by Jayne Castel
The killer was in the corridor behind her.
Luisa did not have to see him to know. Like a cornered animal, she crouched low against the wall and swiveled around on the balls of her feet, her eyes straining in the semi-darkness. The figure of a man – small and sinewy – was outlined against the dimly lit stairwell behind. His gaze probed the corridor and Luisa knew she had only seconds before his eyes adjusted and he saw her.
Slowly, moving like a cat stalking its prey, the killer moved down the corridor. Her room had a dim rim of light around the door and that, for the moment, had captured his attention. Luisa knew she must act but, such was her terror, she remained frozen where she was; not knowing what she should do to save herself.
He was only a few meters away from her now, but he had still not seen her. She saw him pause outside her door and remove something from the waistband of his jeans – a gun. He deftly fitted a silencer over the muzzle and lifted the safety. Then, throwing open the door, he pounced.
The actions of the next few seconds happened so quickly that Luisa had no time to think, or even register what she was doing. Instinct took over. She launched herself at Valerio Catanese's door but ended up colliding with the police inspector as he burst from the room. The force of their collision sent them both sprawling across the floor.
It was that which saved them both, for – realizing his quarry was not in her room and hearing the commotion in the hall outside – the killer rushed back into the corridor and fired three shots at chest height towards Catanese and Luisa.
Lying on her stomach, winded, Luisa felt the bullets whistle past her and ricochet off the walls. Glass splintered as one of the bullets hit a window. Blinded by the fact he had just exited a lit room, the killer was at a momentary disadvantage, and Catanese seized his chance.
Luisa heard a grunt and the impact of two bodies colliding before a strangled cry filled the hallway. Terrified, Luisa climbed to her feet and backed away from the sound of the scuffle. She was still trapped, with the bathroom door behind her. If the killer bested the Commissario she was finished.
The sounds of a struggle continued, before something metal rattled across the floor towards Luisa, coming to rest against her foot. She reached down and realized it was the gun. Not knowing what else to do, she picked it up, wondering if she would even have the courage to use it.
Meanwhile, a gurgling sound from one of the men, warned Luisa that the fight was nearly over.
Luisa felt panic overwhelm her. Was that terrible sound was coming from Catanese? She wanted to help him but she had no idea where that light switch was and dared not approach the men. A moment later, there was a cracking sound; like a twig snapping, and the sounds of struggle ceased. Shaking, Luisa waited, the gun limp in her fingers.
A plastic click preceded fluorescent light flooding the hallway. Commissario Valerio Catanese stood, barefoot and clad only in jeans, panting with effort. He had a red welt on one side of his face but relief flooded through Luisa at seeing he was alive. On the floor, motionless, and lying face down on the tiles, was Mario Ponte.
“He's dead?” Luisa whispered.
Catanese nodded, “he fought to kill – I couldn’t save my own life without taking his.”
The police inspector rubbed the side of his face and the red welts that were now appearing around his neck. “He nearly got the better of me,” he admitted, “there were a few moments when I thought he'd choke me. He had a grip of steel.”
Luisa sank to her knees and the gun clattered to the floor.
Valerio Catanese stepped across the body of his assailant and knelt down next to Luisa.
“Are you okay?” he asked, concerned. “Did he hurt you?”
Luisa shook her head, feeling tears well up as the shock of what had just happened hit her.
“If you hadn't been here he would have killed me.” Luisa brushed at the tears as they rolled down her face. “I've never been so scared in my life.”
“Well if it's any consolation,” Catanese reached out and stroked her wet cheek, “I wasn't exactly overjoyed to find him here either. What concerns me is how he got into the building. I'm so sorry Luisa, I promised you would be safe here.”
Catanese helped Luisa to her feet and together, they went downstairs. They found the body of Alberto – the officer who had been on the night shift at reception - face down in a pool of blood just inside the main doors. His throat had been cut. Two empty pizza boxes sat on the tiles next to him. Catanese's face was grim as he called for assistance. He led Luisa away from the grisly scene and put a blanket around her shoulders. It was not a cold night but Luisa had started to shake from shock.
She sat and watched Commissario Catanese take charge of the situation – and although he did not say as much – she could tell he was furious.
Of course, she understood why. Mario Ponti should never have gained entry into the police station. Alberto had committed a grave error; one that had cost him his life. Not only that, but Luisa knew that Mario Ponti had been valuable to the police. He had been a possible source of information. Not only Sergio Esposito, but also other men wanted Mario Ponti dead. Men like him were highly valuable to the police. Catanese's frustration was palpable.
Within minutes, the station was crawling with police officers. One of them kindly brought Luisa her bag and shoes but Catanese was too busy to speak to her. As the hours wore on, Luisa fell asleep on her chair, wrapped up tightly in her blanket. She leant her head against the wall; it was not the most comfortable bed but Luisa was so tired she was past the point of caring.
As a new day dawned over Naples, one of the young officers gently shook Luisa awake and handed her a cappuccino. Thanking him, Luisa stood up and removed her blanket, wrapping her fingers around her coffee for solace. She felt hollow and sad this morning – the night's events still resonated within her as if they had happened only moments ago. Worst of all, Valerio Catanese seemed to have disappeared, leaving her alone right when she needed his company. Strangely, he was the only one who could make sense of all of this for her. His absence made her feel even emptier.
***
No one appeared to notice when Luisa left the police station.
It was a balmy morning outside, promising the coming day would be a scorcher. Luisa took the metro and then the cable car up the hill to the Vomero. When she arrived home, her uncle and aunt fussed over her. They nearly worked themselves into hysterics when they discovered what had happened.
Eventually, Luisa escaped their well-meaning questions and fussing, finding refuge in their huge tiled bathroom. She filled the bathtub with steaming water and soaked until her skin turned prune-like and her aunt tapped on the door to make sure she was all right. She emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a thick toweling robe, but still feeling as if her whole world had just slid off its axis.
Was this what violence and murder did to you?
Maddeningly, Valerio Catanese kept intruding upon her thoughts, until she felt like shouting at him to go away. She felt upset he had not sought her out to say goodbye – instead leaving her at reception like an afterthought once she was no longer in physical danger.
Out on the balcony of her uncle and aunt's apartment, Luisa looked down across the tumbling white, gray and red roof-tops of Naples and the brooding indigo outline of Mt. Vesuvius, and wondered if she would ever feel safe in Naples again.
The heat eventually waned and, tiring of her aunt's worried looks and fussing, Luisa offered to pick up some provisions from the local supermarket. Dressing in a light cotton skirt and t-shirt, and slipping on some ballet pumps, Luisa made her way downstairs. She pushed open the main door to the building and stopped in surprise.
Valerio Catanese was waiting for her.
He had parked his blue Alfa Romeo, Italian-style, across two parking spaces and was leaning against his car, arms across his chest, deep in thought. Luisa wondered if he was summoning the courage to buzz the intercom but then discarded the thought.
Inspector
Catanese wasn’t the sort of man who had to dredge up the courage to do anything.
However, upon seeing her he started slightly and took off his sunglasses.
“Luisa,” he began, “Signorina Durasanti, I just wanted to make sure you were fine.”
“It's okay – you can call me Luisa,” Luisa replied with a wry smile, “and yes, as you see I'm fine.”
“I apologize for not checking on you. I meant to arrange for someone to drive you home but after the mess at the station, I had a lot of questions to answer,” Catanese explained.
“I imagine you did,” Luisa replied, “it doesn't matter.”
Valerio Catanese gave her a searching look before raking a hand through his dark hair.
“Well... actually it does matter. I shouldn't have left you there. Shock made me act out of character – it tends to make me a bit manic. It doesn't matter how much violence you witness in a job like mine, having to fight for your life and then kill a man, still upsets you.”
“Of course it does,” Luisa approached him and offered a timid smile, “I know what you did must have been awful. However, you were protecting your own life and you saved mine – for that I’m grateful.”
Their gazes met and held for a few moments, and a silent understanding passed between them. Slowly, Luisa saw the tension ebb out of Valerio Catanese's shoulders. She suddenly realized that she made him as nervous as he did her. Instinct took hold of Luisa then and, stepping forward, she planted a soft kiss on his cheek.
“Grazie Valerio,” she murmured.
But when she attempted to pull back, he gently took hold of her arms and drew her towards him once more. Their lips met for a long lingering kiss – and the kiss deepened as Catanese let go of her arms and slid his fingers into her hair. The last remnants of any restraint Luisa might have had dissolved then, and she linked her arms around his neck, drinking him in.
When they broke apart, they were both out of breath.
“Wow,” Luisa put her hand up to her bee-stung lips, “that was quite a kiss!”
Catanese laughed. It was a wonderful sound, and Luisa realized it was the first time she had seen him do it. It was very different from the serious police inspector she had first met.
“Yes it was,” he agreed, “and I'd like to give you plenty more, if you'll let me.”
Now it was Luisa's turn to laugh.
“What was it I was saying about Italian men?”
“I meant what I said about us not all being the same,” Catanese's smile faded, “please let me show you a gentler side to Naples.”
“It was a harsh, judgmental thing for me to say,” Luisa admitted, “I was tired and scared – but that's no excuse. I would love for you to show me your Naples.”
Valerio Catanese's smile returned. He stepped back and opened his car door with a flourish.
“Well then, step inside my lady – your carriage awaits.”
Luisa, her shopping forgotten, slid into the Alfa Romeo's passenger seat and tried to wipe the grin off her face. Her Neapolitan adventure had just taken another twist – and this time it was one that she would enjoy.
The End
About the Author
Jayne Castel writes both contemporary romance set in Italy and historical romance set in Anglo-Saxon Britannia. She was born in Lincolnshire, England, grew up in New Zealand, and spent many years living in Italy (Rome and Umbria).
If you enjoyed this, or any other of Jayne’s work, please consider posting an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads – it would be most appreciated!
Jayne loves to hear from her readers so please email her at: [email protected]
Visit Jayne’s website at: http://www.jaynecastel.com
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Jayne Castel’s contemporary romance
Italian Passion
Two romance novellas set in Florence and Venice that will sweep you away.
Available on Amazon Kindle for US$1.99.
http://www.amazon.com/Jayne-Castel/e/B009Y9C7SG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Jayne Castel’s historical romance
Dark Under the Cover of Night
A king's daughter, the son of his sworn enemy - and a reckoning...
Available on Amazon Kindle for US$2.99.
http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Under-Cover-Night-ebook/dp/B0093W11AY/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378470762&sr=1-1
Nightfall till Daybreak
A slave, a soldier and a king at war with his conscience...
Available on Amazon Kindle for US$3.99.
http://www.amazon.com/Nightfall-Daybreak-Kingdom-Angles-ebook/dp/B00D7YKRPO/ref=la_B009Y9C7SG_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1370557504&sr=1-3