Page 29 of Lorenzo

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because of his name.”

Donna studies me for a long moment.

“That's not a reason.”

Maybe I was wrong about her being the right person.

She continues, “His name makes him believable as the killer. His name puts him in the line of fire for something like this to happen, I suppose. I don't discount that. But what’s the motive? Why him? Why now?”

I consider her again.

“That is what I do not know.” It kills me as his father not to be able to answer questions like that.

“So what do you know?”

I sit back in the chair.

“I know my son did not kill that woman.”

Donna rests her forearm on the desk. “You believe him.”

“I know him.”

“That was not my question.”

I hold her gaze.

Most people soften when they realize who they are speaking to. Some become overly respectful. Others become defensive before I have said anything at all.

Donna does none of those.

“I believe him,” I say.

She nods once, as though the distinction matters.

“What was the victim’s name?”

“Genevieve Sorel.”

“And your son?”

“Alessio.”

“How old is he?”

“Twenty-four.”

“How did he know her?”

“He met her for the first time at a club last night.”

Donna is quiet for a moment.

“Tell me about your son. Does he have anger issues?”