Edge of Tomorrow

by Wolf Wootan

  “He said ‘Get in the car if you know what’s good for you!’” translated Teresa.

  “Stay behind me, Teresa, to my right. Don’t be afraid, I won’t let them hurt you. Tell him we’re going to get in the car, me first,” said Dr. Z., her senses in overdrive.

  Teresa did as she was told, and Syd approached the car. The man relaxed a bit and sneered, spouting a word in Italian.

  “He just called us ‘cunts,’” whispered Teresa. “I’m scared, Syd!”

  “Relax. One more step, then I want you to start screaming for the police as loud as you can. Let go of my arm now. Now, scream!” said Syd calmly.

  “Polizia, polizia!” Teresa screamed, as she stepped away from Syd, but still staying mostly behind her. The man looked at Teresa with disgust on his face and raised his right arm, the one with the pistol. He pointed it at Teresa while screaming in Italian. Like a cat, Dr. Z. brought her right foot up with tremendous power, the instep catching him between the legs, crushing his testicles. Her left hand grabbed the gun, twisted it to the right, and took it away from him as he writhed in pain. As he doubled up, she clipped him on the side of the head with the butt of the gun and he went down on the sidewalk. Teresa was still screaming for the police.

  “That’s enough, Teresa!” yelled Syd. “You did great!”

  She transferred the gun to her right hand and approached the Audi. The driver saw what was happening and put the car in gear and started driving away.

  This is your lucky day, asshole! You’d be so easy to kill! Maybe I’ll see you again when there are no crowds around.

  Dr. Z. went over to the groaning man on the sidewalk and knelt down next to him. A crowd was forming, but they stayed back, since Dr. Z. still held the pistol. She rolled the man over onto his back and put the barrel of the gun between his legs. A burly man started walking toward them finally and Syd did not like that. She wanted to interrogate the man on the sidewalk. She picked up the gun again.

  “Teresa, tell that man to stay away, quickly! I want to talk to this son-of-a-bitch.”

  Teresa turned to the approaching man and said excitedly, “Alt! Stai fermo dove sei!”

  The man hesitated, looked at the gun in Syd’s hand, then retreated to join the crowd.

  “Teresa, kneel down here and translate for me! Keep your voice low, and use your body to block the crowd’s view. I only want him to hear what we’re saying,” said Dr. Z.

  Teresa knelt down, still trembling and silently sobbing.

  “Ask him who sent him, and why? Tell him if he doesn’t tell me, I’m going to cut his balls off!” spat Dr. Z.

  Teresa translated and the man’s eyes widened, his fear deepening.

  Teresa translated his answer, “He says he won’t say anything. They will kill him if he talks.”

  Dr. Z. laid the gun down between his legs again and reached in her purse, retrieving her knife. She showed it to the man, but concealed it from the crowd. She lifted his tie and sliced the end off to show him how sharp the knife was.

  “Tell him he has five seconds, then he’s a eunuch!”

  “He doesn’t believe you!” translated Teresa.

  Dr. Z. unzipped his pants with her left hand. She could hear the sounds of police cars in the distance. She did not have much more time. She leaned over close to him, hiding her left hand from the crowd, and reached in his pants and grabbed his testicles, which were very swollen. He groaned, nearly a scream.

  “Tell him his five seconds are about up. Two more seconds and they’re gone!” spat Dr. Z. as she squeezed them again.

  “He believes you now! Let go, he says! He was sent by Salvatore Bocca to kidnap us and hold us as hostages. They want Alberto and Carmelo, to punish them for killing a brother catenari. We were to be the exchange hostages. The castle is too guarded for them to get at Alberto and Carmelo when they are inside it!”

  “Where can we find this Bocca? Quickly, the police are nearly here!”

  “He gave me an address. I will remember it!” gasped Teresa.

  Syd removed her hand from his pants and threw her knife into her purse just as two Italian police cars arrived. Teresa and Dr. Z. stood up.

  “Just look frightened and let me do the talking,” Syd told Teresa.

  “I am frightened! I’ve never seen anything like that in my life!”

  One of the policemen spoke decent English, and Syd told him that two men tried to abduct them, but when Teresa started screaming, the man got confused and she was able to disarm him. The other man got away in a blue Audi, she told him. She gave the policeman the license plate number, which she had memorized as the car sped away. Witnesses in the crowd corroborated her story, more or less, using lots of arm motions, rapid Italian, and hands in the shape of a gun—index finger extended, thumb cocked—pointing at Syd and Teresa.

  Italians talk with their hands and arms a lot! thought Syd.

  The poliziotto took down their names and when he found out they both lived at Castello di Bragno, he said that would be all for now. They carried the crippled would-be kidnapper to a police car.

  Syd and Teresa gathered their shopping bags and went to the sidewalk cafe where they were to meet Paolo. They sat at a table and Syd sat so she could watch the street and sidewalk. She was not sure there were not more people looking for them. It did not hurt to play it safe: it had served her well in the past. They both ordered tall vodka and tonics to quench their thirst, and calm their nerves. Teresa really needed calming. She guzzled her drink and ordered another.

  “Who in the hell are you, Signorina Syd? I was scared to death back there and you were like ice! I thought you were a history teacher, or something!” exclaimed Teresa, her small breasts heaving as she fought to get herself calmed down.

  “I am a teacher—college professor, actually. I just don’t like men pushing women around, so I stop it whenever I can. Plus, you were in my care, so I had to keep you safe or Hatch would have had my head.”

  “Thank you so much, Syd! I don’t believe much of that story though! You acted a lot like Sara would in the same situation, and she’s a trained commando!”

  • • •

  Paolo arrived at 3:58 and pulled the black Mercedes to the curb. He jumped out and opened the rear door, and then, seeing their numerous shopping bags, opened the trunk and loaded them into it. Syd and Teresa got into the back seat and Paolo pulled away from the curb. He had seen from Teresa’s face that she had been crying, and in fact was still upset about something. He had a quick exchange in Italian with Teresa. Tears came to her eyes again.

  “Can the Italian, Paolo,” said Syd. “It’s not polite. Speak English when you’re around me!”

  “I’m sorry, signorina! I was just asking Teresa what was wrong with her,” he answered contritely, looking in the rearview mirror at Syd.

  “Did she tell you?”

  “Yes, signorina. Two men tried to abduct you two, but you stopped them. Signore Cifelli will be very angry!”

  “So will Signore Lincoln. So am I!” spat Syd.

  Syd put her left arm around Teresa’s shoulders and Teresa wept silently on her shoulder, still trembling.

  • • •

  It was 4:45 P.M. when they arrived back at Castello di Bragno. Paolo carried their purchases into the small dining room and put them down. The bar was still there, so Syd fixed herself and Teresa each another stiff vodka and tonic.

  “Sit down and drink this, Teresa. Take a big breath. You’re safe now.”

  Paolo came back into the room with Gina in tow, who ran to Teresa, speaking rapid Italian, her face stark with concern. Paolo looked at Syd and shrugged, as if to say, “You yell at her for speaking Italian.” He had obviously told Gina what little he knew about the attempted abduction.

  “Oh, Nonna, Signorina Syd saved my life!” Teresa finally said in English.

  “Grazie, signorina! I am forever in your debt!” wailed Gina.

  She came over and hugged Syd.

  “Have you heard from Hatch
and Carmelo?” Syd asked Gina.

  “Si, signorina. About half an hour ago. They should be here soon,” Gina replied.

  “Good! I’ll take these bags to my room and get cleaned up,” said Syd, reaching for a bag.

  “No! No! Paolo, take these things to the signorina’s chambers,” ordered Gina.

  “These two bags are Teresa’s,” said Syd, pointing. “A present for taking me shopping. Thank you, Paolo. Just put them in my bedroom. I’ll be up shortly.”

  “Yes, Signorina Syd.”

  “So,” said Gina. “You must be an ex-Marine like Sara, eh? To know such things as Teresa has told me about.”

  “No, signora. I wasn’t a Marine. I just had to protect Teresa any way I could. She was under my protection. And they were trying to abduct me, too! I couldn’t allow that!” answered Syd, being evasive.

  Gina smiled knowingly and said, “As you wish, signorina. Thank you again for protecting my granddaughter.”

  Sara walked into the room wearing a cover-up over a small red bikini bathing suit, the cover-up not covering much. Vintage Sara.

  “Hey, Syd! You’re back! I want to see what you bought! Right after I have a drink with you,” said Sara cheerfully, heading to the bar.

  “Paolo took everything to my room. I’ll show you when we go upstairs,” replied Syd. “I spent way too much!”

  “You can’t spend too much of Hatch’s money! It’s not possible!”

  Sara returned from the bar, drink in hand, and saw Teresa’s face. She looked at Syd, then back to Teresa. She raised an eyebrow at Syd.

  “We had an incident in Rome, Sara. I only want to go over it once, so let’s wait for Hatch and Carmelo to get here. They will be very interested in what went down,” said Syd, giving Sara a look which indicated that she should not to press it now.

  Sara immediately thought, Shit! I hope she hasn’t been out beating up on the Italian citizens! If some gigolo made a pass at her, he’s probably in the fucking hospital!

  “You OK, Teresa?” Sara asked finally.

  “I’m fine now, Signorina Sara. Just a little shook up,” replied Teresa with a wan smile and red eyes. She was getting a little drunk.

  At that moment, Hatch and Carmelo strode into the room. Hatch sensed immediately that something was wrong.

  “How did the shopping go?” he asked, testing the water.

  “The shopping went just fine, Hatch. At the end of the shopping, however, we had a little problem I had to handle,” answered Syd with her cute, crooked smile. “You two get a drink before I tell you about what happened. How was your day?”

  Gina said, “I have some appetizers—stuzzichini—prepared in the kitchen. I’ll bring them in here.”

  Teresa started to get up and go to the kitchen.

  “Please stay, Teresa,” ordered Syd, putting her hand on her shoulder and pushing her back into her chair. “You did the translating out there today, and Hatch and Carmelo may have questions only you can answer. Is that all right, Gina?”

  “Si, signorina. I can handle things without Teresa.”

  Gina left for the kitchen by herself, though she did want to hear what had happened in more detail. Hatch and Carmelo went to the bar and fixed themselves drinks. While they were adding ice cubes to their drinks, Hatch said, “We made some progress, but I’d rather hear your story first. Something is bothering Teresa big time.”

  Teresa blurted, “Two men tried to force us into their car! It was terrible!”

  Hatch looked at Syd and raised an eyebrow. Sara also looked at her, her face a question mark. Syd knew what they were thinking.

  “No, I didn’t slit their throats! I’m not a friggin’ amateur! I’d have probably gone to jail while the polizia sorted things out, and I didn’t want that. It took a lot of self-control, though. It would have been so easy. They scared the shit out of Teresa, and it really pissed me off!” exclaimed Syd with a smile.

  “Signorina Syd was so brave! She saved my life!” blurted Teresa. “That terrible man had a gun!”

  “Shh! You’re fine now. Let me tell them what happened,” said Syd calmly.

  Syd related what had happened, and told them about the tattoo. She also told them about how she got some information from the man, but could not vouch for its accuracy.

  “I needed more time to make sure he was telling the truth, but the police came too quickly,” finished Syd.

  Carmelo had watched the exchange of looks between the three, and mulled over Syd’s response and her story of the attempted abduction. He had assumed Syd was just a woman Hatch was sleeping with, but now he was not sure who she was.

  “So you threatened to cut off his coglione, eh, Syd?” laughed Carmelo. “He probably told the truth. I recognize the name he gave you: Salvatore Bocca. He is a low-level capo in southern Rome.”

  “It was so scary!” said Teresa.

  “You were never in danger, Teresa. You were with Dr. Z.! She makes La Femme Nikita look like a Sunday school teacher! Those two were lucky they didn’t try to grab you on a deserted street. They both would be fucking shish-kabobs by now!” chortled Sara.

  “Sara! You’re giving these people a bad impression of me!” exclaimed Syd. Then she added, “I would have liked more time with him. I could have found out more.”

  It was Carmelo’s turn to raise an eyebrow as he thought, I must ask Hatch who she really is. If Sara thinks she is a dangerous woman, she most definitely is!

  “You did good, Syd! You got us a name and address,” said Hatch. “Now, we have to figure out what to do with that information.”

  Syd replied, “One thing you have to do right now is make sure no one leaves this castle without bodyguards. They didn’t target Teresa and me, we just happened to be the first ones out after they decided to grab someone to hold over Carmelo’s head. It could have been Signora Gina, or anyone.”

  “I’ll go take care of that right now. I’ll be back shortly,” said Carmelo.

  Gina returned with a young Italian girl. They were carrying trays of finger food, which they put on the dining room table.

  “Eat! You must eat!” ordered Gina. “Finisci di mangiare!”

  Syd wandered to the bar where Hatch was standing and freshened her drink.

  “Did you find out anything at SISDE, Hatch?” she asked while she added ice to her drink.

  “No. The very fact that they are being so closed-mouth tells me something is up. Now we have the additional complication that Alberto and Carmelo have a hit out on them, and you’ve probably been added to the list. The one who got away got a good look at you and what you did to his buddy,” replied Hatch. “Do you expect the police to show up here for more questioning?”

  “Not really. We had good witnesses. Besides, with that guy being a catenari, this incident will probably disappear into SISDE, too,” shrugged Syd.

  “You’re probably right about that. Gina, we were planning on going out to dinner tonight, but with this latest development, I think it would be wise if we didn’t. Would it be too much trouble if we ate here? It wouldn’t have to be elaborate,” said Hatch.

  “No problem, Signore Hatch! It would be my pleasure! Would 8:30 be all right?” beamed Gina.

  “That would be fine, Gina. I thank you, and we have all of this good food here to eat now.” He turned to Syd and added, “We’ll formulate a plan then. This situation is getting out of hand, and I intend to put a stop to it!”

  He went over to Teresa and took her hand, saying, “And you, young lady, are through for the day. Go to your room and soak in a hot bath and relax. I am sorry you had to go through such an experience. I’m just glad Syd was with you.”

  She stood up and he hugged her small body, patting her back.

  “I am, too, Signore Hatch! She was truly awesome!”

  She went to Syd and hugged her, adding, “Thank you, Syd!”

  “You’re welcome, Teresa. Don’t forget your presents when you go.”

  “Grazie,” said Teresa as she took her shop
ping bags and left the room.

  “Well, a bath sounds good to me, too. It was hot out there today and I’m all sweaty. If you want to see what you bought me today, Hatch, why don’t you come on up?” said Syd. “And bring a plate of those goodies to munch on.”

  After Syd left the room, Hatch began preparing a plate of snacks. He was alone in the room with Sara now.

  “She’s one fucking amazing woman, Hatch. I hope you realize that,” commented Sara.

  “I certainly do, Sara. I suppose that’s your way of saying you like her,” he laughed.

  “Like a sister! Don’t mess with her heart, Hatch. Keep things honest with her!”

  “I think I have, so far. She’s very strong-willed and has a mind of her own. As you know, she takes care of herself very well.”

  Sara sipped her drink, then said, “What happens when she goes back to Miami and starts teaching again, and you go off slaying dragons?”

  Hatch thought for a long time before answering.

  “I don’t know, Sara. I’ve been trying to not think about that. Do you have any suggestions?”

  “You’ll have to answer that one by yourself. Now, go up to her. She’s waiting for you,” she said, placing her hand on his shoulder.

  • • •

  Syd was in the large tub soaking in a sea of bubbles when Hatch arrived with the plate of food. He put it down on a table in the living room and entered the bathroom. All he could see of her was her beautiful face surrounded by a halo of black hair, her head resting on the end of the tub, her eyes closed. Her drink was sitting on the edge of the tub. He sat down next to it. She opened her eyes and smiled at him.

  “This feels so good! I haven’t been in a tub … I can’t remember the last time,” she said.

  He could remember when Kat had told him something similar to that many years ago. He just gazed at her, a distant look in his eyes, a wan smile on his lips.

  “This tub is big enough for two if you want to join me,” she smiled.

  “I think I would like that. I think I would like that very much,” he whispered.

  Chapter 25