He hangs up and looks slightly annoyed. ‘Sorry. I am having no luck today.’
Valentina gives him a resigned nod.
‘Still. I must not let you leave without the good news.’
She looks bored. ‘Which is?’
‘The disciplinary charges against you and Federico have been dropped. I have spoken with our chief of staff and he has spoken to the Commandante Generale. You and Assante will both be reinstated tomorrow.’
Valentina is relieved and shows it. ‘ Grazie. What about Louisa Verdetti’s complaints against us?’
‘Withdrawn.’
She raises an eyebrow. ‘And how is she?’
‘Getting better. The whole affair has shaken her up, as you would expect. Before you disappear, tell me, how do you feel about going back to work with Major Caesario?’
Until now, Valentina hasn’t thought about it. She takes some seconds to answer and tries not to sound disrespectful. ‘I’m proud of the job I do and proud of how I do it. I will be pleased to be back at work.’
‘After a little holiday?’ suggests Tom.
She smiles at him. ‘After a big holiday, I promise.’
Lorenzo smiles at them both. They make a good couple. ‘Only, if you don’t want to work with Caesario, I’d be honoured to have you on my team in the GIS.’
She looks surprised.
‘Don’t answer now. Vito Carvalho tells me I’d be lucky if you worked with us, and I believe him.’ Lorenzo checks his watch and gets up from his chair. ‘I’m afraid I must ask you to go now. I have some pressing matters.’
Tom and Valentina scrape their chairs back and head towards the door.
‘ Grazie,’ says Valentina. ‘I’m grateful for your help with my personal problem.’
‘You’re very welcome.’ He opens the door. ‘Let me walk you out.’
Lorenzo walks alongside Valentina and makes small talk until they reach the end of the corridor.
‘This could be your office,’ he teases, pointing at a closed door with an empty nameplate.
She treats him to a warm smile.
He can see she’s interested in the job. ‘I’m serious. Go on, take a look inside.’
She feels foolish. ‘Let me think about it, molto grazie.’
Lorenzo won’t take no for an answer. He turns the brass knob and pushes the door open.
The room is full.
‘Sorpreso! ’ choruses a crowd of familiar faces.
Party poppers and streamers explode and fill the air.
Valentina almost cries as she spots her parents – and Vito Carvalho – clapping her. Alongside them is Louisa Verdetti.
Finally she recognises half of the team from her own office at Carabinieri headquarters.
The day couldn’t get better.
Except it could.
From out of the forest of legs, a small girl appears.
Sweetheart is wearing a new bright blue dress and a smile that melts every heart in the room.
Valentina picks her up and kisses her.
Tom Shaman stands back a pace.
He’s never loved anyone as much as he loves Valentina. He just hopes she understands why, when their holiday’s over, he is going to have to move on.
