Murder at Midnight by Avi

Author:Avi [Avi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-545-38843-6
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Published: 2009-11-22T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

FABRIZIO, PRAYING HE HAD GONE INTO THE WRONG CELL, went to the bed, dropped to his knees, and gathered up the blanket that lay there. He examined its edge. “A hole,” he announced, his heart sinking.

“There are always holes in blankets,” said Maria impatiently.

“When I was hiding under my master’s bed I peeked out through this exact hole. I’m sure of it.”

“Why were you hiding under your master’s bed?”

“I can’t explain now. But right after I left him I heard voices. Someone was coming for him. I jumped into your cell so no one would catch me. I didn’t know who it was, but if it was DeLaBina, I just pray he didn’t send Master to be executed. He threatened to.”

“Fabrizio,” said Maria, “I’m truly sorry for your troubles. And for your master’s. But I have to find my parents.” She took a step away.

Fabrizio, thinking about what might have happened to Mangus, didn’t move.

The girl pulled on his sleeve. “Once we’re free and I find my parents, I’ll help you look for your master.” She held the lamp before her and set off through the hallways. Her red hair seemed to smolder.

After a moment, a pensive Fabrizio followed, passing through one deserted hallway after another. From what seemed like far away, the cathedral bells began to toll. The two halted and counted out the twelve peals.

“Midnight,” said Maria and started up again with Fabrizio by her side.

Yelling shattered the silence: “What are you doing here? We were supposed to meet elsewhere.”

Fabrizio and Maria stopped immediately.

“I think … I think that’s DeLaBina!” Fabrizio whispered.

“You’ve acted like a fool,” returned another voice. “That magician believes you’re the one behind all the papers and what we’re doing.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“I spoke to him in his cell.”

“Don’t worry. I have him under control.”

“And those papers?”

“They were made on something called a printing press.”

“How do you know?”

“I arranged it.”

“You! I thought it was the magician. Why didn’t you tell me? We’ll be found out!”

“Not a chance! We’re making progress. You’re such a fool! Just because you —”

A horrible scream erupted.

Fabrizio and Maria spun around and ran as fast as they could. After a few minutes they stopped to catch their breath. “What happened?” Maria whispered. “Who was the other person?”

“I wish I knew,” said Fabrizio, gulping for air.

“Fabrizio, we need to get out of here.” Walking fast, she led the way through one dismal hallway after another. It was as if they were going in circles. Then, as they turned still another corner, Fabrizio gasped. He grabbed the lantern from Maria and held it high.

“Look!”

On the ground, a large body covered by a black robe lay still. The head was covered but the legs stuck out.

“Is he … alive?” Maria whispered.

Fabrizio edged forward and knelt down. Then he reached out and drew back the robe. Beneath lay a man with his head twisted to one side. A ruby-encrusted dagger was sticking out of his back. On the ground a pool of wet blood was spreading.

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