“I was,” Ricky said. “I’ve thought Donna was beautiful since we were, like, four.”
“Donna has always been beautiful. I don’t think she’s dating anybody,” I said. “Call her and ask her out.”
Ricky’s chest puffed out. “I will.” He cast an irritated look at his twin over his older brother’s head. “She’ll say yes.”
“I’ll take that bet,” Dom muttered.
I looked at Nick. “How did your blood get on Imogen’s shirt?”
He shook his head, his tawny eyes somber. “I have no clue. I beat on our dad pretty good before I got him to leave. What if he hugged her? Could it be as simple as that? Could he have transferred the blood?”
“That’s the only explanation I’ve got,” I said. “I can’t get much from Pierce right now. I’ve requested all the evidence, but they have a few more days to comply.”
Nick nodded. “We’ll want to hire a lab to independently verify the county’s evidence.”
I nodded. “I know. We need to at least find out what kind of sample they have because you’re right. It could have just been trace. If your blood was on your dad’s shirt, and he hugged Imogen or even put his arm around her, the transfer could have been that simple.” Pierce said there wasn’t blood on Richard’s shirt, but he could’ve had a jacket on before that. Or perhaps his shirt decomposed more than Imogen’s did.
“Plus, there’s that unknown DNA,” Nick said.
I ground my palm into my eye. “It hasn’t matched any of the suspects. The Wilsons are out. Lisa and her dead husband are out. I’m still trying to track down your dad’s other girlfriends.” I winced. “Sorry.”
Nick shook his head. “No, it’s fine. I mean, the police have my profile. Subsequently, we know the unidentified sample isn’t from either of my brothers or our mom since that would have indicated a familial connection. At the very least, that unknown DNA does raise reasonable doubt. We need to know how much blood and DNA was at the scene.”
“I agree,” I said. “As soon as I get the information and evidence from Pierce, I’ll let you know.”
Movement sounded down the hall, and the door opened to reveal Oliver with his elbow extended like a gentleman, and my Nonna Albertini with her hand through it.
“Why, Oliver, you’re such a sweetheart to escort me all the way down to Anna’s office.” She smiled up at him.
He blushed, his shoulders going back. “Yes, ma’am. Your grandmother is here,” he said formally to me.
All three of the Basanelli men stood. Nonna moved in and kissed each one on the cheek. “Now, Nick Basanelli, shouldn’t you be engaged by now?” She peered up at him, her hand on her overlarge purse.
He looked down at the purse, no doubt knowing there was a wooden spoon in there. “Yes, ma’am. We keep trying, but things keep getting in the way. Now, I thought, since I’m in a little bit of trouble...”
She waved her hand in the air. “Don’t you be silly. We all know you didn’t kill your father and that twit. You’ll be cleared in no time. Anna is the best attorney around, you know.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Nick said wisely.
“Well, then, you go ahead and propose. Valentine’s Day is Thursday,” she said.
Nick nodded. “I do know that.” He began to edge toward the door. “Anna, since your grandma is here, you must have an appointment. I hope you ladies have a lovely day.”
She frowned. “Nick, I would like to know your plans. Perhaps I can help.”
“Oh, no,” he said quickly. “I’d very much like to surprise Tessa.” He pushed Ricky toward Nonna. “Ricky was just talking about asking Donna out. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
Nonna lit up like a Christmas tree. “Nice? Why, Ricky, you good Italian boy, you! I think you’d be lovely for our Donna. It appears you’ve been working out, and aren’t you the tallest of all the Basanellis?”
Ricky gulped but didn’t have the guts to give his brother a dirty look. “Yes, ma’am,” he said, edging toward his brother with his smile in place and his gaze averted from the dangerous purse.
Dominick grinned. “Mrs. Albertini, it was lovely to see you today. I hope you have a nice time with your granddaughter.”
“You’re a sweet one, Dominick Basanelli,” she said, patting his arm. “I have several nieces I think you should meet.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, his eyes wide. “It is so kind of you to think of me, and I know my mother would appreciate any advice you may give. However, why don’t we get Nick and Tessa engaged first?”
Nonna turned back toward Nick, who had made it to the door. “Oh, that’s right. We should start there.”
