AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Roberto turned to Signora Esposito. “Signora, where was my brother today?”
Signora Esposito looked taken aback. “Here, as Sebastiano said.”
Roberto sniffled, wiping his eyes. “I don’t believe either of you. I think you would lie for him.”
Sebastiano shook his head. “I swear to you, Roberto. I wouldn’t lie to you or your brother. I swore an oath of loyalty to the family.”
Signora Esposito’s eyes narrowed. “Roberto, I don’t like you accusing me of lying, after all I do for you. You should apologize to me.”
“I’m sorry.” Roberto shook his head, then buried his face in his hands.
“What happened, Roberto?” Franco touched his brother’s shoulder, but Roberto shifted away.
“Bruna’s dead.”
“What?” Franco asked, sounding shocked, even to his own ear.
Sebastiano gasped, his hand flying to his mouth.
“Madonna mia!” Signora Esposito sank into a chair, making the sign of the cross on her nightgown.
Roberto raked his hands through his hair. “She was stabbed to death. They caught the killer. He took her purse. He was seen by people on the street.”
Franco moaned for show.
“I went to meet her, after I left Corleone. Thecarabinieriwere still on the street. Her blood was on the ground in the alley. They told me what happened. The killer is in jail.” Roberto broke into new tears. “He lives near the fortune-teller. They tell me he begs on the street. He must have approached her for money.”
“That’s horrible,” Franco said, his tone sincere.
“It’s a terrible neighborhood.” Roberto covered his face. “I used to tell her that.”
Franco stole a glance at Sebastiano, who looked horrified, and tears trailed down Signora Esposito’s lined face. Franco knew this was a difficult moment for them and he couldn’t take any chances. “You two should go and give us some privacy, please.”
“Yes.” Sebastiano helped a stricken Signora Esposito to her feet, and she came over and kissed Roberto on the head.
“Roberto, I’m sorry. I will pray for Bruna’s soul.”
“Thank you.” Roberto gave her a hug.
“Good night.” Signora Esposito allowed Sebastiano to escort her out of the bedroom, closing the door.
Franco rubbed Roberto’s back. “Robo, I’m sorry.”
Roberto looked up, glowering through his sorrow. “You didn’t like her. Don’t pretend.”
“I didn’t, but I certainly didn’t want this to happen.” Franco formed his face into a mask of regret. “I’m sorry for her, you, and Patrizio. Have you told him yet?”
“No, he’s home with the governess.” Roberto shook his head. “My poor boy.”
“I love that boy.” Franco did. Roberto’s son, Patrizio, took after the Fiorvanti side, not the scummy Marescas. “How awful to lose your mother so young.”
“I know, I know.” Roberto wiped his eyes and trained his heartbroken gaze on Franco. “You didn’t have anything to do with this, did you?”
Franco tried to look wounded. “No, of course not. Why would I do such a thing?”
“Because you don’t want me to leave, and you blame her.”
“I wouldn’t, I swear to you. She’s family.”
