THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA

  { PT.  7 } - Oblivious, Alessandro drew back from the study door and positioned his shoulder as a battering ram. The unexpected whack across the side of his face sent him hurtling against the study door. He landed on the floor with a thud. Vincenzo bounded up the stairs to see Alessandro's body unconscious and slumped on the beige carpet. Don Primo made his way up behind him and located the light switch. A warm, orange-tinged hue flooded the upstairs hallway. Christiano was back in his hiding place, straining to keep his laboured breathing silent. He wiped the sweat from his brow and leaned against the wall, trying to normalise his breath. Don Primo's brusque voice sounded through the hallway. Hey, priest. I recognise your handiwork. He'd better not be dead. Christiano closed his eyes, making a soundless thump of his head against the wall. Angelica, why don't you make this easy and give yourself up. I promise you, I will spare your friends. There's no one her but ...