City of Devils: A Novel Read Online Free PDF Page B

considered the name. ‘I may do – I think he assisted with an experiment some time ago.’
    Machinetti smiled briefly in triumph. He spoke slowly, as if relishing every moment. ‘Now then, let me see. A man is dead. You knew him. He has a note in his hand, naming you. More than a little suspicious, don’t you think, Professor?’
    Lombroso looked up. His face wore a strained expression. ‘But I had no reason to see him since our brief meeting and I certainly did not do this to the poor fellow,’ he protested. ‘Even you must know that I could never do such a thing.’
    Machinetti pursed his lips. ‘Where were you last night?’
    There was a long pause. ‘I was working late at the museum.’
    Machinetti raised his eyebrows. ‘Alone?’
    Lombroso sighed. ‘Yes, alone.’
    Machinetti looked over towards his men. It seemed to James as if his new employer was about to be taken into custody. Then he saw Tullio stride over to Machinetti and whisper to him. Machinetti’s face reddened.
    ‘Thank you for your assistance, Professor,’ Tullio said.
    ‘But the note! There has to be some reason for it!’ Machinetti protested.
    Lombroso shrugged helplessly. ‘I agree, but I cannot think of what it might be.’
    ‘At the very least, you seem to be some kind of an inspiration for the killer,’ said Machinetti. Lombroso’s shoulders drooped. He looked tired, almost defeated. James caught Ottolenghi’s eye. He nodded back, almost imperceptibly.
    ‘Can we be of further assistance, Marshal?’ Ottolenghi asked.
    Machinetti paused and thought about it. He looked over to Tullio who shook his head firmly. ‘Do not leave the city, Professor,’ Machinetti said curtly, dismissing them with a haughty wave of the hand.
    Tullio frowned at this lack of courtesy and bowed slightly towards Lombroso. ‘Professor, thank you for your assistance. We may need to call on you again, with your permission.’
    Lombroso nodded and started to walk away. James and Ottolenghi began to follow him. As they turned away and crossed the piazza James saw something out of the corner of his eye – a movement? He turned quickly and saw, or thought he saw, a dark figure disappear into the shadows. It was only for a split second and then it was gone. He shook his head and frowned to himself. Was he really so unaccustomed to the narrow streets that his eyes had begun to deceive him? He was sure that someone had been there and whoever it was had clearly not wanted to be seen. He turned and looked back, wondering if he should inform Machinetti or Tullio, but they were arguing loudly and clearly did not wish to be disturbed. He decided to leave them to it, thinking that he had probably imagined it anyway, and walked quickly to catch up with Lombroso who was walking quickly across the piazza towards the museum.

2

    It cannot be denied that from time to time there have been criminals who are true geniuses – creators of new forms of crime, inventors of evil.
    Lombroso, 1876, p 74
    When they arrived back at the museum no one was in the mood to eat. Lombroso declared himself in need of solitude and Ottolenghi was required to return to his Madagascan skulls. James took his leave, having been told to report back the following day, and was more than glad of the opportunity to contemplate the events of the morning. Back at his lodgings, after he had eaten, he sat and began to write a letter to Lucy.
    As he wrote he reflected on all that he had seen: the extraordinary exhibits in the museum, Lombroso’s experiment with his complicated contraption – a dynamometer he had called it. And then there was Sofia, who lingered in his senses without invitation. There was something intriguing about her. He could picture her form as clearly as if she was standing before him at that very moment, her lustrous hair hanging down her back, her wide mouth smiling – and all the while she looked straight at him, almost as if she was questioning his right to be there. He sat with