A police officer saw the crowd and tried to stop the impromptu event, but by now thirty couples danced in the street. The officer’s girlfriend approached and he threw up his hands and asked her to dance. When Sydney and Paolo stopped, people surrounded them in a circle. They clapped as he kissed her. Paolo whispered in her ear, “How I love you, Sydney Hill. You have no idea how much I love you.”
“I love you, too, Paolo, my heart is yours. Let’s walk to the beach and watch the sunset.”
“Sounds like a great idea.”
The sun had set, and a full moon rose in the sky as Paolo and Sydney sauntered hand in hand. The scent of the sea wafted on the twilight air. As Paolo stopped to look into her green eyes, a tear welled.
Sydney reached up and wiped his tear. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just realized, Sydney, the idea of not having you in my life tugs at my heart.”
“I’m in your life. What makes you think I’m going somewhere?”
Paolo said nothing. The notion of the secrets he withheld and the problem that would arise nagged at his consciousness. He leaned over and kissed her; their hearts beat a moment in time. The rays of the full moon highlighted the two as if under a stage spotlight. The beam’s reflections danced on the ocean water. Their embrace was broken by a jogger and his barking dog.
The couple held their shoes in one hand as they walked ankle deep in the ocean. The tranquil summer night’s breeze blew at their backs. The hills of Santa Barbara behind them, the light of the moon followed them. Sydney and Paolo walked to their car and drove back to Los Angeles.
They arrived at the hotel late that night. While Paolo packed his clothes in the bedroom, Sydney saw a crumpled piece of paper on the desk that looked like the poem Paolo wrote her. She opened the paper and read it, then fell back on the couch, put her head in her hands, and shook her head.
“Sydney, come look at this.”
She gathered herself and walked into the bedroom. “Syd, are you okay? You look like you saw a ghost.”
“No, I’m fine. What’s up?”
“Look,” Paolo pointed to the TV.
“A bizarre story out of Santa Barbara today: traffic came to a halt on State Street this afternoon, as people were dancing in the street.”
The co-anchor responded, “Dancing in the street?” The pre-scripted banter between the two continued.
“Yes, apparently an unidentified couple decided to dance in the middle of the street and stopped all traffic. The man told passersby’s how much he loved the woman he was dancing with. You will never guess what happened next.”
“Tell me, I can’t wait,” the blonde announcer said.
“Instead of beeping their horns and yelling, people joined in. People exited their cars and came out of the stores and started to dance. Everyone was saying the same thing, how they love this man or that woman. Witnesses stated even the local police officer was dancing with his girlfriend.”
“Really? I don’t think that would have worked in New York City.”
“I don’t think so, either. Only in California.”
“Yes, Bob, only in California.”
CHAPTER 41
THE LAST WEEK of June was backdropped by cherry blossoms, bright blue skies, and warm breezy winds. Three weeks had passed since the trip to Los Angeles. Paolo sat at his desk and looked at the aerial pictures of the Brewster Estate.
He pressed the intercom. “Rebecca?”
“Yes, boss?”
“I hate it when you call me that.”
“Sorry.”
“Remember I’m going to be out of the office for the remainder of the week.”
“Yes, moving day. Before I forget, the movers called. They’ll be at Victoria’s at nine tomorrow morning.”
“We’re using Augliera Moving, correct?”
“Yes. I spoke with Rob earlier today.”
“Excellent. I don’t need any screw-ups. The last movers were a nightmare. Thank you, Rebecca.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Paolo, Dr. Payne is on the line.”
“Thank you, Rebecca.” Why is he calling on my office line? Paolo reached under his desk and pushed a button; his phone conversation would now be monitored by Rami’s people. Rami’s words came to mind, “Watch your Italian temper.” He waited a moment before he picked up the phone.
“Good morning, Colin. How are you today?”
“I’m doing quite well. And you and Sydney?”
“Excellent. Thanks for asking.” Paolo tried to remain calm. “You read my report on the Cuban exile.”
“Yes. I guess you should take some Spanish lessons.”
Paolo didn’t respond.
“When you viewed, you only saw two men?”
“That’s correct.”
“And Paolo, next time when I ask you not to share information with the FBI…”
Paolo cut him off. “Get over yourself, Colin. They probably had the room bugged, and besides, we’re all on the same team.”
Payne grunted, “Have you experienced anything more about the vision?”
“No, I’m still seeing the steel girders in a debris pile with falling ash. A large building fell. What kept coming to me was we failed once, but we won’t fail again.”
“Any idea what country?”
“Yes, the United States.”
“Any idea what city?”
“No.”
“Call me if anything else occurs.”
“Will do.” With a hesitation in his voice, Paolo said, “Colin, this is still confidential, correct? They don’t know about me?”
“No, they don’t.”
“Good. Talk with you soon.”
Paolo hung up the phone and sat back in his chair. He closed his eyes.
He saw two men sitting. Dr. Payne placed the receiver on the phone. “Nothing yet,” he said to the man in front of him. “I’ll send you the transcript.”
The president of the United States stood. “Thank you, Colin.”
“No problem, Mr. President.”
Paolo’s eyes opened. “Someday, Payne, someday you’ll pay. You son of a bitch.”
Family and friends described Paolo as a passive, kind, and compassionate man…almost to a fault, other than his occasional Italian temper, triggered by dishonesty and deep hurt. They often said he allowed people to walk all over him; others said he had no balls. The reality was that it was all a ruse. Paolo waited for his time. He now knew Payne was behind the assassination of Bill. Still, there was the unanswered question: Why did he want Paolo dead?
It would be a cold day in hell before anyone got close enough to kill him. Rami and his elite team had his back. Paolo kept Sydney in the dark about the strength of his gift. His concern was that if the media ever found out—well, he could kiss his life with Sydney goodbye. In the end, right would triumph over wrong and once the truth was revealed, there was no way to stop the ensuing domino effect.
Paolo’s release from the gift was his love for Sydney. As long as the emotional high of being in love was present, the gift remained clouded. Sydney put his mind in an oasis of peace and tranquility, muting the tragedies of the world. He gave her his heart in a way that he had never done before.
Paolo reached for the desk phone and lifted the receiver. “Rebecca, can you please come in here?”
“How was your conversation with Payne?”
“Okay. He’s a scumbag, don’t wanna talk about it. I need you to book Sydney and me on a flight to Colorado Springs for the end of October, around Halloween. Try to arrange reservations at the Broadmoor.”
“How long do you want to stay?”
“What do you think? A long weekend…say, leave Thursday, come back Monday. How does that sound?”
“Sounds nice. Can I go?”
“You’re the best, Rebecca. Have I ever told you how much I like working with you?”
She smiled, “Yes, you have, many times. How is Sydney?”
“Fine, she’s away on
business.” Sydney was on a business trip to San Francisco. She was the guest speaker at a convention about women in business. Paolo had no idea why, but Sydney had become distant in their conversations. He had seen her once during the three weeks they’d been home. Her sudden absence confused him.
Rebecca recapped the itinerary and left Paolo’s office.
Paolo reached for his phone and called Sydney.
“Hello.”
“Hi. How is San Francisco?”
“Great. Can I call you back?”
“Sure, call me later.” An uneasy feeling overcame Paolo; he pushed it aside.
That afternoon as Paolo packed some boxes in the au pair apartment, the vision of the steel girders covered in ash came to his mind. The vision was interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone. He shook his head and tried to erase the image.
“Hi, how is San Francisco?” Silence. “Sydney?”
“Yes, I’m here.”
“How is San Francisco?”
“I’m not there.”
“Where are you?”
“Home.”
“What are you doing home? Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, fine.”
“When did you get home?”
“Two days ago.” Paolo’s heart sank. “Two days ago? Why didn’t you call me?”
“I didn’t want to.”
“Really. Well, maybe I don’t want to talk to you right now.” Paolo regretted the words.
“Okay.”
An uncomfortable silence followed. Neither spoke. “Sydney, what’s going on?”
“I don’t know.”
“What do you mean, you don’t know?”
“I can’t talk about it. I don’t think we should be together.”
Shocked, Paolo’s voice rose an octave. “What?”
“I don’t know if I love you.”
“Wow,” Paolo had no words. His heart began to ache.
“I’m sorry, Paolo.”
“Yeah, thanks for the phone call.” Paolo took his BlackBerry and threw it across the room. “What the hell.”
The next morning, Paolo called the office. “Rebecca?”
“Yes, boss?”
“Stop calling me boss.” Paolo was clearly angry.
“I’m sorry.”
“Cancel the trip to Colorado Springs and order me a new BlackBerry.” Paolo didn’t allow Rebecca to respond. He slammed the phone down. He stood in the emptiness of the au pair apartment. Tears streamed down his cheeks. He picked up the house phone, called the local florist, and ordered a bouquet of flowers for Rebecca.
CHAPTER 42
TWO DAYS LATER, Paolo finally moved into his new home on the Brewster Estate. It was the second week of July. Almost a month since he had seen Sydney. The forty-eight-hundred square foot four-bedroom townhouse was surrounded by lush vegetation and tall evergreen trees. The location offered a quiet, peaceful, serene community; the majestic beauty of the complex had all the amenities of a five-star resort. Cobblestone walkways were lined with old-fashioned lampposts. One could envision the town crier waiting for twilight to light the oil lamps.
By the lake, a white pergola with a fireplace was used by the residents as a meeting place to discuss and analyze life, or to sit in front of a warm fire on cool nights. The body of water surrounded by park benches provided the small community a place to reflect upon nature’s beauty. Although not yet completed, the complex had already been voted the best place to live in the United States. Property values increased fourfold with six months still left to complete the rest of the estate.
Rio and Giacomo helped Paolo unpack. He set up his new Dell computer in his study.
“Dad?” The young army major stood in the doorway, looking for his father.
“Under here, I’m attaching cables to the computer.”
Giacomo walked into the study. The imposing, solidly built soldier said, “You need some help, old man?”
“Old man? I can probably still kick your ass.”
“Sure you can.”
“Do I detect sarcasm in your voice?”
“No sir, not from me.” Giacomo chuckled.
Paolo came out from under the desk and stretched his legs. His son sat on one of the two couches and smiled at his father. “Nice house, Dad.”
“Thanks, Giacomo.” He looked at his square-jawed son, his heart filled with joy, “I’m happy you’re here.”
“Me too, Dad.”
Paolo pointed to a white box. “See that white box over there?”
“Yes.”
“Can you bring it to me?”
“Sure.” Giacomo sprang to his feet and retrieved the box labeled Classified, Top Secret. “Classified, top secret…what are you up to, Dad?”
“Nothing special, I’m working on a government project.” He patted his son’s back.
Paolo opened the box and pulled out a series of electronic devices. Giacomo reached for one.
“Dad, what the hell do you need a phone scrambler for? Shit, is that a secure satellite phone?”
“Some tools I need.”
Giacomo picked up the third device. He analyzed the thin black box. “What’s this for?”
“I’m surprised you don’t know. That, my son, is a silencer.” Paolo held the device. “This box will emit a frequency that prevents people from eavesdropping on my conversations.” Paolo sensed the bewilderment in his son. He placed his hand on Giacomo’s shoulder. “Why don’t you go get your sister? It’s time the three of us talked.”
Giacomo looked at his father. “Okay, be right back.” He walked out of the study and yelled his sister’s name.
Paolo held two plain white envelopes in his hand as he walked around his desk. He sat opposite his children and began to tell about his paranormal gifts—how his father used him for prognosticating football scores, the testing when he was a child, the time he saved Bill, Steve, and Tony at the sandpits. He withheld certain aspects—his apocalyptic visions, Dr. Colin Payne’s involvement in Bill’s death, and the fact that he was the target. Paolo decided to discuss with Giacomo his participation with Rami and BOET later that evening, if the matter presented itself.
The brother and sister listened in disbelief. Paolo could see shock on their faces.
“Why are you telling us now?” Rio chimed in.
“The time is right.” Paolo handed them each an envelope, postmarked five years earlier. “Open them.”
Rio opened hers and read the handwritten paper aloud. Giacomo read his silently.
“Thursday, July twelfth, two thousand and one. Giacomo and Rio are in my study, at a house I am unfamiliar with. Rio is dressed in blue jeans and a tan cashmere sweater. She has brown clogs and her hair is shoulder length. Giacomo sits to her left, reading his letter silently, wearing blue jeans, a white-and-blue rugby shirt, and Dockers with no socks.
“A great tragedy will soon occur in the United States. Terrorists will attack the country. I can see the burned, blackened steel structure of a building. Yet, I don’t know where it is.”
Rio folded the paper and placed it back in the envelope. “Holy shit, Dad.”
Giacomo reached over and took Rio’s envelope. He gave both envelopes back to his father. “I understand now.”
“You understand what?”
Giacomo said nothing.
Rio spoke up. “Dad, can you give me the lotto numbers?”
“Come on, Rio,” her brother rolled his eyes.
Paolo sat back. “No, my daughter, I can’t help you with that.”
Rio sat on the edge of the couch and pulled the tan cashmere sweater over her belt. “Who knows about this? Does Mom know?”
Giacomo leaned forward, as well. “Yeah, Dad, who knows?”
“Okay, both of you relax. There are very few people who know—your grandmother, Rebecca, Jim, Danny and Jayne, and a doctor by the name of Colin Payne.”
Giacomo interrupted. “The NSC member? Head of intelligence?”
“Yep, that’s the o
ne. He tested me when I was a young boy. Mom doesn’t know. And of course, Pard knew.” He left out Rami and a Frenchman named Arnaud. “Not everyone knows the extent and the depth of the gift.”
Rio sat back. “Why do you call it a gift?”
“I don’t know what else to call it. For some reason, I have an extraordinary power to know things. To be honest, I don’t want to be a freak.”
“Maybe you’re a super-hero.”
“A super-hero, my ass,” Paolo said.
Rio walked over to her father and sat next to him. “You’re my hero, Dad.”
Paolo rolled his eyes. “Thank you, Rio. But I’m far from a hero. I sometimes feel like a loser—divorced, living alone, feeling guilty.” His voice trailed off.
“Guilty about what?” asked Giacomo.
“I don’t know…you, Rio, the divorce.”
“Dad, Rio and I are fine with the divorce.”
Paolo’s head hung down, “Yep.”
“Well, stop it. We totally understand, don’t we, Rio?”
“Absolutely, even Mom understands. You’ve got to stop beating yourself up.”
“Yeah, Dad, get over it. We are.”
“Alright, alright, let’s change the subject.” Paolo looked at his watch. “Why don’t we go get something to eat? It’s already five-thirty.”
“Sure Dad. How about Italian?”
Rio added, “Why don’t you call your lady friend, Sydney? Maybe she can come with us. I thought we would’ve seen her today?”
“Italian sounds great, Giacomo.”
Rio looked at her father. Paolo’s eyes filled with tears. Nothing had to be said. Rio went up to her father and hugged him. “I’m sorry, Dad.”
He tried to stave off the onslaught of tears. “Okay, you two, let’s go.” As he turned, he saw Giacomo mouth, “Lady friend?” Rio waved him off.
Paolo was surprised they didn’t ask him about the vision. At this point, he was not going to bring up the subject. “If you two want, you can sleep here tonight.”
“I can’t, Dad, early class tomorrow.”
“I’ll stay over, Dad.” The father and son looked into each other’s eyes. “I’m sure we have a lot to talk about.”
Messenger From God (The Last Eulogy Series Book 1) Page 19
