They drove in silence for a long stretch, while Larry kept busy looking at his map.
“I’d like to avoid entering Milan.” He kept his eyes on the map. “If you drop me off in Lainate, I’ll try to get a lift in the direction of the big freeway that goes south. That would suit me the best.”
“Sure,” replied Regina. “Sad to lose a nice passenger, but happy to be of help.”
She pulled off the road at the next crossing, and then stopped.
“Here you are, Lainate.”
“Already? Oh. Thanks.” Larry hesitated. He almost felt guilty leaving but staying with her would just get him into trouble. “Have a nice stay, Regina,” he said as he got out of the car. “Thank you for the lift. Good luck.”
“Enjoy your vacation, Larry.”
In Lainate, Larry had been waiting in a small room close to the police station’s entrance for about four hours. Escorted, he’d been taken for a meal to a nearby restaurant and re-accompanied to the station. Never mind the meal, I’d like to know why I can’t get out of here. Every time I try to walk toward the door, that policeman smiles at me, restrains me and tells me: ‘Aspetti, prego, solo un momentino.’ It’s good I have my manual with me, otherwise I wouldn’t even know what he’s talking about! It’s frustrating; they have no right to keep me here. I don’t even know how to reach a Canadian consulate. Here they play the tune of not understanding any English. In the midst of these thoughts he noticed a black limo stopping in front of the station.
An elegant woman entered the main door, preceded by a man in a gray suit and followed by the limo’s chauffeur. She approached the police counter with a commanding presence.
It was Regina.
“The Chief, please,” she said, her voice an octave higher than normal. “I’m Ms. Regina Howard daughter of Mr. Charles Howard, the well-known banker.”
The man in the gray suit translated the introduction into Italian.
“I demand to speak to my brother—half brother to be precise—Mr. Larry Burton. I know he is here.”
The gentleman accompanying her repeated the request in Italian.
Larry could see Regina leaning on the entry counter, escorted by the two men, one on each side.
The policeman looked at her puzzled, but Regina, as she saw Larry through the semi-open door, pointed to the man in the gray suit.
“This is my lawyer, Signor Umberto Damici,”
English instantly flew out of the policeman’s mouth.
“I’ll talk to my boss and be right back,” he said. “Meanwhile, Signora Howard, you can see your brother. He’s been treated royally. We just gave him an excellent meal: ‘ossobuco con risotto allo zafferano, inaffiato da una bottiglia di Bardolino d’annata, e crostata di ciliegie fresche. (ossobuco with saffron rice, accompanied by a bottle of Bardolino of a good vintage and a pie made with fresh cherries).”
Regina dismissed the officer with a quick nod. She then moved into the room where Larry was. She sat straight in front of him.
“Little brother, you can’t always count on your sister to bail you out. You should grow up one of these days.”
“I promise,” Larry replied, trying not to laugh. “For the time being, thank you, big sister. And don’t be angry. You know how much I love you.”
The policeman came right back.
“We’re very sorry, Signora Howard. There has been a terrible misunderstanding. ‘Un incomprensibile errore.’ We received a call from our station in Angera with the description of somebody with your brother’s looks. We saw him walking on the road. We kindly asked him to stop here until the matter could be cleared up. But your visit has clarified everything. Everything, believe me, Signora Howard. Your brother is free to go. We’re very grateful for his patience.”
“That will be fine.” She gave the policeman an icy stare. “My lawyer won’t press charges.”
She stood up. With a short gesture of her hand she commanded Larry and the lawyer to follow her. The limo’s driver rushed to open the door.
Regina wore a black dress and a matching velour coat with chinchilla rims: hot for the season, but very impressive in any circumstance. She stood immobile, waiting for the chauffeur to open the car door. Once everybody was inside, the Roll Royce started smoothly. Regina sat in the left corner, Larry at her right, the lawyer in front.
“You should get the glass partition repaired,” Regina said to the chauffeur, “It takes away much privacy.”
“Yes, ma’am. You’re right. It just that on a short notice, the garage had no other luxury car available.”
“I understand. Actually I’m grateful you accommodated my request for a rental so expeditiously.”
She’s a born actress, thought Larry. Anybody would swear she’s the daughter of a banker.
The Rolls stopped under the extended roof of the Gallia Executive Hotel. Larry got out quickly and rushed to help Regina, but the chauffeur had already opened the door on her side. The man in the grey suit shook hands with Regina and strode off.
With Larry in tow Regina walked through the hotel’s spacious entrance—coat loose on her shoulders—and headed for the elevator. She behaved as if she’d lived there all her life. Regina pressed the button for the fourth floor and pulled out the key to open the door of a big suite. With secure steps she entered a sitting area. Two big arches, one on each side, opened onto the bedrooms.
“We made it! We made it!” Regina screamed as Larry closed the door behind them. She kicked her high‑heel shoes off, threw the coat on the floor and jumped up and down. She approached Larry and stopped in front of him. “That’s was hard work! I sweated all the way through. But I enjoyed the stunt very much. By the way, what were you doing at a police station? Practicing your Italian?”
“I think the reason I was there reads, loud and clear, ‘Regina’s troubles’!”
Regina winked. “I know, that’s why I came to rescue you. After you took off I stopped at the gas station nearby and watched you walk on the road, your steps rhythmic and brisk. As you reached a parked vehicle, two policemen stepped out of the car. They approached you, talked to you and invited you inside their automobile.” Regina laughed. “Maybe you thought they were going to give you a ride, but I knew better. I followed the police car at a distance, and saw it stop at the local police station. At that point I took off at great speed for Milan.” She paused. “I knew I had to do something.”
Larry was still mystified. “But why did they stop me?”
“The people you met yesterday probably wanted to question you. You were around when I escaped from under their eyes. They thought they could get information out of you about my whereabouts. They must have had higher-up connections if they managed to convince the Lainate station to stop you and keep you there.”
Larry put his hands on Regina’s shoulders and kept her at arms’ length.
“I want to know the reason these people are after you,” he said.
“Later. Now I need to soak in the bathtub for half an hour.”
“A hug, then. A big hug.”
Regina put her arms gently around him.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do with you,” he said. “You’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met. How did you get all the apparatus: car, fancy coat and black outfit in such a short time?”
“Oh…” said Regina vaguely. “You can rent almost anything nowadays.” She paused for a moment. “Order something to eat, will you? And anything else you need. I have credit here.” She put her hands behind her back and looked at Larry mischievously. “And don’t ask me how.”
She had already disappeared in the direction of one of the bedrooms, when Larry shouted, “What would you like to eat?”
Regina shouted back, “Food!”
Larry smiled. That’s what so nice about her. She isn’t accustomed to much so she appreciates everything as a child does a new toy. He placed the order, sat in one of the fancy chairs and waited.
Within a quarter of an hour a waiter cam
e in with a portable dinner table, completely set to order. He placed it in the middle of the room and moved two chairs around it.
“Enjoy your dinner,” he said and disappeared.
Regina, in a short cotton housecoat, joined Larry soon after and sat opposite him.
“Oh, you ordered cold cuts,” she said. “I love them.”
“Actually, I ordered the first item on the list: ‘antipasto misto.’ I’m only at the first lesson of Italian.” Larry poured steaming tea for both.
“You did fine,” replied Regina lifting up the napkin on top of the bread basket. “Wow, white breadsticks, rye buns and corn bread.” She smiled at Larry. “Let’s enjoy our meal.” She ate a few bites. “It’s wonderful to be together a little longer.”
Larry kept silent.
“I booked a flight to London for tomorrow morning,” Regina said. She had a serious expression on her face. “You won’t have to worry about me any longer.”
Larry stretched his arm across the little table and stroked her hand. “You’re an incredible girl, Regina. It’s a lot of fun to be with you, but tremendously dangerous.” He pulled her arm toward him and kissed her hand. “Anyhow, I’m happy to be here tonight.”
They finished their meals in silence.
“Are you going to tell me what happened today?” Larry asked.
“Those people wanted to kidnap me,” Regina said.
“Kidnap you? Why?”
“For ransom.”
“Regina! Can you not give me a better reason? Something at least plausible?”
Regina looked at Larry and frowned.
“You wouldn’t believe a word I say,” she said. “Why bother to invent something plausible?”
Larry looked at her. “Right…I should accept you the way you are. Being with you makes me feel very much alive, that’s for sure.” He blew her a kiss. “Let’s talk about an important issue. Where do we sleep?”
“There are two bedrooms,” Regina replied, glancing around. “One for each.”
“I see,” said Larry slowly. “But what if you get cold? Your housecoat doesn’t seem too warm. It’s so short. You may need some heat supplement. Last night you were very cold.”
“That was in the middle of the woods. But…you may be right,” said Regina. With one swift move she rose and grabbed her coat. “I better take this old coat with me.”
She rapidly bent over Larry and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek.
“Sleep well, handsome.”
When Larry got up the following morning, Regina, dressed in her black outfit, was busy packing, trying hard to fit the coat into a carry-on—insistently, but without success.
“Good morning,” Larry said.
“Hi. Slept well?”
“Fan‑ta‑stic. Ready to go?”
“Yes. The bag doesn’t want to close. Would you mind helping me?”
“I won’t help you conceal stolen goods.” Larry looked into her eyes solemnly. “I can return the coat for you, if you let me.”
Regina got the garment out, threw it on the floor and closed her bag.
“Done,” she said. “I’ll take care of the coat myself.”
“Regina: will I see you again?”
“Would I miss keeping in contact with my hero? Especially since he’s so young and handsome?”
“Give me your address, then.”
“No. It wouldn’t be safe.” She got everything together and said, “I have to hurry or I’ll miss my flight.”
Larry went close to her and hugged her from behind. “I’d like to see you again. Soon, Regina.”
“Give me your address. I’ll contact you.”
Larry rushed to jot down his name, address and phone number on the hotel’s stationery, and gave it to her.
“Promise me, Regina,” he said.
“Promise.” Regina put the paper in her tote bag.
“For real?” asked Larry, “For sure?”
“Yes. You’ll hear from me.”
She rushed outside.
November 1989, Ontario, Canada
“Something interesting, here,” Nick Savard shouted after Larry. “I came across an article that tells a story about the failed abduction of a woman named Regina Howard. Could she be the same person you met in your trip to Italy?” He walked toward Larry’s cubicle and tossed the paper onto Larry’s desk.
Larry, who had been working for a month with the Global Daily as a photographer in a probationary position, grabbed the print-out. His trip to Italy had been exciting, since he’d seen all he wanted to see, and more. He’d spent a full day at a cameo factory near Naples and watched an artist carve shells to make beautiful brooches; he’d stopped in Murano and observed how artists created glass vases and delicate figurines with the most incredible shapes and shades. He’d visited a dozen museums and shot many pictures that he still had to file away. He thought seeing Michelangelo’s sculptures—especially the Tombe Medicee in Florence— would have been the highlight of his vacation; instead the best memory of his trip was the adventure he’d lived with Regina. He was still intrigued about what had happened. In any case the young woman had left him with an everlasting impression.
He’d have stayed in Italy forever, but at the end of August his money had run out so he’d packed his backpack and returned home.
Larry began reading what Nick, his boss, had given him.
A case of failed kidnapping. It happened last June, but only now have we got hold of the circumstances regarding the abduction attempt of Regina Howard, daughter of a well-known British banker. Regina was a guest of Carla Agnese De’ Torronei, whose family had already suffered a case of kidnapping 15 years ago. Armed men had entered the De’ Torromei premises in Cortesa as Carla opened the entrance gate. Carla and Regina were in a hurry to take their sick dog to the vet. Carla Agnese managed to barricade herself inside the house; Regina Howard took for the woods, chased by two criminals for hours and hours. Thanks to the help of a tourist, Regina finally ran to safety. One policeman in Lianate and two men sentenced in absentia for three counts of kidnapping have been arrested, based on Ms. Howard’s accurate testimony. More details to follow.”
Larry deposited the paper on his desk. So, that was how things had been. Finally he understood why Regina had refused, at that time, to approach the local police. If he ever saw her again, he should apologize for not believing her. However, there was only a slim chance that a banker’s daughter would be interested in seeing him again.
It was two weeks before Christmas when Larry received an envelope whose sender was identified only by two initials, RH written in the Old English font. Full of curiosity he opened it and found an invitation to a Christmas party at the Sheraton in downtown Toronto. At the bottom a yellow post-it read, Please come, I’ll like to see you again. Regina Howard.
She’d kept her promise!
Stiff in his rented tuxedo, Larry stood on the threshold, astonished by the amount and variety of the hall’s decorations. In the four corners, pine trees, decorated with garlands and flickering candles, sported huge silver stars; poinsettia plants, their red enhanced by the sparkling white of the tablecloths, stood in the center of each table.
Tentatively, Larry moved inside. From the centre of the hall Regina walked toward him. She looked par to her name in a shiny green sleeveless blouse with a high collar and a black skirt that flared slightly at her hips. Her auburn hair cascaded softly down her forehead and over her ears; her eyes sparkled.
“I’m very happy you could make it,” she said. “I thought often about our time together; I wanted to see you again.” She hugged him lightly and linked arms with him.
“This is my hero,” she said as they reached their table. “Larry Burton. He helped me fool my abductors.”
“Charles, Regina’s father,” said an older man in a tuxedo, and shook hands with Larry. “Regina talked a lot about you and was anxious to meet you again. She wanted to hold our family Christmas party here, to be sure you’d come. You made quit
e an impression on her.” He took Larry by the arm. “Let me introduce you to the rest of the family.”
Larry shook hands with a dozen people, as he was bombarded with questions about his Italian adventure.
When dinner was announced, an hour later, Larry felt relieved. He sat between Regina and her father.
“You must have had a lot of fun about my sermons on your lifestyle. I found out who you really were only a month ago. Why did you lie to me?”
“I never lied, Larry. I misled you; that’s true. You assumed a lot of things about me. I could have tried to convince you about my real identity, but I enjoyed having a strong, young man playing the protective role. I loved you for that. And for all the concern behind the preaching.”
“You mean that you’re not enjoying my embarrassment?”
“I didn’t invite you for that. The time we had together was very special. I’m happy you came.”
“It was a nice surprise receiving your invitation.”
“We have so many things to talk about,” said Regina.
“Yes,” said Larry. “One evening will be hardly enough.”
Regina smiled at him. “Let’s enjoy our meal, now. Afterwards we’ll have music and dance.” She winked. “And after that, the time will be all ours.”
Later, in her suite, Regina and Larry sat on the Persian carpet in front of the artificial fireplace, exchanging only a few words but plenty of looks and smiles.
“We need some snacks,” Regina said suddenly. She disappeared to soon return with a bag of bread sticks and a bottle of wine. She moved a low table close to her and set the bottle of Broglio Barolo 1959 on it. She then poured wine for Larry and herself.
“I love the bouquet of this wine; they say it has the aroma of wild violets.” Regina closed her eyes. “Austere, robust and yet mellow.” She kept inhaling, always with her eyes closed.
“I thought girls would get enraptured like that only when kissed by their lovers. Now, I discover that we poor men have to compete with wine.”
“Only with Italian wine.”
“Oh, that’s very exclusive: only a couple billion gallons are produced every year.”
Regina opened her eyes. “Sorry, I should pay attention to you.”
“Not if you don’t want to. For myself, I enjoy looking at a beautiful girl much more than smelling some old grape juice.”