30

GIANNI

How much longer is this going to take? When do I get to be with Caterina again?

Jack Moroni is droning on, unaware of my distraction—until he asks a question I didn’t hear. I only realize I’ve zoned out again when Roger softly clears his throat.

“Excuse me? Sorry, there are technical issues on our end, it seems,” I say.

Jack nods knowingly. “Technology. It makes life so much easier in so many ways, and we’re screwed when it decides it doesn’t feel like working.” He laughs like this is the cleverest thing anyone ever said, and all I can do is offer a tight-lipped smile. “I asked how your daughter is doing. I understand she was overseas for a while over the summer.”

“She’s fine.” I deliberately ignore the way Roger practically growls on the other side of the desk, behind the laptop screen and out of sight. “I’m glad to have her home.”

“If I were blessed with a daughter, I would keep her under lock and key.” He strokes his jaw, wincing. “I remember what it was like, a young man at