Chapter 91

Chapter Ninety-One

Genevieve remained quiet as Matteo navigated the car through the city streets. His usual reckless driving had vanished, replaced by cautious precision. He stopped promptly at red lights, signaled every turn, and even gave a brief nod to a passing police cruiser. Yet beneath this controlled exterior, the anger simmered just beneath the surface. She could tell by the way his knuckles whitened around the steering wheel and how he squeezed his eyes shut at every stoplight. She longed to explain the true reason she had sought out Michele, but she knew Matteo’s mind was too clouded with frustration to truly listen.

Unexpectedly, Matteo took a turn that led them away from their apartment. After a few minutes, the glaring lights of a hospital came into view, causing Genevieve to blink several times until her eyes adjusted to the brightness. Matteo pulled into the underground parking garage beneath the building and stepped out of the vehicle. Without hesitation, she opened her own door and followed him silently. Clinging to the jacket still draped over her shoulders, they made their way up the stairwell to the third floor. Matteo was a few steps ahead, his pace steady as they entered a long corridor bathed in harsh fluorescent light.

Genevieve glanced around, puzzled. She wasn’t sure why they were here—this floor was designated for non-emergency cases, hardly a place for someone like Beatrice. Matteo approached the nurses’ station, and the women gathered there suddenly stopped their casual chatter, their attention snapping to him. Some looked flushed enough to model the effects of a severe sunburn, while another bit her lip nervously and let her glasses slip down her nose, attempting to appear shy.

“I’m here to see…” Matteo began.

“Dr. Richards,” the demure nurse interjected quickly. Though Genevieve couldn’t see Matteo’s expression, she was certain it held nothing but disdain as the nurse’s playful act faltered and she swallowed hard. “Right this way, Mr. Accardi.”

The nurse circled the counter and started down the hall. Genevieve followed silently, and as she passed Matteo, she felt his fingers brush lightly down her arm.