Return to Umbria by David P Wagner

Author:David P Wagner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press, Inc.
Published: 2016-07-28T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Being the chief of tourism for the city had its perks, and one was access to places that would normally cost a tourist large sums of euros. This included a top floor hotel suite that overlooked the Piazza del Popolo. As Morgante led him and Betta out to the balcony, Rick wondered if the man was given a list of the city’s hotel vacancies every morning, and if so, whether this one was at the top. The balcony was more of a terrace, complete with table and chairs, a pair of chaise lounges, and lemon trees in colorful ceramic pots. Anyone staying here would be tempted to have all their meals out here and never leave the suite. The three stood at the railing and looked at the Palazzo del Popolo at the other end of the square, its gray stone turned a faint yellow by artificial illumination. The area in front of it, unlike when the art students sat and sketched, was empty. A few locals crossed the square, oblivious to the ancient building, more interested in getting home in time for dinner and their favorite TV show.

“The cathedral may be the soul of Orvieto,” Morgante said, “but this square is the heart. Over the centuries, in time of crisis or celebration, the Orvietani have come together here, and they still do. Now the space is also the stage for music and theater, bringing in visitors from around the world. You must return next year during the season; we have already scheduled some wonderful concerts.” He tapped his hands on the railing. “But we can’t get ahead of ourselves. Tell me what you have seen already on your first day here.”

Betta answered. “Since Rick has been helping out with the case, we haven’t seen much more than a quick look at the inside of the cathedral and the Palazzo del Popolo. What would you recommend?”

“There is so much to see, of course, starting with the Duomo. And speaking of that, I still would like to show it to you personally. By chance, the day after tomorrow I will be doing a VIP tour of it for our local chamber of commerce. Next year the city is hosting a tourism convention and we need all our civic leaders to be well versed on our monuments so we can put our best face on Orvieto. If you can, please join us. It will be about nine in the morning.”

Rick and Betta exchanged glances and nods. “We’d love to,” said Rick. “We don’t have to return to Rome until the afternoon.”

“Excellent,” Morgante said. “And you can mix with Orvieto’s elites, such as they are.”

Rick suspected the line was an indirect reference to his political rival, Mayor Boscoli.

“Now for other things to see in Orvieto,” the man continued. “Besides the Duomo, there are more churches well worth visiting. San Andrea is built on the ruins of an Etruscan temple, so lots of history there. San Giovanale, at the far end of town,

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