The Italian Inheritance by Louise Rose-Innes Read Free Book Online Page B

the reason he didn’t trust anyone either. Always watch your back. If you didn’t, you opened yourself up to surprise attacks. He’d learnt that the hard way.
    Rafael sat down at a street cafe with a view of the bustling Naples harbour and ordered an espresso. Soon he spotted his old friend, Rico , striding towards him through the throngs of harbour workers.
    “Ciao, Rafael.”
    Rafael shook his friend’s hand and gestured to the seat opposite. Rico eased his long frame into the chair and immediately the hovering waiter came over and took an order for another espresso.
    “What can I do for you today, amigo? Some more spying on our friend, Signore Mancini?”
    Rafael grinned. “No, not this time. I need information of a more personal nature. A woman.”
    “Ah, let me guess. Another lost daughter comes in from the cold, huh?” He laughed at Rafael’s nod.  “Who is it this time? I hope she is at least English, no? I’m not wasting my time again.”
    “She is very English,” confirmed Rafael reluctantly. “She presents a compelling case.” He pulled the letter from his pocket. “She had this with her.” He handed it over to Rico who read it with interest.
    “Seems legitimate enough,” he concluded. “Is there a reason why you doubt her story ?”
    “What makes you think I doubt her,” asked Rafael frowning. “You know I’m obligated to check them all out, no matter how unlikely they may seem.
    “I know you my friend. I can tell you’re not sure .”
    Rafael sighed. “It is true. One minute I think she is being truthful and then she does something so suspicious that I can’t help but doubt her innocence. ”
    “Intriguing...” Rico sipped his coffee , eyes on his friend.
    “ I need you to do a standard check for me. Place of birth, parents, school, that sort of thing. Oh, her mother’s passed away, so I’ll need the death certificate , too . Dig up anything that might be useful.  I’ll call you later with some details. It should all be pretty easy to verify.”
    “That still doesn’t mean she’s the legitimate heir ,” pointed out Rico . “She may be who she says she is, with no connection to Giovanni at all.”
    “I know,” agreed Rafael. “ But it’s a start. At least it verifies her . After that I’ll have to get a paternity test done. It’s the only way to prove the connection. ”
    “Will she agree to that?”
    “She’ll have to. Otherwise I can’t confirm she really is Giovanni’s daughter. No DNA, no money. It’s as simple as that.” He sipped his espresso thoughtfully. “If she doesn’t want to do the test, she’s got something to hide.”
    “It will be a good way to find out,” agreed Rico . “Perhaps you should suggest that now and get the ball rolling.”
    “I’m not going to waste everyone’s time until you’ve given her the all-clear. The last four girls we re eliminated after basic check s remember? Let’s not jump the gun here.”
    “Up to you my friend. What’s this mystery girl ’ s name, anyway?”
    “Anna. Anna Crawford.”
    “ Anna? Mm... A very Italian name for an English girl.”
    Rafael grimaced. “Don’t start, Rico . I’m not in the mood.”
    The smiled faded from Rico ’s face. “Fill me in on the shelter, Rafa. Did you have much luck stopping that bastard ?”
    “No, I only managed to get a week’s respite. Mancini must have the district attorney in his pocket. There’s no other explanation.”
    “I didn’t pick anything up,” shrugged Rico . “But I agree. It seems like the only answer ”
    At Rafael’s taut expression he asked, “What are you going to do about Streetwise now?”
    “Look for new premises, of course. What else can I do? In a week the shelter will be bulldozed to smithereens.” He ran a hand through his hair. “It’s the kids I’m worried about. Finding a new place, setting it up and getting everything ready will take months, which means they’ll be homeless for months.” He gave Rico a sideways