EIGHTY SEVEN

“Nice place you’ve got here,” James said casually, standing up and moving toward the table. He picked up the hairpin, turning it over in his hand, as if admiring it. “This is pretty, belongs to someone special?”

Marco's eyes narrowed as he noticed what James was holding. He forced a smile, though his posture had tensed. “Just something a guest left behind. Nothing important.”

James looked up, his gaze locking with Marco's. “I have seen this exact pin on Olivia. Could it be just a coincidence?”

Marco's smile faltered, and for a brief moment, there was a flash of something darker in his eyes, “You must be mistaken,” he said, his voice cold, “Olivia is in Mexico isn't she?”

James held up the delicate hair pin, his eyes fixed on Marco.”Funny, you should me fion Mexico,” he said, his voice calm but edged with suspicion. “How exactly do you know that Olivia was on her way there?”

Marco’s face remained impassive but there was a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. “Everyone knew Olivia was going to Mexico,” Marco replied smoothly, but there was a tightness to his voice. “She needed to get away after everything that had happened. Isn't that what you've heard?”

James didn't budge, his gaze steady and unyielding. “That doesn't explain how you knew she was already on her way. The only way you'd know is if you’ve been keeping tabs on her.”

There was a brief silence, thick with tension. Before Marco forced a laugh that lacked real humor, “It’s a small world James, people talk.”

“People talk?” James repeated, his tone skeptical. He leaned in slightly, “Or maybe you know more than you’re letting on.”

Marco’s eyes narrowed, the mask of politeness slipping slightly, “What exactly are you accusing me of, James.”

“Lucas is my brother. And Olivia is important to him. That makes her important to me. So forgive me if I'm a little concerned about where is and what might have happened to her.”

Marco's expression hardened, “You’re breaking up the wrong tree. Olivia is safe. Far away from all this madness. If you're smart, you'll do this and go back to Italy.”

James net Marco's glare with a determined one of his own, “I’m not going anywhere Marco. Not until I found out the truth about Lucas…..and Olivia.” James said , after a brief pause he continued. “Speaking of the truth, “You are close to Lucas …at least, closer than most.”

Marco gave a short, bitter laugh, “Close? You give me too much credit, James. “Lucas and I……we had our differences.”

“That's putting it mildly,” Janes said, his tone dry. “But even so, you knew more about his business than anyone else. I just want to know if you’ve heard anything at all that might help us find out what really happened to him.”

Marco's gaze flickered, but he casually covered it with a casual wave of his hand. “I wish I could help, but I've been out of the loop. Since the accident, well I've been trying to focus on my own affairs.”

James nodded slowly, pretending to accept Marco's answer. “Alright then, James said, “What about this? You haven't given me a convincing reason how this got here Marco.” James said, raising the hairpin. “Where is She?” James’s voice was sharp, cutting through the silence.

Marco raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance, “What exactly are you talking about James?”

“I’m not here to listen to your stupid talks,” James snapped, his fists clenching at his sides. “I know Olivia is here.”

Marco let out a low chuckle, shaking his head, asif James was a naive child. “You’ve got quite an imagination, James.”

James' patience was wearing thin, he knew Marco well enough to see that he was lying, “Enough of this.” James said, his voice trembling, with barely controlled anger. “I want to see every room in this house. Now.”

Marco’s eyes darkened as he rose slowly from the chair, leaning on his cane. “You don't have the authority to make demands on my house, James. Be careful, you’re treading on very dangerous ground.”

“I don't give a damn about your threats,” James shot back. “If you have nothing to hide, you won't mind me looking around, or are you afraid of what I might find?”

The tension in the room was palpable as the two men locked eyes, neither willing to back down. Finally Marco sighed, “Fine. Search till you’re satisfied. But don't say I didn't warn you.”

James didn't wait for a second invitation, he stormed out of the living room, heading down the hallway. Checking doors and peering into rooms. Marco followed behind closely.

The further James went, the more certain he became that Olivia was there. He was almost at the end of the hallway, when he noticed a door that seemed different from the others. It was more reinforced, with a heavy lock that made his gut twist with dread.

He turned to Marco, whose smug grin had faded into something more sinister, “Open it,” James demanded.

Marco's grip tightened on his cane, but he remained silent, his expression unreadable, when he didn't move James took a step towards the door, his heart pounding in his chest.

“I said open it, Marco.” James repeated, his voice low and dangerous.

With a slight sneer, Marco finally pulled out a key, and slowly unlocked the door. The door swung open, revealing a small, dimly lit room,but it was empty. No Olivia.

James' heart sank, Had he been wrong.

Marco's eyes widened slightly in surprise, because that was where he kept Olivia. How could she have left the room?

Marco quickly replaced his shocked expression to a mockery expression as he said, “See? No one here. James, maybe your imagination is getting the best of you.”

Deep down in Marco’s heart, he wondered where Olivia could have gone to, and how could she escape from the room. But he maintained a calm demeanor.

James wasn't convinced either, as he stepped into another room, his eyes scanning every corner, every shadow.