THE MYSTERIES OF VILLA BRANDI
That warm weekend of August had passed too quickly and the morning of 17 I found myself back on the route Ancona - Genoa to fit in my place of work, once again immersed in my thoughts. It was nice to spend two days with Stephen, to make plans for the future, talking about us and the child that we would cuddle and mutual exchange. My companion, in that short amount of time that I spent in Liguria, had completely changed lifestyle, and not only this passion for music. He had left his room in the clinic, and moved to a farm not far from there: was a wonderful place, surrounded by green hills of the Marche. The house was cozy and tastefully decorated in rustic style. A fireplace that sat in the living room, he heated up the cold winter evenings. Through a large courtyard, ideal for open days and summer nights, we arrived at the stables, where two horses were already hospitalized, a castrated male donkey and a saddle-bred Italian, and a Pony. Then there were the boxes for dogs, two of which are already occupied by a Great Dane and a Gordon Setter. The farm was close to a grove on the back of the fields and on the other sides.
"This place is beautiful." I said to Stephen, while we were in the backyard to enjoy a beautiful sunset. "Too bad I did not enjoy long will I with you!"
"Oh, this is not the last word. Due to your pregnancy, you may ask for a rapprochement. Anyway, as soon as you go on maternity leave, you come here and do not let you get away in any way until our son will not be beautiful rose. The two horses we'll mount them, but the pony is reserved for the small ... "
" Oh baby! Why talk only to men? "
Smiling and joking, Stefano took my hand, I led the race for the team, broke horses, not even the saddle, and he invited me to jump over the mare, while he was mounting on the male castrato. The horses were docile, and it was also easy to ride them without a saddle and harness. All this reminded me of the times when, as a kid, I was often in competition with Stefano to jump on the back was the best horse in the stable of his father, spurring him on trails and dirt roads clinging to the mane of the unfortunate animal. Good times! Of course, I would have liked immensely to live my life there with him, but how could I do with work? Even that I liked very much and I would not have changed anything in the world.
The weekend had passed too quickly and that mattima Stefano had accompanied me to the airport, remains close to the time of embarkation. The time to say goodbye it was really hard, but duty called me and went, a little 'reluctantly, on the plane. Now that was near the landing, the emotions were giving way to the desire to return to work. All in all, I was really good to Imperia and colleagues was truly a great understanding. I realized that the District was a bit 'like a big family and I felt now is a good leader, accepted by all it does not mean my will, but because I had the ability to coordinate the wonderful group of willing officers, demonstrating to my part when there was no need. It was certainly that, apart from the investigation of crimes Triora, places were pretty quiet. Of course, incidents of petty crime macavano and not considering the fact that the District Police are chronically understaffed, we were all forced to work long shifts to cover the service adequately. I was pleased that the Inspector Giampieri, had to face the choice whether to stay or return to the District to work alongside the Police, had no doubt chosen the first option. I had become very fond of him, was my deputy, I considered him my alter ego esarebbe was hard for me having to do without, even given the deep understanding that was immediately established between the two of us.
In the arrivals hall of Genoa I found this time neither he nor anyone else waiting for me. Ritirari my luggage and reached Imperia Taxi.
When I set foot inside the District, I realized that there was an unusual commotion. During the night, the harbor there was a fight between immigrants and foreign colleagues had done to arrest some people of color, they were making a noise unbearable. I asked for explanations D'Aloia.
"They were nearly all drunk, Doctor. I have begun to argue on grounds of their religion, and when the discussion has degenerated, they started to pull the empty bottles of beer. Some received it on his head and was treated in the ER. Now I get it on record, control their residence permits and throw them out of here as soon as possible. "
" Best wishes, D'Aloia! I do not see a simple undertaking. "
At six o'clock, when I came out of my room, D'Aloia was in fact still grappling with some of them who, notwithstanding his residence permit are not in order, they claimed to work, clearly black, for some construction companies.
"Doctor, I do not know which way to turn. Should I give them the warrant, but I feel sorry for them! "
" One solution would be: denounce people who make them work in black and we will provide a temporary residence permit for up to three months. "I smiled to D'Aloia because I knew that none of them would have dared to complain, perhaps putting their friends in trouble or relatives working for the enterprises themselves, and left the district went home.
I was about to hail a taxi when Mauro appeared behind me.
"I have my car and I have finished for today. I'm going to meet Anna for Ventimiglia: I think a detour to drive you home I will be too late. "
willingly accepted the move and within a quarter of an hour, I came home at last. Clara was in the garden playing with Rage and noticed that the salute to my colleague that he had a great understanding between them, the moment does not care much for what, in the end we spent time together in that last period. And then I had other things on my mind. One of the priorities
I faced the next few days was to appeal to a gynecologist who was following me during pregnancy. Laura advised me a young doctor who worked in the Department of Obstetrics, Hospital of Imperia.
"Dr. Valeri is always available and very approachable. Here in Imperia department is very well equipped and would prefer to follow even be in public rather than private practices outside. Will see that very well. "
Indeed, the board of Laura was great, and after a few days, I went from studying the gynecologist in hand with the first ultrasound images of the creature she was carrying and the list of an infinite series of tests laboratory to perform. The sex of the fetus was not yet sure, but the Doctor was unbalanced.
"eighty percent female, but I would not swear again."
The next ultrasound, after about one month, confirmed that it was a female and, in my heart, I decided that would be called Aurora.
My pregnancy did not give me any trouble and I could quietly pursue all my commitments, it is that extra work. Going now into the fall, to keep fit, I started attending a gym where the instructor I had proposed a personalized plan, suitable to the fact that I was pregnant.
In mid October, in record time, was completed on household chores Della Rosa, Clara was ready to accept as Director of Foundation Studies of Esoteric Triora. Clara had supported during those months and I helped her develop her ideas, she was really smart and had great intelligence and wisdom. I think my advice hear more of courtesy than because they need to. Already well acquainted with the texts and manuscripts found inside the home of the witch, to have them cataloged and placed in its time, although much material was then lost in the fire of the house: the hall of the pentacle was to become a research center open to all those who wished to enrich their background in the field of magic and esotericism, of course under the watchful guidance of director and librarian Clara. Mauro was always present to help our friend, especially in heavy work, such as rack systems, provision of furniture and furnishings so on. The trickiest part, to adapt the secret passages and underground tunnels to a sightseeing tour, was directed by virtually Mauro, who looked almost like a real expert of Monuments and Fine Arts What surprised me most, and a bit 'worried me , I saw instead was that fewer Anna alongside Mauro. Beginning to suspect something, when one day surprised Mauro and Clara exchange take effusions. Taken aback by my unexpected presence, Mauro mumbled something.
"Quiet: Anna knows everything a few days. We parted as good friends. "
Sure, you always say so, but then you see what is really the person who has suffered neglect and that, usually, try a huge void within him, even if he tries to ignore it and not to weigh the thing to another. So I phoned and I knew that Anna was actually shit.
"I did not know that I should take it, Catherine Mauro and I have always had complete freedom in our relationship and I always felt it was very normal that could end at any moment. But now I'm hurt. Do not have either with him or with Clara, mind you, but I really miss Maureen. "
decided going to dinner together and it took me the goodness and beauty to comfort and to try to bring the conversation to other topics. After dinner in a restaurant in San Remo, we decided to dedicate to entertainment value, overlapping into the principality of Monaco and going to spend the night at the casinos of Monte Carlo. I went home at dawn, but that was the last folly to me granted, since the increase in circumference of my waist I suggested to start a phase of my life that was more quiet and settled. In November, Clara
and Mauro moved definitively in the former home of Rosa and I was left alone to share the cottage with Furia Argentina in the lower valley. The inauguration of the Centre, in the presence of important authorities in mid-November, was a beautiful party. Casa Della Rosa glowed with new life: the hall of the pentacle, restored, was wonderful, and fortunately, the fire had not damaged in any way the marble floor, polished, was spectacular. The mirror was left open because it was visible to the library of ancient books and manuscripts. A long table had been placed in the living room, available to scholars who wanted to see the texts, which were released through a desk placed at the transition from living room to the library, once defined by the sliding mirror. The latter was still working, but the complicated mechanism of opening had been replaced by a convenient remote control. The long table in the living room was now full of food for refreshments and, after the speeches of the Mayor, a Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Leone and Dr. Honoris Causa Giauni Clara, a catering company you poured over every well- of God.
When, one after another, all the distinguished guests were gone, I was finally alone with Clara and Mauro. I was really glad I could help this girl, not only I had saved my life, but now had a future ahead of him, and he was little. It had also found a very good friend, even though at the expense of another. Lupus in fabula, Anna poked her head through the front door:
"I come to you my most sincere congratulations, Clara, it's all wonderful and so are you richly deserved. "He kissed both
Clara Mauro affectionately, and I noticed that there was absolutely no shade of resentment in his gestures, which were clearly sincere. Luckily, I said, the storm was definitely over.
"Well, boys, you all wish you well. Unfortunately, a few days I will leave. I have already prepared the request for maternity leave and I think that the last stage of pregnancy, in Brands spend close to my partner. But even if we do not see, we definitely keep in touch! "
Both Mauro, Clara, Anna assured me that no day would pass in which we would not have contacted by phone, perhaps with a simple SMS. That night I went home happy, full of the warmth that rarely in my life I had felt. It would be hard to get out of those places, wonderful in so many ways. I was convinced that I would, however, after a few months back there, not yet knowing what life and fate were paying me.
When I entered the room of Dr. Perugini holding the envelope containing my request to leave, I saw that the Quaestor held in turn in a large envelope with hand written in block letters above my name in huge letters.
"I knew that his contacts had Triora witches with supernatural powers, but this is pure telepathy, My dear Doctor: I was right to summon "
" Good. Before you or me first? "I said, casting his gaze from my bag to her intermittently.
"I think after he has read the contents of this, there will be no need for you is more than anything to me, requests for leave, leave, or else ..." he said, handing me a sealed envelope, but which, in Judging by the smile on his face that he had an accomplice, he knew very well the content.
I opened the package, which came directly from the Ministry of the Interior, and began to flow faster with the eye as it was written.
"Given the considerable investigative skills, as well as contempt of danger, the dedication and attention to people involved in the investigation ... Dr. Caterina Ruggeri, currently stationed at police headquarters in Imperia with the rank of Commissioner, following a decision by this Minister, is promoted to Deputy Police Quaestor added is bound to Ancona, where he will take up before December 15 pv The Quaestor will have its place of employment, as appropriate, taking account of the excellent quality of Dr. Ruggeri ... "
I could not believe how that law: within a very short period of time in his career was advanced in an unexpected way, I would say unbelievable . The same Minister of the Interior dispensed praise on me, and What's more, after only a few months spent away from my place of origin, could return to full working close to home, and in conjunction with my own motherhood. Dr. Perugini said goodbye politely, thanking him for all she has done for me in that short period and left the police station with my head was bursting for the thoughts that swirled into it. I got into my car and I even noticed the way that I had to get home, I was so engrossed in my mental ruminations. There were no decisions to make, as had happened a few months earlier at which time the decisions were already made for me, and I'm not sure I could resist. Yet I loved those places, even though I had lived for a very short period, and could not stand the idea of \u200b\u200bdetachment, perhaps forever, from my new friends. In my life I never had such intense human relationships, friendship, solidarity, such as those who had lived in that last period: I did not have the courage to say goodbye to Maureen, or Clara, or Anna, but to nenache Laura D'Aloia Gramaglia and even the Inspector or the last agent who worked in the district. But on the other hand, I would be back in my beloved places of origin, I would have been close to my love, the father of my child: and, of course, little could have been living in a normal family atmosphere and would have enjoyed the presence of a loving father. I knew that my work would keep me a lot out of the house, and that if my daughter was due only grow with me, I should keep it over to nursery schools or nursery: in this way, however, would have been much simpler.
remained few days to spend in Liguria: the winter was just around the corner and the cold, even the proximity of the mountains now have snow on the summits, began to be felt. Fury increasingly tried to enter the house to lie down in front of the fireplace. I, not without a touch of melancholy, I began to rack up my things, preparing to load some boxes in the car along with luggage: for some reason, I wondered, even in a short time a person is able to batch inside the house an incredible amount of objects from which one does not want to separate for any reason. Found, among other things, the precious book written in Hebrew with translations in Latin, which I had left in his hands the day of the fire at home of the Rose. I had always kept as a souvenir of the survey and the narrow escape, but at that moment I decided that it was right to return it to Clara. So I took the opportunity to visit her and greet her and Mauro.
"Thank you, Catherine. I thought this book was lost forever in the flames, but ... But let me give you a copy of the Key of Solomon, translated into Italian. The you can keep as a souvenir, you will understand the power, wisdom and the mysteries hides the text. You just know you like that night you were able to recite the prayer that has allowed you to save my life. And recitasti in perfect Hebrew. "
Since we were alone, as Maureen had gone out to get some wood for the fireplace, I confessed what I already knew.
"E 'Aurora was to inculcate the words in my mind, but of this I did not ever tell anyone. I think that only you can understand me. Indeed, after having had the relationship with Aurora, I am changed: I have some perceptions that before I would even dream of having. If I concentrate, I can see the aura of people, and can also intuit the thoughts of one who stands before me. "
" I powers, My dear Catherine, that everyone has so innate: there are also those who learn to use them and who, by training and not forgetting to use them, it's like they had not. "
" Anyway, I think it was Aurora Della Rosa me in encouraging the development of these perceptions, new and fantastic for me, so I decided that my daughter will be called Aurora, in his honor and his memory, and also because I feel partly responsible for her death, or at unless you have done enough to prevent it. "
I saw, heard the sorceress, Clara's eyes had become bright.
"This does you credit, Catherine. Surely your child, regardless of the name that you give, will have an outstanding personality, and we'll know there objection to not believe that, because of the distance, is not to know your daughter! It will not be a few hundred kilometers to stop me! "
Mauro had returned with an armful of wood, perfectly cut logs, dump them near the fireplace.
"If the talk of the gossips are over, I would like to greet my colleague, before they depart permanently for a remote region of central Italy. Surely the State Police sraà there still remained the stone age! "
" Oh surely there included a Lamborghini Gallardo do not have it. "I said, imitating his tone sarcastic. "But nothing will prohibit me to ask for your specific collaboration, when I am embroiled in an investigation is particularly complicated."
"Oh, you like the shots behind you ... I do not think that long to call me! "
I stopped for dinner from them, and between a joke and the other, a glass of red wine, brandy and a punch to Mandarin, certainly back into the vehicle with a BAC greater than allowed, but happy to have spent an evening with good friends.
decided not to return in the Marche region on the plane, but the long journey with my car, so Fury would travel with me.
