Page 181 of Valentino

I give a weak shrug. “We’re friends.”

“How do you know him?”

“He is my best friend’s husband’s best friend.”

“Who is your best friend?”

“Francesca Ferrara.”

“How long have you been friends with her?”

“Since childhood.”

“And who is her husband?”

“Giuliano Ferrara.”

“I see.”

“Have you and Valentino ever had a sexual relationship?”

My eyes rise to meet hers and after a beat she nods, as if understanding the secrets that I keep.

“No,” I murmur.

“So you heard a commotion, what type of commotion?”

“Gunshots.”

“What happened then?”

“Valentino yelled out for me to lock myself in the bathroom.”

“Why would he do that?” She narrows her eyes as she listens.

“Because he thought Carlo was outside.”

“Who is Carlo?”

“Carlo Bernetti.”

“How do you know Carlo?”

“He’s my ex-boyfriend.”

“How long has it been since you’ve seen him?”

“Umm.” I blink in slow motion, suddenly dead tired. “Not since….” I shrug; words fail me.

“I need you to think, Anna. When did you last see Carlo?”

“The day he killed Giovanna.”

“Who was Giovanna?”

“I’m sure you already know.”

“Humor me because I need to hear it from your point of view.”