“The Maresciallo is in the kitchen with a witness, who is actually an accomplice. I want her to be taken to the police station immediately. She doesn’t know we’re on to her; keep it that way. I want her arrested but not until you get there. Until that moment you will treat her as a witness. Is that clear? Oh, and make sure there are always two of you with her, or you’ll find yourself facing rape charges. Got it? Don’t breathe a word of the arrest until you’ve got her safely tucked away. Then I want a strict compliance to the letter of the law. Arrest her properly, and let her call a lawyer, if she wants one.”
The door of Nigel’s house was open. Music and laughter poured into the street. All the lights were on and through the windows he could see people dancing. He went in and was met by Robin who was coming out of the kitchen with a tray of pizza.
“Oh my God, what the hell are you doing here? Have you come to arrest us?” She began to laugh hysterically. “Nigel, Nigel,” she called. “Guess who’s here!” He followed her into the room and for a moment the whole scene seemed frozen, before movement and noise began again, but on another, lower, level.
“I need to speak to Miriam Greene,” he said to no one in particular.
Robin began calling, “Miriam, Miriam.”
He realised she was drunk, and began looking for Miriam himself. He moved through the throng and out onto the terrace.
“Miriam Greene,” he called quite loudly, and several faces turned towards him. Hilary said, “She’s over there at the table in the corner.” She had appeared from nowhere to stand beside him. She smiled and pointed out the direction he should take.
“Thank you, Signora Wright.”
“A pleasure, Dottor Di Girolamo.
They let him pass and he stood before Miriam, who was resplendent in gold, a fork in one hand, suspended half way to her mouth. She put it down and exclaimed, “I said they should have invited you, sit down and grab a drink.”
He sat down opposite her and said gently, “I haven’t come to the party. I’ve come to see you. There’s been a break-in at your house.”
“Oh.” Her face sagged.
“It’s alright, nothing too terrible and we’ve caught them.”
“You have?”
“Yes, luckily I was going for a walk and caught them at it.”
“Good work!” she rallied and added, “You deserve a drink then. Bruno get a drink for Doctor Di Girolamo.” He stayed Bruno’s movement with a wave of his hand
“Please don’t. I haven’t the time.” He turned back to Miriam. “Perhaps your friends will accompany you home, in a while. I will eventually need a list of the missing items, but there’s no hurry. At the moment my men are examining the house, for fingerprints and so on. Please stay here, and later, is there someone who could perhaps stay with you for the night?”
Hilary, standing behind him, said, “I will, don’t worry.”
“But I don’t need anyone. I’ve got Assunta at the house.”
He hesitated and then said, “All the same I should prefer you to have someone with you, and if you agree I think that Signora Wright would do very well.” He looked seriously into her face and said, “It is often quite a shock for people when their house is broken into.” He gave her a compassionate look.
“Could I speak to you alone, maybe in the driveway, please.” This last phrase was said very softly to Hilary, as he was rising from his seat and turned away from the others. Hilary took her cue and said, “I’ll see you out.”
“Buona sera a tutti, Signori, Signore,” he said formally and left, following Hilary out. In the driveway he told her that Assunta and Salvatore were responsible for the break-in. “It will be hard for her to accept that they have done this to her. She is old so she will take it even harder. Also she is not a fit woman, I am tempted to call a doctor. What do you think?”
“No. I don’t think that’s necessary. I think this is the sort of thing she can manage to cope with. She is tougher than you think. I’ll stay with her, and if she seems unwell, I’ll deal with it then. I do think she’ll be alright really.”
“I’ll leave it in your hands then and I’ll see you later, as I will have to go back to the house. Goodnight for now and thank-you.” He pressed her hand with his, and looked intently at her, then he disappeared down the driveway, his dark suit blending into the shadows.
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
Ruggero went back to the villa. The fingerprint men had arrived and were at work so he left them to it, certain that there would be nothing for them to find. He phoned down to the station and was told that Assunta had been arrested.
“I’ll go and get Salvatore myself. See you soon.”
He felt very pleased and was going to enjoy himself with Salvatore. The wind was quite strong now and the lightening nearer, the rumbling of thunder was louder and before long there would be torrential rainfall. Ruggero was still on foot, and reached the main bar in a few minutes. Outside the bar Miriam’s car was conspicuously parked. As he entered the bar he was aware of being looked at, and looked around without seeing Salvatore. Then he remembered the area at the back and walked out to look for him at the tables almost hidden in the dark. Leaves swirled as the wind strengthened. He saw his man in a dark corner and approached him. Salvatore got to his feet and asked, “Are you looking for me? Is something wrong, has something happened?” His plump face was creased with anxiety.
“Yes,” replied Di Girolamo “I’m afraid it has.”
“What, for God’s sake?” The man looked genuinely worried.
“I’m afraid that your wife has had an unfortunate encounter with a burglar,” he said ambiguously.
“I don’t understand. Is my wife hurt?”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t very clear. Your wife is fine, and is making a statement at the police station at this very moment.”
“I still don’t understand, a statement about what?” He was looking and sounding very uneasy.
“About the burglary.”
“What burglary? What are you talking about?”
“Oh I’m sorry. It’s been such a hectic evening, and I’m obviously not making myself clear. There has been a robbery at Miriam Greene’s house. Your wife was tied up by the burglars, but luckily was set free shortly afterwards. She is understandably a little shaken, but quite well and is making a statement about what happened.”
“Oh. I see,” he said in a faint voice.
“I thought I’d come and tell you as I’m sure you would like to see her as soon as possible and perhaps you would be kind enough to give me a lift to the police station, as I am without my car this evening.”
“Of course. Let’s go.” The wind almost swept his words away, and the first drops of rain splattered onto the tables.
“Let’s make a run for it!” Ruggero sprinted towards Miriam’s car, while Salvatore broke into a waddling run behind him. He unlocked the car with trembling fingers and they both jumped in.
“Just in time!” said Ruggero, as the rain began to batter on the roof of the car. In a few minutes they arrived at the police station. A young policeman rushed out with an umbrella and escorted them in. Di Girolamo grinned at him and said to Salvatore, “Wait here.”
He knocked on the Maresciallo’s door and went in. “I’ve got him. He drove me here, and he doesn’t have a clue.”
“Right, I’ll go and do the rest then shall I?” said the Maresciallo with relish.
“If you would.” He held the door open and the Marsciallo, pulling down his jacket, walked through and approached Salvatore. Di Girolamo closed the door and remained in the room, the rest was a boring formality, and he felt tired. The fun was over.
Hilary watched Miriam, who seemed fairly calm. The weather was getting rapidly worse and she thought that before long it would be better to leave. She murmured to Bruno, who promptly disappeared. She went up to Miriam and said,
“We should think about leaving very soon. Bruno’s getting my car to save time. It’s going to pour with rain, i
n fact there’s going to be a storm, so let’s go and say our goodbyes and thank yous now.”
“I agree. I haven’t really taken it in you know, but I suppose there will still be the police at the house, and the sooner I get it over and done with the better. I’m feeling a bit done in my dear.” She looked tired and older than usual, and Hilary was concerned at the news she would have to break to her before they reached the house. It would be better, she felt, for her to do so on their way there, rather than to wait until they reached the house and have the police do it. She took Miriam’s arm.
“Come on. Let’s find our hosts.”
They took their leave of Nigel and Robin, who by now was looking the worse for wear, with strands of hair falling from her elaborate hair-do, which had been piled on top of her head making her seem even taller. Her eye make-up was looking tacky, and she suddenly reminded Hilary of those sad creatures one often sees at night, on the roadside plying their wares, their bodies. She was quite drunk and slobbered on Hilary’s cheek, her “thank-you for coming” which was barely comprehensible. Nigel seemed stiff as ever, if a little redder in the face. He said anxiously to Hilary, “I think it went quite well eh? Jolly good show. All Robin’s idea of course. I don’t have the imagination. I’m a bit of an old stick in the mud you know.”
He sounded rather sad and for the first time sincere. She realised he must have had quite a lot to drink as well, to sound so forlorn, and found herself reassuring him.
“Nigel, don’t put yourself down. It was marvellous, and I’m sorry to leave but I must get Miriam home. It’s starting to rain already, and there’s going to be a downpour.”
Bruno arrived at that moment and she settled Miriam into the front seat.
Bruno asked, “Do you want me to drop you off and bring the car back here, or do you want to drive yourself and keep the car.” Hilary managed to bite her tongue and not say that she would have preferred a third alternative. He could have offered to stay with her and Miriam, at least for a while.
“I’ll keep the car”.
“Right.” He got out of the car leaving the door open for her.” See you tomorrow then. I’ll stay on here a bit I think. I’ve got my umbrella, so I’ll be fine.”
Hilary was amazed. He so obviously felt that he was her prime concern. She got into the driver’s seat, slammed the door and set off, quelling the anger she felt, as Miriam seemed very subdued. Halfway there she stopped the car and faced her. “I’ve got to tell you something, and you won’t like it a bit. “ The rain began to hammer on the car while she spoke.
Salvatore fumed in his cell. It was unbelievable. There must be some way to get out of this, he thought. After all he was a first offender, well – technically at least. Everything had gone wrong and he still didn’t really understand why. Worst of all was the fact that they wouldn’t let him speak to Assunta. He knew he had nothing to worry about there, as she would deny everything, and admit nothing. Even so he would have liked to speak to her. He was examining an idea in his head at the moment. He wondered what they would give him in exchange for information, vital information that would solve their murder case? Would it be worth his while in the end to admit another, albeit failed, burglary, and tell them what he had seen? What about if he got the goods back for Miriam? He could do that if he acted quickly enough. He could shop Joe, after all Joe would do the same to him in a similar situation. There would be no repercussions either, as Joe was a loner. He had to decide quickly.
Ruggero drove up to Miriam’s house in a police car and reached it just as Hilary and Miriam arrived. His men had finished and were ready to leave. He sent them off before going up to Hilary’s car. He helped extricate Miriam from the small car and then assisted her up the steps to the house, covering her with his umbrella. Hilary, holding Miriam’s other arm, was grateful. Miriam had perked up considerably as soon as she saw him and now she offered him a nightcap.
“You must have a drink. I insist.”
“Well, if you insist, then I am obliged to accept.”
“Hilary, could you do the honours. I think I’ll sit down.” She lowered herself into a large armchair and smiled at Ruggero. Hilary went out to get glasses and a bottle of brandy.
“Hilary’s a wonderful person you know,” she confided.
“Yes, I can see that she is.”
“A pearl without price. Someone should snap her up.”
“I rather think that someone has.”
“Oh him. It won’t last. He’s a pathetic little man, and not at all the sort of person she needs. Now a fine man like yourself is more the sort of thing…” she broke off as Hilary came back into the room with a tray and three glasses.
She poured a little brandy into a glass and handed it to Miriam, who protested, “That’s not much. I can hardly see it.” She peered into her glass and looked miserable. Hilary, who was handing a somewhat larger glass of brandy to Ruggero said, “It’s a medicinal quantity, Miriam. You’ve already had a few drinks this evening.”
Ruggero took the glass from her and said, “Thanks. I think I need a drink. Perhaps it will help me sleep.”
“Oh, do you have trouble sleeping?” she asked.
“Yes. Sometimes.” He meant, often, but wasn’t inclined to talk about it.
“It’s so wretched isn’t it? I hate it. Either I don’t get off, or I wake up at three and that’s it for a couple of hours. I hate it, sitting in the kitchen till dawn. It’s so lonely.”
“Oh, do you do that too?” He sounded surprised.
“Frequently.”
Miriam stirred and said, “I know an excellent remedy for getting to sleep, but I don’t expect either of you would consider it.”
“Miriam,” said Hilary in a warning tone.
“Alright, alright. My lips are sealed, but what is life without love?”
“Is that a quote?”
“No, a rhetorical question.”
“Which I won’t answer.”
Di Girolamo drained the last drop of brandy from his glass and stood up. “I must leave you two ladies now. Will you be alright?”
“Yes, fine,” replied Hilary standing up too. “I’ll see you out. I need to lock up.” “Good girl,” said Miriam, giving her a knowing wink, which Hilary ignored, praying that Ruggero had not seen it.
In the hall, she suddenly felt shy and embarrassed. Miriam’s blatant efforts at playing the go-between were easier to ignore in her presence. Now that she was alone with Ruggero, she felt the full weight of them.
“Miriam’s a bit naughty,” she said apologetically.
“I suppose she is, but I rather like her.”
“Oh, so do I, of course. I love her, but well she can be a bit…” she failed to find the right word.
“Ruggero smiled at her and slowly ran a finger down the side of her cheek, just touching the corner of her mouth. “Good night, Hilary. Sleep well tonight.” He wanted to kiss her.
She murmured. “Goodnight. Sleep well, yourself.”
She shut the door behind him and touched her cheek. She wondered what his gesture had meant.
The storm gathered strength. Now the thunder made the windows rattle and the lightening was almost continuous. Miriam still sat in her enormous armchair in the drawing room. Hilary had given her a glass of warm milk, and she sipped at it suspiciously.
“This tastes very healthy Hilary. Are you sure you laced it with brandy?”
“Quite sure.”
“Hmm. You know Hilary, I knew Salvatore was up to something, I told you so, didn’t I?”
“Yes, I suppose you did. How do you feel?”
“Quite alright, my dear. He’s only taken things you know and there was nothing that can’t be replaced. All my precious stuff is in a security box at the bank. There were just a few baubles here, and the hi- tech stuff isn’t important.”
“Good. I knew you’d be brave.”
“Well, I wouldn’t have liked to have been in the house when they did it, but there was no question of that.
They aren’t violent people, I’m sure. Although I must tell you that it has crossed my mind, that they, well Salvatore, could have been responsible for Ettore. What do you think?”
“Oh, you mean the burglar theory. I suppose it is just possible, but really, would anyone risk a life sentence when all they were aiming to steal was a computer and a television?”
“Of course, it could have been an accident. I can’t see Salvatore killing a man in cold blood, but he might have done so accidentally. Well, I’ve no doubt it will occur to Di Girolamo to look into it. He seems very on the ball to me.”
“Yes he is. Miriam if you feel like it, we can go up now. Everyone left ages ago and we don’t have to make a list of what’s missing till tomorrow. I’ll help you with that anyway. You must be tired, I know I am. I think it’s pretty late.”
“Yes, I think it’s already tomorrow. That’s what they used to say to us when we were children, if we stayed up after midnight, on some special occasion. I suppose this counts as a special occasion in a way.”
“Yes I think it does.”
CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR
The storm raged until dawn. An incredible amount of water had fallen, swelling small torrents to raging proportions. A few minor landslides occurred where the dry earth was unable to cope with such an enormity of water, but none were of large proportions. The rain washed the dusty roads and was gratefully sucked in by the thirsty earth. A few roofs had lost some of their tiles, and the streets were littered with leaves and twigs, and even branches. Then the sun rose and the land steamed as it dried. Everything green sparkled with a new vitality, and stood firmer. Vegetables appeared to have grown rapidly overnight
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