Read Online temptation in florence 05 - seaside in death by Beate Boeker - Free Book Online

my love.” He smiled at her. “You've got history with the victim. I admit the motive seems to be very weak; besides, you won the battle with him, so it looks as if you didn't have unfinished business, but it bears looking into. Just to be thorough.”
    She blinked, then she said, her face a mask, “You forgot Aunt Violetta.”
    He inclined his head. “You're right. Aunt Violetta might have killed him as well. Her motive is about as convincing as yours, but she's a ruthless woman.”
    “In a wheelchair.”
    “Which she only uses because it makes her faster.”
    Carlina lifted her chin. “There's another suspect.”
    “Who?”
    “You.” She grinned. “You were found with the body.”
    They stared at each other for an instant, then they both burst into laughter.
    Stefano bent forward and kissed the tip of her nose. “All right. I admit I don't seriously consider you and Aunt Violetta.”
    Carlina gave him a saucy smile. “And I don't seriously suspect you. I happen to know where you were.”
    “That's a weight off my mind.” His voice was grave.
    Carlina grinned, but it faded as she started to play with the small spoon in her hand. Then she looked up. “You suspect Ernesto, don't you? I can't believe he did it.”
    “It would help if we found some proof of his innocence.”
    “We?” She lifted an eyebrow.
    He sighed. “I don't see that stupid Commissario Pucci doing anything besides arresting Ernesto.”
    A high voice cut through the friendly chatter of the coffee shop. “Ernesto will be arrested?” Benedetta rushed from the counter, where she had been waiting to be served, to Garini and gripped his shoulders. “You have to make sure this won't happen, Stefano!” She shouted at him, punctuating every word with a shake.
    All conversation in the coffee shop stopped; all eyes turned to her.
    Benedetta didn't spare them a glance. “I won't see my lamb going into prison!”
    “Shush, Benedetta.” Leopold appeared behind Benedetta and placed a placating hand on her arm. “Calm down, my love. Stefano is a pro. He'll handle the case, and he'll make sure that nothing will happen to Ernesto.” He looked at Garini with an entreating look, much like a puppy asking for a cuddle.
    Garini closed his eyes for a moment. Normal arguments and procedures didn't get you anywhere with the Mantoni family, but he had to try. “I'm not in charge of this investigation,” he said. “In fact, the Commissario suspects even me. I can't promise anything.”
    Benedetta stared at him. “I know exactly what you're saying! You don't want to help Ernesto! You want to stay out of it! I can't believe this!” She placed her hands on her hips. “Is that the way to treat the family of your future wife?”
    Carlina turned to Stefano, her eyes wide, her surprise exaggerated. “Are we engaged? I didn't know that.”
    “Nor I.” He smiled at her. What a gallant fighter she was. She knew that he would do everything he could possibly do to help Ernesto, but she also understood that he was limited by certain facts, something the rest of the Mantoni family never seemed to accept. How on earth had she turned out so sane, coming from this family? Underneath the table, he took her hand and held it.
    Benedetta stomped her foot, recognizing the comment for the distraction it was. “I don't want to talk about your engagement! I want you to protect Ernesto!”
    Garini sighed. “I've called the best lawyer I know for Ernesto.”
    “The lawyer is not family! He won't understand!”
    Garini eyed her. Did Benedetta know more about this whole thing? What was he supposed to understand? It sounded as if “understanding” really meant “hiding”. He would have to talk to her later, without an audience. “I'll do all I can.”
    “There.” Leopold put his arm around Benedetta's shoulder. “That's a promise. You can rely on that.”
    Benedetta sighed and turned away.
    When Carlina and Stefano left the coffee shop a short time later, she said with