by Karen Moore
Chapter Three
UK, Sunday 22nd – Monday 23rd October, 2017
It was gone ten when they finally touched down at Bristol Airport. Eva had dozed on and off throughout the flight once they’d left the storm behind. Hanna felt exhausted, the stress of the last few days taking their toll. Thoughts raced through her head, about the past and what lay ahead. The flight passed uneventfully, and in no time at all the plane started its descent before landing on the tarmac with a thud.
Eva was still asleep. Hanna shook her gently, noticing how like her father she was, with her dark curls and olive skin. “Come on, sleepy-head, svegliati! Wakey, wakey!”
Grumpy and dishevelled, Eva slowly came to life, rubbing her eyes sleepily. She seemed annoyed at having been disturbed so suddenly from her slumbers. Hanna began to sing softly, a favourite lullaby, as she unfastened the seatbelt around the toddler, running a hand through her mop of curls. It had the desired effect and Eva started to smile at the old familiar song. Hanna collected up their hand luggage and grasped her daughter by the hand as they joined the throng of passengers making their way off the plane.
The terminal building was deserted except for a few airline and passport staff waiting with bored expressions to process them. Theirs was the last arrival of the day. At the luggage carousel, Hanna glanced around anxiously to see if anyone was taking more than a passing interest in them. For a few seconds, she thought she saw a familiar face, an old associate of Luciano’s, and she immediately went cold. But she must have been mistaken, for when she looked again, the image was nowhere to be seen.
But when Hanna turned round, neither was Eva. There was no sign of her anywhere. Panic coursed through Hanna’s veins, making her feel nauseous and lightheaded. She forced herself to think rationally: it had only been a minute, Eva couldn’t have got far. How could she have been so lax? She dashed round to the other side of the carousel, in panic. Nothing. Then suddenly, through the crowd of people moving towards the exit, Hanna spied Eva clutching Orsina, her teddy bear. Her anxiety turning to relief, she ran over and threw her arms around the little girl.
“Eva, where’ve you been? I was so worried! What happened? Don’t ever leave me like that again!” Hanna chastised her.
Eva’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Sorry, Mammina, but Orsina got lost. I had to save her.”
Orsina was Eva’s favourite toy and the two were inseparable. Eva refused to go anywhere without her. She must have dropped the teddy and wandered back to look for her.
“Well, never mind, you’ve found her now. Everything’s fine,” Hanna said, hugging her daughter tightly. “But please don’t ever wander off again. Just let me know if there’s a problem and Mummy will sort it out.” She lightly kissed the top of Eva’s head and wiped away the few tears trickling down the toddler’s cheeks. “Come on, we’re both tired. We need some sleep ‘cos we’ve got another long journey tomorrow.”
Grabbing Eva firmly by the hand, Hanna collected their battered suitcase from the carousel, loaded it onto a trolley, and together they headed for the exit. An icy blast greeted them as they stepped outside, Hanna battling with the reluctant luggage trolley and the equally reluctant toddler.
The hotel shuttle bus was waiting for them, its engine running, the driver keen to end his shift and return home. They were the only passengers and the bus left as soon as they had boarded. Within twenty minutes or so, they reached the hotel and checked in. The room was large, clean, impersonal, and cold. Hanna shivered and turned up the thermostat.
She gave Eva a carton of apple juice from the mini bar which the youngster slurped noisily through a straw before allowing herself to be undressed and tucked up in bed. The toddler drifted off to sleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow, clutching Orsina tightly to her chest.
Feeling drained, Hanna quickly undressed and slipped gratefully between the cool sheets. She too fell asleep almost immediately, only to wake up an hour later, her head buzzing with the events of the last few days and the plans that she and Ceri had hatched together. The rest of the night followed a similar pattern, with Hanna sleeping in fits and starts which did little to relieve her tiredness.
The next day dawned bright and cold. Hanna woke early with a muzzy head, full of the million and one things that lay ahead. One step at a time, she thought. Eva was still sleeping peacefully, curled into a tight little ball. After a long, hot shower, Hanna was changing into a fresh pair of jeans and a shaggy multi-coloured sweater when she heard Eva’s voice. Turning round, she found the little girl sitting up in bed, a puzzled expression on her face.
“Where are we?” she asked, looking round the unfamiliar surroundings.
“We’re back home,” explained Hanna, “or rather, we soon will be.”
“But this isn’t home. I want to see Babbo. Where is he?” Eva’s voice wobbled, rising in pitch, the tell-tale signs of an imminent tantrum.
Hanna gave her a reassuring cuddle. “We’re on a special adventure, just us two girls. It’ll be exciting, you’ll see! We’re going to have lots of fun while Daddy’s working.”
Eva’s eyes widened as she let out a conspiratorial giggle. “Goody, goody!” she said, throwing her arms wide for Hanna to undress her. Then she frowned. “Orsina, she’s gone again!”
“No, she hasn’t, sweetheart. Here she is, still tucked up in bed,” said Hanna, pointing to the little bear peeping out from under the duvet. “Bring her along and she can watch you having your bath. Then we can get some breakfast and go and see our new house and meet our new friends.”
Eva seemed satisfied with this response and let Hanna bathe and dress her without any fuss. Leaving the room, she skipped along the corridor to the breakfast room at Hanna’s side, Orsina grasped tightly in one hand.
Breakfast took a little longer than expected as Eva was captivated by the crackling noise that her cereal made and kept insisting on adding more milk to prolong the experience. She wasn’t happy until it ended up as an inedible sloppy mess which she then pushed to one side.
It was nearly ten by the time Hanna picked up their luggage and went to the reception desk to check out, and collected the keys for the hire car that had been arranged in advance. She had no trouble in finding the little black Vauxhall Corsa at the far side of the car park. Eva jumped up and down with excitement at the prospect of another car journey. Hanna felt relieved; she’d been so sure that Eva had been on the verge of a tantrum. Instead, she seemed to be enjoying it. She loved going to new places. Maybe it was turning into an adventure, after all, just like Mummy had promised. Even if Daddy was missing.
Once Hanna had finished loading their luggage into the small but perfectly functional car, she rummaged through her handbag for Ceri’s old UK pay-as-you-go mobile phone. She sent her friend a quick text to let her know everything had gone to plan and that they’d arrived safely. Then she punched in a speed dial number and waited for a response.
“We’re just leaving. Should be with you early evening, depending how it goes and how often we stop. Where’s best to meet?”
She paused as she listened to the response. Seemingly content with what she heard, Hanna ended the conversation and started the car.
Chapter Four
Sicily, Thursday 12th September, 2013
Hanna was sitting on the balcony of her hotel room, enjoying the views of the sea shimmering out in the bay, when her mobile phone rang.
“Pronto,” she answered.
“Ciao amore, it’s Luciano. How’s it going? Are you still okay for lunch?”
“Just got to finish off these accounts, then I’m all yours,” said Hanna.
“Va bene. Pick you up about one then?”
“Perfect.”
“Wear something impressive – we’re going to that new restaurant I’ve been promising to take you to.”
“Can’t wait,” she said, her voice suddenly shrill with excitement and anticipation. “See you in a bit.”
She looked at her watch. Just over an hour bef
ore Luciano would pick her up at the hotel. Just enough time to finish off the paperwork and shower. It was getting towards the end of the season but the temperatures showed no sign of letting up. Even sitting on the balcony had left her feeling hot and sweaty.
Her thoughts turned to what she would wear. She didn’t want to let Luciano down. Hanna had always taken care with her appearance. Being in Italy was a joy – she felt like a child in a sweet shop. So many beautiful clothes, as long as you observed the strict colour code that changed from season to season, and the fabulous array of handbags and shoes and the stunning jewellery. Shopping, even window shopping, was sheer bliss.
She sometimes wondered whether Luciano simply wanted a trophy companion, someone attractive and well presented to be seen out and about with. Appearances mattered in Italy. It was so important to put on a good show and make the right impression; they even had a special phrase for it, fare la bella figura. But she quickly dismissed this thought – she knew there was far more to their relationship than that.
After a quick shower, she dried her long, curly chestnut locks with the hairdryer on cool and added a touch of mascara and lipstick, which was all the make-up that this heat would allow. She put on the new lemon linen dress that Luciano had bought on his last business trip to Rome, and a pair of elegant bronze wedge sandals that complimented her tanned legs. A spray of her favourite eau de toilette and she was ready. A final inspection in the full-length mirror. Not at all bad – she hoped Luciano would be pleased.
Another ring from her mobile. “I’m here. You ready?”
“Just coming down. I’ll be with you in two ticks.”
As Hanna hurried down the steps to the bright red Alfa Romeo sports car waiting outside the hotel, Luciano appraised her coolly from behind the wheel.
“You look stunning,” he said with an appreciative glance, before taking her in his arms in a long, lingering embrace.
“Don’t I always?” she laughed in response. “You don’t look too bad yourself!”
Luciano was always immaculate, never a hair out of place. Today, he was dressed in pale blue linen trousers and a fitted white shirt that was partially unbuttoned, revealing a mat of dark chest hair. As ever, he smelt heavenly. Her heart lurched as she succumbed to her usual reaction to him, a relentless throb in her loins that was difficult to ignore.
“I hope you’re hungry?”
“Ravenous!” Hanna confirmed. Food was another facet of life in Italy that she loved. The delicious range of cuisine was always made using the freshest ingredients that differed from region to region. Luciano had a voracious appetite, and hers wasn’t far behind. When she wasn’t with him, she tried to watch what she ate to keep her weight in check.
Luciano drove with one hand casually guiding the steering wheel, the other caressing her thigh through the thin material of her dress. His touch sparked an electric charge that surged through her body, and as the throb intensified Hanna did her best to ignore it. He expertly negotiated the narrow winding roads, swinging the car round the bends as they climbed up towards the little village in the hills. Hanna was used to the landscape now and could handle the twists and turns that at first had made her feel nervous and nauseous.
In no time at all, Luciano pulled up outside the restaurant which was buzzing and packed to the brim with hungry diners. The owner of the restaurant – a middle-aged man, a little rotund but still handsome – made a dramatic exit from the dark interior of the restaurant, greeting Luciano like a long-lost friend, embracing him and kissing him on both cheeks before turning his attentions to Hanna.
“At last, Signor Cortazzo. I’m so glad you’ve finally been able to make it to my humble little restaurant in the hills. Welcome, welcome to you and your lovely lady friend!” he boomed theatrically. “One moment, please, and I’ll find you a table.”
Moving deftly between the crowded tables, he stopped at one positioned in the corner of the terrace. It was already occupied by an older couple who were waiting to be served. In an instant, the table was vacated and he beckoned Luciano and Hanna over: “Come this way, signori! Your table awaits!”
The table boasted a commanding view over the arid countryside in the valley below and out to the sea beyond. The setting was picture-postcard perfect.
“Prego, make yourselves at home,” the restaurant owner, whose name was Sandro, continued. “I’ll get you some drinks. What would you like to eat?”
“What do you recommend?” asked Luciano.
“Personally, I’d go for the pasta con le sarde – it’s a house speciality – followed by grilled swordfish and a little green salad.”
Luciano looked over at Hanna who smiled happily in agreement.
“Perfetto!” Luciano declared.
Sandro scurried off, only to return a few minutes later with a bottle of robust local white wine, suitably chilled, and a large bottle of sparkling mineral water. He filled their glasses before disappearing once again into the kitchen.
Hanna settled back in her comfortable padded chair and quickly drained the icy mineral water in her glass as she admired the panoramic view and the dramatic landscape laid out before her. Sometimes she couldn’t believe that this was her life – it seemed more like a dream, a fairy tale that had come true. How long would it last? she wondered. Luciano smiled back at her, his eyes as dark as hardened lava fixed on her from across the table. He stretched out and took her hand in his and started to stroke it gently. Hanna trembled at his touch.
Their reverie was broken by the shrill ring tone of Luciano’s mobile. Glancing at the screen, he frowned and stood up, saying, “Sorry, I need to take this – it’s business that won’t wait.”
Without waiting for a response, he quickly made his way through the tables and left the restaurant to take the call in privacy. He returned to the table a few minutes later just as Sandro reappeared, bearing two bowls of the typical Sicilian pasta dish. The chef had excelled himself – it was truly delicious: fresh sardines, wild fennel, and raisins – a strange combination that somehow worked so well. They attacked the pasta with relish, chatting between mouthfuls.
Halfway through, Luciano asked casually, “Any idea what you’ll do at the end of the season?”
“Not really,” she replied. The truth was that the mere idea of being apart from Luciano for any period of time was like a physical pain, a knife in the stomach, and she couldn’t bear to think of their relationship ending. “Why do you ask?”
“Would you want to go back to the UK?”
“Not really, but I need to work.”
“Well, I may have a solution. Rosalia, a friend of my sister Paola, runs a language school for adults in Palermo and she’d kill for a native speaker to teach English. What do you think? That way you could work and stay here with me.”
“That might be just the thing,” answered Hanna, a shiver running through her body, feeling relieved that he wanted her to stay. Luciano seemed to have a knack for fixing things, whatever the problem was. “Maybe I can meet Rosalia and talk it through?”
“No problem, I’ll arrange it for the next time you’re here.”
With that, the conversation turned to other issues as they continued to devour their food. Luciano was a lively conversationalist and had a keen interest in politics and current affairs as well as being a patron of local arts and crafts. He had developed a keen interest in ceramics when he was younger, before he was diverted into the family wine business. Lulled by the wine, Hanna relaxed and listened to his every word. He really was the perfect companion in every way.
Chapter Five
UK, Monday 23rd October, 2017
Just as Hanna predicted, the journey took all day. She’d chosen to go cross country, staying away from the motorways. It was shorter in mileage but longer timewise. Eva seemed content to look out the window for much of the way as the little Corsa ate up the miles. When she got bored, they sang silly songs and played I-Spy.
They stopped off in Hereford for lunch, taking advantage o
f the fine autumnal day to go down to the River Wye for a makeshift picnic despite the chilly wind. To Eva’s delight, the riverbank was full of dozing ducks that didn’t take too kindly to her efforts to force feed them their leftovers from lunch. Eva jumped up and down in excitement, making quacking noises as she chased after them until they escaped one by one, taking refuge in the gurgling river.
An elderly couple out for a stroll laughed at her antics and stopped, the wife bending down to say something to her. Eva looked at her blankly and with some alarm, not understanding the stranger’s words, before running away to resume her pursuit of the ducks.
She eventually let herself be herded back to the car for the next leg of the journey. The soothing music from the car radio quickly lulled her to sleep, her arms clasped tightly around Orsina, leaving Hanna alone with her thoughts. There was little traffic and she had studied the route in advance, so it was easy enough to follow the road signs with just an occasional glance at the sat-nav for back-up.
So many practical issues to be resolved despite all the earlier planning and Ceri’s help, Hanna thought. And did she really think that this was the answer to their predicament? Not that she was having second thoughts – she really didn’t have any choice in the circumstances. The memories started to come flooding back and she shuddered, fighting to keep them at bay, trying to focus on the present rather than the past. She had enough to deal with for now.
Glancing in the rear-view mirror, Hanna noticed with a growing feel of unease the silver Mercedes, one of the slick smaller sporty models, was still there. The car had been on the same road for the last half hour or so, keeping a steady pace some way behind, the driver a dark, sexless silhouette. Eventually, it turned off, much to her relief, but she kept a watchful eye out for the rest of the journey.
After making another couple of short stops, they reached North Wales a little after six. Hanna had arranged to meet Rhys, Ceri’s brother, outside Conwy Castle, phoning ahead to let him know what time they’d arrive. She felt pretty sure that she’d easily be able to find such a significant landmark even without the sat-nav, but was a little overawed when it finally came into view. Pretty impressive, she thought, tired though she was. The car park behind the castle was almost empty at this hour and it was easy enough to spot Rhys’s battered old Land Rover parked at the far end. She drew up alongside him, got out, and went over to greet him.
