Part 24 (1/2)

That's not much of a life. Did you at least give Ewing a chance to tell you what happened, to find out if what you think is true?

I told you, it doesn't matter. And yes, I saw him once when I got back from Rome.

And what happened?

Nothing, I told him to stay away from Alessandro. I found out that while I was here Natasha had let him see the child. She sighed softly and smiled a bitter smile. I told him that if he came near us again, I'd call my lawyer and the police and have him arrested for molesting Alessandro something like that.

Are you crazy? What did he say?

He told me to get the h.e.l.l out of his car.

He was right. I'd have kicked you out. For G.o.d's sake, Isabella, what were you thinking of?

I don't know' . Myself ' Amadeo ' something. I told you, it's over. It wouldn't have worked out.

Not if that's the way you've been behaving. He poured himself another gla.s.s of wine.

Natasha sees him of course. They're old friends.

Did she tell him about the trial? Bernardo was looking at her strangely, but she only shrugged.

I don't know. Maybe. In any case it was in the papers again the day before I left New York. Page nine this time; we're finally shrinking in importance again. I'll tell you, I'll be d.a.m.n glad when the only place I see my name is in the fas.h.i.+on section.

That'll come. After this week it'll all be over. Now get some sleep. I'll pick you up in the morning. He kissed her cheek gently and left her sitting there, sipping the last of her wine.

Chapter TWENTY-EIGHT.

Va b+?ne? Bernardo looked at her worriedly as she stepped out of the car. She had worn a black dress today, but no black stockings this time. It was a long-sleeved black wool dress, with alligator shoes and matching handbag, and her hat was discreet and small. She wore only her pearls and the ring Bernardo had given her the last time she'd left Rome.

Are you all right, Isabella? he asked. She was so pale that for a moment he was afraid she would faint on the courthouse steps.

Va b+?ne. I'm fine.

He took her arm. In an instant the barrage began. Photographers, television cameras, microphones, madness. It was reminiscent of that whole ugly time. She clutched his hand tightly, and a moment later they were inside the courthouse, waiting in a tiny room adjoining the judge's chambers. He had made it available just for her.

They sat for what felt to Isabella like hours before a uniformed guard came in and beckoned to her.

Holding tightly to Bernardo, her legs feeling wooden, she followed him into the courtroom, averting her eyes from the long table where the defendants sat, trying not to look at them, not wanting to see. Bernardo could feel her trembling as she sat down.

The testimony was long and laborious: Amadeo's secretary, the doorman, and finally two San Gregorio employees who had seen the two men come in. The story about the car was explained, and Bernardo could see one of the men squirm. More testimony from the coroner, two minor officials, and then finally it was over; court would not reconvene after lunch. Due to the painful nature of the trial, and in consideration of Signore di San Gregorio's widow, the proceedings would be adjourned until the next morning.

The judge ordered the bailiffs to remove the accused. As they stood up, ready to be escorted away, Bernardo heard Isabella gasp.

They were ordinary men in plain clothing, men she had never seen, but suddenly they were there, before her, the men who had snuffed out Amadeo's life. Bernardo held her arm tightly. Isabella had turned whiter still.

It's all right, Isabella, it's all right, he said, feeling helpless to soothe her. She needed something more than even he could give her. Come on, let's go now.

Blindly she let herself be led. In a moment they were being mobbed again on the front steps.

Signora di San Gregorio, did you see them? ' How did they look ' Do you remember? ' Can you tell us? ' A hand s.n.a.t.c.hed off her hat. She was running and crying, protected by two guards and Bernardo, until at last they reached the car. She threw herself into his arms, sobbing all the way back to the house. He got her upstairs quickly and helped her to the couch.

Do you want me to call a doctor?

No ' no ' but don't leave me ' she began as the telephone rang. She sat bolt upright with a look of terror in her eyes. She couldn't go through it again, couldn't bear it. Tell them to stop putting calls through. But Bernardo had already answered it and was speaking in low tones. She could not hear what he was saying. Finally he looked at her, smiled, and nodded his head. And then, without explaining further, he handed her the phone and left the room.

Isabella? At first she didn't recognize the voice. Then her eyes grew wide.

Corbett? But it couldn't be.

But the voice answered, Yes, adding, and don't hang up on me. Or at least not just yet.

Where are you? Her face was expressionless; it sounded as though he were here with her, in the same room.

I'm downstairs, Isabella, but you don't have to see me. If you want, I'll go away.

But why? And why now of all times?

I came to steal the business. Remember me?

Yes, I remember you. I I owe you an apology ' for what I said to you in the car. She was smiling into the phone.

You don't owe me anything. Not an apology, not the business, not anything. Nothing but ten minutes of your time.

An idea occurred to her then, and she was astonished. Bernardo! Had he asked Corbett to come? Did you fly to Rome to see me, Corbett?

He nodded his head and answered her. Yes. I knew what you must be going through. I thought that maybe you needed a friend. Then, Isabella, may I come upstairs?

A moment later she opened the door for him. She did not speak. Her eyes were dark and tired and empty. Slowly she put out her hand.

h.e.l.lo, Corbett.

It was like the beginning. He shook her hand solemnly and followed her into the room.

Would you like a gla.s.s of wine?

She was smiling now as she looked at him, and it took everything he had not to take her in his arms. He shook his head and looked around the room. Is this your office?

No, it's an apartment we keep for important guests. And then she looked at him unhappily and sat down with her head bowed. Oh, Corbett, I wish I weren't here. He sat down next to her and watched her.

I'm sorry you have to go through this, but at least they caught them. At least now you won't wonder what happened to them and if they'll ever strike again.

I suppose so. But I thought I had put it all away.

He only shook his head. He didn't want to tell her that you never really can. You can't erase a memory. Or deny an irreparable loss. You could dull it, you could heal it, you could fill the void with something else. Isabella he paused for a moment may I be there with you tomorrow?