The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14)

[dnog86]

Great video!!! Definitely,  I love your story ^_^. It's excellent.

[Starwish001]

Good story:)

[CuriousSimmer]

The Inheritance
Chapter 4 - Prologue

There are moments in life that change everything.


A single moment can turn a man into a victim...


...or turn friends into family.


A single moment can change a woman's mind...


...and break her heart all over again.


Every so often in a lifetime a moment comes along that changes everything. But the things that change aren't as important to life as the way the people in our lives react to those changes.

And the most important thing is the way we react to the changes life throws at us. At the end of the day, that means everything.

[southernwomanOK]

The Inheritance
Chapter 3 - Part I
March 1964

Ever since Dante's victory in the election that everyone, including both of us, had expected him to lose, he had become quite a busy man. He had to set up a whole new life in Rome, coming home some weekends but spending most weeks away.

At first, we called each other at least once a day--I would call him in the morning after getting the children off to school, and he would call me in the evenings when he was done with his legislative duties. But lately it had occured that I was doing most of the calling.


"I'm sorry, darling. I can't come home this weekend, we have a budget meeting that I have to go to. Perhaps next weekend?"

"Well, all right," I said, half-expecting yet another governmental obligation that would keep my husband away. "Andre was so hoping...well, it doesn't matter. He'll understand."


"Apologize to him from me, would you? I wanted to make his recital but things have just gotten too busy here."

"I will."

"Are you having the ladies over tonight?"

"Oh yes, in fact I have a meatloaf in the oven."


"I won't keep you, then, darling."

"All right. Good night, Dante." I paused for a moment. "I love you."

"I love you too, Betty. Good night."


I hung up the phone and looked around my bedroom. Everything was neat and tidy, so much so that it felt like it was unused. It felt like no one even lived here, and indeed, I couldn't remember off the top of my head the last time I had spent the night here with Dante.

But I would have plenty of time later to dwell during the dark of the night. At this moment, I had a ladies' social gathering to host.


We met that night as we frequently did, in the sunroom of the villa, eating and chatting and gossiping. But that night was different: a cloud hung over the gathering. Lady Esther Thornycroft was very ill. Her mental condition had, in the past several months, been accompanied by a striking, wasting illness.


The empty chair that belonged to Lady Thornycroft stood empty, and Eleanor was gone as well, caring for her mother. But present were Mrs. Capricia Volante, Mrs. Adela de Luca, Judith O'Reilly, who had been granted an annulment after her husband fled from the authorities, and Angela Giorelli, who was technically still married despite the fact that her husband had been in a coma for two years.


"I can't understand why the real estate company is causing such trouble," said Judith, who had been wanting to buy a building downtown with her savings in which to open a new business. "They keep saying it's administrative work, but it's been going on for weeks!"

"I've heard that," said Adela. "Rumor has it some new group of investors is trying to buy up some of the properties. Maybe they're holding out on closing your sale in hopes of getting a better deal."

"Whatever it is, I'm tired of it," Judith confessed as the phone rang. I excused myself to go and answer it.


I hung up the phone a few moments later, feeling stricken. I couldn't put thoughts to words, nor convert the words I had just heard into actual meaning.

Slowly, I turned and walked back towards the sunroom.


"Ladies," I said. Something in my voice must have told them that I had something to say, and their voices died down.

"Ladies, I'm afraid...I'm sorry to have to tell you... Esther--Lady Thornycroft--died just a few moments ago."

DUM DUM DUM

I love the meetings though, so Desperate Housewives:worship:

[CuriousSimmer]

The Inheritance
Chapter 4 - Part 1
September 1964

Donovan O'Reilly walked under a leaky canopy along the train tracks at the train station. It was almost midnight, and a late storm was blustering over the French town that spread around the train tracks.

Donovan passed a community notice board that advertised lost pets, odd-job opportunities, and bicycles for sale.


He walked by the large gray statue that made up the war memorial for a battalion of nurses that had come from the nursing school in the college nearby and had perished in the Second World War.


But he stopped short at a bench where a young woman was sitting. He knew that face; he knew that girl. His heart gave a leap when she looked up. "Donovan? Donovan O'Reilly?"

"Josephine," he said with a grin. "I don't believe it. Can I sit?"


"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I'm going home. Um, Mrs. de Luca called, apparently there was some..." Josephine's voice trailed off. "My dad has been hurt."

"Oh, no. Is he okay?"


"It's serious," Josephine said. "But they don't know anything yet. Or she didn't when she called me. She just wanted to tell me, I guess."

"Was anyone else hurt?"

"Your mom is fine," said Josephine, squeezing Donovan's arm gently. "There was another lady, but nobody we know." Josephine looked up as a train whistle sounded in the distance. "That's my train. But it was so nice to see you."


Josephine stood and embraced Donovan. He picked up her bag as the train eased into the station and offered it to the porter. As she stepped onto the train, he smiled and waved. "When are you coming back?" he called. "I'll be here."

"I'll call you!" Josephine shouted above the roar of the engine.

And despite the tragedy of the circumstances, Josephine allowed herself an indulgent smile.

Back in Italy...


The gurney, escorted by the medical team, burst through the doors. "Hold the elevator!" one of the orderlies shouted.

I followed in a daze, trying to keep up with my husband. I was jostled by nurses and technicians and doctors each trying to tend to my husband's injuries.

"Signora Moretti, please! You have to step off the elevator," Dr. Mediate said as the doors started to close. "There's nothing you can do. Please, stand back. I'll find you after we've stabilized him."


I stood back, a lump rising in my throat. I didn't want Dante to leave my sight. But  I had to trust the doctors to do what was best; as the elevator doors closed, the last thing I saw was my husband's battered face.


An hour later, Dr. Mediate came to find me and said, "Signora Moretti? You can see him now."

As we walked the hospital's hall, he said, "Your husband suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. The woman that came in with him was shot through the neck before the bullet entered your husband's chest."

"Will he...is he going to be all right?" I asked, afraid of the answer.

"We don't know. He's stable, but he's lost a lot of blood. We'll need to operate before we can take him off bypass, and then we'll see whether his heart is strong enough to beat on its own."

"What about... Chiara?"

"She's in surgery now. The damage was quite extensive."


"We'll keep you informed, Signora. If you want to go home you can leave a number, or...there's a waiting room down the hall."

"I'll stay," I said.


I didn't know how long had passed as I sat in the waiting room. I tried flipping through the magazines there, but nothing held my attention. The noise of the hospital continued around me until the door opened.

I looked up to see Adela standing there in her party clothes with a small tote bag. "Adela...what are you doing here?"


"I thought you could use some company," she said, giving me a compassionate smile. "And some fresh clothes. I just grabbed some stuff out of your closet, I hope it fits."

"Thank you," I said.

"The nurse said you can use the staff room to shower and change. How's Dante?"

"They don't know yet."


We both changed our clothes and sat down. "What's happening at home?" I asked wearily.

"The police have sealed it off. They questioned us about what we saw, but nobody really knew anything. What was there to tell?"

"I didn't see it," I said quietly. "I was upstairs looking for some seltzer."

Adela touched my hand. "There was nothing to see," Adela said. "One minute they were standing there; the next they were both on the ground."


We talked for hours, about everything and about nothing. I knew she was trying to distract me, but there was nothing that could distract me from the situation that was unfolding.

At least, there was nothing until I heard clicking footsteps in the hall. A moment later, the door opened.


Josephine stepped in and I finally realized how long it had been. Dawn was breaking outside; it had been almost eight hours since we arrived at the hospital.


"How's daddy?" she demanded, embracing me immediately. "I came as soon as I heard."

"But...how?" I stammered.

"Aunt Adela," she said by way of explanation.


We sat down on the sofa near the window, and Adela stood up. "I'm going to go home for a few hours, darling." She kissed us both on the cheek and headed for the door.

"Capricia and Judith said they'd come by later," she said.


I knew they would come. But for now, I was content to be with my daughter. Josephine was with me and the dawn was coming.

Meanwhile, at the Villa...


As the sun was coming up, the pair of detectives that were investigating the shooting were hoping that they too could shed a little lite on the crime that had shattered our community.

What would they find? Would it matter? They were questions that I didn't have the answers to. And I certainly didn't know that their attempted murder investigation...


...was about to turn into a murder case.

[Glamily]

Dum Dum Dum!! hahaha

[southernwomanOK]

The Inheritance
Chapter 3 - Part VII
August 1964

A week later, Adela came over to share some bad news...

"We've been evicted," she said, handing showing me the order. "We have thirty days to move out.

"What? Evicted?" I demanded, taking the paper from her. I gave it a glance. "REI has chosen not to offer a renewed lease of your premises."


"Who are these REI clowns?" Adela demanded angrily.

I hesitated. "My son works for them as a courier."

"Andre?" she asked.

I nodded. "He's at school right now, but when he gets home I'll ask him. I'm expecting him any time."


"I just can't believe it," Adela said. "After all this time, they want to kick us out?"

"Do you need somewhere to stay?" I asked. "Mother Moretti's visiting her sister in Venice, I'll call and ask if you can use her guest room."

"No, I'm sure we'll be fine," said Adela. She gave me a thankful smile. "But thank you very much."


The door opened and closed and I turned to see Andre walking into the living room. "Hi, mom, Mrs. de Luca."

"Andre--" I was interrupted by the ring of the telephone.

"I'll get it." He went over to the phone, picked it up. "Hello? Yes, just a second. Mom, it's Mr. Esposito."

"I'm sorry, Adela, I need to--Andre, watch your sister, I'm going out."

I launched out of the chair and was out the door before either could say another word.

Five minutes later...


I knocked on the door and Paolo called from inside that the door was open. I walked in to find him pouring drinks at the bar. "Come in, Elizabeth. Have yourself a drink."

"Is it...Paolo, is it bad?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"Have a drink," he insisted and handed a tumbler to me. He took a sip, watching me. I downed it in one long draw and set it down. "Fair enough. Let's sit down."


"Paolo," I said as I settled onto the sofa. "Please, I need to know."

"Are you sure about this?" Paolo said. "No matter what I say, that's it--it's out there and I can't take it back."

I closed my eyes and shook my head thoughtfully. For a few moments I sat in silence before finally saying, "Yes. Tell me."

"Your husband is sleeping with his chief of staff."


The tears came before I could stop them. I wiped my nose with the back of my hand as my life flashed before my eyes. Only it wasn't my past that I saw; it was a future that was cold and lonely, without Dante.

"You're sure?" I finally managed, my voice cracking.

"Yes," said Paolo. "I'm sorry."


Paolo stood to fix me another drink. I sat there, my shoulders heaving, the silence broken only by the strangled sobs that escaped my throat. He brought a tray of drinks; I took one, downed it at once, and found myself coughing even as I reached for another.

"Elizabeth, are you..."

"Don't. Just...don't say anything." I took another drink.


I was never a heavy drinker. To be honest, I seldom drank than more than a glass of wine or two with dinner. But the drink felt good, and the next, and the next.

Paolo hesitated, but relented to my requests for more. When I finally got a grip and realized how drunk I was, I sat slumped against the armrest of the sofa, sobbing for the loss of my marriage and my dignity. Paolo came to sit next to me and hugged me against his chest.


"There there," he said quietly. "I can't imagine how you must feel, but you have to hold it together. All right, Elizabeth?" He raised my chin so he was looking into my face.

"I'll try," I slurred, leaning forward to balance myself.


"Be strong," he said, pulling me closer. And even without thinking or deciding, our lips met. He pressed forward, kissing me, and for a moment I wanted to return the kiss, and then--

"No," I said. "No. I'm married!"

"I'm sorry," he said. "I'll...I'm sorry."


I didn't hear his apology; I had finally passed out. Paolo let me lay across the sofa and went to clean up all the glasses.

I slept fitfully, dreaming of the day I met Dante, pondering what it would have been like if I had known he would break my heart. I slept, knowing that someone was watching over me, but never thinking for a moment...


...that my guardian might have cruel intentions.

I knew her and Pablo were going to hook up lol

[southernwomanOK]

the missing husband has something to do with it, or a political rival, or maybe even Pablo (wants to hook up with the wife (forgot her name))

[rachel631]

Hmm... hook up? I may just have a sick mind, but didn't they um... maybe already hook up... only not in a strictly... voluntary sense on her part? Just saying... 'cruel intentions'? Sick all the time? She was unconscious all night... dangerous in the home of a man with 'cruel intentions', right?

[rachel631]

Aaargh! Stupid post gave me an angry face... sorry. I think this is great, BTW.

[CuriousSimmer]

Hehe, you guys are fun.

Actually, Paolo didn't do anything untoward to our heroine while she was asleep. However, Rachel631, I had originally intended for that to happen. But I felt it would be inappropriate for the PG-13 rating for the board, so I revamped things a bit.

Anyway, I'm glad you're all enjoying. Thanks for the comments!

[rachel631]

OK. I guess I'm just relieved to see I don't simply have a sick mind. I never really know what's PG13 and what isn't... I mean, nudity and lots of swear words are obvious no-nos, sure, but what about unpleasantness and innuendo pushed to the limits? I mean, what are the limits? So difficult, huh?

[CuriousSimmer]

It is. And I figured that I should err on the side of caution. Plus, with Dante being a cheating ass I figured Liz had been through enough!

[CuriousSimmer]

The Inheritance
Chapter 4 - Part II
September 1964

My son was typically an early riser at the monastery, but today he had an especially long and difficult journey to make, so he rose at dawn, packed a few changes of clothes, and set off.


While Marco was driving home, another pair of early risers were setting to work at the villa...


In the daylight, the detectives had a much easier time finding evidence. The younger of the detectives, Roberto Dimetti, called to his partner, "The bullet must've come in here. Maybe from one of those trees over there?"

"Go outside and see if you can see the trajectory," said the other detective, Benito Lodario. "I'll stand on the step where Moretti was."


"Looks like a match," shouted Dimetti. "But we'll get the forensics team to run a line through, see if it's feasible. Get one of the uniforms to put a line around those trees."


They regrouped inside. "I don't see why we shouldn't let the cleanup crew in," said Lodario. "We've got all the evidence we're going to get here."

"Everything's been photographed, right?"

"Right. Still, they'll need to stay out of the house until the investigation is over."


At about ten o'clock that morning, the door to the waiting room opened and I turned to see Dr. Mediate standing there. "Is it Dante?" I demanded.


"Your husband's surgery is ongoing, Signora," said the doctor. "I have no information about that yet. But I wonder if you might come and answer some questions for our records."

"All right."


He led me through the hall, but past Dante's room. Thinking perhaps we were going to his office, I followed him but we ended up in a larger hospital room. We stood near Chiara's bedside and I watched as her chest rose and fell; she was breathing on her own.

"Is she going to be all right?" I asked.

"She's in a coma," the doctor said. "I wanted to ask--do you know anything about her? Her name, her address, family?"

"No," I said. "Other than her name, Chiara Castelli, the only thing I know is that she was sleeping with my husband. I imagine he'd know more," I muttered. "At least I'd hope so."

"Oh, I'm...ah...sorry." At that moment the door opened and we turned to look.


Capricia came in with a bouquet of flowers and set them down on the table before coming to my side. "How's Dante?" she asked.

"There's no change," I said. "This is his doctor, Dr. Mediate."

"Hello," said Dr. Mediate before turning back to me. "That's all I needed to know. Thank you, Signora."


Capricia and I walked down the hall towards the waiting room. "We came as soon as we could. The police were questioning us--oh, Elizabeth, it's just awful. I'm so sorry."

I tried for a brave smile that felt more like a grimace. "I think God will provide," I said. "He's been good to us in the past."

"Well, in the mean time, Judith promised to pick up some takeout on the way. I bet she's here already; I can smell lo mein."


We sat down for the meal; I didn't realize until then how ravenous I was. "What's going on at the villa?" I asked.

"They've sealed it up," said Capricia. "Adela took Andre and Lara to her house to look after them until you and D-- until things calm down."


"Adela's going to have to move by the end of the month," said Judith, her face clouding. "Her forclosure, remember? But listen--you and the children can stay with me. I've got Donovan's bedroom empty and the living room."

"Oh, thank you," I said, grateful for my friends' hospitality. "But Mama Moretti can take us in, I'm sure. She's coming back from her visit with her sister, I imagine?"

"Of course," said Judith. "Adela called her just after she called Josephine and Marco."

The ladies stayed for a few hours, until their lives pulled them back. Josephine and I remained, talking about her studies and how things were going back at school.


Hour melted into hour until I finally decided that Josephine should go join her brother and sister. "They need someone. Tell them..." I gave a sigh, then shook my head. "I don't know what to tell them."

"They don't need to know yet," Josephine said. "I'll just tell them that dad is sick and you're taking care of him."

I nodded and hugged her. "You're a very smart young lady," I said as I kissed her cheek. "Let me give you some money for a cab."


No sooner had she left that Dr. Mediate stepped in. "Signora?"

I looked up. "Yes?"

"I have some news. Would you come with me, please?"


We walked to Dante's room. "Your husband came out of surgery just fine. He's still out from the anesthesia, but his heart is beating on its own. We'll know more when he wakes up."

I smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Doctor."

"There was one thing more," said Dr. Mediate, hesitantly. "It's Miss Castelli?"

"I'm afraid there's nothing else I can tell you about her."

"No, it's not that." Dr. Mediate sighed. "She passed away a few minutes ago."


I sank into the chair at Dante's bedside, feeling overwhelmed. The tears that gathered in my eyes weren't of delight at Chiara's fate. As much as her actions had hurt me, had threatened my family, there was something unjust about her death.

I took Dante's hand and was grateful for the warmth that I felt there. By all accounts, Dante should be fine. What a strange thing fate was; Dante was the politician, and must have been the target. And he had made the decision to stray from our marriage. And yet it was Chiara who had died.

Yes, fate was a strange thing. And nobody knew that better...


...than the victims.

[Glamily]

O.O.. I always seem to comment first, yes