Giorni in Roma (Days in Rome) - Chapter Ten

So I'm extremely sorry for not posting every day or very often but you know, I used to get about... 1-5 comments per chapter, and I was pretty content with that, but now I get none. And, I'm also sorry for the cliche scene in this chapter.
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"So how was the Trevi Fountain last night?" Nate asked through his mouthful of scrambled eggs. The five friends were eating breakfast in the outside diner.

"Nate, chew then talk," Hilary said in her "mom" voice. She was a shopoholic of course but she was also very posh.

He mumbled sorry while Madison went on with the details of last night. "No seriously, I don't think I can ever return to England after this experience. It was so beautiful!"

"And romantic," Greg added so that only Aimee could hear. He winked at her and took a sip of his coffee.

"So, aside from that, what about Giovanni?" Nate asked.

"Actually..." Madison started to say.

Four faces lit up with curiosity and wonder.

"Well yesterday, I kind of... sneaked around his desk. I found four whole letters from George in England. There was something about a plan... and I think it must be a reason of why you guys are here in Rome. Also, when he saw me reading the emails, he totally flipped out."

"So what did the email say?" Greg asked.

Madison groaned. "The computer said I needed a password to access the mail."

The five friends looked disappointed yes, but suddenly, Greg (the smart one, most times) had a bright idea that made everyone smile.

"What if we each ask Giovanni questions? I mean, about his life and hobbies or so. Maybe that will lead to a password clue."

So that was that! During the week, the five magazine writers each talked to Giovanni at least five times a day demanding on an intense conversation. Greg had asked him about his hobbies - playing the organ. Nate had asked about his family - he had three sons, one of which died at birth. Aimee and Hilary had asked about how he got to Italy from England - his simple reply was, "I had connections." However, if they hadn't been so oblivious, they could have taken that as a clue to what was happening. Even though she didn't suspect Giovanni of anything, Madison went along with her friends' plan and asked about his birth, and any other crucial details. Giovanni was surprisingly grateful for all the attention from his guests because deep down, he was actually very lonely. Take his sons for example, they all lived in England, and they were too preoccupied with their jobs and family.

Finally, they had enough. No answers he had given led to a password. But it was that one day when Hilary began to question what they were actually doing.

"Why are we snooping around his stuff?" she asked. The five friends were jammed in Hilary's loft at that moment talking about Giovanni. "I mean, what are we actually accusing him of?"

"Gee, you guys didn't exactly give me details on what Giovanni has done. The dude's a pretty old guy. Maybe you guys got to Rome because of a mistake he made? Old people can forget quite easily," Ryan, who had just entered the room justified.

"Hi, Ryan," the group chorused.

"You guys ready to go?" He was taking the group out to dinner since yesterday, Hilary and Nate were too wrapped up in their own shindigs.

During their dinner party, many laughs and joys were talked about. Once again, Madison was reminded of her family. Except, with the warmth and care of her friends around, she didn't stare blankly into space this time, and so, Ryan gathered them up outside the Cathedral and asked a photographer to capture this friendship moment.

"A toast, to meeting new friends..." Ryan started.

"Letting go of memories..." Madison turned to Hilary.

"Fabulous shopping arenas..." she nudged Nate.

"Gladiators!" They all laughed.

"Amazing walks and scenery" Aimee said.

Greg put his arm around Aimee and held her close while he practically announced to the world - "And to us."

Later that night, each person had a photo to hold on the way back to Primavera con Dignità. Greg and Aimee tagged along in the back while the rest were joking and admiring Rome in the dark.

It was when they reached the glass doors that they noticed something was wrong. The lobby was still and so quiet that a pin dropping could be heard. Nate pointed to a small silver item on the stone steps. He caustically went over to pick it up looked at Madison with a green face. When Greg and Aimee had caught up to them, Madison was already bounding up the stairs and flying through the doors. Ryan ran after her, unsure if there was a sight she shouldn't see. Behind the front desk, was the poor scruffy Giovanni, fighting for his last gasps of life. Ignoring the puddle of red liquid coming from his chest, Madison and Ryan both lifted his head up and wondered what to do next.

"Giovanni...?" Madison said softly.

"Madison," he croaked. "Don't let them get you and your friends," he was about to leave any moment, so with all his strength, he finally came out with the truth. "Don't let George and his men get to you guys. Don't stay here either, they'll just come back. I-I wanted to te-tell you, Madison, but I'm afraid it's too late."

"Gi-Giovanni, don't leave... please," Madison started crying now. Now everyone was standing around the two; Aimee and Hilary - speechless, and Greg and Nate, completely overwhelmed.

"He wants the company's money. You five were the only things standing in his way. I went against his plan after he sent his men to kill you, so they came here. Ryan, you must leave too. They'll be guarding your home. Go somewhere safe... a tutto c' è rimedo, fuorche alla morte," were his last words. The man closed his eyes for the last time, and collapsed in Madison's arms.

"What did he say?" Aimee asked quietly, not disturbing Madison.

Ryan answered. "There is a cure for everything except death. Mr. Angelo used to say that all the time. Madison..." he said concerningly.

She sniffed and set Giovanni down on the stone floor. "Well, you heard Giovanni. We have to leave. Ryan, I'm sorry, you won't be able to get your things."

"No, it's fine. Actually, I know where we can go."

Nate, Hilary, Greg, and Aimee scurried to their rooms to gather up belongings while Ryan stayed with Madison the whole time she was packing things into her duffel bag.

"Madison, do you need any help?" he asked soothingly.

She ignored his question and packed rather quickly. Madison wiped a tear from her eyes and suddenly found Ryan in front of her. He pressed her close to his chest and whispered, "Don't cry. It'll all be over soon."

"Ryan, he was like a father to me. Even though he went along with George and his plan. Now he's gone," she said through muffled tears.

"Ryan bit his lip and while still holding on to Madison, picked up her duffle bag and said, "I know, let's go."
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Aww, I know, it's mean to leave a chapter at a cliff hanger like this. But since Monday is Labor Day, I think I'll post the next chapter on that day. There's two more chapters left plus an epilogue which I find to be quite adorable. Anyway, please comment? And, if you write stories on Buzzle, please tell me of it, and I will certainly read it and give you feedback.