“You mean the one that shattered his leg?” Lana asked. “He’d always said it was an accident, so I thought he meant there was no one to blame.”
“No one could prove she’d done it, but Rachel should have been on the ladder when it collapsed—not Randy,” Heather said. “Sorry, Katherine, I know she’s your sister. But she got away with attempted murder.”
“It’s okay. We aren’t close. Although I still don’t think she was involved.”
“Randy was on too many painkillers when he made those accusations,” Craig cut in. “Why would Rachel tamper with her own ladder?”
“Because she was already planning on faking her illness so that Randy would have to take her place,” Heather insisted. “She must have bent that ladder’s latch before she left. It was sabotage, Craig—no question about it.”
“I don’t know,” he replied. “Rachel trying to harm him physically makes no sense. She wanted to date him again, not put him in the hospital. I think Randy was angry and looking for someone to blame. He’d just lost his livelihood and was really hurting inside.”
“How can you say that?” Heather cried. “Especially considering all she did to make Randy’s life a nightmare. They’d just had a big fight, and Randy threatened to go to the police if she didn’t leave him be. She must have seen her chance to get back at him and took it. Rachel is so twisted; she probably wanted him to be hospitalized so that she could play nurse. The hospital’s security did have to remove her from his room several times.”
Craig sighed heavily and started to retort when Katherine held up her hand, effectively halting the discussion.
“It doesn’t matter what any of us think—no one could prove that the ladder had been tampered with, and the rest of Rachel’s gear was in tip-top shape. The authorities did have questions about the way Heather cleaned some of the equipment, but the insurance company proved that her work was perfect,” Katherine said, eyeing her coworker through slitted lids.
“You better believe it was all in perfect working order. I know a faulty piece of equipment could cost a guide or client their life,” Heather said. “I always give the gear a thorough cleaning after a guide brings it back to the shed. If I had seen that the latch was loose or damaged, I would have replaced it. That ladder was safe to use when Rachel took it out—I’d stake my life on it.”
“Shed?” Lana asked.
“We used to keep the gear in a spare room in the main office building, but we’ve grown so much that I needed more space to store and clean it all. So we built a separate building next to the main office that we jokingly call the shed. It’s not that big, but is large enough for my purposes.”
Lana nodded in understanding. “So it wasn’t Rachel’s personal gear, but a piece of equipment anyone in the company could have used. I can understand why the insurance company didn’t hold her accountable. But why did Randy take her place at the last minute?”
“She’d drawn the short straw and had to lug a ladder up to Disappointment Cleaver. Our guides usually place them over the larger crevasses as a convenience to other mountaineers, and to make sure the routes don’t get backed up with traffic,” Heather explained. “It’s a tough climb and was Rachel’s least favorite.”
“How do you know that?” Craig challenged.
“Because she complained about it whenever she had to lead a group up that route,” Heather snapped back.
“She and a new guide had just set off with the ladder when she suddenly raced back to the office and started throwing up,” Katherine added. “I heard her tell our boss that she’d eaten something the night before that didn’t agree with her and she wanted to go home to rest. I bet she didn’t want to do the work and lied to get out of it.”
Heather rolled her eyes. “She lied about being sick, alright. But because she knew that Randy would have to take her place. That’s why she sabotaged the ladder, so that it would break when he was on it.”
“Is it even possible to cause a ladder to fail like that one did?” Lana asked both women.
Heather shrugged. “It’s easy enough to do. You would only have to bend the latch enough so that it would catch if no one was on it, but wouldn’t hold once someone put their entire weight on it. It would be almost impossible to detect after it failed, especially in Randy’s case. The ladder got crushed, along with his leg, during the fall.”
Katherine clicked her tongue in irritation. “Yeah, well, conspiracy theories aside, when Rachel returned to the office, Randy had just shown up for work and did end up taking her place. Unfortunately, the ladder’s clasp was faulty, and Randy ended up getting hurt. I still don’t think my sister sabotaged anything—it was simply bad luck.”
“It should have been Rachel on that ladder,” Heather mumbled.
“Anyway, now you know who Rachel is,” Bruce said, laughing nervously as he glanced at Heather and Katherine, still locked in a staring contest.
“Okay, so after Randy broke up with her, Rachel had trouble accepting that it was over,” Lana said, trying to make certain she understood the situation.
“Ha! That’s putting it mildly,” Heather exclaimed. “She stalked him for months. Randy had to get a restraining order to keep her away from him.”
Lana’s eyes grew wide. “Are you kidding me?” Randy was always so positive and upbeat—she’d had no idea of the torture he’d endured.
“Meeting Gloria is the best thing that’s ever happened to him,” Bruce said. “Which is why Randy is being so secretive about their wedding’s location. They are doing everything they can to make certain she can’t find out where it’s going to be held. Did you guys know that Rachel started showing up in front of his house a few weeks before he left for Naples? She didn’t get out of the car, but would beep and wave at him as she drove by.”
Randy’s friends shook their heads.
“That is creepy,” Lana said. “Now I really understand why he didn’t want her to know where the wedding is taking place.”
“Exactly. I’m his oldest friend, and I don’t even know,” Craig said.
Heather punched his shoulder. “Hey, that honor is mine. I’ve known Randy since first grade.”
Craig held up his hands in mock defense. “That’s right. Sorry, I’ve only known him since freshman year of college.”
“See—I’ve known him way longer,” Heather gloated.
Lana wanted to laugh except for the seriousness on Heather’s face. What does it matter who knew Randy the longest? she wondered.
Katherine leaned over towards Craig and Heather, a twinkle in her eye. “Okay, since you two have known Randy so long, tell us something about him that none of us know.”
Heather opened her mouth to respond, but Craig beat her to it. “I’ve got a good one to share. During our sophomore year, we were walking back to our dorm after a party, and Randy decided to climb up onto the roof of the president’s house! He made it up, but campus security arrived before he could get back down.”
“What! Randy never told me about that,” Heather said, slightly put out, while the rest laughed.
“Poor Randy, I can still see him hanging off that balcony with the security down below telling him to freeze,” Craig chuckled along with the rest. “He spent a few hours in their custody, until the guards roused his parents out of their slumber and informed them of their son’s youthful transgressions.”
“Dad never did let me forget that,” Randy piped up from behind them.
Heather jumped up and hugged him. “Hey, welcome back. That was fast.”
Randy stepped out of her embrace. “Gloria insisted I get back to you all so we can see more of Rome together before Jake arrives and we mortal men become gladiators.”
Randy stood wide and pounded on his chest, prompting Craig and Bruce to do the same.
Katherine shook her head. “I’m glad Gloria’s not here to witness this manly display.”
“Trust me, she would find it irresistible. What are you ladies going to do tonight?” Randy ask
ed.
Lana looked to the other two women. “I took the liberty of booking us into a spa that’s located in an ancient Roman bathhouse. I hope that’s okay.”
“Are you kidding me—that sounds wonderful!” Heather squealed.
Even Katherine grinned. “Great idea. Thanks, Lana.”
7 The Spanish Steps
Lana marveled at the sight before her. From her position at the top of the Spanish Steps, it seemed as if all of Rome was spread out before her. Church domes sparkled in the morning light as the sun’s rays cast the rest of the city in soft shades of salmon, peach, and tangerine.
When Randy led them down the first set of stairs to a small open terrace, Lana was taken aback by the massive nativity scene filling the space. They had seen many of these wonderfully detailed decorations during their walks around the city center, which helped remind her that it was Christmas, despite it being sunny and warm.
This one featured a street scene in what Lana assumed was Bethlehem, including carefully crafted replicas of buildings, market stalls, street vendors, palm trees, and a straw-filled shed topped by a golden comet. Inside, baby Jesus slept soundly in his manger while his parents and the three wise men looked on in adoration.
After they’d taken several photos of the extensive displays, Randy led them down to a half-sunken boat positioned at the bottom of the staircase and in the center of the Piazza di Spagna. Water poured out of both ends and flowed into a small basin.
“This is the Fontana della Barcaccia. Believe it or not, this fountain was Bernini’s first assignment. He carved it with his dad, also a sculptor,” Randy said.
Katherine frowned at the tiny boat. “Do you mean the famous sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini? The one who made so many of the baroque churches, palaces, and fountains we keep coming across on our walks?”
“Yep, one and the same.”
Katherine eyed the leaking boat critically. “I guess we all have to start somewhere.”
“That’s true.” Randy laughed.
“I like it,” Heather said. “It’s small yet charming.”
“Indeed,” Randy said, then gestured at a cream-colored building behind them. “And for you literary buffs, that is the Keats-Shelley Memorial House. The English poet John Keats died there.”
“Ooh, I didn’t know Babington’s Tea Room was here,” Craig said as he pointed to a small shop opposite the museum. “I promised my mom I would bring her back a bag of their tea. Does anyone else want to pick up something to take home?” he asked, then walked inside without waiting for an answer.
Heather and Bruce ambled over to the menu placed next to the door and scanned it. “Ouch, it’s all too rich for my blood,” Heather said.
Bruce nodded. “I’m with you, but it does look delicious.”
Craig soon returned with two bags and a cookie in his mouth.
“These shortbread cookies are delicious. Any takers?”
“Yes, please,” Katherine said.
Craig doled one out to all of his friends, then turned to Randy. “Where to next?”
“Our next stop is another fountain by Bernini and a chapel made of human bones.”
“That sounds fantastic! Lead the way,” Heather said as she locked arms with Randy. He smiled warmly down at his friend yet unwrapped his arm from her grip. Since Gloria had left for the train station, Heather had been clinging to Randy, and her extra attention was clearly making him uncomfortable. Maybe it was Craig and Gloria’s remarks that made him question Heather’s need for closeness. Or perhaps his impending nuptials were causing him to reevaluate his relationship with his female friends. Either way, Lana noted a distance that hadn’t been there a few hours ago.
Randy led them a few blocks further to a busy intersection where a massive figure made of marble stood watch. The god Triton sat on a scallop shell resting on four dolphins’ tails. He was holding a conch shell up to his mouth, from which a spurt of water shot up into the air. Rising behind it was the Hotel Bernini, presumably named in honor of the fountain’s creator.
They crossed over the insanely busy intersection to reach the triangle-shaped space the intricately carved fountain was built on. When they approached the basin, Heather began to move towards Randy, but Lana got there first.
“I can’t believe you’re getting married! Thanks for letting me be Alex’s plus one.”
Randy turned to Lana, his tone sincere. “I wouldn’t have wanted to get married without you being present.”
“That’s sweet,” Lana said and blushed.
“I mean it—I owe you big time. When I started this job, I was so unsure about myself and what I was doing. You made me feel like I was good at being a city guide, which really boosted my confidence. I’m quite grateful, Lana.”
“Oh, Randy. You’re a natural; I didn’t have to teach you anything.”
“Still, I want you to know that you’re not only a coworker or Alex’s girlfriend; I also consider you a friend.”
Honored and touched by his words, Lana wrapped him up in a hug.
“And if my brother gets his way, we’ll officially be family before you know it.”
“Hey!” Lana swatted his chest as she pulled away. “I don’t need you pressuring me, as well.”
Randy held up his hands. “Okay, but we both know that you’re perfect for each other.” He grinned wickedly, then called out, “Hey everybody, are you ready to see the bone chapel?”
8 Trevi Fountain
After a creepy yet fascinating visit to the Capuchin Crypt under the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini church, a narrow space decorated with the bones of Capuchin friars, the group made their way further into the city center and towards the Trevi Fountain. Randy and Lana soon gave up trying to navigate the maze of streets via map and instead followed the large signs pointing to the city’s most famous icons.
In many ways, the city center reminded Lana of most European cities, with a few major exceptions. She marveled at the open pits far below street level, in which the ruins of this ancient city were visible. Everywhere they walked, they passed marble statues and intricately carved mosaics that, in any other country, would be shut away in a museum and displayed behind glass. The chances of them being covered in graffiti, damaged, or stolen was too great.
Yet here, the locals used them as drying racks for their laundry, chairs for chatting with neighbors, and as a way to display their market goods. It was incredibly refreshing to see these beautiful designs and objects still so integrated into daily life.
What also astonished Lana was the number of fountains. You couldn’t walk a block without encountering one—from a simple spout built into a wall, to an ornate, water-filled basin containing sculptures created by world-famous artists.
As they followed the signs for the Trevi, the sound of running water grew steadily louder, until they turned a tight corner and were suddenly confronted by a massive fountain built into the side of a block-long building. Water gushed out of multiple pipes into a basin the size of a small swimming pool. Lana took in the sculptures of gods and horses galloping over a rocky outcrop from which water flowed. It was phenomenal.
Randy stopped to admire the sight before them, a wide grin on his face. “This is Trevi Fountain, one of my favorite sights in the city.” He had to raise his voice to be heard over the gushing water.
The narrow square in which they were standing was jam-packed with tourists jostling for the best positions to photograph this remarkable structure. A low fence skirted a short flight of stairs leading down to the largest basin, built several feet below street level. They moved towards the front of the fountain with difficulty, their progress impeded by the many tourists crowding close to the water’s edge.
“There is something magical about the fountains in Rome,” Randy said as they watched the spray of water dancing around and cascading off of the gleaming white sculptures. “The Trevi is the largest baroque fountain in the city.”
“It’s gigantic,” Heather exclaimed.
“I’ve never seen one built into the side of a building before.”
Lana could safely say it was one of the most unique fountains she had ever seen. A rocky outcrop carved of Travertine stone was built onto the side of a wide building located in the heart of Rome. The fountain, several stories tall and many feet wide, dwarfed the visitors congregating around its base. From her guidebooks, Lana knew the sculptures told the story of how a young Roman girl showed thirsty soldiers where a hidden spring was, the same source that ultimately became the main water supply for Rome. At the back of the fountain were Corinthian pillars and niches containing statues of the gods Abundance and Health.
In front of them, giant rocks tumbled forward, and water spilled out into tiered basins running down the center. Despite the water constantly flowing over them, the edges of the stones were jagged and sharp. The god Oceanus was visible above the boulders, standing atop a chariot pulled by seahorses that were riding through the powerful spray. The horses’ frothy mouths and hooves, frozen in midair, reinforced their exertion and exhaustion.
The sculptures, iconography, and mesmerizing spray were magical. Lana could stay here for hours watching the ever-changing spectacle before her. Unfortunately, most tourists seemed to feel the same way and were elbowing each other for the best positions to take selfies, snap photos, or simply rest while they enjoyed the view. Several security officers walking through the dense crowd kept visitors on their feet and away from the water.
“Wait a second—this is the fountain you can wish to come back to Rome!” Heather exclaimed before shoving her way to the edge of the marble basin. She dug in her purse until she found a coin, then held it up in triumph. “Does anyone know which shoulder you’re supposed to throw this over?”
“I thought it was the right one,” Bruce said.
“Are you sure? I thought the left one,” Katherine said.
Craig made a show of pulling out his phone and typing in their question. “According to the city’s website, if you toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder and it lands in the water, then you’re guaranteed to return to Rome.”
Death by Fountain Page 4
