Chapter 3

Now that poison probably won’t kill Dad, I need to figure out what else will.

I crouch beside Bruno.

“How do you think Dad dies?”

Bruno: “Woof.”

I nod.

“Good point.”

Bruno: “Woof, woof!”

“Also possible.”

Martin looks between us, then crouches down too.

Martin: “Bruno, how does Mr. Bellandi die?”

Bruno barks four times.

Martin turns to me eagerly.

“What did he say?”

I stare at him.

“You don’t understand him?”

Martin shakes his head.

“Then why did you ask?”

“Because I thought you did.”

“I’m not a dog. How would I understand dog language?”

Martin goes quiet.

“Then what were you doing just now?”

“Brainstorming. It’s also called talking to myself.”

I get to my feet.

“How many personal guards does Dad have?”

Martin looks embarrassed.

“None.”

“Bodyguards?”

“None.”

I frown.

“What about armed men at the estate?”

Martin finally straightens with pride.

“Thirty.”

I stare at him.

Thirty?

My mother has more men chasing her than Dad has men protecting him.

No wonder he’s so easy to kill.

Clearly, I have to solve this myself.

I grab Bruno and head out.