Climatized

by Sally Fernandez

  “So I gather you don’t believe anthropogenic global warming, greenhouse gases, manmade CO2 emissions, or however you refer to the current position on climate change as a major factor? You called it pseudoscience.” Max appeared to seem somewhat surprised.

  Antonio snickered. “Sometimes I think the terminology is meant to be deliberately confusing. Look, I have confidence in the traditional practice of science. It must be absolute and adhere to strict guidelines. I don’t believe that’s what’s happening in this case.” He wavered. In a fleeting moment he wondered whether he was exposing too much, but in the same span of time he deemed Max to be hardly a threat.

  “Please continue,” she urged, noting his hesitancy.

  “All I was saying is that climate change is a natural occurrence. Our role is not to mess around with mother nature, but to understand her and plan accordingly.”

  “In what way?” Max noted his earlier reference about not being a climate scientist, but it was clear he knew his way around the study of science.

  “For example, in Simone’s case he’s building more irrigation systems to mitigate what he thinks will be increasingly higher temperatures. He’s already forecasting that in the future the higher temperatures will mature the grapes more rapidly, producing wines that will have more dried spices and pungent flavors.”

  “Wouldn’t that be a positive approach? You mentioned it was prudent to plan accordingly. There’s no question that the concern over global warming gave birth to a revolution of new green-energy companies and jobs throughout the world to combat the effects.” Max held back, careful not to display too much of her own acumen.

  “What it spawned was an exorbitant amount of increased taxes globally, which was foisted on corporations and taxpayers. It gestated from a political agenda, not from scientific examination. But what if Simone is wrong and the world isn’t getting warmer, but in fact is—” Antonio was wound up until he stopped in mid-sentence and switched gears. “I’m sorry, this must seem like a boring subject, especially for such a beautiful lady on this glorious day?”

  “In all honesty, I find it quite intriguing. Particularly your knowledge of science!”

  Antonio suddenly tensed up, realizing he may have said too much.

  Back off Max. You’re pushing too hard, she cautioned herself. Like it or not, she would have to wait before she could get him to talk about NASA or the other scientists, and hopefully provide an inkling as to why he was hiding out in fear for his life. She could not afford to have him panic at this point.

  “Excuse me for being a bit too animated,” Antonio interjected, “although you Americans always think Italians are arguing when we’re only having lively discussions.” He was clearly ready to change the topic of conversation.

  “You seem to know an awful lot about we Americans,” she retorted. “Not to mention, your English is excellent. Have you spent any time in the US?”

  He did not answer the question, but asked one of his own. “Would you like to join me in the village for dinner?”

  Max was speechless, stunned by the invitation but at the same time relaxed. She was thankful she had not spooked him.

  Antonio took her silence to mean that she needed more information and made his pitch. He rattled on about the lovely little restaurant in the piazza and how it would give them an opportunity to get to know each other better.

  At that same time Max was listening to Antonio’s proposition, a glare kept bouncing off the glass from the French doors catching her attention. Odd? It seems that someone is staring at us from inside—but watching Antonio or watching me?

  “I can call us a taxi!” he emphasized, noticing she had become distracted and uneasy. “Max, did you hear me?”

  “Yes; can I think about it?”

  “Take all the time you need, at least for the next few minutes. I need to use the restroom, but I’ll be right back.” Antonio wagged his finger, indicating that no would not be an acceptable answer. Confident he would get his way, he stood up and walked into the house.

  Max observed Antonio while he strolled toward the French doors. At the same time, a cloud hovered over the sun and she saw the face again. “Oh, my God,” she gasped.

  The out-of-place figure brushed past Antonio and headed in Max’s direction.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” she whispered, although there was no one else around to hear. Not waiting for the answer, she ordered, “Leave, now!” Max shoved her room key in his hand. “It’s the first door on your left. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Now please go!” she pleaded.

  He obliged with great reluctance.

  “Hey, are you okay?” Antonio asked, noticing that Max seemed a little flushed. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  “It’s been a lovely lunch and a wonderful conversation, but the combination of the chardonnay and sun are taking its toll. And I feel a little jet lag coming on.”

  “Are we still on for dinner?”

  Max hesitated for a moment and then replied, “Antonio, dinner would be lovely, but is it possible to get a rain check for tomorrow?”

  “Are you sure you’re all right?” He appeared genuinely concerned.

  “Really, I’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep.”

  “Dinner, tomorrow—promise?”

  “Yes, I’ll look forward to it.”

  Max stood up with Antonio’s help and then he leaned in for the Italian two-sided air kiss, minus the air. “Let me help you,” he offered and then held open the French doors for her.

  “Thank you. I can make it from here,” she insisted.

  Antonio backed off and headed up the stairs to his room.

  Max hobbled to her door and then waited to hear the sound of Antonio’s door closing. Then, she entered her unlocked room.

  Chapter 29

  AN UNIVITED GUEST

  “Darling, I had no idea how badly you had been hurt.” Noble rushed to her side and attempted to hold her in his arms.

  Max pushed back.

  “Why the hell are you following me? You don’t trust me to handle a case on my own?”

  He scanned the bruise on her forehead and the boot cast. “It’s clear you’re in need of some assistance.” He could see the ire building up from her facial expression. “Honey, will you relax! I told you I was working on something for the president.”

  “In a winery—in Italy?” Her question dripped with sarcasm as she limped over to the side of the bed and sat down.

  Noble remained standing. “Wait a minute—I thought you were supposed to be investigating the death of Senator Spark?” He threw it back in her court.

  “I believe the person who killed the senator also killed three scientists who were working together. I’m looking for the person who can tell us what happened. His name is Antonio Maieli.”

  Noble’s eyes bulged. “Who did you say?”

  “Antonio Maieli. What’s the matter?”

  He hesitated. But having no choice, he opened up. “Max—we’re looking for the same person. That’s why I was in Italy.” He was shocked by his own words.

  Max followed suit, but sat quietly waiting to hear more.

  “I was heading down to Sicily when I learned about your accident,” he replied evenly, and then asked in a hastier tone, “Have you seen him? We don’t have a lot of time!”

  Max’s sixth sense kicked in; it was an inexplicable turn of events. She challenged him. “Why?”

  “Do I really have to repeat myself?”

  Hearing the seriousness in his voice she relented. “You just passed him at the French doors on the way to my room. He’s registered under the name Antonio Di Stefano.”

  “That was Maieli?”

  Ignoring his rhetorical question and without removing her glare, she grilled him further. “So how did you find me anyway? Stanton?”

  “No, Jax. I tried calling you, but your phone was always turned off or your voicemail box was full, so I called him. He told me what happened. Especially,
how you convinced Stanton to help you leave the hospital against his better judgement.”

  “So that’s what he wanted to tell me?”

  “Tell you what?”

  “Never mind. I’ll deal with Jax later.”

  “Honey, he was only concerned for your safety. Believe me; he has no idea that I’m on an assignment or that I’m in Italy. And he never told me who you were actually looking for.”

  “Don’t ‘honey’ me—and I don’t buy it.” Max stomped her crutches on the ground.

  “Do you always take everything way beyond the heart? I’m here because Jax said you were in trouble. I love you and I wanted to make sure you’re okay. Now, does Maieli know who you are?”

  “No!” Exasperation set in, but she took a deep breath, and with a modicum of calm, explained, “I was trying to get him to feel comfortable with me first.”

  Noble raised an eyebrow.

  “Not that way you jealous fool. In fact, while you were glaring at us through the window, I came up with an idea.”

  “I’m sure you did—spill.”

  “Would you like to sit down?” Max offered, acknowledging her willingness to confide in him finally.

  Noble took a seat in the chair next to the bed and sat in silence, waiting for her to lay it all out.

  “I suspect Antonio, along with three other scientists, was scheduled to testify before Spark’s committee. I have no idea what it was about, other than something to do with climate change. But whatever it was, it was powerful enough to get four people killed. If I can get Antonio to testify on videotape, then I can get it to the proper authorities. But now the president’s involved—that’s perfect! We’ll have the leverage we need to protect his identity. I’ll tell him tomorrow night at dinner.”

  “Where are you dining? I’ll be joining you.”

  “No way! I can handle this Noble. Stay here and out of sight. In fact, did anyone see you arrive?”

  “Don’t change the subject. You know the minute you tell him you’re investigating the Senator’s murder, he’s gonna want to flee. What do you plan on doing? Hit him over the head with your crutches?” Oops, he thought, sensing she was about to erupt.

  “What part of ‘I can handle this’ didn’t you understand?”

  “Max, I’m the only one who can give him the assurances that the president will protect him and that it’s in his best interest to cooperate.”

  “Then I’ll bring him to you. And we’ll convince him togeth—”

  “Okay!” Noble cut her off in an act of surrender. “We’ll work together—on your terms.” He had no choice but to throw in the proverbial towel, although he openly confessed that Max could be an asset. “Admit it. You could use a little help,” he said jokingly. He reached over to hold her hands, trying once more to show affection.

  Max pushed back again, denying him the opportunity. Then she blasted him with a series of rapid-fire questions, refusing to be interrupted for a second time. “Incidentally, when did the president ask you to find Antonio? Was it before Senator Spark was discovered dead in the park? Is that why you tried to stop me from grilling the police chief?”

  He checked his watch, ignoring all her questions. “Stay right here! I have a call to make.” Noble made a quick getaway and left the room, taking the key with him.

  “Don’t let anyone see you!” she warned, as he slipped out through the door.

  Max was furious at him for not answering her questions and leaving her dangling. But as she remained stranded on the side of the bed, her anger dissipated slightly. She realized how bizarre the case was turning out to be. She also realized that Noble could be an asset. Especially as the president’s intermediary, one who could guarantee Maieli’s protection. This could turn out to be a good thing, she surmised with more composure.

  Noble eyed a spot on the terrace where there was no one seated, although he heard a few guests who were chatting down by the pool. Fortunately, Maieli was nowhere in sight. He pulled out his xPhad, the ingenious smartphone that, when unfolded, converted to a tablet. More important, it provided a secure line. It was 11:15 in the morning inside the beltway. He made the phone call.

  “Did you find him?”

  “Yes, Mr. President.”

  “Wonderful. I don’t want to know where you are. But keep him safe until I figure out the next step. I’ll get back to you shortly.”

  “Sir—there’s a problem.”

  “What now?” the president asked with trepidation.

  “Max is here.”

  “Jesus Christ! She really gets around. What the hell is she doing there—wherever you are?”

  “She was also looking for Maieli, whom she has befriended.” Noble elaborated how Max was hired by Senator Spark’s wife to find his killer, which led her to the missing scientist.

  “Shit. Neither of you know what you’re getting yourselves into.”

  Noble thought it best not to ask the president the obvious question, but went ahead and described Max’s plan to get Maieli to testify.

  “Then all three of you will become targets. You’ll be the only three to know.”

  At that point Noble needed the answer. “To know what, sir?”

  “I don’t know exactly. That’s the problem.” The president answered with full candor. He informed Noble that Senator Spark had come to his office when two of the four scientists had died suspiciously. “Sherman feared they were not accidental and that there would be more deaths to follow. He seemed depressed at the thought he might be personally responsible.” The president hesitated and then admitted, “When it was reported that Sherman had committed suicide, I felt it was plausible given our recent meeting. What he told me at the time could be gobbledygook science or it could bring down a mega-trillion-dollar world-wide industry—I need to be sure.”

  Noble was shaken by the president’s words, but he kept his emotions at bay. “Sir, how do you want me to handle the situation?”

  “Get Maieli to testify. Tell him he has my word that his identity will never be revealed and he will be kept safe.”

  “Sir, how do you want me to handle Max?”

  “She’s no longer SIA. But knowing Max, she’ll never lose the scent. Just keep her on a tight leash.”

  “You know you can trust her, sir.”

  The president knew Noble was correct. He also suspected Sherman’s information was accurate and something nefarious was happening. Something that cost him his life. He had to trust her because she already knew too much. “Just get him to testify.”

  The line went dead.

  Noble returned to Max’s room and found her lying on the bed. He couldn’t tell whether she was asleep until she rolled over and murmured, “Noble.” All traces of anger had left her lips. He was relieved as he walked over to the bed and lay down beside her. Gently holding her, he whispered, “Looks like it’s you and me kid, working together again.”

  Clack, clack, clack, the door knocker resonated from the other side of the door. “Signorina Ford—Signorina Ford,” echoed a voice.

  “Oh no! I forgot about dinner. Shh,” she whispered and then called out, “One moment please! Noble, toss me my robe and go hide in the bathroom.” Respectfully dressed above the waist, with the blanket covering the rest—and no evidence of a romantic interlude, Max hollered, “Come in please!”

  “Good evening,” Valentina said. Noting Max lying in bed, she apologized, “I’m terribly sorry if I disturbed you.”

  “Not at all. I was just taking a nap. I guess the combination of wine and sun, and of course, your luscious lunch knocked me out. I can’t blame everything on jet lag.” Max made every attempt not to sound as though she had been caught with a man in bed.

  Valentina smiled inwardly, recalling the platter of food and the wine bottle that had been totally consumed by Max and her guest. “Would you like your dinner tray on the bed or on the table?”

  “On the table please.”

  “Anything else I can get you this evening?”

/>   “No, thank you, Valentina. You should go home and be with your family. It’s been a long day for you.”

  “Yes, Signorina. I mean Max.” Valentina excused herself and left Max alone with her dinner and the man hiding in the bathroom. Evidently he had forgotten to tell her that he had already checked in. Valentina chuckled as she closed the door.

  Noble heard the door close and came out of the bathroom.

  “Whew, that was close!” Max smiled.

  Noble beamed a devilish grin.

  “What is it?”

  “It was so unnecessary. I checked in earlier as your fiancé. That’s how I knew you were having lunch with your gentleman friend on the terrace.”

  “You rat!” she shouted, aiming her pillow directly at his head. “Good catch, but what are you going to have for dinner?”

  Noble looked over at the dinner tray and Max’s eyes followed. She saw the two wine glasses and a full bottle of wine.

  All of a sudden, Max’s face flushed. “Valentina knew all along! I must have sounded like an idiot—thanks a lot!”

  Noble laughed uproariously as he went over and poured two glasses of wine and presented one glass to her. He made the first toast. “I love you, Max.”

  “I love you too—sometimes.”

  Noble wolfed down the pasta and polished off his veal chop, along with what remained on Max’s plate. She had only picked at her food, still sated from her lunch. But she enjoyed the company, the wine, and watching Noble. She admitted to herself that it was great to have him there and glad they would be working side by side again.

  The rest of the evening was spent talking about how she would approach Antonio and Noble would follow up the conversation by laying out the conditions. In part, it seemed like old times, but then those times were also fraught with danger.

  “I’m exhausted!” Max was the first to cave.

  “Let’s get a good night’s sleep. We have an interesting day ahead of us.”