Chapter Nine
Sandro Moretti vanished from public view in the days following Isabella's dramatic elopement with Kai. The Osteria Romana felt strangely subdued without his imposing presence. His usual entourage remained, their faces grim, their conversations hushed, creating an atmosphere of tense anticipation. It was clear that the Capo's absence was not a sign of weakness, but rather a gathering storm.
Evelyn knew that Sandro's pride would be wounded, his authority challenged by this very public betrayal. A man in his position, accustomed to respect and control, wouldn't let such an act go unanswered. His reaction, when it came, would likely be swift and decisive. Evelyn's focus now was to observe the signs, to anticipate his moves, and to see if his vulnerability might expose the criminal underbelly she was determined to uncover.
She intensified her presence in Little Italy, becoming an even more familiar face, offering quiet words of sympathy to those who seemed close to the situation (while carefully avoiding taking sides). She frequented the businesses Sandro was known to own or frequent, observing the employees, the subtle shifts in atmosphere, any indication of unusual activity.
Evelyn noticed an increased security presence around some of Sandro's known properties – larger, more imposing men with watchful eyes. There were hushed phone calls, hurried meetings in back rooms, a palpable sense of urgency that hadn't been there before. It was as if the entire organization was holding its breath, waiting for their leader's command.
One evening, Evelyn was having dinner at a small trattoria she knew Sandro occasionally visited. His usual table remained empty, but Marco, his burly associate, was there, looking even more grim than usual. He sat alone, nursing a glass of wine, his gaze fixed on the street outside.
Evelyn debated whether to approach him. Marco had always been wary, but in Sandro's absence, he might be feeling isolated or perhaps even worried. She decided to take a calculated risk.
"Marco, sera," Evelyn said softly, approaching his table. "Mind if I join you? It looks like a solitary evening."
Marco looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly before a flicker of recognition crossed his face. "Signorina Rossi. Didn't expect to see you here tonight."
"Just enjoying the quiet," Evelyn replied, gesturing to the empty tables around them. "It feels… different lately, doesn't it?" She kept her tone neutral, offering a hint of shared observation without being overtly nosy.
Marco grunted, taking a large gulp of his wine. "Things change."
Evelyn didn't press. She ordered her own meal and allowed a comfortable silence to settle between them. After a while, Marco seemed to soften slightly, the tension in his shoulders easing.
"He's not taking it well," Marco said finally, his voice low and rough. There was a hint of loyalty, but also a flicker of concern in his eyes.
"It must be difficult," Evelyn acknowledged carefully. "Such a public… separation."
Marco nodded slowly. "They were… together a long time. Everyone thought…" He trailed off, unable to articulate the community's collective surprise.
Evelyn saw her opening. "And Kai? Was he… unexpected?"
Marco's eyes hardened again. "That's their business." He took another swig of wine, effectively shutting down that line of questioning.
Evelyn didn't push. She had gleaned a valuable piece of information: Sandro was indeed deeply affected by Isabella's departure. This emotional turmoil could lead to mistakes, to a lapse in judgment.
Over the next few days, Evelyn continued her quiet surveillance. She noticed Sandro's black sedan parked outside a less reputable establishment on the edge of Little Italy, a place known for its clandestine dealings. She saw known associates meeting late at night in dimly lit corners. The gears of Sandro's world were turning, but perhaps fueled by something other than cool calculation – perhaps by anger, by a need for retribution.
Evelyn knew she had to be more cautious than ever. A wounded animal was often the most dangerous. Sandro's pain and humiliation could make him reckless, and anyone perceived as an outsider, as someone observing too closely, could become a target.
Her focus remained on Sandro, watching for any sign of his next move, any crack in his carefully constructed empire that might now be vulnerable in the wake of his personal upheaval. The game had become more dangerous, the stakes even higher, but Evelyn was determined to see it through to the end.