The Autumn Of The Witch

Stephanie sank down on to the bed. ‘Dinner?’ she echoed, slowly, thinking hard. Why was he asking her out for dinner? Dared she go, knowing she had just told Allan she had a headache? And yet might this not be an opportunity to fraternize with the – enemy? She frowned. Pietro Bastinado must have some influence with Ventura.

Without further hesitation, she said: ‘Why – yes, I think I could manage that.’

‘Bene! I was afraid you might have some previous engagement, and it is rather late.’

“I – I was going out, but I – I changed my mind,’ she said, carefully.

‘I’m so glad you did.’ Pietro sounded gratifyingly eager. ‘I’ll pick you up in say thirty minutes. Is nine o’clock all right?’

‘Fine.’ Stephanie felt a twinge of excitement, and when he rang off she sat for a few moments wondering whether she was doing the right thing. It would not do for her father or Jennifer to find out where she was going and with whom, and she must speak to Miller and warn her not to say who had called her.

With haste, she changed into a plain chiffon cocktail dress in black, with an edging of sequins at the cuffed collar and sleeves. She secured her hair in a pleat at the back of her head and added long diamond earrings. Then, with a silver fur cape about her shoulders, she went downstairs. She encountered Miller in the hall and was speaking to her when her father emerged from the library. His face brightened a little at the sight of her and he said: ‘Going out, my dear?’

‘Yes.’ Stephanie managed not to colour guiltily. ‘We – er – Allan and I have been invited to a party.’

‘I see. Is he calling for you?’

Stephanie bit her lip. ‘Er – no – I’m meeting him – there.’

‘Oh.’ Her father looked surprised and with a feeling of betrayal Stephanie gave him a light kiss on his cheek and hurried to the door. She was just in time. As she stepped outside a cab halted at the entrance to the drive and she saw Pietro himself climbing out and speaking to the driver.

When he saw Stephanie he came hastening towards her and she ran a little to prevent their being noticed from the windows of the house. Not until she was inside the cab did she relax, and Pietro glanced at her curiously. ‘You did not tell your parents you were meeting me?’ he hazarded dryly.

‘That’s right.’ Stephanie bit her lip. ‘My father – wouldn’t understand.’

‘I see.’ Pietro was silent for a moment and then he drew out his cigarettes and offered her one. When she refused, he lit one himself and said: ‘Why did you come, signorina?’

Stephanie coloured now, but he could not see the telltale brilliance in the darkness. ‘Because I wanted to,’ she said.

Pietro drew on his cigarette. ‘With what motive?’ he queried. ‘Or am I to believe that it was my scintillating company you sought?’

Stephanie bent her head. ‘Why did you ask me?’ she countered.

Pietro smiled. ‘Because you are a beautiful young woman and you must know that all Italians appreciate beauty in their women.’

Stephanie stared at him, trying to see if he was teasing her. ‘You’re not serious?’

‘Why not? You are a beautiful woman, signorina. And I am only human, after all. You interest me, you intrigue me. And your reasons for accepting my invitation intrigue me even more.’

Stephanie ran her tongue over her dry lips. ‘Why do you think I accepted your invitation?’

Pietro shrugged. ‘I think you had several reasons,’ he said at last. ‘But we will leave them until later, shall we, Stephanie? May I call you that?’

Stephanie nodded rather indifferently. ‘If you like.’

‘Thank you. I do.’ He smiled and she sank back into her corner feeling suddenly afraid. It was all right imagining herself capable of manipulating this man in the warmth and light of her bedroom and quite another considering it here, alone with him. Why had he invited her to dine? What possible advantage could he gain that he had not gained already?

They dined at a small Italian restaurant on the fringes of Soho. It was not a place Stephanie had previously visited although it was gradually gaining in popularity. Pietro was greeted like a long-lost cousin and their service was impeccable. The food was slightly rich for Stephanie’s taste, but the wine was exquisite and she commented upon it.

Pietro smiled, handling his glass within his two hands, holding it up to the level of his eyes. ‘Yes,’ he said slowly. ‘This wine comes from Sicily. From the vineyards of the Castello di Strega.’

‘The Castello di Strega,’ echoed Stephanie curiously.

‘That sounds an unusual name.’

‘It is. The castle of the witch. It is the home of my employer and brother-in-law, Santino Ventura.’

‘Oh, I see.’ Stephanie’s glass landed on the table with a little thud.

‘You do not like my brother-in-law, signorino?’

‘I scarcely know him.’ Stephanie was abrupt.

‘But you disapprove of his actions?’

‘Naturally. It’s my father who is involved.’

‘Ah, yes, your father.’

Stephanie leaned forward. ‘Why did you invite me out this evening?’ she asked.

Pietro brought out his cigarettes and lit one slowly. ‘What do you think of this place?’ he inquired, waving a casual arm at the decor.

Stephanie compressed her lips. ‘It’s very nice.’

‘It belongs to one of my brother-in-law’s companies.’

‘Indeed?’ Stephanie was getting impatient. ‘Signor Bastinado—’

‘Oh, make it Pietro, please.’

‘Very well, then, Pietro.’ Stephanie sighed. ‘I want to know why you invited me to dine with you.’

Pietro tapped ash into the ashtray. ‘You haven’t told me why you came yet,’ he countered, rather mockingly.

Stephanie sighed again. ‘It doesn’t seem important now.’

‘Oh, but it is.’ Pietro leaned towards her. ‘Believe me, Stephanie, I want you to know, what happened this afternoon was not of my choosing.’

Stephanie moved back. ‘I – I find that hard to believe.’

‘Why should you? Am I my brother-in-law’s keeper? What Santino does he does because he wants to do it. I have no control over his actions.’

‘None?’ All of a sudden Stephanie felt deflated.

‘None.’ Pietro shook his head, ‘If you imagine that by humouring me you stand some chance of influencing Santino, I regret you are to be disappointed. I can do nothing.’

Stephanie bent her head and her attitude was one of defeat. Pietro sighed. ‘I am sorry,’ he said. ‘If it’s any consolation to you, I did try. I did not want this to happen, believe me. You and your father have offered me your hospitality and I must be honest. I wanted Santino to leave everything to me, but unfortunately I showed my feelings and he would not allow me to continue. He took the affair out of my bungling hands …’