Finding out who did it

Chapter 6:

Alessandro's POV

Gabriele, Antonio, and I worked all night to find out who was responsible for the assault on Lisa. After three in the morning, Gabriele says he will call it a night and that it's better to continue the following day after we get some sleep. "He's right, Mr. Mancini. Let's sleep, and then we can investigate further tomorrow." Antonio tells me, but I didn’t think it was a good idea. I was not convinced until Antonio persuaded me otherwise: "Alright, let's go to bed; we will continue this investigation first thing in the morning.” I dismissed everyone. Antonio takes me up to my room after I say goodnight to Gabriele.

I was lying awake, thinking how I could've prevented all of this had I just listened to Nonna, but my pride got in the way. Look where my arrogant attitude got her. Dammit, I should have asked Piero to return to the hospital to fetch my wife. What if something terrible had happened? What would I have told Lilani? My thoughts were interrupted by someone screaming. I quickly got up and felt my way to the door. The sound of crying became clear when I was in the hallway.

I go to Lisa's room, open her door, and feel my way to her bed.

Lisa was having a nightmare, probably about the attack; I lightly shook her. "Wake up, Lisa; it's just a bad dream," I said softly.

Lisa's POV

My eyes shot open once I felt someone shaking me. I realize it's Alessandro and start crying, holding on to him as if my life depends on it. "He... um... he was in the... uh... room..." I cried out. "Shh, Piccina, there is no one in the room; shh, you just had a bad dream,"  Alessandro comforts me. When I'm finally calmed down, I look up at Alessandro, embarrassed. "I am sorry for waking you up; your shirt is wet and full of snot." Alessandro holds me a while longer before saying, "Do you feel better now? Must I ask someone to get you something?"

"No, thank you. I think I will be alright now; sorry for waking you up.” I softly say I'm still feeling embarrassed, but luckily Alessandro can’t see me. "Alright then, if you are going to be okay, I will head back to bed, but in the morning, I want to hear everything that happened, Si.” Alessandro says, and I nod. Lisa, he is blind; he can’t see you! I scolded myself. “Yes,” I softly reply.

"I will help you back to bed," I quickly offered. When Alessandro doesn't protest and instead holds out his hand, I take it and lead him back. Once in his room, as I was about to help him into bed, Alessandro lost his balance and landed on top of me on the bed. With our faces touching each other, I hold my breath, and my heart beats fast. This is the closest I have ever been to him, and I feel strangely excited about our position. Even though it hurts, I can smell his minty breath on my face, and I can feel his upper body pressed against my breasts, which is causing my nipples to become hard. Suddenly, I tried to get out from under him, but he just lay there, pinning me with his body. Then I hear Alessandro whisper huskily, "You should stop doing that, or you're going to make a certain member of my body wake up." His words caused my actions to immediately stop. I lay still, not moving an inch. Then he chuckles and stands up. "Thank you, Lisa; you should go now; we will talk in the morning," Alessandro says. I quickly get off the bed and make a run for my bedroom. Once inside, I fell to the bed and winched. I completely forgot about my bruised body, then whispered, "What the hell just happened?" After our encounter, I couldn't go back to sleep; I just played the scene repeatedly in my head.

After what seemed like forever, I finally drifted back to sleep, dreaming of Alessandro.

The following day, when I woke up, I still felt tired. I quickly went to the bathroom, did my business, and showered. I walk to my closet and can't decide what to wear. Finally, I decided on skinny white denim, a turquoise spaghetti strap flare shirt, and my Vans. I apply eyeliner and mascara, seeing as I don't like wearing too much makeup. I let my hair fall loose with its natural curls. I look in the mirror and head to the dining room. Just as I walk in, I hear Sophia whistle, "Dam, girl, you look hot." I blush at the remark and sit beside Alessandro.

Alessandro's POV

I immediately recognized her vanilla and honey scent. Last night, I had to restrain myself when I was on top of her. I could feel her breasts pressing against my chest, and the fact that she smelled so good did not help either. I wanted to take her there, and then, as soon as she left, I went to the shower because a cold shower would calm my excited member. Now I have to sit next to her again; this will be one hell of a day for me. Wait, I can't feel like this; I can't think of her that way, and I sure as hell can't fall in love with her. My heart only belongs to Bianca. "Alessandro, are you listening?" Gabriele's voice brings me back out of my thoughts.

"I... um... what did you say?" I ask, stuttering. "I said Detective Guido would be here just after breakfast to talk to Lisa," Gabriele said again. "When he's here, send him and Lisa to my office," I tell him.

Soon after breakfast, Antonio announces Detective Guido's arrival. Once inside, the detective greeted us and began asking us questions. Lisa tries not to cry as she tells him about the attack. "I was sitting on the bench waiting for the next bus when a tall man with dirty blond hair walked up to me; he came and stood in front of me, trying to make a conversation." Lisa took a big breath and continued, "I asked him just to leave me alone because I am a married woman. He then began to make remarks about how stupid my husband is for letting me stay out late, saying that my husband wouldn't mind sharing me. I started shifting up so that I could escape; when he got closer, I jumped up and started to run." She took another big breath. “He chased me and eventually caught up with me; he grabbed me by my neck and threw me against a wall, then he started kicking me and yelled at me being stupid. Then, bent down and wanting to rip my shirt apart, I suddenly realized that if I didn't fight back, this man was going to rape me. I bit hard on his hand, and when he was off me, I got up and kicked him in between his legs, and then I made a run for it while he was still lying on the floor. I think he tried to follow me. I saw a dumpster and hid inside. I don't know how long I was in there, but after a while, I got the courage to climb out. I made sure the coast was clear. I started walking, and that's when I realized I was lost. I don't know how I found my way home." Lisa sobs after recounting the events of last night.

Detective Guido asked Lisa if she could identify the man. Lisa replies with a small "Yes." I was silent the whole time. I could hear she was trying hard not to break down; I'm sure my knuckles turn white as I make a fist. I swear, if I get this guy, I will make him pay for what he did. The detective got the man's description and told me he would be in touch. With that, he left.

Lisa's POV

Alessandro remained silent for a moment before finally uttering, "I will accompany you to visit your sister." Just as I was about to interject, Gabriele entered the room. "Apologies for the interruption, but I have an urgent matter to discuss with my brother," he stated, intentionally avoiding eye contact with me. I nodded and left the office. I encounter Sophia as I make my way upstairs. "How are you feeling, Lisa?” Sophia asks, her voice filled with concern. "I'm fine; I just got a headache from lack of sleep, probably," I softly reply. I look at Sophia and see that she is about to go out when I notice her bag. "I will let you be; I see you're going out," I say. "Oh, No, I just got back from the store but forgot something in the car," Sophia says with a blush. "Why are you blushing like that?" I started to tease. Sophia smiles and drags me to my room. "Okay, what I am about to tell you is not to leave this room, pinky promise"? I smile at my sister-in-law’s childish behavior but hold my pinky out and say, "Pinky promise."

Sophia happily explains, "You know, it's kind of like this: I haven't had my period for nearly two months. I completely forgot about it until about a week ago, when I began experiencing morning sickness. At first, I thought it was merely a stomach bug, but the symptoms persisted. That's why I decided to go to the store and purchase a pregnancy test." Oh, My word, what are you waiting for? Go and get the sticks so that you can find out!" I excitedly told her. Sophia quickly went down to the car to get the bag. With a soft knock on my door, Sophia enters. "Can you be with me when I do it, please?" She asks me and I can tell that she is nervous. "Of course, here is the bathroom." The two of us went inside and locked the door. Sophia takes the pregnancy test and puts it on the counter. "Okay, we have to wait five minutes," Sophia says. We were waiting for the results when I asked, "How long have you and Gabriele been together?" With a smile, Sophia answers, "We've known each other since we were children; back then, he was the mischievous boy who would always take my candy and make me cry. Our parents were the closest of friends. It wasn't until high school that our true emotions for one another became clear. I didn't do anything at first, but I became jealous when other girls started to flirt with him, and he flirted back while looking my way. He made sure I was the first to express my feelings. One day, the popular girl in school boldly approached him and passionately kissed him. That's when I couldn't contain my emotions and instinctively pulled her away from him. And then, in a surprising twist, I did something that caught us all off guard—I kissed him right in front of everyone. Since that unforgettable moment, we have been inseparable. Now, we are happily married, celebrating two blissful years together," Sophia says, her smile radiating with joy. Sophia asked me to take a look at the test because she was too scared. I took the test off the counter and said, "There are two lines; congratulations, Sophia!" Sophia begins to cry out of happiness. "I can't wait to tell Gabriele. I have to do something special,” Sophia says excitedly.

Sophia thanked me for my support and went to organize a dinner for them. I started to get ready to go to the hospital, and when I went down, Alessandro was already waiting for me. We walk to the car, where Piero waits for us. The car ride is very quiet. No one says a word. Until Alessandro says, "Detective Guido wants to know if you are willing to go to the station and look at possible suspects?" My heart beats fast when I answer with fear in my voice, "Yes, when must I go?"

"As soon as we are done at the hospital," Alessandro tells me. We arrived at the hospital and made our way to Lilani's room. I kissed her gently on the head. "Hey, sis, I hope you are doing well; I can't wait to talk to you again," I tell her. I took Alessandro and led him to my sister's side. "Hello, Principi. I am glad to see you fought during the operation, and hopefully you will recover very soon. Your sister and I are going to get your room ready for when you come home, and as soon as you get out, there's going to be a cake for you, like I promised you the other day. Get well soon, Pincipi," Alessandro said, surprising me with his kindness towards my sister. I can't believe this is the same man I had to deal with the past few days. "Wow, who are you, and what have you done with Alessandro?" I thought. We spent some more time with Lilani until Alessandro said it was time to go to the station. I quickly kissed her softly, and we walked out. 

On the way to the police station, I silently began to panic. How am I going to get through this alone? I'm afraid he will hurt me again when he sees me. While considering all the potential outcomes, Alessandro reaches out and gently places his hand on my trembling one, assuring me, "I'll be right by your side, Lisa. If he's there, stay calm, because he can't harm you. I promise." I squeeze his hand and I answer worriedly, "I am just scared; what if he's not there and still out there somewhere?"

"Let's wait until we find out if he's there; for now, that's all that matters," Alessandro says calmly. We stop in front of the station; Alessandro gets out and holds his hand to me; I take his waiting hand and lead us inside.

Detective Guido walks up to us and asks us to follow him. My heartbeat increased, and sweat began to form on my forehead. Alessandro squeezed my hand, trying to calm me. Once inside a dark room, Guido says, "I am going to show you five men; you can take your time; if you see him, just nod and say which number. Don't worry; he won't be able to see you. Are you ready?" I managed to reply with a small "yes." Then there's a light on the other side of the window, where five men are lined up. I walk forward and look at the men. I suddenly became pale; as I looked at my attacker, I pointed to his tall, dirty blonde hair with a scar across his left eye. "That's him," I said in a small voice. Alessandro walks up to me and holds me in his arms. "You did great, Lisa," Alessandro assures me. Detective Guido tells his men to take him away. "Thank you, Lisa; you just helped us put a serial rapist behind bars." The detective happily says:. I nod and ask if I can go. All of this walking is making my ribs hurt. I asked Alessandro if we could go home. I wanted to rest for a while, seeing that I was in pain. "You should have never gotten out of bed this morning, Lisa; your ribs must heal first, and today's events aren't helping either." Alessandro scolds.

"I was fine this morning; I just had a little pain when I moved, but otherwise I was fine," I tried to argue. "When we get home, you're going straight to your room and rest; I will send Maria with some painkillers," Alessandro says sternly. I sigh and keep quiet, knowing that I won’t win this argument.

As soon as we arrive home, Alessandro asks Maria to get painkillers for me. "Go and take a rest. I have some work to do." Alessandro informs me. "Thank you." It was all I could say before he left. I returned to my room and was under the covers when Grandma entered. "How are you feeling, dear? Maria tells me Alessandro asked to give you some painkillers." Grandma says this as she hands me the painkillers. "I'm alright, thank you. Just a little pain, nothing serious." I give her a small smile. "Alright, my dear. Take some rest. We will talk later." Grandma says this as she leaves. It didn't take me long before I fell fast asleep.

Alessandro's POV

I was busy making important calls when I realized I had not heard from my brother. "Please call my brother for me," I ask Leonardo. Leonardo dials Gabriel and gives the phone to me. "Hey, big brother." I hear Gabriel's voice on the other side. "I just want to let you know the man responsible for the attack on Lisa has been caught," I inform him. "That's great news; I'm just glad all our hard work from last night paid off. Now that bastard can rot in jail," Gabriel announced. "Yeah, me too. See you tonight at dinner.". I say. "We won't be joining you for dinner; Sophia booked us a table," Gabriel informs. "Enjoy your evening." With that, we hung up.