Part 25 (1/2)

Her scream had carried outside the courtroom. As Corbett and Bernardo a.s.sisted her toward the doors, they burst open, and the photographers were unleashed into the courtroom.

Come on, Bernardo! Corbett was suddenly all action as he swept Isabella out in his arms. Stay away from her, you b.a.s.t.a.r.ds. Bernardo and two guards were plowing ahead, as the judge shouted for order and deputies attempted to have the press removed. The courtroom was a shambles, and Isabella was crying, and the crowd watched them, stunned.

Somehow they reached her car at last, the doors closed, and the three of them pressed together in the backseat as the car sped away, the press still shouting, cameras clicking.

Isabella collapsed on Corbett's chest.

It's over, Isabella. It's over, darling ' it's over. He said it to her again and again as, stricken, Bernardo watched. He regretted ever telling her to make the journey. He had been wrong, but Corbet's eyes didn't reproach him, even when they reached the fresh crowd of press wailing for them at San Gregorio.

Bernardo stared at them in horror as Isabella began to shed fresh tears. Corbett glanced at the crowd and quickly told the driver, Don't stop here. Keep going. He looked at Bernardo. We'll take her to my hotel.

Bernardo nodded savagely, thinking that the only intelligent thing he'd done lately was call Corbett Ewing and ask him to come.

They were in his suite at the Ha.s.sler five minutes later, and Isabella stared at them with a ravaged face.

It's all over now, Corbett said. You'll never have to go through anything like this again.

She nodded slowly, like a child who has just seen her entire family die in a fire.

Bernardo looked at her sorrowfully. I'm sorry, Bellezza.

But she was more herself again as she watched him, and she leaned forward to kiss his cheek. It doesn't matter. Perhaps now it really will be over. What will happen to those men?

If they live long enough to get out of the courtroom, they'll be found guilty, and I a.s.sume they'll be sentenced for life. Bernardo said it viciously, and Corbett nodded; he agreed. But he stood up then and walked quickly toward the phone. He spoke into it softly and returned a moment later to consult the other two.

I think we should leave for New York on the next plane. Can you leave, Isabella? Or do you have business to do? She shook her head numbly and then looked up at him.

What about my things?

But Bernardo was on his feet now. I'll go get them.

Corbett nodded. Fine. Can you meet us at the airport in an hour? Bernardo nodded in answer, stood up, and looked down at Isabella.

Is that allright with you?