Chapter 4 Chapter FourAfter his first visit to the 'library' with Mina as his guide, John made Mina's store a regular rendesvous point. They would sit and chat about a wide range of subjects, she being naturally very curious, but despite her readiness for conversation, John noticed that she always evaded the topic of Nico and his villa. Any time he posed a question about it, she would give vague and monosyllabic replies. One warm afternoon, while they were at the store, he decided to ask her about her reluctance to discuss Nico.
"Why do you always avoid the subject of Nico?"
"Because it is a bad subject," she answered dryly.
"How's that?"
"I told you, John... Nico is not a good person. Forget about him."
"I don't think I can. I'd like to know more about my neighbors."
"So ask other n
