Kidnapped and a Daring Escape Read Online Free PDF Page A

going." Deep worry
lines appear on his forehead. "It would be regrettable if you missed out
on this most important archaeological site in South America. I just wish
you would not have to expose yourself to possible danger."
         He is really worried about my safety. It is his way of showing that he
cares for me. "Franco, I’m touched by your concern. I’m sure everything
will be fine."
         "Yes … though now it is important that you get ready for tomorrow.
Remember, the plane is scheduled to take off at six thirty." He guides her
by the elbow toward the stairs to the guest rooms.
         "Oh, you are sweet to worry so much about me. It will only take me
a few minutes to pack."
         "Make sure you pack extra warm clothing and do not forget your rain
gear, just in case the weather turns bad. One never knows in the
Cordilleras. I put Paolo in charge, should weather conditions prevent you
from returning by the evening. He has the name of a guesthouse in
Pitalito, and the schedule of busses from Popayàn to Ipiales to catch up
with the group."
         But Paolo is hopeless! Why didn’t he ask me? But again she refrains
from voicing it.
         "I even advise you to take some essential toiletries along, just in case.
And wear your sturdy hiking boots."
         "I will." It comes out rather more abruptly than she intended. She
finds his concern both endearing and exasperating. Right now, it feels
being treated like a small child who isn’t yet capable of thinking for
herself. Again, she reminds herself of her resolution. She tries to make
up for her shortness by putting an arm around his back and leaning her
head against his shoulder. Maybe, if they made love, he would again
become his old self. They have not been together since their arrival in
Colombia. " Amore , will you come to my room later tonight?"
         He backs away from her. "Bianca, you know you should not ask for
that. It is off-limits during the tour."
         "Please Franco, nobody will know, nor would they really care. They
all know we’re going to be married soon."
         "No, there are certain principles that I must uphold as the leader of
this tour. I made it quite clear at our briefing before we left that I do not
want any consorting between the participants, and therefore it behooves
me, and through me also you, to lead by example."
         She feels chastised. They reach the door to her room. "All right," she
sighs, disappointed, but also at the same time annoyed by his pompous
language. She wishes he would shed his lecturing style when talking to
her. Reluctantly, she offers him her cheeks for a kiss. He quickly pecks
both and then strides off. He doesn’t even properly kiss me anymore, she
reflects, while watching him go, again confused and uncertain about their
relationship, wistful for the rare moments of intimacy they stole prior to
the trip.
     
    * * *
     
    In the soft dawn light the church across the street from the hotel still
seems asleep when André comes out of the hotel. Within a few minutes
it will be fully day, the transition from night to day short near the equator.
Two young men are stowing their backpacks into the trunk of a taxi. He
recognizes one of them as Paolo, the student who talked with Visconti,
or rather, who was talked to by the latter. Paolo introduces him to
Giuglio, his fellow student. André has no pack. His tiny digital camera,
all his belongings, including an airline-issue toothbrush kit, are in his
rain jacket that he is wearing against the cold of the flight.
         "You’re late, Bianca," Paolo shouts.
         André turns and watches her scamper out of the hotel. He notices the
brief frown and the short hesitation in her step, when she spots him.
         Relieving her of the backpack, he greets her with a smile: "Good
morning, Bianca. What a pleasant surprise! I hope it’s with you that I’ll
share the Jeep, so that you can be my guide."
         Her ‘ buon giorno ’ is