Chapter 87 Elena
E LENA
Alessandro is ushered by Suora Teresa into Elena and Anna-Maria’s room at the monastery. His face is white. His phone shakes in his hand.
Elena feels the blood drain from her face. ‘What is it? What’s he done?’
He looks at her with a stricken expression. ‘Elena, your husband is dead.’
‘ What? ’ She doesn’t recognise her own voice. ‘ What? ’
‘He was stabbed at the hotel. He died instantly.’
Elena’s hand flies to her mouth. ‘How? Why?’
‘I don’t have any details. That’s all I know.’
‘You’re sure, Alessandro?’ Mamma grabs his arm. ‘You’re sure he’s dead?’
Alessandro nods. ‘Rocco saw them take his body away with his own eyes. He’s dead, Zia.’
‘Santa Maria.’ Mamma lets out a sob.
Elena’s legs give way. She collapses onto the bed. Mamma sits next to her and rocks herself forwards and backwards as she chants, ‘Ave o Maria, piena di grazia ...’
Alessandro stands frozen in the doorway, with Suora Teresa behind him. He and Elena stare at each other while Mamma prays.
Outside, the cathedral bells ring.