by Karen Moore
He shrugged. “Many of the old brigade are either dead or in prison. The rest have had to regroup and find new outlets and activities, particularly as more people are prepared to take a stand against them now, lawyers and politicians, even local business owners. There are fewer murders, but the feuds between rival clans and families still exist. And now we have the immigrant gangs as well.”
His voice tailed off. The conversation had brought them back to the present, destroying their earlier optimism and good spirits. Hanna’s thoughts returned to what she’d discovered about Luciano’s activities. She shuddered. If she couldn’t take any action, maybe Sergio could reveal the truth in a story for his newspaper?
But what then would become of Luciano? And did she still care?
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Sicily, Saturday 2nd December, 2017
All Hanna could think of when she woke the next morning was the rendezvous with the kidnappers and the prospect of seeing Eva again. It was arranged for 3pm the following day at a farmhouse up in the Madonian Mountains. She didn’t know how she was going to get through the empty hours of waiting that loomed ahead.
Her mind was a whirl of mixed emotions: on the one hand, she was overjoyed at the thought of getting Eva back; on the other, the nagging doubt that all might not go smoothly bothered her. Lying in bed turning things over in her head wasn’t going to help. She got up and wandered into the kitchen where Ceri was busy making coffee and putting croissants in the oven.
“Hi, Hanna. How are you feeling? Did you manage to get any sleep?”
“Actually, I did. It must have been the relief at hearing from the kidnappers. Plus all the wine we drank over lunch.”
Ceri smiled. “Yes, that might explain it. Thinking about today, d’you remember when we were tour guides the one thing we always meant to do in Cefalu and never got round to?”
“Course I do. How could I forget? Go up to La Rocca.”
“Well, today’s the day, if you’re up to it. It’s a bit of a climb but it’s a fabulous day, crisp and clear. The views from up there will be breathtaking. What d’you think?”
Hanna hesitated. “I’m not sure. I’ve not done anything like that for a while.”
“Oh, come on. We’ve got all day and it’ll take your mind off tomorrow.”
“Yes, you’re probably right,” said Hanna, warming to the idea.
“Sergio’s already gone into work, but he’s promised to research the route and the location of the rendezvous ready for tomorrow, so there’s nothing much else that we need to do. We can talk it over tonight when he gets back.”
“How long will it take us to get up there?”
“Probably a couple of hours, there and back. You’re the same shoe size as me so I’ll lend you some walking boots – you’ll need them, as the paths are quite stony. We’ll take the walking poles, too, and a packed lunch, so we can take our time. You okay with that?”
“I just hope I’m up to it.”
“You will be. It’s not that challenging, from what I hear. Looks worse than it actually is. And it should be quiet out of season without the tourists.”
Hanna had to admit that it was a good idea, probably just what she needed. Diversional therapy. “Okay, you’re on. Just let me pull some clothes on and we can make a start.”
As she got dressed, Hanna contemplated the trip ahead. It was a good idea, and she was grateful to Ceri for suggesting it and for providing her with a focus. The alternative was being left to brood for hours on end. She knew which she’d rather have.
As the two friends approached the imposing rocky crag that dominated the town, Hanna started to have second thoughts. It looked challenging and slightly menacing despite the almost perfect conditions: a cool breeze and bright sunlight. But perhaps it was just her imagination.
Ceri paid the entrance fees to the park and they passed through the turnstile, stopping briefly at an information board. Originally an Arab citadel, the remaining castle ruins dated back to Norman times. The site had been favoured by local people taking refuge from waves of marauding pirates. Interesting stuff, thought Hanna, reminded of her days as a tour guide.
Adjusting the straps of her backpack, Hanna followed Ceri as they started to climb the stony path, a series of steps that ascended gradually towards the summit. Walking in single file hampered their conversation although Ceri stopped every now and again to make sure she was keeping pace. Hanna was starting to get into a rhythm. She could feel her calf muscles stretch as her legs propelled her up the path. The exercise, she told herself, would do her good and the fresh air would help clear her head.
Few people were around; it was a popular spot with holidaymakers in the summer but not at this time of year. As they gained height, the views over the town, the harbour, and the sweeping bay beyond were hard to ignore. Hanna was tempted to stop every few minutes to take them in but Ceri was ploughing on relentlessly, so she followed suit.
After about twenty minutes, they reached a stretch of well-preserved battlements set among olive and pine trees.
“Breather?” asked Ceri, herself a little breathless.
“Yes, please,” replied Hanna, who’d been struggling to keep up with her..
Ceri peeled off her backpack and flopped down on a grassy verge, her back propped up against the battlements, facing the town. Hanna collapsed next to her.
“Struggling?”
“Just a bit. I’ll be fine.” Hanna took a swig from her water bottle and gazed out over the town. “But it’s worth it for the views alone.”
“They’ll be even better from the top. Sure you’ll be able to make it okay?”
“Should do, as long as we take it easy. You know me, I’m not at my best with hills.”
Ceri laughed. “We’re not in any hurry. We can have a break in another twenty minutes or so, but if you want to stop before then, just yell.”
“Okay, walk leader. You always were the bossy one.”
“Look who’s talking!” Ceri punched Hanna playfully.
The going got harder as they continued to climb. As they left the steps behind, the path became stonier and they had to pick their way carefully around the boulders strewn along its length. Hanna’s mind focused on maintaining her balance and keeping up with her friend, grateful for the support from the walking pole.
“Hey, wait for me, will you?” she panted. “How come you’re so fit?”
“I’ve started going to the gym. It gets a bit addictive and you start to get agitated if you don’t keep it up. Sorry, I’ll slow down.” Ceri grinned, hands on her hips, waiting for Hanna to catch up.
“Sure you’re not in training for the army?” grumbled Hanna.
“That’s me – Sergeant Major Thomas at your service!” Ceri did a mock military salute.
Hanna smiled. “C’mon, it’s not going to beat me.”
“We can reward ourselves with lunch when we get to the top.”
“Sounds like a plan. Andiamo!”
By the time they reached the summit, the wind had picked up and they decided to delay lunch until they found a more sheltered spot.
“You cheated me!” growled Hanna good-naturedly. “No lunch!”
“But totally stunning views, you have to admit!” said Ceri, throwing her arms wide to demonstrate the 360 degree views. “We couldn’t have picked a better day. You can even see the Aeolian Islands!”
Hanna stood still for a few minutes to admire the breathtaking view – it had certainly been worth the strenous climb. The Madonian Mountains rising majestically behind them, the wide curving bay below, fringed by the Tyrrhenian Sea shimmering in the sunlight, boats bobbing along the coast, the dark mass of the Aeolian Islands in the distance. Truly spectacular. But thoughts of her little daughter being held captive somewhere out there, no doubt miserable and afraid, came flooding back and Hanna started to cry.
“C’mon, it’s not that bad,” said Ceri, putting her arm around her. “Lunch is ten minutes away at the most!”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Sicily, Saturday 2nd – Sunday 3rd December, 2017
Lunch was a quick affair. Mozzarella, prosciutto, and tomato panini eaten behind a clump of low bushes, sheltering from the wind. Soon they were ready to start the descent. In many ways the downward path proved more challenging than the ascent, as it was strewn with loose boulders, almost scree in places. Thank God for the walking pole, thought Hanna, who stumbled several times despite gripping it firmly.
The wind dropped as they went downhill. Hanna could hear a faint noise, a clatter of rocks falling on rock. She looked over in the direction of the sound and saw that they had company.
“Ceri, look over there!” she shouted, pointing. “Wild goats!”
Three goats with shaggy white and tan coats were making their way, one after the other, across a narrow ledge on a steep and rugged cliff face that ran parallel to the path.
“We’re lucky to see them. They’re usually quite shy. Trust them to take the most difficult route!” said Ceri.
“I guess it’s in your DNA if you’re a mountain goat. I wish I had some of those genes.”
“Stop your grumbling. You’re enjoying it really!”
“I am, actually. It was a really good idea. I just don’t want to break my neck.”
The sight of the goats made Hanna think about Eva again and her love of animals. The tot would have been chortling with delight if she’d been here. Hanna’s thoughts turned to their reunion the following day and her heart filled with joy at the prospect of holding Eva in her arms again. She had to remain positive and strong until this situation was resolved once and for all.
The goats soon disappeared from view and Hanna and Ceri carried on making their way downhill. Although they’d encountered only a handful of people en route, Hanna had an uneasy feeling that they were being watched. Probably her imagination again.
They’d barely reached the halfway mark when she stepped on a loose boulder, the walking pole knocked out of her grip, and was sent sprawling to the ground. She yelped in surprise as she fell. Ceri turned round and came running up the path. Hanna was lying on the path in a heap, one leg twisted awkwardly under her body. She felt light-headed, waves of nausea washing over her intermittently.
“Whatever happened? Are you okay? Have you hurt yourself?” Ceri asked.
“I’m… I’m…” The words wouldn’t come.
“Can you move?” asked Ceri, trying to help her up.
Hanna remained lying on the path, still in shock, unable to move.
“My leg…” she stammered, pointing to her torn trousers which revealed a nasty gash below the knee that was oozing blood.
“Can you manage to sit up?”
“Give me…a minute…”
Ceri took the water bottle out of her backpack and held it to Hanna’s lips.
“Here, take a sip. Get your breath back.”
Hanna did as she was told. The water revived her slightly and she shifted her position, moving her twisted leg into view.
“Are you in pain?” asked Ceri, reaching for her backpack again.
“Just my leg.”
Ceri manoeuvred her into a sitting position and frowned as she inspected the wound. Retrieving a microfibre towel from her backpack, she applied it to the gash, holding it firm to stop the bleeding. Hanna’s dizziness was passing now.
“What the hell happened?” asked Ceri.
“I just lost my footing, that’s all. On a loose boulder.”
Ceri turned her attention back to Hanna’s leg which had stopped bleeding. “Keep this on your leg a minute.” Hanna obliged while Ceri rummaged in her backpack again, bringing out a rudimentary first aid kit.
“I knew this would come in handy one day.” She grinned, making a makeshift dressing from a piece of gauze and surgical tape. “If you can make it back down, we’ll get it looked at properly and cleaned up so it doesn’t get infected. Okay?”
Hanna nodded and let Ceri help her to her feet.
“I should be fine, just a bit shaky. At least the bleeding’s stopped.”
“Try putting your weight on it gently. We can take it easy and we’ll be back to the steps in a few minutes, so the going’ll get a lot easier.”
Hanna lent on Ceri and took a few tentative steps. “It’s a bit painful but I should be able to manage. I just need to be right for tomorrow.”
“Here, take a couple of painkillers. They should help for now.”
Hanna took the tablets and swallowed a couple, washed down with a swig of water.
Gingerly, they set off again, Hanna limping with Ceri by her side. As her friend had predicted, they soon reached the stone steps where a guard rail provided useful support for the rest of the way down. But they made slow progress, and it was gone 3pm by the time they reached the park exit.
Hanna collapsed in a heap on a nearby bench, her leg throbbing with pain.
“Come on, my girl,” said Ceri, getting out her phone and starting to dial. “I’ll call a taxi to take us over to the Pronto Soccorso at the hospital to get that leg looked at.”
Chinks of sunlight filtered through the shutters in Hanna’s room, settling across the bed and gently shaking her from her slumber. She rubbed her eyes, conscious of the dull throbbing from the wound on her leg. At Pronto Soccorso, they had cleaned it up, removed several shards of rock, put on a fresh dressing, and given her a tetanus injection. Nothing serious and no stitches needed; it would heal on its own, they said. She’d been lucky, it could have been a fracture that would have put her out of action.
Today of all days. The day that she was going to be reunited with Eva. The thought filled her with elation and spurred her out of bed. She showered quickly, covering the dressing with a plastic bag to keep it dry, and threw on some clothes. Ceri and Sergio were waiting for her in the kitchen.
“Salve. How’s the wounded soldier this morning?” asked Ceri jovially.
“A bit sore but that’s only to be expected. I probably got away lightly.”
“Maybe my idea wasn’t so great after all. Sorry,” said Ceri.
“I’d been enjoying the walk up till then.”
“Well, as long as you’re okay, that’s the main thing,” said Sergio, bringing the coffee pot over to the table. “Let’s have breakfast and we can talk things through for today. Hopefully, it should be straightforward enough if it’s simply a matter of collecting Eva, but…” His voice trailed off.
“But what?” asked Hanna, frowning.
“We need to make contingency plans just in case. We don’t want to run any unecessary risks.”
“Why, what d’you think might happen?”
“You never know with these things. I can always alert my father to have some of his team on standby,” said Sergio.
“Absolutely not,” said Hanna emphatically. “We’ve been told not to involve the police in any way. If they get wind of any police involvement, they could stay away altogether and I might never get Eva back.”
“And we still don’t know for sure who’s behind this,” said Ceri. “We’re assuming it’s Luciano but…”
Sergio glared at her. “That’s less than helpful, Ceri, at this moment. Who else would be after the information on the memory stick?”
They fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts. Hanna wondered why, if it was Luciano, Eva would have been left so dirty and dishevelled. Maybe it was his henchmen acting on his orders and he wasn’t directly involved. But surely he wouldn’t let his daughter be neglected or mistreated in any way?
If all went to plan, she would be seeing Eva soon enough, she tried to reassure herself.
Sergio was the first to break the silence. “Okay, let’s just talk through the arrangements.”
Chapter Forty
Sicily, Sunday 3rd December, 2017
It was almost 2pm when they left the apartment. This time, they’d decided that all three of
them would go. The kidnappers had stipulated no police involvement and that Hanna was to come alone to the rendezvous. Ceri would stay in the car, parked some distance away, while Sergio would track Hanna on foot but stay hidden from view. Hanna suspected that he may have been armed but this hadn’t been mentioned in their discussions, nor had she asked.
The rendezvous was at a farmhouse high up in the Madonian Mountains. Sergio had plotted the route using the GPS co-ordinates the kidnappers had given, but it wasn’t clear how accessible the farmhouse was by car. The maps of that area were notoriously inaccurate, he said, due to the constantly evolving nature of the landscape. A road or track that was there one minute could have been washed away or blocked by a landslide the next. With that in mind, they’d allowed themselves plenty of time for what should have been a forty-minute drive.
The first part of the journey reminded Hanna of happier times when Eva had been a baby and she and Luciano had lived in this area. How long ago it all seemed, a world away from now. The winding roads linked houses and the occasional church. There were few villages, and even fewer shops. Many of the houses had smallholdings growing an array of crops. The soil here was fertile, and the landscape thick with trees – cork oaks, carobs, and olives – and the ubiquitous vines. As they climbed, the trees thinned out, the road narrowing until it was little more than a stony mule track, just wide enough for the car to pass through.
Few words were exchanged, except for Sergio cursing and muttering about the shortcomings of his Fiat 500, wishing it was a four-wheel drive instead. Hanna kept glancing nervously at her watch, anxious that they might not arrive in time. Ceri sat in the back, tense and silent. Hanna had left the navigation to Sergio, but even he didn’t know this area well and had to focus on following the sat-nav instructions.
As they were nearing their destination, they were forced to an abrupt halt by an enormous fallen tree blocking the way ahead.
“Okay, folks. That’s as far as we can get with the car,” he said, unfolding a large-scale map. “Sorry, Hanna, you’re going to have to go the rest of the way on foot. I’ll show you on the map. It can’t be more than a 10-15 minute walk. Will you be able to manage it?”