems, waterfront warehouses, and the best way to repair an aging building without shutting down its entire power supply.
Isla watched in amazement.
Cole rarely trusted strangers.
But Matteo never rushed his signing.
Never looked impatient.
Never treated Cole's hearing loss as something tragic.
Later, Cole pulled Isla aside.
He likes you.
She blushed.
Stop.
He watches you like you're the only light in the room.
Isla rolled her eyes.
You're ridiculous.
Cole smiled.
And you're scared.
She stopped.
He was right.
That evening, Matteo walked her to the bus stop.
The sun was setting over Miami.
She signed:
Cole likes you.
Matteo smiled.
He's a good man.
He thinks you're dangerous.
Matteo's smile faded.
He's not wrong.
Isla studied him.
What does that mean?
He looked toward the street.
Then signed:
My business isn't as clean as I'd like it to be.
She felt her stomach tighten.
Are you involved in criminal activity?
He didn't answer immediately.
Then:
There are things I'm changing.
Isla stepped back.
That isn't an answer.
Matteo nodded.
I know.
She looked at him for a long moment.
Then signed:
I won't become someone's excuse for doing bad things.
His expression softened.
I wouldn't ask you to.
The bus arrived.
Isla stepped toward it.
Then turned back.
If you want me to trust you, tell me the truth.
Matteo watched her.
Then nodded.
I will.
But as the bus pulled away, Isla saw Gabriel approaching him.
His expression was serious.
May you like
Matteo read something on Gabriel's phone.
And the softness vanished from his face.
