Excerpt of Delayed Death by Beate Boeker

"I've never seen such a sexy bride." Carlina stepped back and looked at her cousin Emma with a smile. "The gang will faint."

Emma twirled on her pearly high heels and checked her rear view in the mirror that went from the ceiling to the floor. Seventeen spotlights illuminated the white painted bedroom and showed the bride in full splendor. "That's the least I expect." She wriggled her shapely bottom in the skintight dress. "The sexiest bride of Florence." Her smile was triumph made flesh.

Carlina took the veil and held it up. It felt soft like a cobweb, and a faint trace of Emma's perfume wafted up to her. Probably Emma had already tried it on several times, admiring herself in the mirror. "Your new mother–in–law might have a stroke, though." She smiled at her cousin with affection.

"Why?" Emma slipped underneath the veil and adjusted the position with her fingertips. "Just because it's sexy?"

Carlina glanced at Emma's legs and swallowed her answer. The late September sunlight poured into the bedroom and shimmered on Emma's exquisite nylons. Her legs looked a mile longer today because the wedding dress was short enough to make everybody wonder why it had cost more than a month's salary.

Emma didn't notice her cousin's hesitation. "Can I go like this?"

Carlina nodded. "You're perfect." The family had been blessed with many good–looking women, and Emma had inherited the long legs and peachy skin, but on top of that, she had an energy about her that made her even more attractive. A faint feeling of melancholy grabbed Carlina. Emma was getting married. Things would be different now. Why should they be different? A voice inside her mocked her thoughts. Emma will continue to live two floors below you, Lucio has lived here for months, and she will always remain your little cousin. Don't become maudlin, just because it's a wedding.

Emma took a deep breath. "I'm glad I sent mother and the rest of the gang away. They would have driven me crazy."

Carlina nodded. "I couldn't agree with you more." She glanced sideways at her beautiful cousin. "But they were a bit huffed. I was surprised they obeyed, particularly Benedetta. I expected her to insist. After all, you're her eldest daughter, the first one to get married, and . . ."

"It's because I'm the bride today." Emma opened her arms and threw back her head. "Today, I'm the star."

Carlina suppressed a smile. "You're always the star, and I do hope your big day will be perfect."

"Of course it will!" Emma laughed. "Think of all the hours of preparation! I've thought of every detail. Nothing will go wrong."

A shiver ran through Carlina. I hope the gods don't listen. "Don't you think the house feels strange with the whole gang gone? It's never been so quiet."

Before Emma could reply, a ringing tone came from Carlina's black evening bag lying on top of the white dresser.

"Oh, no, not again!" Emma bent forward with one fluid movement and grabbed Carlina's arm. "Don't answer that. I think your shop assistant should for once manage without you. She has already called twice. Why does all of Florence want to buy underwear on my wedding day?"

Carlina gave her a reassuring smile. "It's the first time I've left Elena all alone at the store, and I said she could call whenever she has a question." She shook off her cousin's hand and clicked open the tiny clasp of her handbag. "We have plenty of time, so don't worry." With a flick of her wrist, she pulled out her phone and checked the caller ID. "Oh, no." She closed her eyes as if that would make it go away. "It's Mama."

"Don't answer it!" Emma's voice rose. "I know she will spoil my wedding!"

"Nonsense." Carlina shook her head and laid a calming hand on Emma's arm. Emma is more nervous than she wants to admit. "I bet she only forgot something." She pressed the green button. "Ciao, Mama."

She listened to the quaking voice on the other end. Her face twisted.

Emma frowned. "What's up? Why do you look so strange?"

Carlina made a soothing motion with her hand. Then she said, "All right. Don't worry. We're almost on our way. Ciao." She pressed the red button, threw back her head, and exploded into laughter.

Emma circled around her, too impatient to stand still. Her high heels left tiny imprints in the creamy carpet. "I didn't understand a word. What does she want? Why are you laughing?"

Carlina gasped for breath. "I was right. She forgot something."

"What?" Emma placed her hands on her hips. Her red mouth pulled down at the corners.

Carlina took a deep breath and said with relish, "She forgot grandpa."

Emma's mouth dropped open. "She forgot grandpa? How can she do that?"

Carlina shook her head. "I have no clue. It seems he didn't want to join her for the hairdresser and the manicure this morning, wasn't even dressed yet, so Mama decided she would leave without him but forgot to tell me." She started to laugh again. "That's so like Mama."

Emma flattened out an imaginary crease on her skirt. "She's not normal, that one."

"No one in our family is normal."