Page 10 of Giorgio

At first, he was paralyzed with a fear so debilitating, he could not move. But then the inertia had disappeared, leaving him shaking so much it took him a few seconds to climb out of the car.

The place was isolated, the area dark and slightly ominous. And what was even more daunting and made his knees weak, was the fact that the person was not moving. Which could mean he was unable to or even worse. The even worse aspect galvanized him into action and had him rushing forward.

The helmet was askew and on closer inspection, he realized that it was a woman, and she was bruised, her left leg at an odd angle, which probably meant that it was broken. Placing the tip of his finger on her neck, he almost staggered in relief when he felt the faint pulse.

Dragging the phone from his sports jacket, he started to dial the emergency number and then stopped. He was news. Anything he did was photographed and highlighted. There had been some negative stories about him lately and aside from that, he was slightly inebriated.

The accident was his fault. Completely. He could not risk another negative publicity. In that split second, he made a decision and when he did, he brought up the number on speed dial.

His father answered instantly as if he had been expecting the call.

“I am in trouble!” His throat was so tight, he could barely force the words out.

“What is it?”

Staring down at the still form, he told his dad what happened. To his credit and to Giorgio’s relief, he did not waste time in accusations and ‘I told you so’.

“I am calling Dario,” he said, referring to their lawyer on retainer.

“I need to call an ambulance. She is still alive, but her pulse is weak and thready.”

“Dario will take care of everything. Calling an ambulance will alert the press. Hang up and as soon as Dario arrives, leave immediately.”

“No! He shook his head firmly even though he could not see it. His face was clammy with sweat and his bowels felt weak and loose. He had spent his life sailing through, insulated by his immense wealth, without a care in the world.

People considered him to be shallow even though he was highly educated, but because of his intensely good looks, he was spoilt.

For the first time in his life, he was going to do the right thing. He had started praying even before he exited the vehicle, calling on a deity he had ignored since he turned sixteen and could not be forced or coerced to attend the lavish Catholic church his family had been members of for more than a century.

He was going to change his ways and become more responsible.

“I am staying.”

“Don’t be ridiculous!”

“I am staying. It is my mess and I am not leaving.”

With a frustrated sigh, his father gave up and hung up from him.

Sitting back on his haunches, he ran his hand over the cheek that was visible to him, feeling the smoothness of the skin. And shewas cold! Icy cold. His breath lodged inside his throat and his body weakened even more.

Without a thought of his own comfort, he shrugged out of the sports jacket and draped it over her. Within minutes, a car pulled up behind his, the headlights bathing them in light. The middle-aged lawyer alighted, looking as if he was just coming from a function.

Taking in the situation at a glance, he spoke.

“A private ambulance is on its way.” He said briskly, his Italian accent barely noticeable. Dario was paid to do his clients’ bidding, and he was paid an enormous amount of money to see to their comfort. And he was incredibly resourceful.

“Edoardo has been apprised of the situation and she will be transported to the private clinic,” Crouching down, he stared at the still form and checked for a pulse before looking at the younger man. “You don’t need to be here.”

“I do!” His tone booked no argument.

“Ah, here comes the ambulance. Step back and let them perform their duty.”

*****

The hours ticked by so slowly, he felt as if he was going out of his mind. The transfer to the clinic had taken only minutes and by the time they got there, Dr. Edoardo Colombo was already waiting with his nurses, and they were still working on the patient.

Not for the first time was he grateful that his dad was such a powerhouse. Everything had been taken care of discreetly and swiftly. Alfredo had even left home to be here with him, and they were both waiting in a room where refreshment was provided.