wants to find a posh restaurant. Thought I’d better look the part.”
“Well I’ve got nothing to compete with that here anyway. No really, you run along. Have a great time. I’ve got to call my wife.”
“Ok. Well enjoy your evening.”
“You too.”
Hutchinson picked up his mobile phone.
“Oh Pete.”
Dennis stopped at the door.
“Have you got that old journal here with you?”
“Von Brest’s?”
“Yes.”
“I have. Why?”
“Just thought we might take a look through it tomorrow. See if there are any more clues.”
“Do you want it tonight? I can go and get it.”
“No. Tomorrow will do. I’ve got enough here to keep me up ‘til late.”
Dennis put his hand on the door handle. He paused and looked over his shoulder.
“You know it hit me earlier, sitting on the steps of the ambulance, just how dangerous this has become. As much as I would love to help further I wouldn’t want to see you or Nat in any more danger.”
“Nor would I.”
“I knew she was safe with you. Thanks Jim.”
“She is the closest thing I’ve ever had to a daughter. That’s why I’m glad we’re out of this now. Nothing would make me decide to stay in the fight after what’s happened.”
Dennis opened the door.
“Me neither. Goodnight Jim.”
It was just after eleven o’clock when a very tired Natalie and Dennis arrived back at their hotel in Rome. Dennis had left their room key with reception and while he went to get it Natalie went over to the lifts to wait for him. The male receptionist was watching the highlights of the evening’s champions league match on a small hand held television. He put the TV down onto its screen when he saw Dennis approaching.
“How was your evening sir?” he asked the journalist.
“Very nice thank you. How was the game?” Dennis gestured to the upturned TV. The receptionist gave an embarrassed smile.
“Forgive me sir. It is my beloved Roma. We won 3-2.”
“That’s good,” Dennis said, “Room 408 please.”
The receptionist turned for the key. There was a large brown envelope in the pigeon hole.
“There seems to be a package for you.”
“A package. Who from?” Dennis asked, turning the envelope over.
“My colleague accepted it for you. Carla,” he called.
A glamorous brunette came from the office.
“Good evening sir. That package was delivered by an inspector De Luca of the Vatican police. He dropped it off a couple of hours ago.”
“Oh De Luca. Thank you.”
Dennis made his way over to Natalie. The brunette was watching him. She saw Natalie looking at her and she pouted her lips as she concentrated on tidying up some papers behind reception.
“It’s from De Luca,” he said. He waited until they were in the elevator heading for the fourth floor before opening it. There was a police complimentary slip and he read it.
“Dear Mr Dennis,” it said, “I thought you might find these interesting. If there is anything else that you can think of please let me know. Cesare.”
Underneath were some photographs. Dennis flicked through them briefly. There were four in total.
“What are they?” Natalie asked.
“Blown up copies of the tail of that Hercules I saw.”
The death’s head, though blurred at this size, was unmistakable.
“Would you say that is identical to the one painted on the side of the wave crest?”
“I would say so. It certainly looks to be the same.”
“I’m sure it is.”
There was nothing else in the envelope. Just four photos and the complimentary slip. The elevator stopped on their floor. As they got out there was a commotion at the end of the corridor. Whoever it was, they disappeared around the corner a moment later.
“What was that about?” Natalie asked.
“Don’t know. Listen I’m just going to show these to Jim.”
“Peter not tonight. It’s late. He may be sleeping. Leave him until tomorrow.”
He took her hand off his arm.
“I’m just going to show him these. I’ll be very quick. I’ll knock gently. If there’s no answer I’ll leave it until the morning.”
“Don’t be long,” Natalie said putting their key in the lock.
Dennis put his knuckles against Hutchinson’s door and was surprised to find it move a fraction. He rapped on it and pushed it open an inch.
“Jim? Jim?” he called.
There was no answer so Dennis pushed the door open and stepped in. He instantly smelt trouble.
“Jim? Jim?” he called again. Still no answer. Dennis checked the bathroom. Then he went back to the room. The bed was made. Dennis took his phone out of his pocket and was about to ring Hutchinson’s when he noticed the tall lamp by the window had been knocked