AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Lucia’s mouth went dry. “What do you mean by ‘my condition’?”
Baron Pisani’s expression softened, and he leaned against the desk. “I have done some research, and I believe you have a medical condition that’s congenital, which means you were born with it. That’s why your skin is devoid of pigment, or color.”
Lucia felt stunned. “You mean why I’m so white?”
“Yes, it’s a medical condition. You were born that way, as some people are. Very few, but it’s not unheard of. I found a case or two in the medical papers.”
“Are they in Palermo?”
“No, in England. I couldn’t find a documented case in Sicily.”
Lucia didn’t know whether to be sad or happy. “But my mother said it’s because I’m blessed by God.”
“You’ve been blessed by God in many ways, but your skin color isn’t one of them. Your mother couldn’t have known that. You’d have to be in the medical field to know.” Baron Pisani hesitated. “Unfortunately, your condition can’t be cured.”
Lucia had no problem with her color, but other people did, and they made their problem hers.
“Lucia, I know how difficult it’s been for you. I know your life has been threatened and that’s why you defend yourself so readily. I know people might think you’re a ghost, devil, angel, or a magical being. In fact, you’re a woman of many talents. Among them, throwing a knife with deadly accuracy.” Baron Pisani smiled. “Assuming you meant to kill my textbook, not me.”
“Yes.” Lucia smiled back, liking him.
“You’re as delightful as Dante told me. You helped him very much.He began to trust people, starting with you.” Baron Pisani beamed, and Lucia warmed, realizing that she and Baron Pisani shared an affection for Dante.
“Baron Pisani, you said he left with a man named Gaetano to find his father, but where to? Palermo?”
“No, Mussomeli.”
“What? That’s so far away!” Lucia leapt to her feet and put her spectacles in her bag. “Why didn’t you stop him?”
“I tried to—”
“Can you get me a horse? A fastone?”
PART FOUR
I am not prepared just now to say to what extent I believe in a physical hell in the next world, but a sulfur mine in Sicily is about the nearest thing to hell that I expect to see in this life.
—booker t. washington,the man farthest down: a record of observation and study in europe
What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
—matthew 10:26–27
CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE
Franco and the Fiorvantis raced across Sicily on horseback, two hundred armed men driven by bloodlust. They rode day and night, reaching the foothills of Mussomeli before dawn. They stopped in the vicinity of Don Bruno’s villa, which was set off by itself among dry land that grew only hardy vegetation. They concealed themselves behind a screen of prickly pear cactus, the horses tossing their manes and jigging on nervous legs.
Franco caught his breath, his chest heaving. He was playing a risky game, given his lie. The Fiorvantis thought they were rescuing Roberto, not Violetta. Franco would have to improvise. He wheeled Arabo around to face the men, each sweaty face alive with anger.
“Fiorvantis, attention! When I give the order, we charge the house. The Marescas will be ready for us, but we outnumber them. Kill any man who moves! Show no mercy! Remember they’ll kill Don Roberto! If Don Bruno’s in the villa, leave him to me! The filthy Marescas end, here and now! This is our moment! Ready?”
“Yes, Don Franco!” The men hoisted their guns. “At your command!”
“Fiorvantis!” Franco raised his gun high.
“Fiorvantis!” the men chorused.
“Now, men!Vai, vai!” Franco wheeled around, kicking Arabo forward. They accelerated to a full gallop and charged across the countryside toward Don Bruno’s. The villa zoomed closer and closer, surrounded by a low stone wall.
