by Seth Coleman
The clomping of horses’ hoofs on the road outside interrupted his thoughts. He sat up on his elbow, listening intently. It didn’t sound like a wagon; he decided and moved to the window to get a better look. By leaning out far enough, he was able to see around the corner of the house. He winced, as his wound was stretched, but he knew that he must bear the pain just in case it was a problem. He could see two horses pulling a shiny black carriage with burgundy striping. Whoever it is, he thought, they are on the way here. He leaned further out the window trying to get a glimpse of the insignia on the door. He waited. Finally, as it moved around a small bend in the road, he was able to recognize the markings. Peppino’s heart raced. The monsignor.
He watched as the carriage passed out of view from his window and pulled to a stop at the front door. A few moments later, he faintly heard the unmistakable voice of the baroness greeting her friend.
Peppino quietly opened his bedroom door, not wanting to make a sound as he moved to the top of the stairwell. When he could hear their voices distinctly, he sat down with his back against the wall.
**********************
“It’s such a pleasant surprise to see you, Monsignor,” said the baroness politely.
“The pleasure is always mine, Baroness; however, I’m afraid that today I have not come on a social visit.”
“Please, let’s go into the sitting room where we can be comfortable. Antonia,” she called into the kitchen. “Bring the monsignor and myself some cappuccino.” She ushered him into the large room.
The monsignor walked over and stared out the window. He stood silent for a long time with his hands clasped behind his large frame. He could have been enjoying the view, as it was the best in Calabria, but he was using his silence to emphasize the importance of his visit. Nonetheless, he could not help but admire the green and fertile slope that meandered gently down to the sea past small farms and olive groves. The beautiful vista continued for miles to the north and the south. “Bella Italia,” he mumbled. “I have always loved the view from your villa.”
Taking the larger chair for herself, she offered him the sofa. “Now then, I hope there is nothing serious we need to discuss.”
“I am afraid there is,” he said, sitting forward on the edge of the couch. He hesitated, almost afraid to continue.
“It involves your son.”
“Peppino?” she remarked calmly. “Why, what has he done?”
“I am not sure he has done anything,” the monsignor lied. “Yesterday in Bovalino the hanging of Nicola Bagnara was to take place at noon.”
“Hanging? What has he done now?” Then she added, “Never mind, I’m sure he deserves it.”
“Yes, well, unfortunately he escaped and is free right now.”
“Oh my,” the baroness said in all seriousness.
“He was just about to be executed, when a group of Nicola’s compatriots rushed the hanging platform and helped him escape.”
“That is sad news, but what could this possibly have to do with Peppino?”
“From the information the police have been able to gather, we know he used three children to help with his getaway.” Then he added in disgust, “May they all enter into the eternal inferno. One of them was a young girl, somewhat of a prostitute in Bovalino, by the name of Elena Geraci. She was shot trying to help Nicola escape. Unfortunately, she lives near death this very moment at the home of Dr. Mimi. Naturally, if she lives, we will deal with this girl severely. We must set an example.”
“That is a shame, but I still do not understand what this has to do with Peppino.”
The monsignor cleared his throat nervously and continued. “There were two other children involved. One of them, we know, was Emilio Fava, a young man from this town.”
“Oh.” She sighed disgustedly. “I’m not surprised. That boy has been a problem for years, one of the town hooligans.”
“Yes, he has been a problem for us too. We knew he was under Nicola’s influence but never suspected he would have defied the authorities and God himself to help that blasphemous, no-good Nicola.”
“Are you sure it was him?”
“We have witnesses who have identified him as the boy who rode on the escape horses to the platform. He did try to disguise himself in a girl’s dress, but it was definitely him.”
“How awful for his family. I must remember to summon his parents to my home to offer my condolences. They are of such good reputation for peasants, and to have been cursed with a son such as that.”
“Yes, well,” the monsignor stammered trying to find the right words so as not to offend or outright accuse. “Several other witnesses, including one of the priests from my church, said there was another boy who was hiding under the hanging platform. He was the one that attacked the executioner before he could carry out his duty. I am told the boy looked very much like Peppino.”
The baroness’s eyebrows rose a bit. “How absurd!” declared the baroness. “Peppino would not involve himself in such foolishness.”
“Yes, I understand he is a boy of excellent breeding. But sometimes the influence of others can even affect a boy like him, even being from such a good family.”
“No! Not Peppino! He would never do such a thing, and I resent the implication. You had better straighten out your priest. Gossip like this could be damaging,” she said, glaring at the monsignor.
“Well, I am sure you’re right, but it will be simple to determine if you will bear with me for one more moment. The boy in question appeared to have been shot as he was riding out of town.”
“Well, there then,” said the baroness angrily. “Peppino has not been shot. He is just fine except for a slight case of the flu. In fact, he has been in bed all day yesterday and today,” she lied. “I do not wish to continue with this conversation any further.”
“My friend, please do not be offended with me. I must help the polizia follow every lead, no matter how preposterous it may sound. I hope you understand that I must speak with the boy before I leave.”
“You will not!” the baroness ordered emphatically. “Are you insinuating that I am not telling you the truth?”
“No, signora, of course not. I was just…” he stammered.
“Good then, we’ll have enough of that talk now,” she said, standing. “Please let me show you to the door. I’m sure you must be getting back to matters at hand. Monsignor,” she continued coolly, “if you intend to continue receiving my financial support, I would recommend that you immediately squelch this hideous rumor. Do we understand each other?”
“Of course, and please forgive my mistake. This has all been very upsetting to me. I am not acting myself.”
“I’m sure it has. I would suggest at times like this you practice a little more restraint. Accusations of this nature have a way of getting back to the Vatican.”
The monsignor’s eyes widened a bit as he understood her intent. Then smiling, he said, “Thank you for your understanding, Baroness. I am fortunate that you are a woman of forgiveness.”
“Monsignor, if I were you, I would direct all my energies to putting that young man Emilio in jail where he belongs. If left unattended, he will soon be influencing other children and having them all deceived into following that heretic Nicola.”
“I agree with you completely,” he said, forcing a smile. “I have already directed the police commissioner to dispense an officer to his house to arrest him.”
“Good! Now that is the way you should be thinking, Monsignor,” she said warmly. “I hope you will come back when you’re under less strain, perhaps for dinner one evening.”
“Certainly, I appreciate the invitation.”
“Oh, and, Monsignor, I will have Antonia drop by tomorrow with a small gift. Please use your own discretion as to where the funds should be placed.”
“Of course; thank you again for your benevolence,” the monsignor repeated nervously while bending over at the waist to kiss the outstretched hand of the baroness.
Th
e baroness stood at the doorway as she watched the monsignor awkwardly climb into his carriage and then motioned his driver to leave. Smiling widely, he waved to his friend. Then as he sat back in his seat, a scowl quickly replaced the smile, and his face reddened, and he cursed her name.
The baroness waited until the carriage had gotten halfway down the hill before removing the smile from her own face. “Peppino, sick!” she said out loud. She stormed back into the house. “Antonia!”
**********************
Peppino stood up at the top of the stairs, too frightened to know what to do. He would have rather been thrown into jail than face the woman who was now marching up the stairs toward him.
“Peppino!” she hollered as she reached the top step. In one fell swoop, she raised her hand high in the air and brought it back down, landing it on the side of Peppino’s head. He flew across the hallway, slamming into the wall, sliding down, and cowering into a ball with his hands covering his head. The baroness grabbed him by the arm, lifting and thrusting him toward his room in the same motion.
Dominic and Gaetana appeared in the hallway. “What’s going on?” demanded Dominic while Gaetana rushed to his side.
“I will tell you later after I am through with Peppino. Go downstairs, and leave the two of us alone.”
“No, we won’t!” demanded Dominic. “If Peppino is in some sort of trouble, we have a right to know. We saw the monsignor here. What’s going on?”
“You have no right whatsoever. I am this child’s mother; must I remind you?”
Gaetana looked helplessly at Peppino and then to her husband. Dominic started to say something and then caught himself.
“Now, you two get out of here; I want to talk with my child alone,” she said, shoving Peppino by the shoulders toward his room.
“Now!” she yelled again.
Gaetana and Dominic started descending the stairs as ordered. The baroness gave Peppino one more shove, after which he became completely airborne as he flew across the room, landing on his bed. Slamming the door shut, the baroness stood motionless for several moments, her anger burning.
Peppino sat up hunched on one arm, with a look of fear, defiance, and determination.
“How dare you try to bring disgrace to this family, you ungrateful little sod. I have given you everything, and you continue to defy me,” she raved. “I’ve told you before that you are not to go around with that hoodlum Emilio Fava. But you continue to disobey my wishes. Now he has influenced you into doing this evil thing!”
“He had nothing to do with it. I helped Nicola because I believe in what he is doing! You and the monsignor want to keep the people illiterate and superstitious so they will do whatever you want. The monsignor lies to the people,” he paused and added incredulously, “and they believe it! He takes money from those who have none and then takes more while he lives like a fat charlatan!”
“Charlatan! What would a boy of your age know about what is best for the people of the church! You, who will not even go to church voluntarily; you are young, and you are too impressionable, my son.”
“I’m not your son! Stop calling me that.”
The baroness stood shocked for a moment, weighing his statement and softening a bit. “Peppino, there are many things you do not understand. I can hardly expect a boy of your age to even try. You are my child by choice. All that I have one day will be yours.”
“I don’t want any of it!” he yelled.
“You say that now, but in a few years, with a little more maturity, I’m sure you will change your mind. Peppino,” she said, moving to the bed and sitting down on the edge.
“Get up; get off my bed,” Peppino demanded.
The baroness clenched her teeth while remaining next to Peppino with her arms folded in her lap. “Try to understand my concern is not about Nicola, or even your friendship with Emilio, for that matter. My concern is for you alone. I couldn’t care less if both of them had been killed. But what you have done jeopardized your own life and your own future. I cannot bear to think of you hurt. That is all I’m upset about. You could’ve been killed yesterday, and for what?”
“If I had been killed, it would have been better than being here living with you. I hate you! You are not my mother, and you care only for yourself and the power you have to manipulate the people around you.”
“That is not true, Peppino. I want only the best for you. God has given you to me. You are my responsibility.”
“That is not true!” he said, his voice growing louder and angrier. “He did not give me to you. You stole me from your own sister. Nicola was right; he told me that there are people who profess God but don’t know anything about him. You must be one of them. But as for me, I don’t believe in God, and if there is one, he is nothing but a mean barbarian to make me live with you.”
The baroness took a deep breath and let out a long sigh while she pondered his comment. “Peppino.” She said more calmly, “Maybe you are old enough to know the truth about something. It has to do with Dominic and Gaetana.”
“I don’t care to know anything you have to say! Why didn’t you take Vincenzo as your son? He’s the good one of the family. Everyone likes him, and no one likes me.”
“You are the first born, Peppino. God has chosen you to be the oldest and to be my son.”
“I am not your son; stop saying that! Whatever reason my parents had in giving me to you, I don’t care to know. They are despicable too! Get out of my room, and leave me alone. I will not listen to anything you have to say.”
The baroness tightened her lips, then stood and walked to the door, turning back toward him one more time before leaving. “You will not see Emilio again, do you understand? I am considering sending you to boarding school with your brothers and sisters, and you will do as you’re told. I will not have you bring shame to this family.” The baroness closed the door firmly as she walked out.
Peppino jumped off the bed and slipped into his sandals while moving toward the window. When he felt the coast was clear, he climbed out and let himself down, placing all his weight on one arm. The position stretched his side, and he felt a shooting pain as he let go and dropped to the ground with a thud, then rolled a few feet down the side of the hill before he managed to stop his momentum. Sitting there for a moment, he held his side and determined not to give in to the discomfort. I must get to Emilio and let him know the polizia are on the way to arrest him, he thought. He painfully brought himself to his feet.
Peppino concentrated on his footsteps. He was careful to keep out of sight, walking alongside of the hill that surrounded the town until he reached the back of Emilio’s home. Hearing loud voices, he stumbled to the top of the incline until he reached the solid wood fence. Finding a knothole, he looked through it to the side of the small stucco and mud home. The sheriff’s wagon sat forty yards away on the small dirt path in front of the shack. From his vantage point, he could see and hear the commotion. He could hear the voices and the screams of Emilio’s mother and the indistinguishable pleads she was making to the officer through a blanket of tears. He watched as Emilio was bound by the wrists and then flung headfirst into the wagon by the polizia. The officer unlocked the metal cage, and he saw Emilio sit up, leaning his head against the bars, blood dripping from a cut above his eye. He was crying for his mother and father, and they in turn were calling out to their son. His mother threw herself into her husband’s arms, wailing loudly. Peppino could only watch the pathetic figure of Emilio’s father standing helplessly, embracing his wife as the wagon moved down the path.
Peppino turned his eyes away. He let his body fall back against the fence. His knees weakened, and his body slid involuntarily into a sitting position. “They will kill him,” he said aloud, picking up a fist of dusty earth and casting it down the side of the hill, watching it disburse into a light brown puff. “They will kill him,” he repeated.
Chapter 5
Emilio sat huddled in the back of the enclosed prison wagon, looking throug
h the iron bars, staring vacantly at the golden hills of Calabria. He fiddled with a piece of straw, brushing it back and forth across the wooden flooring in despair. They will never let me go, he thought. I’ll probably end up being shipped to a prison camp somewhere.
“Hey, boy,” the man at the reins yelled over his shoulder. “You’ve really gone and done it now. The monsignor will never let you go.” He laughed. “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up dead, real soon,” he taunted.
“What do you know?” Emilio said sarcastically, and then added under his breath, “You pig.”
“I know plenty, and I can tell you that anyone who crosses him ends up dead at some point or another.” He snickered.
“Then you of all people should be in favor of Nicola. He is a friend to the poor. The monsignor calls himself a saint of God. I think he is the devil.”
“You can think what you want, but I assure you that unless you change your tune, you’re not long for this world, even at your age,” the man added. “If I were you, I would throw myself at his feet and beg for mercy. Tell him you repent of your ways and that you are a sinner and beg that he may spare your life.”
“Me repent? He is the one who needs to repent. He has suppressed the peasants in this region for too long. I may only have thirteen years, but I am smart enough to see what he is doing. He hides behind his piety while he collects his money from frightened people and uses it for his own gain. I have heard that he has even seen harlots!” screamed Emilio.
The driver chuckled. “You’d better watch your mouth. He will consider those words blasphemy.”
“I don’t care; they are the truth.”
“Don’t you even feel any remorse for what you and your friend have done?”
“No! I’d do it again. Besides, who said that my friend had anything to do with it?”
“There’s not much argument about that. There were many witnesses who saw the two of you. He was recognized.”
“Well,” Emilio insisted, “he did not help, and I will never tell who did.”