Guns in the Garden by Molinari Mario

Author:Molinari, Mario
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mario Molinari
Published: 2024-04-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the familiar cobbled streets of Palmanova as jubilation erupted throughout, filling the air with a tidal wave of joy over Italy’s liberation on April 25, 1945. Uplifting sounds of music and celebrating not heard since before the war.

The main street transformed into an open-air dancehall, complete with a lively six-piece band, cascading streamers and strings of light bulbs spanning across the roadways. Tables were scattered throughout, and a long bar enhanced the festive atmosphere. An outdoor wood fire roasted a large pig on a spit, and a bounty of food filled the tables. Children joyfully ran about, chasing each other and singing, as adults danced without a seeming care in the world, like it was everyone’s wedding day. However, even though Lia loved dancing, as she danced with Franco, it was just mechanical, void of real pleasure.

Lia couldn’t help but feel burdened by her unfinished mission with dark reminders of war—burning rubber and diesel lingered in the air, triggering continuous battlefield memories.

Lia also longed for Remo to truly make the night magical and to free her mind from the lingering pungent scents of war. Her thoughts spiraled like a maelstrom, leaving her dizzy with the weight of her unfinished business.

“Oops, my apologies,” Lia said, gracefully navigating through the dance floor with Franco leading. As they gently bumped into another couple, her mind raced, preoccupied with thoughts of how Karl Diebitsch, one of the lead Kunstschutz officials, had managed to escape unscathed and incognito during the war. What crucial detail had she missed?

After her exhilarating Polka dance with Franco, they settled at a large round wooden table, nestled to the side of the street. Franco filled wine glasses and raised one for a toast. “To Lia, the youngest and one of the most exceptional female spies on our team!” he declared. “I still remember the day she came for her job interview in Bologna, disguised as a beggar at just seventeen, claiming she was nineteen. And she hasn’t stopped lying since—well, at least to the enemy! To the one who discovered Merkers!”

“I’m honored to be part of this amazing group,” Lia replied, raising her glass in unison with the others. “Salute!” they all chorused, like devoted knights before their king.

Franco playfully wrapped an arm around Lia, drawing her close, and planted a jovial kiss on her lips.

Returning Franco’s kiss, Lia chuckled. “You truly are a Romeo,” she teased, “an older Romeo, but a Romeo nonetheless.”

Franco laughed heartily. “And you, are a Julieta!” he jested, then grabbed another woman’s hand from the table. “Let’s dance! Romeo is ready again!” he proclaimed as he whisked her away to the dance floor.

As Lia’s thoughts wandered, she reminisced about the time she had taken Remo’s hand and twirled him onto the same Piazza dance floor not all that long ago. She gazed longingly over her shoulder, amid the merry sounds of laughter and singing, half-expecting to hear Remo’s strong, clear voice cut through the crowd.

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