The Roman(70)

As far as she knew, she and William and Sarah were the only ones who knew about the address on Via San Zanobi. Perhaps the mysterious Sarah had learned of her whereabouts and come to her.

It didn’t matter to Raven if the author of the note could be trusted or not. She wanted to escape and was willing to risk it.

She tried the doorknob and was surprised to find that it turned easily. She opened the door and stuck her head into the hall. It was empty.

As quietly as she could, she exited her room and hobbled to the end of the hall. She opened the door to the stairwell and closed it quietly behind her. The staircase was narrow, and she leaned on the railing as she cautiously descended, her ears straining for the slightest sound.

When she reached the bottom, she came face to face with a teenage boy. He placed a finger against his lips.

He took her hand in his, which was stunningly warm, and led her outside into the alley.

They moved to the street as fast as Raven could manage and walked hand in hand about a quarter of a block. In the distance, she could see Brunelleschi’s dome.

She winced at the realization.

The teenager opened the passenger door of a small Fiat and helped her into the seat. He walked around the car and started it. They pulled away from the curb and sped down the street, the headlights penetrating the darkness.

“Who are you?” she asked in Italian.

“A messenger.” He gave her a small smile before returning his concentration to the road.

It was only a short drive to Via San Zanobi. Raven saw the sign as they made a right turn onto the street.

The boy parked in front of number thirty-three. He leaned his head toward the building. “Press the buzzer, and give them the password.”

“Thank you.” Raven reached into the pockets of her sundress. “I’m sorry I don’t have any money.”

“I have been well paid.” He flashed her a smile. “Go. They will realize you are gone at any moment.”

Raven thanked him once again and exited the vehicle.

The teenager waited as she crossed the street and pressed the buzzer. As soon as she spoke the password, he pulled away, his taillights disappearing around the corner.

The lock on the door buzzed and Raven opened it, stepping into a lightless corridor.





Chapter Fifty-Six



THE CORRIDOR OPENED UP into a lit courtyard that housed a garden. Doors lined the walls around the courtyard.

A woman stood next to an open door, beckoning.

Raven limped toward her.

The woman appeared to be in her fifties and had shoulder-length brown hair and brown eyes. She seemed unsurprised by Raven’s disability and moved to her side, offering a shoulder to lean on.

She ushered Raven through the open door and into an apartment, bolting the door behind them.

The apartment was spacious, with an open-concept kitchen and dining area that had sliding glass doors leading out to another garden.

The woman led Raven through the kitchen to a sitting room.

Raven was grateful to take the weight off her leg and sank onto a low couch. “How did you find me?”

“It’s best if you don’t ask too many questions,” the woman replied in English, sitting in a chair opposite. “I have been paid to help you escape the city. I couldn’t do that with you being held captive.”#p#分页标题#e#

“William hired you?”

“We don’t have much time.” The woman ignored her question. “If you wish to escape, you must leave within the hour.”

“So soon?”

“The police would like to speak to you in connection with the murdered inspector who was found in the Loggia dei Lanzi. I was also told you wish to escape other interested parties.”

Raven fidgeted with her fingernails. “You could say that.”

“Because of the nature of the threats against you, my services were engaged to provide you with a new identity and a new life.”

Raven’s heart skipped a beat. “Is that really necessary?”

The woman frowned. “You can refuse my assistance, of course. But according to the risk assessment I was provided, you are in danger. Whether you leave Florence or not, the life you have lived up until this point is over.

“I’m offering you a new identity, a new job, and a new life. If you accept this new life, you can never return to Italy. You cannot see or speak with anyone from your old life, including your family.”

Raven inhaled sharply. “What about my sister?”

“If your sister learns that you are alive, your enemies will learn that too. And they will come for you.”

“I can’t even say goodbye?”

“I’m afraid not.” The woman gave her a sympathetic look. “If you choose to do this, we end your old life. Your family will believe you’re dead.”