Chapter 50
Vico
Yawning, I slow down the pace of my van. The engine stutters dangerously loud. "Don't fail me now," I warn it, tapping on the steering wheel as if that would positively affect the motor.
Surprisingly, the noise subsides. Thank goodness. I've invested so much in the past few hours, and breaking down now, so close to Collina da sogno, would be an unnecessary delay that I can't afford. After all, I still have a long way to go.
Only a few yards more, and I'll arrive at the estate. I can already see it on the horizon. I drive toward the main house with its majestic beauty, wild meadows, and cypress alley. With a warm feeling in my chest, I roll down the window and breathe in the aromatic air.
Yes, I feel it clearly.
This is where I belong.
This is my home.
However, for now, it's just a stopover to see if Florian has indeed given up and halted the construction work. Then I'll head farther north. Across the border to Austria, to Semmtal.
To where Hanna is.
I don't yet know exactly what I'll say to her. I can only hope that by the time I arrive, I'll find the right words.
Excitedly, I turn into the driveway and rattle toward the estate. There, I spot a small truck parked next to Camilla's bungalow. I park my van beside it and despite my weariness, jump out of the vehicle. At that moment, I see Pietro carrying a large box labeled cucina, with the tip of a cooking spoon sticking out between the flaps.
"Vico?" He abruptly stops and looks at me as if he can't believe I'm really here. "What…"
My sister replied to my message ten minutes ago, saying she'd immediately return here to meet me. But I don't see her anywhere. "Where is Camilla? And is Alessia here too?"
Before he can answer, Pietro's phone rings. He takes it out of his shirt pocket and sighs heavily when he recognizes the caller. "I love this woman, but sometimes she drives me crazy."
Despite my inner turmoil, I can't help but grin as he answers the call. "Moving service. How may I assist you?" he asks with an affectionate smile.
I can't hear Camilla, but I can see the effect of her words on Pietro's face. Slowly, his forehead furrows. First, I see skepticism, then surprise, and finally, haste.
"My God," he says finally, covering his mouth with his hand.
"What is it?" My pulse quickens, and I step closer, searching his face.
Pietro nods. "Got it." Bewildered, he looks at me and takes the phone away from his ear. "You won't believe this."
The way he says it makes me suspicious. It's not something bad that happened. It's something… significant. "What is it?"
He hurries back to the house and locks the door. Then he points at my camper. "Get in the driver's seat; we have to leave immediately."
Automatically, I move. "Why?"
Arriving at the van, he grins at me with promise. "You'll see soon enough."