Chapter 17
March, 1929 - Montalcino, Italy
Had Ava heard the police officer correctly? Every nerve in her body sprang to alert. Luca, what have you done? Ava clutched Violetta’s arm as if she could absorb some of her mother-in-law’s indomitable strength.
In the presence of the stately Violetta, the officer at their front door averted his gaze. “Signora, we have arrested your son for the murder of Franco Casini.”
Ava struggled to maintain her composure. What had possessed her husband? How could he have murdered a man, especially one as kind as Franco? A cry erupted from her throat, and Violetta crushed her to her side.
“Grazie. We will follow you to police headquarters.” Violetta closed the door behind him and sent a housemaid for Giovanna’s husband, who was at the dining table with th
