His cab arrived on time, and the driver skillfully navigated across the Charles to Storrow Drive and the exit for the North End. Salvatore’s son Peter met Luden at the front of the restaurant and led him to a long table in a private room to the left of the main dining area. Li Chen and the two women were already there.
The group gathered over drinks. B enjoyed an Old Fashioned, while her partner chose a glass of Prosecco. Luden and Chen each had chilled martinis garnished with two olives. Peter prepared a special dinner for the group, starting with a small portion of mushroom risotto, followed by veal piccata served with fresh vegetables from North Carolina. They shared two bottles of Chianti before indulging in tiramisu and espresso for dessert.
On his way home, Luden contemplated how long life would remain stable and free of crises. He was busy with several projects, teaching two courses, and supervising multiple students. After picking up his car, he experienced a strange sensation he couldn’t quite explain. It made him uneasy and felt like a bad omen.
Once home, he smoked a cigar on his veranda, savoring the solitude of his neighborhood off Brattle Street. He listened to Mozart while reflecting on his time in Rome and the people he had met. He wondered how the Doll was faring in prison, doubting that he would last long due to his eccentricity and attachment to Regina.
His intuition was correct. The next day, he picked up the phone to hear Detective Lucca’s voice in Rome. The policeman said,
Well, Hans, the Doll is dead. A prisoner grabbed Regina, and the Doll went ballistic. Several other prisoners attacked him, and in the chaos, someone stabbed Enrico. He died shortly after the assault.
for Sal Crispi