Page 23

James added. “So that means Leonardo would’ve had to come in after them.”

Marco nodded. “Exactly. Which raises another problem: if he came in that late, then what the hell happened between 6:10 and 6:30 that left two people dead?”

James looked back at the villa, its silence now feeling heavier.

They then went to talk to the Pierrer couple after leaving Vittoria’s house, driving through the cobbled lanes toward the restaurant the two managed. The sun had climbed higher by then, casting sharp light across the terracotta roofs of Bellavita. As they arrived, the quiet clatter of dishes and the low murmur of staff inside signaled the midday rush had just begun. James adjusted his jacket, exchanging a glance with Alice before stepping through the door to find André and Elisabetta Pierrer.

Inside the restaurant, the air was warm with the scent of herbs and simmering sauces. A waiter glanced up as James and Alice entered, and quickly disappeared through a back door. Moments later, André Pierrer emerged, wiping his hands on a crisp white apron. He was in his early fifties, with sharp cheekbones, salt-and-pepper hair slicked back, and the kind of wary eyes that had seen too many bad seasons.

Behind him trailed Elisabetta, elegant even in casual attire, her expression carefully composed.

“You must be the detectives,” André said, his accent thick but precise. “I was told you’d be coming.”

“Yes,” James replied evenly, holding out his hand. “I am Jamers Taylor, you can call me James, and this is my assistant, Alice Whitmore. We’re here for Vittoria's case.”

Elisabetta folded her arms. “Of course. Tragic, what happened. We’ve already spoken to Officer Rossi.”

James nodded. “We’ve heard from him. But we’d like to ask you some questions directly. Your working relationship with Vittoria… how close was it?”

André exchanged a glance with his wife. “Close enough. We’ve been running her restaurants for over a year. She trusted us with everything—menus, staff, operations. But business has been tough lately. Supply costs, labor issues…”