Goliarda Sapienza - The Art of Joy

‘Of course. What book would this doctor demoted to the rank of patient like?’

‘Modesta, your teasing warms my heart … I’ve been so cold.’

‘You taught me how to tease. Remember how serious and silent I was?’

‘Of course I do! You scared me so!’

‘Stop talking now.’

‘But tomorrow you’ll read to me?’

‘Yes. What book would you like?’

‘ Niels Lyhne . Do you still have it?’

‘Of course. I always keep it on the nightstand.’

‘Me too, in place of Nonna Valentina’s Bible.’

‘Don’t talk anymore. Tomorrow I’ll come and read to you.’

‘Oh, yes, the part where he sees his aunt on the sofa and falls in love with her. Remember?’

‘Yes. Now go to sleep. Jose is watching us like a policeman … We’ve taken advantage of your kindness for too long, haven’t we, Jose?’

‘That’s for sure! That’s enough now. Off to bed, everyone! Don’t worry, Carlo, Signorina Elena will be back in a few hours. Don’t worry. I know you prefer her, but for a few hours you’ll have to settle for me.’

* * *

Silence and coughing, and sudden slumbers interrupted by convulsions and blood prevented me from reading him a few lines. Elena held the basin in her hands. Instead of Jose, there was Antonio Licata.

‘Is he going to die, Antonio? You can tell me.’

Antonio says nothing, busily wiping his glasses. Silence and coughing answer for him. I look away from the bloody basin. I place the book on the nightstand: Carlo might open his eyes like he did yesterday. At least he’ll see it.

In my study, Pietro, standing motionless, cap in hand, is staring out the window.

‘Oh, Mody, now I understand why Voscenza had the drapes removed: it’s nice to look outside … Is it because of Signor Carlo that Voscenza called me?’

‘That’s right, Pietro.’

‘Does Voscenza have any clues that might lead Pietro on the right track?’

‘Not clues, certainty.’

‘I knew it, Mody. Tell me their names.’

‘Turi and Ciccio Musumeci, and Vincenzo Tudia.’

‘And the others? There were five of them.’

‘Two of them vanished unseen.’

‘We’ll make them reappear.’

‘In time, Pietro. For now, we’ll take care of these three names. Shall I repeat them for you?’

‘Pietro doesn’t need to have them repeated.’

‘Have you heard about Beatrice, Pietro?’

‘I heard. I couldn’t believe that so much sorrow could enter our homes. I wanted to see her.’

‘She’s lost her mind, Pietro. That’s why she laughs. Maybe it’s best for her.’

‘Maybe … But it’s painful, her talking about Carlo, arranging flowers and preparing the evening’s supper. When I left her she was getting dressed to go to the theatre.’

‘And Argentovivo?’

‘She’s a big help. She follows Dr Licata’s instructions and humours her without crying or talking too much like she used to. I left her combing Beatrice’s hair.’

‘All right, Pietro. Now we have to take care of those names.’

‘Should we consider it a family vendetta, Mody?’

‘No, Pietro, no mutilations. Just three bullets between the eyes: one for Turi, one for Ciccio, one for Vincenzo. It has to be clear that it was a political crime. How much will it cost?’

‘If it’s a political crime, it will take a crack marksman. It will cost a lot, my dear Mody.’

‘You can’t put a price on a life that’s taken.’

‘I’ll be on my way then. And when the sun goes down, I’ll find my man in the Civita. If you don’t hear from me for two or three days, don’t worry. We have to act cautiously. None of Carlo’s friends or family members must suspect; don’t let these carusi leave the house until I return. Just so you know, during the day I’ll sleep at Donna Carmela’s place. May God bless you, Princess!’

‘May God go with you, Pietro, and protect you.’

‘Oh, one more thing, Mody.’

‘What is it?’

‘I don’t feel confident about Nunzio. He’s basically a groundskeeper, looking after plants and flowers. Voscenza shouldn’t take offence: what’s needed here is an armed man. If you’d let me, I would back Nunzio up with my grandson Celso, who’s back from military duty. It would cost very little, and would give Pietro great peace of mind.’

* * *

As soon as Pietro leaves, Signorina Elena comes in.

‘What is it, Elena? What’s wrong? Is it Carlo?’

‘No, no. On the contrary, he’s gone back to sleep. His face has cleared. It’s Stella who—’

‘What about Stella, Elena? You’ve been so helpful and courageous! Please don’t be frightened now.’

‘It’s just that I don’t know whether to tell you or not. Stella made me swear I wouldn’t tell, but I’m afraid for her, and I can’t, I can’t…!’

‘What can’t you do?’

‘I’m afraid, after what happened to Beatrice. She seemed so strong, and then…’

‘Calm down, Elena! What’s worrying you about Stella?’

‘I don’t understand her, she’s so closed, not a word about…’

‘About what?’

‘She made me promise not to tell you until Signor Carlo recovers. Oh God! I don’t understand these oaths and silences.’

‘Tell me. I’ll take responsibility for it. What was it?’

‘It’s … yesterday her father came…’

‘Well?’

‘… with the news that they fished Melo out at the port in Naples, drowned. I didn’t understand … tied to big rocks.’

‘A Mafia killing.’

‘No, Stella only said “ cinniri ’”. I don’t know…’

‘Cocaine, Elena, drugs. Clearly he was working with them.’

‘Oh, but it’s awful! And her too, so unemotional!’

‘It’s men’s business, Elena, and we mustn’t lose our calmness. How did you hear about it?’

‘She told me.’

‘She told you? She must be fond of you then.’

‘Oh! It means she likes me?’

‘It means she trusts you; it’s one and the same here.’

‘Oh God, what have I done then? Now she won’t trust me anymore.’

‘Don’t worry about it. You did the right thing. I’ll go talk to her. But don’t you say a word, all right? Don’t worry. You didn’t tell me a thing.’

* * *

Studying that composed profile, I knew that Elena had been wrong to worry. But I also realized that I’d been away from that room for too long.

‘Your visit is a comfort, Princess. I had got used to seeing you in the evening … Well, one must believe in fate, because I was just thinking about making the coffee that you like so much.’

‘I like the way you make it, Stella, not that tepid water that Elena serves me. If you must know, my visits have a selfish purpose.’

‘I’ve tried to teach Elena how to do it, but she laughs and says she doesn’t have the patience. Coffee has to be brewed over a low flame! Well, it’s really true that destiny’s predictions don’t lie; it’s hopeless to fight it! When I entered this house — Voscenza may not believe it — I knew I would remain within these walls for many years.’

‘I believe you, Stella, but why are you so certain of it now?’

‘Well, because of the way Jacopo smiles at me and because of Prando’s caprices … so imaginative! Do you know that yesterday he carpeted the floor of this room with a bagful of colourful dry leaves? And when I came in he said to me: “See the surprise I made you? I made the carpet of Santa Rosalia.”’ 61

‘Prando gives you a lot of trouble, doesn’t he?’

‘What trouble! The only sad thing is that they grow up, quannu cresciuti , their friends and code of honour take them away from you. If only I had had a little girl, a femminuccia , Princess!’