Page 52 of Vengeance in Venice
Constance sighed. “I suppose he could have. Again, if he was quick and prepared. But why? Everyone suspects him of Savelli’s murder.”
“Apart from those who think it was Elena. I took the glass from you and put it on the table.” He shook his head in annoyance. “I never even glanced at it after that. Anyone could have passed and dropped the poison in, and I wouldn’t even have noticed.”
“Neither would I. We were too busy talking to Giusti, and then to Lampl, and trying not to be embarrassed by Lampl’s reaction to Foscolo’s presence. But I don’t remember anyonecoming close to the table. Until you picked it up again for me when we went to join Premarin.”
“Premarin,” Solomon repeated. “Everyone’s friend. Who poured wine into your glass. Perhaps that diluted the poison that was already there.”
“Or he somehow dropped something in when he poured.” She shifted restlessly. “And we talked to him and his friends for some time. We can’t rule him out. And there’s someone else, Sol. Rossi’s girl, Adriana, was there, the maid collecting glasses.”
“I know. I saw her. An odd coincidence, perhaps, but Rossi tells me she takes such work from an agency as it offers. She has worked at the consulate before, apparently. He was neither embarrassed nor put out by the fact that I’d seen her there. He didn’t appear remotely interested.”
“He must know we are investigating Savelli’s murder. He could easily have guessed we suspect him.”
“He won’t have many clients if he keeps murdering them. Again, we have no evidence one way or the other. I didn’t see Adriana anywhere near you or your glass, but I didn’t watch her all the time. I can’t rule her out.”
“Neither can I,” Constance said. “Shedidpick up some glasses close to where we stood with Premarin.” She shook her head. “Only… While she clearly puts up with a lot from Rossi, she doesn’t strike me as someone who blindly follows orders. She would not poison someone just because he told her to.”
“She could think she was protecting him without orders.”
Constance made a little gesture of frustration. “We are no further forward. We have the same suspects as for the Savelli murder. Giusti, Premarin, Rossi, or Adriana. And now we have added Kellar.”
“But not Elena,” Solomon pointed out. “And she alone came to help. Though I admit I was suspicious at first.”
“I think she is lonely and unhappy, and was so even before her husband’s death.”
Solomon nodded agreement. “She has motive and, perhaps, opportunity in Savelli’s case. But I don’t think she has the character.Andshe was nowhere near the reception to poison you.”
Part of him could not believe he was discussing the poisoning of his wife so calmly. Perhaps that was the only way to deal with the horrific—by treating it as normal. Though that idea was horrific in itself. Murder and attempted murder were not normal, and when they started finding it so, they would have to dissolve Silver and Grey and stop…
There was a faint flush on Constance’s cheeks. She looked exhausted.
“We’ve talked too long,” he said with contrition. “Take a last drink and go to sleep.”
She obeyed like a child, and he set down the glass for her and helped her to lie down. She was already half asleep. Only when he moved to sit in the chair did she grasp his hand weakly.
“Will you stay with me, Sol?”
“Always,” he said, and his voice cracked. Her fingers tightened, but she smiled, and he sat on the bed beside her, watching her sleep while his heart ached.
*
The police finallycame the following morning.
Constance had woken from a long sleep feeling very wooly, and she was still physically as weak as a kitten, but at some point, she had been aware of Solomon asleep in bed by her side and was glad. She knew how this had devasted him—it was still a matter of wonder, but his care moved her even as she worried for his own health.
He was walking toward the bed looking much refreshed and more his usual elegant self in a light suit and crisp shirt.
“Foscolo and Lampl are here. I have told them what we know of the poisoning, and they have obviously spoken to Dr. Donati, but they want to see you, too. Are you up to it?”
The wooliness began to recede. “If can wear my dressing gown and a cap and sit in the chair covered with blankets like an old, invalid lady, then yes.”
Solomon’s eyes lightened at her tone, and he helped her out of bed. She felt ridiculously proud that she could deal with her own comfort and basic ablutions for herself, although she was very glad of his aid in wrapping her in dressing gown and shawls while she sat exhausted again in the chair. She drank some more water with its flavoring of wine and realized she was hungry. That cheered her further, although she rather dreaded tempting providence by actually eating. She was glad of the delay offered by the policemen.
Inevitably, Lampl entered first. He bowed very correctly. “Signora, how are you? I am so sorry to hear of your illness.” He certainly gave her a cold, hard look, as though making sure any illness had been involved.
Behind him came Foscolo, who behaved in much the same way.
Solomon set chairs for them opposite her, and then he stood at her shoulder, a comforting and protective presence.
