By evening, we’re released from the building.
Dante was taken to police headquarter and made it home around midnight. Two days later we find out the substance in the vial is Digitalis and Luciano De Luca died of it as well.
After being formally arrested and out on bail he arrives at Mama’s by mid day following the event.
“I’m being framed,” he tells us in the living room .
“My dad was killed by it, and now a Don. You’re a Don, why haven’t you been poisoned? Not that I want you hurt, but why are you still here when the others are dead? That looks suspicious. And not only are you okay, but you’re also looking guilty of DeLuca’s murder, which could lead to retaliation from the Sicilians. Now you’ll be a suspect in my father’s death. It’s all too obvious,” Prende states.
“You’re being set up to be the fall guy with the two largest mafia families in the world,” I add.
“She has a point,” Riccardo says. “I mean, why on your wedding day? Why now? Argon was on a ski trip. Both men were killed by the same drug. Someone is trying to set you up, but who?”
“More importantly, why?” Dante asks.
“Oh, that brings to mind the names on our list.” I suddenly remember our first clue.
“That’s right.” Dante snaps his fingers and looks for a picture of the list on his phone “Okay, the underboss to DeLuca was at the hotel with Argon.”
“There’s a connection,” Francesa says, holding a cup with hot tea in her hands. “I’m guessing a woman did this. I mean, they typically kill by poison.” All of us men look at her and stifle snickers. “Well,” she shrugs, “they do. And it has to be someone who knows both victim’s routines. Prende, did your father ski at that resort the same week, every year?”
“Yes, always the same week, same town, might be a different hotel, but it wouldn’t be hard to find him.”
Francesca nods.
Sal stares at the ceiling because he knows they were sent to kill Argon as retribution for encroaching into our territory.
“Okay, who else is on the guest registry, Dante?” I can’t remember all the names.
Dante hands his phone to Francesca with the list on the screen.
“Who the hell is Ignazia Gambino? Isn’t Gambino the guy that’s in power with the Costa Nostra now that DeLuca is dead?”
“Wow, how did I not see that?” I gasp.
“How did you not see it? We know more names than you,” Dante says and nods to Sal.
“We assume Ignazia is his wife. They have the same last name,” I add.
“We need to find out who she is, before Dante is a the only suspect. We all know money can buy influence. And we know greed, betrayal, and anger can motivate people to murder,” Riccardo says.
Juliet is quiet on the sofa, softly sobbing into Mama’s strong shoulder. For a small woman, Mama is tough when we need her the most.
“So how do we find out who she is when anyone can get a fake passport?” Prende asks.
“We know more now than we did a few hours ago.” I take Prende by the arm, and we walk to an overstuffed chair in the corner. I motion for her to sit. I’m sure this is all a shock to her.
“Are you okay?” I ask. “Do you need a drink?”
“Umm, I’m just stunned. This is like the JFK conspiracy.”
I chuckle. It’s not a funny situation but everyone joins me in a nervous laugh and after such an intense day, we need it.
“I wonder if I’ll get a refund from the hotel,” Juliet murmurs.
“I’m sure they have insurance for things like this.” Dante kneels next to her. “You need a drink.”
“Oh, hell yes she does.” Francesca makes a beeline for the bar in the other room and brings back a bottle. She pours a white liquid into a shot glass and hands it to Dante.