Unfortunately Nonna read and re-read the sheet of paper, and then she lowered her glasses to glare at Isabella. “Have you lost your mind? Do you really think anyone with even half a brain would believe I suddenly remember that my dear Alberto told me two days before his death he had doubts about Lorenzo Raveno’s guilt?”
Isabella heaved a deep breath, ready to battle for the sake of Emma and her boyfriend. “If you, the highly respected widow of Alberto Cantari, sign this affidavit, everyone in Palermo will believe you. They will all be happy to see the longtime vendetta end.” Tears filled Isabella’s eyes. “For heaven’s sake, didn’t we have enough deaths in both families? Do you want them to kidnap me? Do you want Emma to kill herself in despair as she threatened an hour ago?”
Nonna cringed and brought a hand to her heart. “God forbid! What are you talking about?”
“You heard me, Nonna. I’m in danger. Emma is, too. How does it help us to keep Lorenzo in prison? He was as desperate as all of our family when the shot killed his best friend. We need to turn the Sicilian page and enjoy life in the U.S. I can’t do it with my friend so desperate, with my safety in jeopardy. You have the power to put an end to the suffering.”
Nonna closed her eyes. Heavy tears rolled down her cheeks. She sniffled and wiped her face. “Bambina, you and your brother are all I have left. If you think this paper would keep you safe, I’ll sign it. Shouldn’t we ask Dante first?”
“Sign it now. We’ll ask him tomorrow.”
“Okay.” Nonna wrote her name and encircled it with an elegant loop that many would recognize in Palermo, considering she’d directed a multitude of projects for charitable organizations and signed many proposals for social improvement.
“Thank you, Nonna. I’m sure Lorenzo’s mother and grandmother and Emma’s parents will all bless you.” Isabella kissed her grandmother’s cheek and rushed to her room to make a copy of the precious paper and hide it in her credenza.
“Isabella,” Nonna called from the door of her room. “You’d be naive if you think that sending this paper by mail will get Lorenzo out of jail.”
A gasp escaped from Isabella’s lips and she snapped to attention.
Nonna narrowed her eyes. “Ah, I see that you thought about it, too. Don’t tell me you’re planning to hand deliver it?” Her grandmother was too intuitive. Isabella averted her eyes. “You, crazy girl. Don’t do it, bambina. Marco won’t hesitate to kidnap you, rape you, and force you to marry him.”
“Don’t exaggerate, please. He’s not that bad, and I can defend myself, or simply avoid him.”
Concern etched a few lines on Nonna’s forehead. She shook her head. “Listen to me, if you’re determined to go, I’m going with you.”
“But it will be too tiring for you.”
“I’m only seventy-eight and in good shape. I’m going with you. And that is that. When are we leaving?”
“Next week. I have to prepare things carefully.” This time Isabella made sure her voice sounded normal. She certainly could not drag her loving Nonna on that emotional and exhausting trip. By next week, she hoped she would have gone to Sicily and returned.
“Now you need to calm down and relax,” Nonna suggested with a smile. “Maybe you should get distracted. Go out with the nice lawyer.”
“To be honest, I don’t feel like going out tonight.” She had to plan and pack for tomorrow.
“I have a pan of delicious lasagna with spinach and chicken parmesan. Why don’t you invite Jonathan for dinner? Its smell will go straight to his stomach. I won’t disturb you. I like to lie down and watch TV in my room.”
“Oh, Nonna, you’re so kind. I don’t mind having you sharing dinner with us.”
Her grandmother chuckled. “Another sweet lie. You’re becoming very good at hiding the truth. But I’d rather be in my bed and let you young people enjoy your evening.”
“Okay. It’s a great idea.” Forget the packing for the moment. Anyway, she was taking the minimum possible in her beach bag in order not to attract attention. “I’ll call him right way.” She punched his number and extended her invitation.