Chapter 3 - THE DEBT I NEVER ASKED HIM TO PAY
At nine fifty-eight the following morning, my phone rang.
The number belonged to the collection agency handling the largest portion of my grandfather's remaining medical bills.
I answered while standing in line for coffee.
"Miss Rossi? We're calling to confirm your balance has been satisfied."
I frowned.
"What?"
"Your outstanding account has been paid in full."
"By whom?"
"I'm afraid I don't have authorization to disclose that information."
I stepped out of line.
"Then reverse it."
The woman sounded confused.
"Excuse me?"
"I didn't authorize anyone to pay it."
"Miss Rossi, the payment has already cleared."
I hung up.
Then I called the hospital billing office.
The remaining hospital balance was gone too.
By ten fifteen, I had confirmation that every account I'd been struggling to pay had been settled.
Forty-seven thousand, eight hundred and sixty-three dollars.
And fourteen cents.
I sat on the curb outside the coffee shop and stared at my phone.
Most people would have cried with relief.
I felt sick.
Because in my experience, powerful men didn't give away money.
They purchased obligations.
At noon, a black sedan stopped outside my apartment.
Dante Gallo stepped out.
He wasn't accompanied by visible security.
He wore a charcoal overcoat and carried a paper bag.
I met him on the sidewalk.
"Did you pay my grandfather's debts?"
He studied me.
"Good afternoon to you too."
"Did you?"
"No."
I frowned.
"Your father?"
"Yes."
"Tell him I don't want his money."
Dante nodded.
"I expected you'd say that."
"Then why are you here?"
He held out the bag.
Inside was a small wooden box.
My grandfather's name was carved into the lid.
I stared.
"Where did you get this?"
"My father."
I didn't touch it.
Dante lowered his voice.
"He says it belonged to Pietro before he came to America."
"Why would your father have it?"
"That's what I'd like to know."
I looked at him.
"You're telling me you don't know?"
"My father doesn't explain his past."
"Then ask him."
"I did."
"And?"
Dante's expression darkened.
"He told me Pietro Rossi saved his life in Sicily."
I looked at the box.
Then back at him.
"And?"
May you like
Dante hesitated.
"He also said your grandfather was the reason my mother disappeared."
