What will Ricky have to tell them about the attack? And will it make him more apt to cooperate with House and Jess? Let's see.

Chapter 118.

The restaurant where Ricky waited for us was on the outskirts of Newark, not far from the property Jess and Nina leased for their new business. It wasn't as seedy as some bar and grill places I used to frequent, but it wasn't upscale, either. And it definitely wasn't a trendy sports bar like the kind the college kids frequented. Just a neighborhood restaurant with decent food and a fully-stocked bar.

Ricky sat at a table in the corner, staring into a half-full cup of tea, looking like he'd just lost his best friend. He started to stand when he saw us, but I motioned with my hand for him to stay seated. Jess took the straight-backed wooden chair opposite him, and I grabbed one from the next table and pulled it around to sit next to her.

"I think that was the second scariest thing that ever happened to be, almost as bad as when my car flipped. Both times I thought I was going to die." He licked his lips and swallowed loudly.

"Ricky, did you get a good look at the man who was after you?" Jess put a reassuring hand on his wrist.

"Yeah, why? You think I should tell the cops?" He looked at her expectantly.

"Not just yet." I pulled out the sketch we'd had done earlier in the day. "Is this him?"

The second he saw the picture, his eyes went wide. "How did you know? Do you know who he is?"

I let out a sigh. "It's a long story." I tapped the sketch. "His name's Giancarlo. I don't know his last name, but he works for Carlo Molino."

"Molino, you mentioned that name before." Ricky stared at the drawing.

I nodded. "When you told me about the woman you used to see at the auto shop. Francesca Molino. Carlo was her husband. He's a big shot in Palermo."

"Sicily." He seemed to cling to anything that made sense.

"Right." I rubbed my forehead as I organized my thoughts. I had to present this to Ricky in a way that wouldn't turn him against Julio, and would also ensure Ricky's cooperation with us. "When Francesca died, Carlo told her cousin that your family had something to do with the accident that killed her, and sent him here to find out what happened. It didn't take long for Julio to conclude that your family had nothing to do with Francesca's death."

"Julio? You mean my sister's Julio?" Ricky closed his eyes, then opened them wide. "He's Francesca's cousin? What was he going to do if he found out we were involved in her death?" His mouth was pressed in a firm line.

I shook my head. "I don't know. But you didn't, right? And that's what he told Molino. The thing is, Molino either didn't believe him or needed a scapegoat."

"A scapegoat?"

"Someone to accuse, because otherwise the trail might lead right back to him."

I saw the light dawn in Ricky's eyes. "You think Molino arranged his wife's death? And then blamed my family?"

I nodded. "Not just your family, but specifically you and your Uncle Marcello. We still have no idea why."

Ricky laughed, but it was a hollow sound. "And now he's sent this thug after us?"

I nodded again.

"Ricky, we would love to prove what we suspect about Carlo Molino." Jess glanced my way, and I gave her a go-ahead signal. "If we can lure him to the States, maybe we can do that."

"How are you going to get him to come?" Ricky searched each of our faces.

"He owns that car shop and another one here in New Jersey. We think that if he feels they're threatened by stiff competition from another shop, he might show up." Jess tried to catch his eyes with her own.

"Does he have a competitor?"

She shook her head. "Not yet. That's where you come in."

"Me?" He shook his head. "I don't understand."

I took over the explanation. "You raced cars. I assume you know a lot about what can be done to improve the performance of the engines."

"Well, yes."

"And you know the real estate available in the area." Jess smiled.

He nodded. "You want me to find you a place to set up another car customization shop?"

"And lend your name to it. Julio can handle the day-to-day operation, but we don't want Molino to know he's involved. Your name will draw in race car drivers and fans. And your family name is well-respected in this part of the state."

He didn't hesitate long. "It will take a while to set this up and build up enough business for this Molino to feel threatened. Meanwhile, what do Marcello and I do about the hoodlum who came after me?"

"I think you will both need bodyguards. That's why I asked Julio to have the sketch made of Giancarlo, so that whoever is guarding you will know who they're watching for."

"I'm going to have to think about this and talk to my uncle. I think he knows some people we can use." He smiled wryly. "If he doesn't my grandfather will, although I don't want to involve him if I can help it." He paused briefly. "You want me to work with Julio on this?"

"Yes. Is that a problem?"

Ricky's face clouded over. "Doesn't he have a job?"

Jess nodded. "Yes, he works in the office at The Melting Pot, the fondue restaurant, and the owner's sending him to school for a business degree."

He nodded. "Tina said something about that. She really likes him. Guess it's time I met the kid."

"What about working with him?"

"We'll see." He tilted his head slightly. "It'll depend."

"On what?" I puffed out my cheeks. "Ricky, besides everything else, keeping him close to you is additional protection from Giancarlo."

"That is if I can trust him." His eyebrows lifted. "He could still be trying to get close to me for this Molino guy."

Jess patted his arm. "You're still shaken up from tonight. Think about it. We have an appointment with you in the morning. You can give us your answer then. Meanwhile, do you have some place you can spend the night where you'll be safe?" She let her concern show in her voice.

"I...I hadn't thought that far ahead. I should call Marcello, too." He started to take out his phone.

"Okay." I scratched my ear. "You do that. We'll stick around until you find some place to stay."

"Yeah, yeah. And Dr. House? Jess? Thanks. I do appreciate you're telling me all of this. I only wonder why you never did before."

Jess and I exchanged a slightly guilty look. She turned back to him. "We didn't want to alarm you prematurely, but Julio heard today that Molino wants him back in Italy and was sending Giancarlo."

"And the kid doesn't want to go back, am I right?" His mouth quirked.

"He likes it here. Things are working out for him." I smirk. "Do you blame him? He's got a good job, a boss who'll support his efforts and a cute girlfriend."

Ricky chuckled. "My sister. Yeah. I could see that." He sighed. "I'll call Marcello, find someplace to spend the night, and think about it. Thanks for coming tonight. I'll see you in the morning." He stood and took out his phone, moving away to make his call.

It was a dismissal, but I wasn't about to leave until I was sure Ricky would be safe. The worried look in Jess' eyes told me she felt the same way. She took my hand. "I'm going to the rest room. I won't be long."

I nodded. "I'm not going anywhere." I watched her shapely bottom wiggle slightly as she walked away, and smiled, then signaled a waiter to bring me a beer.

Ricky returned to his seat first. "My uncle says he's taking precautions and he suggested I check into a hotel for the night, keep a low profile."

"Maybe we can meet you there tomorrow instead of your office. Giancarlo will know where you live and where you work."

"Good point." He watched the waiter deposit my brew on the table. "Where'd Jess go?"

"To the ladies." I glanced in that direction just in time to see her heading back our way. "I have another suggestion."

"Oh?"

"You can stay with us overnight. We have a guest room." I sipped my drink.

"I wouldn't want to put you out."

I shrugged. "No one will look for your there."

Jess sat down just as Ricky took out a wad of bills. He dropped a few twenties on the table. "I guess we can go now, then. Unless you want to finish that."

"Go? Where?" Jess asked, looking from him to me and back again.

"We're going to have an overnight guest." I took one more swig of beer and stood.

She smiled. "Great idea! And then we can talk some more in the morning. Maybe we'll even take you to meet Julio."

Ricky's car was parked nearby. As he followed us back to the condo, I made sure to keep him in my mirror at all times. It was quiet on our street. I let the three of us in and Jess switched on the lights.

"Nice place." Ricky looked around with a practiced eye. "Bet it cost you a pretty penny."

Jess laughed. "Interesting story how we wound up here. We'll tell you about it someday." She led the way to the guest room. "If you need anything, let us know."

"Yeah, well, since I have nothing with me..." He let it hang.

"There are extra toiletries in the guest bathroom. Greg's robes might be a little long on you but I think we can find one that'll do."

As I followed her to our bedroom, I muttered, "Next you'll be offering him my favorite pillow."

"You were the one who invited him," she pointed out. "Besides, I thought I was your favorite pillow."

I nodded.