A Season for Killing Blondes (14 page)

“Gilda! Sofia! Are you in there?” Uncle Paolo shouted. I could hear my mother’s and aunt’s voices in the background. I imagine everyone else on the floor heard them, as well.

I had forgotten about the system being down. I wondered how they got in.

Sofia rushed to the door and let them in. My mother headed toward me and hugged me close. Aunt Amelia hugged Sofia as Uncle Paolo stood awkwardly to one side. He smiled as he breathed in the strong espresso flavour. “It can’t be all bad. After a good cup of coffee and a big piece of whatever dessert Sofia made, everything will be fine.”

Sofia smiled and nodded in agreement. “You’re absolutely right, Papa. That’s what started all of this confusion.” She shook her finger playfully at me. “This one has been sleeping all afternoon. After I left your place, I came back here and waited patiently for her to wake up. I played some music and moved a few pieces of furniture. Nothing would wake her.”

My mother piped in. “Gilda is the heaviest sleeper around. Remember that tornado that touched down in the city years ago. She slept right through it.”

“I got bored and decided to bake,” Sofia said. “I couldn’t find enough ingredients to make any of my favorite desserts, so I decided to run to the store and pick up a cake mix. On the way back, I ended up talking to that poor, confused woman with the cat.”

Aunt Amelia nodded. “She never finishes her stories and she keeps repeating everything.”

“I ended up accompanying her back to her condo and helping her with her keys.” Sofia shook her head. “She shouldn’t be living on her own. I have a good mind to phone one of her children, and let them know about her wanderings. I’m sure I spent at least thirty minutes dealing with all of that.” She pointed in my direction. “Meanwhile, this one wakes up and finds herself in the dark, totally alone. So, she panics and starts phoning everyone we know.”

My mother gasped. “Gilda, who else did you call?”

I had to think quickly. I didn’t want to bring anyone else into this mess. “Well, well, I…I called Sofia’s place and the church, but no one answered.”

“And you didn’t leave any messages,” Sofia added. She got up and went toward the guest bedroom.

Aunt Amelia nodded in approval. “It’s okay to bother us, but I’m glad you didn’t call anyone else. We don’t need outsiders knowing our business.” She changed the subject. “That coffee smells so good, and I’d love a piece of that cake, even if it is from a mix.”

“I’ll have some coffee as well,” my mother said.

I pointed to the teapot. “I made some herbal tea. Wouldn’t that help you sleep better?”

My mother smiled. “Who can sleep now? We may as well treat ourselves.” The three of them headed for the table and sat down. Aunt Amelia served the coffee and my mother cut five generous pieces of cake.

Sofia came back and signaled to me with her eyes. I followed her into the kitchen and had to strain to hear her. “I just called Roberto Ongaro. He agreed to represent us tomorrow morning.”

“How did you manage that?”

She shot me a sly, sideways glance. “I called him from the other room. I had already spoken to him earlier this week about you.”

“You went to see a lawyer, and you didn’t even tell me.”

“Sssh. They’ll hear you. If you must know, he’s handling my situation with Andrew. When all of this is over, I’ll fill you in on those details.”

Chapter 16

Sunday, October 30, 2011

“Gilda, wake up. We’re meeting with Carlo in an hour, and we can’t be late.”

I opened my eyes and stared up at a fully-clothed Sofia. “Wow! You look stunning.” The combination of a light pink wool suit and black blouse complemented Sofia’s pale skin and dark hair. The sheer, dark hose and black patent stilettos completed the picture. And something else was different. Sofia wore a pair of stylish, dark-rimmed glasses. “I didn’t know you wore glasses.”

“I only wear my glasses after a long, tiring day. And I can truthfully say that I was totally depleted last evening.”

“Well, you don’t look it now.” I glanced over at the clock and sprang out of bed. “I can’t believe I slept this long. Why didn’t you wake me up earlier?”

“I tried, but you kept going back to sleep. Now, hurry up. Roberto wants to touch base with us before we talk to Carlo.”

I showered and grabbed a black pant suit from the closet. I decided on a cream-colored turtleneck and medium-heeled black shoes. I applied the minimum of makeup and then inspected myself critically in the mirror. Definitely a schoolmarm-ish look, but at this point I didn’t really care.

Sofia raised her eyebrows when I went into the kitchen. “Good morning, Sister Gilda.”

I made a face at her and quickly drank a cup of coffee. I knew I should eat something, but I didn’t think I could keep anything down. I grabbed my purse and followed Sofia to her car. In less than ten minutes, we arrived at a parking lot near the police station and found Roberto waiting for us in a large black Mercedes. Sofia pulled up next to him, and he motioned for us to get into his car. Sofia got in the front seat and gave Roberto a quick peck on the cheek. I realized why Sofia had dressed up this morning. She was putting the moves on Roberto. Or maybe they were already an item. Of all the men in Sudbury, Sofia had to pick the one who most resembled her husband in looks and temperament.

Roberto flashed me a quick smile. “It’s been a long time, Gilda. It’s too bad we had to meet under these circumstances.” He paused and adjusted his tie. “When we go in, do not volunteer any information. Answer Carlo’s questions directly, and be as brief as possible. I will sit in on each session, and I won’t hesitate to interrupt or make any suggestions. Are you okay with that?”

Sofia jumped in. “You’re the lawyer. Why shouldn’t we be okay with that?”

I wasn’t thrilled with Roberto, but it was too late to protest.

Roberto turned his attention back to Sofia and lowered his voice. “Let’s go over those times again. When did you drop Gilda off at her condo?”

“Around two o’clock yesterday afternoon.”

“Where did you go afterward?”

“I went over to St. Anthony’s Church to help set up for the Autumn Tea.”

“How long did you stay there?”

“I left around four-thirty and went over to my parents’ house.”

“When did you leave your parents’ house?”

“About ten after six.”

“When did you arrive at Gilda’s?”

“About ten minutes later.”

“Was Gilda home?”

“Yes, she slept soundly in her recliner. I decided not to wake her. I went into my room and read for a while.”

“When did you step out again?”

“A few minutes after eight o’clock?”

“Why did you leave the condo?”

“I craved something sweet. Gilda doesn’t keep any desserts or even chocolate in the condo, so I decided to go out and buy something sweet.”

“Where did you go?”

“Food Basics.”

“When did you get back?”

“Sometime after nine. Gilda was awake.”

“It took a whole hour to go to Food Basics and back? What took you so long?”

“I was in and out of Food Basics quickly. But I was delayed when I got back to the condo building. One of the other residents, Mrs. Harrison, wandered around on the first floor. I decided to help her.”

“Does Mrs. Harrison have a problem?”

“Yes, she has dementia. She shouldn’t be living on her own. The next time I see her daughter, I will mention this incident to her.”

“How long were you with Mrs. Harrison?”

“At least thirty minutes. She couldn’t remember her floor, so I had to check on the board in the foyer. When we got to her condo, she couldn’t find her keys. She wouldn’t let me touch her purse, so I waited until she found her keys. When we got inside, she started crying. I sat with her until she stopped crying. I felt guilty leaving, but I didn’t know what else I could do for her.”

“What’s her apartment number?”

“Seven-oh-eight.”

“Well done, Sofia.” Roberto patted her knee affectionately. “You’re ready for Fantin.”

I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. Sofia had concocted all these lies, and she was ready to tell them to Carlo. I wanted to protest, but I couldn’t. Sofia and I both knew, and now Roberto Ongaro knew, that if she didn’t lie, there could be problems. Both of us needed that alibi. I also knew that I couldn’t face Carlo after all of this. “I guess it’s my turn now.”

Roberto flashed a confident smile. “That won’t be necessary, Gilda. You were in your condo reading and fell asleep. Just stick to that story.”

He got out of the car and opened the door for Sofia and me. I followed Sofia and Roberto into the station. Sofia kept touching Roberto’s arm and giggling—yes, she actually giggled at his comments. I hadn’t seen that side of Sofia since high school. My stomach grumbled, and I regretted not having any solid food for breakfast.

Carlo stood near the front desk, chatting with one of the other officers. He frowned when he saw us. “Hello, everyone. Thank you for being so prompt.” He spoke directly to Roberto. “I’ll start with Sofia, and then I’ll question Gilda. Her lawyer will have arrived by then.”

Roberto interjected, “I’m representing both of these lovely ladies.” He took Sofia’s arm and headed toward Carlo’s office.

Carlo approached and whispered in my ear. “I can’t believe you’ve agreed to this. Gilda…Gilda, for a smart woman, you…” He threw up his hands and walked away, not giving me a chance to respond.

My eyes welled up with tears. I donned my sunglasses, went over to the main desk, and spoke to the officer on duty, “I’m just stepping out for half an hour or so. If Carlo needs me before then—” I took out my cell phone.

The officer nodded. “Take your time. I have a feeling that Carlo will be a while, and if he does finish earlier, he can wait. Go and have a good strong cup of coffee.”

I walked out of the station and headed for the Gonga Grill
just down the street. I knew I would be able to eat and get out of there quickly. There were a handful of patrons in the restaurant. I went all out and had poached eggs, bacon, and home fries along with two strong cups of coffee. I arrived at the station just in time to see Carlo disappear into his office. Sofia and Roberto approached, all smiles. I forced myself to smile. “I guess it’s my turn now. Is Carlo ready to see me?”

Roberto patted my shoulder. “He doesn’t need to see you at all. Sofia and I took care of everything, and you are free to enjoy the rest of this lovely day.”

“How is that possible? Two women are dead—”

“Carlo accepted my alibi.” Sofia finished my sentence while focusing on Roberto. “I promised my parents I would go to the eleven o’clock mass with them, and I’m tied up with the Autumn Tea all afternoon and into the evening.”

“I’ll give you a call later in the week when the documents are ready for your signature,” Roberto said. “Now, I will be on my way. Nice seeing you again Gilda. I’m glad I could help. Call me if you need any more legal advice.”

I didn’t speak until Sofia was on the road. “I can’t believe that Carlo just dismissed me. If you had heard him last night, you would have been convinced he was ready to throw me in jail.”

“Relax, Gilda. You’re not going to jail. I provided you with an alibi for last night. All those times that Roberto and I rehearsed worked.” Sofia glanced over at me. “Aren’t you pleased? You’ve said very little since we left the station.”

“I guess I’m just so shocked and overwhelmed. I can’t believe it’s over. Are you sure—”

“Roberto will take care of any problem if one should arise. Just give him a call.” She giggled again. “Isn’t he wonderful?”

There was so much I wanted to say, but I didn’t want to upset Sofia. Especially after all the lies she had told on my behalf. “Is it wise to get involved with someone else so soon?”

“I don’t know how much you have heard.” When I didn’t answer right away, Sofia continued. “My marriage hasn’t been working for a very long time. Andrew and I stayed together for the sake of the boys. We didn’t want to put Peter and Paul through an ugly divorce or sell the house or split the money. All that changed when you won the lottery. Your million-dollar gift to me and your generous backing of the boys made it very easy for Andrew to leave. He quit his job and flew to Italy where he met a lovely thirty-year-old who caters to his every whim. At least, that’s what I’ve heard from my in-laws. No one is taking Andrew’s side, but he doesn’t care. He is free at last, and he doesn’t have to support me.”

“Do your parents…does my mother know?” I couldn’t believe she had kept all of this under wraps.

“I think my in-laws and parents still communicate, so they probably know all the details. But you know what my mother is like. If it’s not happening here, and none of her Sudbury friends know, then it doesn’t matter. As for your mother…I don’t know how much they have told her.”

“She did mention some of this a few days ago. But I don’t think she knows the whole story. When will your divorce be finalized?”

“Sometime this week or next.” Sofia laughed bitterly, and her eyes narrowed. “Andrew found an Italian lawyer who moves at lightning speed. He sends everything by fax or next-day express. Andrew can’t wait to be free of me. He doesn’t even want any share of that million you gave me.”

That didn’t sound like the money-hungry Andrew I knew. The Italian woman must have bewitched him. “I wish you had told me sooner. I can’t believe you’re going through a divorce, organizing the tea, and taking care of me and my problems.”

Sofia’s laugh was a hollow one. “My social mask is firmly in place.”

“You shouldn’t have to feel that way, and you must promise to share your problems with me. I can help you.”

“Gilda, please. My problems can’t be solved with money. My husband left me, and my sons are thousands of miles away.” She raised her hand in protest when she saw that I was about to speak. “I know that Peter and Paul had their hearts set on American universities, but I secretly hoped they wouldn’t get in.”

“You couldn’t hold onto those boys much longer. Even if they had stayed in Sudbury a few extra years, eventually they would have moved on.”

“I would have been okay with just a few extra years. Especially now that Andrew has left me.” Sofia’s lips trembled, and her eyes welled with tears. She sniffed and then managed a smile. “I did manage to snag a lawyer. Almost as good as a doctor. I haven’t told my parents about Roberto yet. I’m waiting until the divorce is final.”