PART 14

Day 42 after the accident – Dante & Cassandra Bizzarri’s hotel – 4.02 p.m.

The elevator doors open with an acute “ding” and we walk directly towards room 111.
Alice is a step behind me and doesn’t say anything. She just holds the large yellow envelope against her chest, like she’s afraid it could slip away and disappear.
I knock at the door three times, like I’m used to do.
A beautiful, red-haired woman opens immediately and smiles at us.
“Hi!”, she welcomes us cordially.
“Hi Cassandra” I smile back, “How are you?”.
“I’m fine, come in!”, and she steps aside.
We enter the room.
It’s nice. It’s warm. It’s silent. It’s tidy.
Dante is a tidy guy, his wife can’t be much different.
“Cass, this is Alice Pieszecki, my girlfriend”.
“Hi” Alice waves a little.
“Very nice to meet you” Cassandra smiles again.
“Dante will be here in a minute, he’s having a shower”, she adds, winking at me.
“I’m here, I’m here”.
I can’t help but smile when I hear that voice, low and full, and a gradual peacefulness slowly skirts me. Dante always has this effect on people.
He breezes in as he’s putting a black t-shirt on, his hair still wet. I catch a glimpse of the wide, ugly scar that grenade left on his left side.
He opens his arms when he sees me and wraps me in a comradely hug.
“Dante, do you remember Alice?” I chuckle, patting on his back.
He lends a burly arm, grabs a stunned Alice and pulls her in a double hug.
“Hey, hey you both look great!” he says warmly, rocking us.
“Oooh!” Alice chokes, a bit petrified.
“Dante, come on… Be polite” Cassandra laughs.

Dante sighs and steps back.
“Sorry. I guess I am bit effusive” he smiles.
“A little…”, Alice rolls her eyes, but is frankly amused.
“I didn’t think I would see you that soon… Coffee?”.
“Yes, thank you” I say.
“Honey, could you please…?” Dante watches his wife with puppy dog eyes.
“Sure… I’ll be right back”. Cassandra disappears in the other room.
“Dante, we’re here because we need your help…” I state, honestly.
“Straight to the point as usual, huh Tasha?”, he smirks. He sits down on an armchair and indicates the couch.
“Alright. Make yourselves comfortable. I’m all ears”.

Day 42 after the accident – McCutcheon/Morales’ house – 1.18 p.m.