Page 338 of Niccolo

“He is no longer with us,” the Widow sniffed.

“‘He is no longer with us’ because you fired him… or because he’s no longerbreathing?”

“The second.”

“And why is that?”

“Because I shot him.”

The Widow’s reputation for viciousness was well-known.

A few dons chuckled at her reply –

Until Sofia said something that made the old men’s eyes bug out.

“My…that’scertainly convenient. No way to confirm you’re telling the truth.”

Only a fool would cross the Widow of Venice.

Anyone could tell you that –

And Sofia had just crossed the old lady by implying she was a liar.

The Widow glowered at Sofia. “Massimo Rosolini was there. He can attest to everything Giotto said.”

Sofia frowned again in feigned confusion. “Wait… didn’t Massimo just marry your granddaughter?”

“Yes.”

Jesus.

Here came another train crash. I could see it plain as day, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

“So he’s your grandson-in-law?” Sofia asked.

“That’s what happens when a man marries your granddaughter,” the Widow said icily.

Sofia turned her back on the Widow and faced the other dons. “Interesting. A witness brings charges against Fausto Rosolini – and the witness justhappensto now be related to Dario Rosolini within the last couple of days. I think I’m starting to see a pattern here.”

“I will not sit here and allow my integrity to be questioned,” the Widow snapped. “I swear on my granddaughter’s life that what I have said is the – ”

“No need to swear,” Sofia interrupted. “I have no further questions.”

Another mic drop moment.

Some of the dons were aghast at Sofia’s temerity –

While others were delighted.

The Widow had many enemies, and they enjoyed seeing the old woman taken down a peg or two.

But no matter how you sliced it, Sofia hadagaincast doubt on my witness.

“Bold,” I murmured as she passed by me.

“Audace, audace, toujours l’audace,”she whispered back.

I grinned.

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