Free A Death In Tuscany (Sarah Woods Mystery Book 13) by Jennifer L. Jennings

voices, however, I could tell they were probably complaining to one another. They didn’t want to be there.
    It was obvious to me that someone must have hired these boys to look for gold, probably paying them a few euros an hour.
    I wonder if Eduardo knew this was going on. Should I go back and tell him about the trespassers? Would these teenaged boys get in serious trouble if the police came? Or should I go down and warn them? Would they even understand me?
    Maybe I should do nothing. I didn’t want to get involved. I decided to turn right around and head back up the trail. I convinced myself that there was no harm in panning for gold. It’s not like they were digging up the earth, making a mess, or destroying the ecosystem.
    Yet there was something about the situation that left a bad taste in my mouth. I decided to head back to the villa and run it by Carter. He’d know what to do.
    As I rounded the main courtyard and passed by the parking lot to my right, I noticed Calvin was loading a suitcase into the trunk of a Mercedes.
    I slowed my pace and casually walked over. “Leaving so soon?”
    He looked up, startled to see me standing there. He cleared his throat as if he were nervous. “Yes, I’m heading out. There’s no reason for me to stay.”
    “So you’re not going to dispute the coroner’s findings on your brother’s autopsy?”
    “What’s the point?” he said. “He’s gone and there’s nothing I can do to change that.”
    “So does that mean you have no hard feelings toward Brittany?”
    He paused, as if choosing his words carefully. “I made a bunch of calls this morning and found out my brother was in debt up to his eyeballs! After all his creditors are paid off, there won’t be anything left of Dick’s estate. If Brittany expects to get anything, she’s going to be disappointed.”
    Why was he was telling me all this? Did he think I’d break the bad news to her so he wouldn’t have to? “I’m sure Brittany will have a lot to deal with when she gets home. One day at a time.”
    “Yeah,” he said, halfheartedly. “Something like that.”
    “By the way, you haven’t seen Brittany since you got here, have you?”
    “No, why?”
    “Well, it might mean a lot to her if you just stopped by and said hello before you left. I think she’s a little hurt that you haven’t made an effort.”
    “Why should I? She’s not really family. My brother barely knew her before he tied the knot. After the funeral, I hope I’ll never have to see her again.”
    No point in trying to change his mind. Time to wrap this up. “So you’re flying back to the states tonight?”
    “No. I’m heading to Rome for a day. I’ve always wanted to go there. Who knows if I’ll ever get to Italy again?”
    “I don’t blame you. Have to make the best out of a bad situation, right? Where are you staying in Rome?”
    He retrieved a folded piece of paper from his briefcase and opened it. “The Hotel Tiber. It’s supposed to be within walking distance of the coliseum.”
    “Sounds great. Carter and I are planning to go there at some point. Hopefully tomorrow.”
    “So,” he said, extending a hand for a final farewell. “Once again, I’d like to thank you and Carter in regard to my brother. I hope you’ll be able to enjoy the rest of your vacation. ”
    “Thanks,” I said. “And I hope you have a safe trip back home.”
     
    It was getting dark as I watched the Mercedes pull out of the parking lot. I thought it was a little strange that Calvin was staying in Italy another day, sightseeing. His brother just died. You’d think he’d be too distracted to enjoy himself. With all the details of the funeral, getting affairs in order, I’d hardly be interested in ancient architecture. Then again, it sounded like he and Dick were never very close. Perhaps he just came to Italy because he felt a brotherly obligation.
    I checked my watch. It was almost six. As I headed back to the villa, my cell phone buzzed.