The Geography of longing

Chapter6:The Garden

The plane landed in Nice at 5.47 PM. Elena held onto the key as she flew; her mobile phone was out, her mind was in turmoil. She had received a warning, a text, and an enigmatic email from Luca. She was going into an area of not so much her understanding as her lack of understanding.

The taxi driver took her off to the old town. With each step she climbed the winding streets to the garden, her heart pounding with every step.

He was sitting on the bench, Luca. However, on her way to him, he started to look concerned and troubled.

You appeared," he said, "you came.

She pulled the key out of her pocket. She took the key out of her pocket. Someone had left this at my door; they told me about you. You're dangerous.

Luca's face went as white as a sheet of paper. Luca's face blanched out. I can't do it without you, Elena. I have to," he said.

If you say to him, "Then tell me the truth.

He escorted her to the bench and perched himself down next to her. We keep secrets – documents, artifacts, proof of the things that the royal family has hidden, a murder, a cover-up. My family has hidden them for generations; we hide secrets for the Palace. He touched the key. This is an actual room that doesn't exist, somebody wants to go there, someone is watching me, watching you and is using you as the access to me.

Then the garden was covered, and it was dark. At that time, darkness fell over the Garden.

The gate led the way to some footprints that were walking nearer towards her. One tall figure came out and his voice was cold. Now do it, Luca, give it to me," said the key.

Luca pushed Elena out, lunging towards the intruder. In the darkness, they collided head-on. Elena went up to the key and found the key lying on the ground.

She switched on her cell phone to use as a light. The intruder was holding Luca prisoner, with a knife to his throat. Turn off the cell phone, give me the key.

She looked at Luca. His eyes fixed upon hers, and he was silent and they listened and did what he told them.

No, she’d not allow him to pass away.

Gradually she extended her arm towards the key. The man smiled. "Good girl."

She seized it with her fist and turned around and ran away.

The man's footsteps echoed behind her as she ran through the streets towards the Palace. She managed to get to the gates – gasping. Guards stood sentry. She took out the key. She didn't let go of the key.

I have to open up the room, there's something going on!

The footfalls were coming nearer. Elena glanced around, lifted her key and smiled.

"You want it? Come and get it."

She stuck the key in the lock.

The door opened.

The reality – hard and heartbreaking was revealed before her.