Easter Sunday, April 18th
Neil’s home, 10 am
Neil was getting ready for his lunch at the Trattoria, when he heard his mobile phone ringing on the kitchen table.
He looked at the caller ID, and he smiled:
“Hello, Thomas, how are you? I would have waited to call you. What time is it in Vancouver? Seven?”
“Yes, but you know that I get up early to pray. I was afraid you were going to the morning Mass, and I wanted to wish you a happy Easter.”
“I went to the Vigil Mass, Thomas. Happy Easter to you… Anna has invited us to the Trattoria for lunch. The Trattoria is closed, but she has invited the orphans, the sisters, Father George and me and Billy.”
“How considerate of her. I have already called her yesterday evening. She is always so kind, and she is fond of you, Neil.”
“I know, and her grandchildren have adopted me and Billy, I think.” He said jokingly.
“Neil, have you got a few minutes? I wanted to tell you something about Amy…”
Neil sat down on his sofa and stretched his legs on the coffee table in front of him. He looked relaxed but in reality he was alert, and he wondered what Father Thomas could have learnt about Amy. He knew that his priest friend had been deeply affected by the photo and the story of the poor girl, but … Had he investigated on his own?
“You have got my attention, Thomas!” He said.
“You know that we have a database of adoptions that is accessible to all the directors of orphanages and foster homes. I have done research going back to ten, eleven years ago…” His voice trailed off, as if he was afraid of Neil’s reaction. Neil waited patiently. “Neil, in Victoria General Hospital there is the record of the adoption of a one-month-old baby little more than nine years ago, in December.” Neil was listening attentively and holding his breath, conscious that this could be the first clue to the past of that poor girl. Thomas took a deep breath and went on: “The baby had been left at the hospital by the mother in complete anonymity. The couple turned up almost immediately, and the baby was given to them. Their names are Josie and Robert Jarvis.” Neil gasped when he heard the name, and Thomas asked:
“Does that name remind you of something?”
Neil answered: “I came across that surname a few days ago, but I will tell you when you have finished. What happened to the couple? Why is Amy no more with them?”
“Since there was a name and a number, I asked my secretary to make a phone call, saying that we are making a survey. She said that they sounded immediately wary and cautious. They told her that, when the child was five years old, she disappeared one day while she was playing in the garden. They reported her missing, but they said that the child was restless, and she often walked away from home. They said she was never found. My secretary was perplexed because they didn't seem affected by the disappearance of the child, but she didn't insist. They asked repeatedly why we were calling, and they seemed not to believe what my secretary told them, but I had insisted she would not mention my name. Oh, but I have forgotten the most interesting part. The name of the baby was Amy…”
Neil had written down the names of the couple. He said:
“Thomas, I heard the name Jarvis from the sisters in Fredericton, where Amy was taken. A man named Malcolm Jarvis was a volunteer who insisted on talking to Amy, until he was told to leave her alone, and he stopped going to the orphanage. Now he is in prison for drug dealing, but he was on the payroll of …. Can you guess who?”
Thomas answered:
“A person you arrested, obviously…”
“Worse, Thomas, much worse… A person I killed in a shooting, a child trafficker, Diego Gomez.”
“Oh, my God. But he is dead, and Amy escaped last September… But, if that kind of person is involved, be careful, Neil. Those are criminals who have no respect for children, they won’t hesitate to kill you or anyone who hinders their business.”
Thomas’s voice sounded really worried. He knew that Neil had chosen a risky life, but he was also aware that he was so generous that he didn't think twice when he was asked to put his life in danger, if he could rescue hostages, especially children.
Neil answered:
“Don’t worry, Thomas. Luckily, Billy, Bob and the other guys are here with me, they have noticed Amy’s eyes, and they all want to help. We are investigating. I showed Amy the photo of Jarvis, and she was instinctively frightened, even if she doesn't remember why she is scared, and she can’t connect the man with a place or a time, but I believe that she is slowly remembering something. We have to be careful, and I haven't shown her the photo of Gomez yet…”
“Yes, be careful, because in my experience I have seen children traumatized by their memory. It is a difficult moment, but she trusts you...”
“And Billy…” Neil interrupted, “She perceives the bond between us, and she knows that Billy will always protect me…”
“That is a good thing, but watch out, both of you! Please, Neil!”
In Neil’s answer there was all the affection and the gratitude for the priest:
“Don’t worry, Thomas. I want to find out what happened to Amy and to protect her, but I will be careful. You know that I can look after myself. And Billy is aware of the situation, and he will never allow anyone to hurt me or Amy… But, Thomas, don’t go on asking around, because if those people knew Carol, they are aware that she lived in an orphanage, and that I grew up with her. It could be dangerous for you, too.”
“Don’t worry, Neil. That is why I asked my secretary to call. If they connect Amy to us, it could be dangerous for her, and they would certainly come to take her away from you or me… Neil, I will send you an email with the file about the adoption, so that you can try to find out something more… But I am thinking about Carol, could she be involved with people like Gomez?”
Neil sighed, and he prayed that he would be able to find her soon…
***
Rosary, Anna's Trattoria, 12:30 pm
Following her son’s wish, Anna had decided to invite the orphans, Father George and the sisters to have lunch at her Trattoria for Easter. The Trattoria was always closed on Easter, Christmas and New Year's Day, because she preferred to spend the holidays with her family. John, Jennifer and their children were usually invited, together with Bruno and Sheila. Everyone brought something to eat, and it was pleasant to spend a day with friends and family. This was the first holiday after the death of Father Luca, and Anna was sure that no family celebration would be the same without the presence of the kind young priest, without his smile, his unfailing jokes and laughter.
When Neil had gone to have lunch at her Trattoria a few days before, she had impulsively invited him and Billy, knowing that they would be alone, since Bob had left to join his family in Calgary, and Steve had left for Toronto. They had accepted, and she was glad to have them, because Giulia and Mario loved them, and they would contribute to the joyful atmosphere. This year Daisy and Louise would be with them, because they were staying at Anna's, and they certainly needed comfort and solidarity at this particularly difficult moment of their lives.
The orphans arrived with the sisters and Father George a little early, and they started to help Jennifer and Silvia to lay the table. They had joined two or three large tables, so that they could be all gathered, and they could easily talk to each other. Amy helped the other children diligently, and she kept her eyes on the door, evidently waiting for Neil. Giulia was always beside her friend, careful not to touch her, but very protective and affectionate.
Bruno and Sheila were in the kitchen, and they were warming up the food they had prepared at home. Bruno kept on humming and singing, making everyone laugh. Even Amy, who had never met him apart from seeing him in church on Sunday, was watching him without fear.
When everything was ready, Bruno went to where Amy was silently sitting, and he told her kindly in his usual personal Anglo-Italian language:
“Amy, do you like lasagne?”
Amy didn’t avoid his gaze, she locked eyes with him, and she nodded. She never smiled, but her face relaxed when she felt safe. He went on, encouraged by her reaction and conscious that everyone was watching them:
“Do you know that I come from Italy like Anna?,” he pointed at the lovely woman, “Italia is a beautiful country, you know? One day you will come to Italy with Neil, and I will show you my hometown, ok?”
It was impossible even for Amy to be afraid of Bruno, and she nodded.
At that moment, the door of the Trattoria was opened and the two policemen came in with two huge packets in their hands. All the children stood up and went to greet them. They were clearly used to staying with children, and they had a hug and a smile for each one. Neil embraced Amy tenderly, and he held her in his arms for a few moments. Then they said hello to the adults, and the atmosphere became even more familiar and cozy.
Sheila asked with curiosity:
“What are you carrying there?”
It was difficult to hide the two enormous rectangular packets Billy had lain
against a chair in a corner.
Billy and Neil looked at each other, and they grinned. Neil took the packets and
put them carefully on a table that was not prepared for lunch. He turned to Anna and Bruno, and he announced:
“When I was in Italy, during my parachute jumps or the tours in a helicopter, I
took some photos from above. Together with Steve and Billy we have selected one image of Livorno and one where Chioggia is visible. Steve has enlarged and printed them, and this” he pointed to the two packets, “is the result.”
Bruno and Anna approached the table in general silence. They had evident
difficulties in concealing their emotions. Billy and Neil took a few steps back, while the two cooks unwrapped the pictures. A general “Oooh” rose from the people gathered, when Bruno and Anna lifted the two pictures so that everyone could see them. The pictures were beautiful, taken on a sunny day, and they showed the charm of the two historical Italian towns seen from the sky. They had been reproduced on canvas as if it were a painting.
Anna and Bruno exchanged a glance, and they had both tears in their eyes. Bruno
exclaimed:
“Wow, this is my home!” He pointed at a corner on the left of the image of Livorno.
“This is the church where I got married…” Anna said in a soft voice.
They both turned to the smiling policemen, and they embraced them. Neil and Billy knew how much those two photos meant for Bruno and Anna. They reminded them of their hometown, of the life when they were teenagers, of the relatives and friends they had left …
Silvia said:
“Bruno, if you don't mind, I would like to hang both pictures here in our restaurant…”
Bruno nodded and said:
“This is a kind of second home for me, so I think it is a good idea. Don't you agree, Sheila?”
Sheila nodded and embraced Neil and Billy affectionately, saying softly:
“What a wonderful gift, guys. Thanks.”
Neil said:
“If you want another one to hang in your homes, I can find another good picture. I will show you the other ones I took…”
This was the perfect beginning of a pleasant Easter lunch among friends and relatives. The people who sat down at the table were ready to enjoy a pleasant chat. Even Daisy and Louise were trying to forget their problems for a few hours and to become immersed in the cozy atmosphere.
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After lunch, everyone helped to clear the tables, and they gathered in front of a cup of coffee and a piece of traditional Italian Colomba, the typical Easter cake. Amy came to sit on Neil’s lap, and she visibly relaxed in the policeman’s arms.
Lisa asked Billy:
“I have been wishing to ask you since we met you, Billy.” She had the immediate attention of all the tablemates. Billy turned to her with a smile, and he asked:
“What would you like to know? The names of my girlfriends?” He winked, and everybody laughed.
Lisa went on:
“It is evident that you and Neil have a strong bond.” Neil and Billy exchanged a glance, but they waited for Lisa to go on. “You both grew up in an orphanage, but you have an age difference…” Lisa’s voice trailed off, because she was afraid she was asking something inopportune or invading her new friends’ privacy.
Neil helped her:
“You are wondering why we have developed such a strong mutual affection, even though I was fourteen when Billy entered the orphanage?”
Lisa nodded timidly, and John said:
“Lisa, maybe you are asking something they don't want to tell us…”
Billy interrupted him:
“No, John. There is no big secret, and maybe Neil will not like it, but I am going to explain…”
Neil just smiled but didn't say anything.
“Have you saved Billy’s life as you did with David?” Alan asked.
Billy turned to him and said kindly:
“There are many ways to save a person’s life, Alan. Neil didn’t rescue me from fire or water, but he saved my life all the same.”
Even if Neil rolled his eyes, it was clear that he was ready to listen to what Billy would say, and that he was not as embarrassed as he had been when David had told his friends how Neil had saved his life.
He said softly:
“Billy saved his own life, believe me…”
Billy looked sideways at him, and he went on:
“I was taken to the orphanage, when I was seven, after my neighbors called the police, and they found me bleeding from this cut.” He pointed to the scar on his cheek.
Daisy asked:
“Did your father do that?”
“Yes, that time he used a knife, but he had beaten me many times with his belt. He used to come home drunk, and he beat me without any reason.”
Anna put a hand on his arm, and she said:
“Did you live that life for seven years? My God!”
“Yes, and I was full of anger. In the orphanage I had difficulties at the beginning, because I wasn’t used to people who talked to me, who cared for me. I didn't want to stay there, and I broke everything I found, expecting to be punished… Oh, I don’t know what I was thinking of doing, but I was just seven years old…”
Giulia said:
“But it was not your fault, Billy. It was your father’s fault. Did he go to prison?”
Billy caressed the girl’s cheek and said:
“Yes, he went to prison. But Father Thomas, the director of the orphanage, didn't know if he could keep me there, because I was a danger for myself and the other children, you know…”
Neil was watching his friend with affection, and he was silently listening. He knew what would come next, but he was glad Billy was finding a way to tell his story. He had never heard him speak about his father without resentment or anger.
“And where did they send you?” Mario asked worriedly.
“He was thinking of what to do, when Neil intervened. He asked Father Thomas to give him the chance to try to talk to me…” He turned to Neil and the glance the two policemen exchanged spoke volumes about the bond that was created between them in those dramatic moments. Neil smiled and remained silent.
“I don’t know exactly, and I still wonder how he was able to soothe my anger, to calm me down. I remember that we talked for hours, and I was able to tell him about what my father had done to me. He just listened, as he is doing now, and the more he listened the more I talked. He never told me that he didn't have time for me, he never showed signs of impatience, he just let me unburden myself. I even tried to beat him once,” he smiled at the recollection, “but he was much bigger than me, and he just stopped me.”
John intervened:
“That’s why you are so patient when dealing with suspects and witnesses, Neil. You have always been like that.”
Anna said:
“And you are right, Billy. Neil saved your life in a less dramatic way than David’s, but he saved you from yourself, I think.”
Neil shook his head and said:
“No, I have always told him. I just perceived that behind the facade of a hard rebellious child there was a frightened boy, who was scared and had known only violence in his life. When he realized that he didn't have to defend himself anymore, he just started to live his life and to show his real personality. I didn't do anything extraordinary…”
“But Father Thomas would have given up on him.” Silvia intervened, “I have never met him, but I think he is not one who is easily discouraged … ”
Neil answered:
“It’s true, but it was a difficult period at the orphanage. A lot of children had just arrived, and some of them had a tragic background…”
Lily asked:
“Is your orphanage big?”
Neil and Billy smiled at each other and Neil answered:
“It is very big. When it is full, there are fifty boys and girls…”
“Wow!” said Peter, who was listening to Billy and Neil with admiration.
“Anyway,” Billy concluded, turning to Lisa, “I think I have satisfied your curiosity. I will be always grateful to Neil for that time and for all the times he guided me. Even now I know that he will always support me, and, ” he turned to Amy, who was looking at him, “I will never let anyone hurt him, I can assure you, Amy…”
Jim asked:
“Did you become a policeman because Neil was an officer, Billy?”
“Oh, yes, and then he became a member of the ERT, and I did the same. He has always been my role model. Luckily he didn't become a criminal, because I would have followed him…” Everybody laughed at his joke, and the conversation went back to the life of the community and the basketball tournament…
***
An apartment between Rosary and St. John, 6 pm
Brian looked around the small studio apartment. When things were going well, and he was lucky enough to win a lot of money, he had bought this little place, not knowing that it would be his shelter one day. He hadn’t been here for months, and he was sure nobody knew about it. He had already thought of selling it, but then …
He was nervous because he had invited a person… Had he done the right thing? One thing was sure, he had to settle his debts once and for all, and then … He had to disappear, to vanish, to find another identity…
His doorbell rang, and he looked at his watch. It was earlier than his appointment, but … the sooner the better… He went to open the door, and to face what would come next.
***
Neil's home, 8:30 pm
Neil and Billy were watching Neil’s laptop. They had just downloaded the
attachment to Thomas’s email. A certificate of adoption appeared.
Neil reflected for a few moments, and he said:
“If this Amy is OUR Amy, she is nine years old. Thomas's secretary said that the
adoptive parents were nervous and wary, so we must be careful, because they could be connected to Amy’s father or to her abductors. I will call Vancouver police to find out something about the missing child report.”
Billy asked:
“Do you think they could have given her to the people who beat and abused her? What kind of adoptive parents are they?”
Neil answered:
“I know it is a stretch. I want to know something more about this Jarvis family. I really hope Amy will start to remember, because the more I discover the more I think Amy is connected to something or someone really dangerous. And if Gomez was involved…”
Billy smiled and said jokingly, in order to ease the tension:
“Thomas has definitely done a good job! Is he learning police work from us?”
Neil laughed, but he said:
“Yes, he has been a good investigator, but I warned him to be careful, because whoever shows interest in Amy can be in danger, in my opinion.”
Billy nodded musingly.
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