Five Years Buried — Theo's Tiny Bodyguard

I almost laughed. Too late. Luckily, Lena Hart was dead. Only Ava Hayes. After the dinner, I stepped into the hotel garden for air. The city lights glittered behind the glass walls. Then I saw Dante standing near the fountain, a cigarette fingers. He turned. I was about to escape when a small voice shouted,

Mom! My heart dropped. Theo ran out from behind a hedge and threw himself at my legs. He was supposed to be upstairs with the sitter. Dante's eyes moved from me to the boy. Theo looked up at him. Semi-gray-green eyes. Semi-sharp little chin.

Your son? I forced a smile. Yes. Theo stepped in front of me like a tiny bodyguard.

Don't scare my mom. Dante looked at him for a long moment. Then he smiled. What is your name, little man? Theo.

The name sounded different in his mouth, like a clue, like a threat. it. Sorry, Mr. Morelli. He should be upstairs. We should go. Mom, I'm hungry. We'll get food upstairs. The kitchen is still open. No need. Does he like pasta? With meatballs. Dante crouched in front of him. Good choice. Can I take you too? Are you trying to bribe me? Yes. Mom says never

Never take food from strange men. Smart mother. My palms were sweating. Theo had Dante's eyes, his temper, his way of staring until people confessed.