"Evidence? What evidence?" Luigi Amedeo asked.
"We believe Charles Aldrin took the toll freeway, entering at Carmel. On the ticket, which must be returned at the station of exit, the size range of the car engine is recorded. Carmel had only two cars of that size: Kevin's Alfa Romeo and Tanya's Fiat. The local police have a record of six trips to Genova."
Luigi Amedeo refilled his glass with water. "I can't help a great deal there," he said, sounding each word slowly. "I was interested in learning the identity of the new owners of La Mimosa. Your guess is correct. I asked Caltabieni if he knew where the new owners came from and when they bought the mansion, but that was all." He stared into Malcolm's eyes. "Just an interest, per se."
Malcolm cleared his throat. "Do you really expect me to believe that?"
"Yes." Luigi Amedeo brushed off a nonexistent spot from his trousers. "Yes, I do," he repeated firmly.
"And why is that?" Malcolm leaned toward Luigi Amedeo.
"Because it's the truth."
"Luigi Amedeo-I believe in facts, hard evidence. I don't take 'the truth' at face value."
Luigi Amedeo sipped at his water, his expression pensive. "I spent wonderful times at La Mimosa when I was a kid. For a long time, I searched for the new owners." He looked out of the window, ignoring Malcolm.
"You mean to tell me that you asked Caltabieni for information on Tanya, simply because you were interested in the ownership of that estate?" Luigi Amedeo did not respond. "If you were interested in that property, you could have simply contacted the people living there." Malcolm paused. He stared at Luigi Amedeo. With a sharp, metallic voice he then asked: "What interest do you have in Tanya Caldwell?"
Luigi Amedeo looked into Malcolm's eyes. "I had a great deal of interest in Tanya then. And now, I have even more. I'm concerned about her. I care."
"Why?" Malcolm asked with intensity. "Why?"
Luigi Amedeo was silent for several seconds as he appraised Malcolm. "Do I have your word none of this will pass beyond these walls? That you will not reveal what I'm going to tell you to anyone, for any reason? It's very important to me."
"I understand. I promise. It will remain a secret between the two of us."
"She is my half-sister," Luigi Amedeo said in a whisper.