CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Over the next few days, they explored more of Florence, Bologna, and Verona. Everyone took a photo at the balcony of Romeo and Juliet, laughing as they quoted their best Shakespeare.
While the men began to relax more and more, the women were becoming more and more anxious. It seemed no matter where they went, the four boys, who had followed them all the way from Rome, were right there.
“I don’t get it,” whispered Ally, “it’s not like these kids can drive. Someone is dropping them off near us or giving them money for bus fare. What is happening?”
“I don’t know,” said Tory. “I asked Enzo to do a little investigating, but he said no one knows anything, nor have they seen these children. He said that if they are in Venice when we get there, something is terribly wrong. You don’t see a lot of children in Venice, and it’s difficult to get to.”
“I’m wondering if we should tell the guys,” whispered Rose. “I mean, what if something is seriously wrong with those boys.”
“We’ve given them every opportunity to tell us that there’s something wrong with them,” said Erin. “I don’t know what’s going on. Have they said anything at all to you, Enzo?”
“Nothing. They just stare at me as if I were not real.”
“What do you mean?” asked Lena.
“I mean, they just stare at me as if I shouldn’t be there. If you haven’t noticed, their clothing is strange as well. It’s like they’re wearing costumes or something.”
“No,” said Alexandra with a gasp. “No. Tell me this isn’t so.”
“What? What am I missing?” asked Montana.
“Where did we first see the boys?” asked Erin.
“Outside of the Colosseum,” said Alexandra. “We were coming out, and the boys were running around. We gave them food and some money, but even then, they looked confused.”
“They didn’t actually take the food from us. We had to set it down on the wall,” said Erin. “And they’ve followed us without any adults around, with no apparent mode of transportation, and yet they still find us every time.”
“Shit,” muttered Lena. “They’re ghosts.”
“I think they might be,” said Alexandra. “It would explain why they look so terrified. We haven’t seen them touch anything or take anything, but they’ve been able to keep up with us along the way.”
“Ghosts?” frowned Enzo. “Are you alright, senora?”
“It’s a very long story, Enzo, but we are able to see ghosts. These boys were somehow tied to the Colosseum. That’s where we first saw them.” Enzo just stared at the women at first, then nodded. “You have to believe us, Enzo.”
“I do. I’m frightened by it, but I believe you. I will see what I can find out about four boys dying near the Colosseum.”
“Remember, don’t tell the guys,” said Lauren.
He nodded, walking away from them with his tablet beneath his arm. They would be moving on to Venice tomorrow for a quick overnight stay. Although Venice was unique and beautiful, there was not much to see or do. They would get a romantic gondola ride, perhaps see a museum or two, maybe a historical home, and then return to their villa near Rome.
“Did you ladies have a wonderful day?” asked Ghost.
“It was perfect,” smiled Grace. “We’ve met some lovely people along the way and certainly eaten our share of fantastic food.”
“I’m looking forward to Venice tomorrow,” said Gabe. “I’d like to pick up a mask or two to take home.”
“All I want is a romantic gondola ride with my husband,” smiled Erin.
“I have arranged for gondolas for each couple,” said Enzo. “It is much more romantic when there are just two people in the boat. You will have a full tour of the island and waters around her.”
“Thank you, Enzo!” said Lauren. “You’ve thought of everything.”
“Yes,” he nodded. “In fact, I’d love to show the ladies a beautiful shop down the street that sells traditional Italian lace.”
“That’s my cue to bow out,” said Tailor. “I’ll enjoy a coffee and some tiramisu.”
“Same,” smirked Alec.
While the women followed Enzo, the guys got their coffee and dessert, once again, relaxed and enjoying the sunshine of Italy.
“Where is this lace shop?” asked Rose.
“It is just ahead,” said Enzo, “but I wanted to tell you what I’ve discovered about the boys.”
“You’ve found something?” asked Alexandra.
“I believe I have, but I’m not sure how you can help with this. In 1931, four boys were playing in the upper area of the Colosseum, where the ladies would have been seated. The Colosseum was open to tourists at that time, but Italy was a very different place.”
“It was pre-WWII, so I would assume fascism was in style at that time or fast becoming the style,” said Lauren.
“Not quite yet,” said Faith, “but you’re right, there was a movement happening, and crime would have been at an all-time high here with feuding families.”
“That’s right,” nodded Enzo. “The boys were said to have skipped school that day and were seen running along the upper seats. No one really saw exactly what happened but heard screams from the other tourists, then saw the four bodies of the boys below, on the outside of the Colosseum. It was ruled an accident.”
“I’m going to guess that it wasn’t an accident,” said Tory. “Someone pushed those boys. If they had been playing, one might have fallen, possibly even two. But all four? That doesn’t make any sense.”
“How will we know?” asked Enzo. “The boys are dead. Ghosts. And worse, they will not speak to us.”
“We have to get them to trust us,” said Lena. “They can accept what we offer them. Candy, food, toys, all of it. They don’t know that yet, but they do have that ability.”
“If they show themselves again, I will try to explain that we can see them and speak with them.” Enzo frowned, then looked shocked. “Wait. Why can I see them and speak with them?”
“Honey, we’re not sure, but I’m glad that you can. Let’s try to help these boys have some peace.”