Sorrow for the lost Lenore
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore.
The name stands out to me among the two stanzas I received.
Lenore. Lenore.
Who the fuck is Lenore? And how does this resonate with my life?
Do I have an ancestor named Lenore? Doubt it.
I crumple the paper and shove it back into my pocket, as I enter the lobby. People are bustling about trying to get to their offices and others are chatting to one another. It’s still early morning, but you would never know it by the looks of this place.
Pressing the button on the elevator, I’m relieved to see no one inside. Leaning against the wall, I count the seconds, as the machine races to the thirtieth floor. The name Lenore burns in my soul.
“Who is she?” I whisper.
A ding, and the thick doors open to reveal the entrance to Dominic’s office. I let myself inside, and feel a rush of gratitude to see an empty waiting room along with a vacant secretary’s chair.
Dominic’s office door is slightly ajar. As I enter, I see him at his desk with a cappuccino in hand, staring at the computer. His hair is still damp from the shower, and I have a flashback of bathing together.
He catches sight of me and smiles. “Ciao, Bella.”
My heart flutters erratically.
“Buongiorno,” I reply.
“This is a pleasant surprise to see you. I thought I was going to have to send out a search party to find you since you weren’tresponding to my calls and texts.” Dominic’s fingers tap the keys.
“I’m sorry. I was having an off day yesterday.” I sink into the chair across from his desk.
“I had a feeling. Lucia told me you wanted to be left alone.”
“Lucia? You texted her?” My eyes widen.
“Of course. I had to make sure you were alright. Did you forget someone is trying to kill you? I would have made a house visit, but I figured you needed the rest.” He continues to stare at the screen. “Oh, by the way, yesterday I pulled up the files from the police investigation the day your father died. I also have his death certificate. Everything says he died of a heart attack.”
Anger coils in my stomach. “Dominic, that’s not true. My dad didn’t die of a heart attack.” I pause. “I need to talk to you and it’s really important.”
Dominic cocks his head as if listening for something. “You know what Cipi. I just realized I haven't had breakfast yet. This cappuccino isn’t enough and I’m feeling very hungry. I could go for a multigrain bagel, toasted with cream cheese.” Dominic stands and stretches his arms over his head.
I give him a look. “I just said I have something important to tell you and you want to take me on a joyride for food?” I could strangle him.
“Now, now, temper, temper, Queen.” Dominic walks around his desk and takes my arm, helping me to my feet. “Even though this is my office, eyes are everywhere, and the walls have ears.”
He grabs his keys and leads me out of the space into the waiting room. I see his secretary has just arrived and is shuffling around at her desk.
“I’m leaving to do research on an important assignment,” Dominic calls to her. “Please reschedule my afternoon meetings and take a message for any calls.”
She nods.
Minutes later I’m sitting passenger princess in his car, wondering what the hell just happened and how bagels are more important than my dad’s murder.
“Dominic.” I snap as he starts the engine.
“Yes, Amore.” He shifts the gear stick into drive.
“I told you I had something important to tell you.”
