Aleena—POV
The paramedics took Mr. Bellini’s body away. I stared at the spot where it had been moments earlier. I closed my eyes, and an image flashed through my mind: my mother lying lifeless in a pool of blood on the floor.
When I opened them again, the image faded, replaced by the banquet hall. Taking a steady breath, I saw people talking, police
Officers questioned the guests, and Nico spoke with one officer.
I walked toward him. I turned at the sound of footsteps behind me. Caldwell stopped, understanding my silent signal not to follow.
I heard Nico say, “Officer, I’ll wait for the postmortem report.”
The officer nodded. His eyes were critical and suspicious as he looked at Nico. I glanced at his name tag: Carter.
“Aleena.” I turned to see my father approaching us.
“Can we s
