There is an Italian proverb, Chi affoga s’attaccherrebbe alle funi del cielo. Loosely translated, it means “A drowning man plucks at a straw.” When I was a young girl back in Italy, my grandmother, dressed in her widow-black, eyes hard nuggets of Tuscan coal, would mutter this saying to my father at the slightest sign of weakness, effectively questioning his business judgment as he helped to grow the family’s fledgling company. To be fair to my father, those straws saved him on many occasions. Benini Enterprises would become a thriving business. But then, Grandmother never valued fairness.
I’m reminded of that proverb now as I get ready for my visitor, Allison Campbell. Image consultant, life coach…call her what you will. It strikes me that perhaps she is the straw, and I am the drowning woman, already doomed. The thought makes me tired. Do I have fight left in me? I glance outside and see Maria down by the barn, riding the chestnut mare. My niece’s dark hair is cascading down her back, and although I can’t see her features from the sunroom window, I know the expression on her face will be feral, wild. From here, she looks like a witch. Or a harlot. Thinking of Grandmother, I smile. How far our family has come.
Outside, distant clouds threaten the blue August sky. This summer, the Finger Lakes region of New York has been abnormally hot and rainy. I worry about the grapes. While we don’t sell our own wine, our vineyards supply the house, and perfecting our dry Riesling has become a tradition. We have so few traditions anymore…I don’t want to let go of this one.
Jackie, our chef, interrupts my thoughts when she enters the sunroom quietly, her plain features bunched into a worried frown. She reminds me of the woman in the iconic painting American Gothic and I admonish myself for the uncharitable association.
“Yes?” I say. “Is Allison here?”
Jackie shakes her head. “The hospital called.”
“About Paolo?” Although even as I say the words, I realize how ridiculous they sound. Of course it was about Paolo. My brother had a stroke and has been in and out of consciousness. His misfortune is the reason for my engagement with Allison Campbell. That, and…well, a story for another day. “What’s happened?”
Jackie looks around. In a low voice, she says, “You should go see him, Frannie.”
“Jackie, please.”
“You’ll regret it. You and I both know it’s true.”
Regret? Oh, I know regret. Another face flashes before me, and I push aside thoughts of Gina Benini, my brother’s first wife. I purse my lips and turn my head, looking away from Jackie and back toward the window. Maria is no longer in sight. The barn looms in the distance, its size a reminder of the wealth we once had. These days, this estate seems too big. Too grand. Then why do I feel so claustrophobic within its confines?
I rise, dismissing Jackie. She knows me well enough to understand the gesture, and she leaves the room. I am immediately regretful. She never did tell me why the hospital called.
A clock in one of the front parlors strikes three. Allison Campbell will be along soon. I head toward my private rooms feeling a sudden burst of energy. My head is oddly clear. I know what needs to be done, and with clarity comes purpose. Voices reach me as I climb the stairs. Jackie speaking to Alessandro. I pause to listen. Another proverb comes to mind: A mali estremi, estremi rimedi. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Perhaps I am not so unlike my grandmother, after all.
You can read more about Francesca in Deadly Assets, the second book in the “Allison Campbell” mystery series, published by Henery Press. The first book in the series is Killer Image.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on July 25 for the chance to win a copy of Deadly Assets. (US entries only, please.)
About the author
Wendy Tyson is a writer, lawyer and former therapist from Philadelphia. She’s authored Killer Image, an Allison Campbell mystery, Deadly Assets, the second Campbell novel, and The Seduction of Miriam Cross, a thriller set near Philadelphia. Wendy makes her home in Abington, Pennsylvania with her husband, three sons and two muses, dogs Molly and Driggs. She’s currently working on the third Campbell novel, Dying Brand.
Follow dru’s book musing on Facebook for posting about discounted books, giveaways and some of my reading musings.
Sounds good to me.
Thanks Gram! Good luck!
I would love to read this book—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Thanks for participating, Sheila! Have a great day!
Sounds good, would love to read it
Hi Debbie! Thanks for taking part — best of luck!
I’ve read Killer Image and can’t wait to read this one, too. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book.
Hi Mary! Thanks for taking the time to review KILLER IMAGE and participate on the blog! Best of luck!
I have ot read anything by this author, looks interesting, thank you!
Hi Lisa! Thanks for stopping by and participating in Dru’s post! Good luck!
Love the Italian proverbs. Very wise.
Thank you, Libby! I had so much fun with Francesca’s character. I wasn’t sure whether I loved her or hated her, though–even at the end!
this is a new series. Will have to ry it.
Best of luck — and thank you for participating!
You can feel the suspense, even from this short excerpt – and I thought of my own grandmother. Have to read this series.
I’m glad you felt the suspense, Sally. I enjoyed writing this piece from Francesca’s perspective. No scenes are written from her point of view in the book, so it was a fun exercise. Good luck! I hope you enjoy the series!
Wonderfully described characters, Wendy. Love the layering of Italian culture, wealth, and secrets that are in this short passage. So happy it is book release day! Congratulations!
– Social Media Intern
HeneryPress.com
Thank you, Kaitlyn! And thanks to everyone at Henery Press for all the release day love!
Can’t wait to read more about this family.
Thanks Becky! I hope you enjoy the book — and best of luck with the giveaway!
What an interesting DitL. There’s obviously lots going on below the surface in this family. I’d love to read more about it. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
There is definitely lots going on with this family! I had so much fun writing about the Beninis. Good luck in the giveaway and thanks for participating!
The grandmother sounds like someone to watch out for, and so does Francesca. Looks to be good reading!
Ha — you’re right on both counts, Nancy! Thanks for participating! Good luck!
Mention italy and I’m in. Thanks for the intro to author Tyson.
Thanks for stopping by Dru’s blog today, Judy! I love Italy, too — it was fun doing the research for this book. Good luck!
I dug “The Seduction of Miriam Cross” and meant to seek out Ms. Tyson’s other work while waiting for more Delilah Percy. Thanks for the reminder about her Allison Campbell books!
I’m so glad you enjoyed THE SEDUCTION OF MIRIAM CROSS, Kate! I’m working on the next Delilah book. If you enjoyed TSMC, you may enjoy DEADLY ASSETS, too. Thanks so much for participating today!
Dru — thank you for hosting Francesca on your blog today! I love dru’s book musings and am honored to be part of it!
A quiet house, a glass of wine AND a copy of “Deadly Assets”…priceless! Can’t wait to read the book!!
Thanks Judy! Enjoy!
Oh gosh, I REALLY want to get this book ordered as I ready Killer Image and loved it. Can’t wait to read this one. I know this one will be as special than K. I. and sure am looking forward to spending a day in bed (that is where I am all the time and I wish I weren’t) reading it.
Thank you.
Hi Cynthia! Thanks for participating — good luck! I’m so glad you enjoyed KILLER IMAGE. I hope you like DEADLY ASSETS, too. Thinking of you and hoping you’re better soon!
Very excited for the release of Deadly Assets! Best of luck Wendy Tyson!!
Thanks for participating and for the kind words! Good luck!
I loved KILLER IMAGE so I can’t wait to read this one!
I loved KILLER IMAGE so I can’t wait to read DEADLY ASSETS!
Thank you–so glad you enjoyed KILLER IMAGE! Best of luck in the giveaway!
Can’t wait for Deadly Assets! Love finding and author who can develop complete characters who don’t get lost in the plot. Wendy Tyson is one of best new writers I’ve read in a long time.
Thank you for the kind words! Best of luck in the giveaway, Ann!
Just this little bit of the book has drawn me in—I must read it.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Thanks Sue! I hope you enjoy it. Good luck in the giveaway!
Love a new series!
Thanks for participating, Rita! Best of luck!
It sounds interesting. I would love to read it. Thanks for this chance.
thanks Wendy for interacting with my readers.
Contest is closed.