Allies #3
“It is agreed, then. We will help solve the mystery posed by Professor Callico, or at the very least find this book. But if you accept this offer, you need to stay alert and aware, now that you know about us. Each one of us is considered an elite agent by our own and other friendly governments, and we have collaborated in highly successful security operations overseas in the past. Naturally, our enemies will stop at nothing to have us eliminated. Whatever you are caught up in, things could get a lot worse with this knowledge. If you would prefer to leave, and as long as we can rely on your total discretion, then you are—”
“No. Absolutely not. I am staying where I feel safe. Maybe you don’t know me yet, Dr Romano, but I never turn away from a fight. And if you are prepared to help me find answers, then I’m willing to work with you.”
“Excellent,” says Romano, looking genuinely pleased, before pulling out his wallet and showing me an official-looking ID card with his photo.
Although it’s written in Italian, the heading has the words Agenzia and Sicurezza Esterna—agency and external security—which are easy enough to guess.
“I believe you will make a perfect addition to our team. Each of us has different strengths and skills. As you witnessed last night, Mrs Bellacci’s specialism is weaponry, and she’s also a seasoned marksperson, arguably the best we have and certainly better than me. ”
There is something I want clarified, but I decide not to interrupt his flow.
“Lorenzo’s fields are more in the physical and acquisition arenas.
There are very few windows in the modern world that he cannot open, and he is adept at getting into places most experts would write off as unreachable.
Lorenzo, would you like to demonstrate?” says Romano, tossing him a corked clay pot of vinegar from a shelf.
“Highest point you can find. Teresa, bring your rifle and let’s all head outside. ”
Morning light bathes the villa’s rear facade.
When Romano tells us to stand still, Lorenzo keeps moving and, at a lightning pace, selects a point along the rear wall and begins to climb.
He moves swiftly and effortlessly, without pausing, from one level to the next until he reaches the top of the villa.
But he does not stop there. Moving silently up the sloping roof to the chimney, he balances the container on top of a chimney stack.
Taking a second to assess his work, he begins the descent just as smoothly until he drops without a sound onto the tiled patio.
“Mrs Bellacci,” says Romano, turning to her. “If you will.”
Mrs Bellacci lifts the rifle and, barely pausing, fires off a muted shot. The clay pot explodes into pieces, vinegar splashing onto the terracotta chimney. I smile and nod, noticing Lorenzo looking my way with pride.
“I am impressed. But I have a question.”
“Go on,” says Romano.
“If Mrs Bellacci is the weapons expert, who cooks the amazing food? Do you have it delivered every day?”
Another first, Mrs Bellacci laughs aloud, and even Lorenzo smirks happily.
“None of us is limited to one talent, Gabriel. And I have a feeling that neither are you. Mrs Bellacci is almost as formidable in the kitchen as she is on the rifle range. Now, I have a few calls to make and a man to take to hospital. But I think it is high time we gave you the unofficial tour of the house, including the surveillance room, the safety bunker and the armoury.”
“I can do this,” offers Lorenzo, glancing over and nodding to me.
“After that, perhaps you can assist him in finding this book.”
With the rifle resting in her arms, Mrs Bellacci folds her arms across her chest before addressing me directly.
“Now I have one question for you, Mr Redbrick.” I feel sure she will never call me by my given name.
“Why did you not tell me when I asked? About this book? I would have told you that many of the professor’s belongings are still in storage.
He did not have time to unpack everything and insisted on waiting until he returned before arranging them in the library. ”
“My apologies. As I said, his message instructed me to trust no one. I didn’t say anything because I believed I needed to solve this alone. But right now, I would welcome your help.”
“So,” says Romano as we all head back to the kitchen. He has a playful glint in his eye. “How are you enjoying your stay at Eagle House so far, Gabriel Redbrick?”
“Vsyo bylo zamechatelno, spasibo.” In my brain, the words ‘very pleasant, thank you’ form in English, but the phrase comes out in Russian.
Mrs Bellacci stops walking, her face transforming with surprise, but Romano simply tilts his head back and laughs.
“Professor Callico was right about you,” says Romano.
“He said you were special. Not only do you have hidden depths, but you will indeed make a perfect addition to the team. Perhaps you can help Mrs Bellacci practice and improve her spoken Russian in the future, rather than her bothering my office assistant. Now, let’s have some more coffee before I head off and let you begin your search. ”