Page 30 of Ciao Bella
Siena turned out to be even more breathtaking than the photos. Once again, Enzo proved to be resourceful and the best guide they could possibly have.
“Siena is in the Tuscany region,” said Enzo. “What distinguishes it are the medieval brick buildings. The central square has an unusual fan-shape. You can see Piazza del Campo, which is the site of the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower where you can see for miles from the tower’s crown.
“Siena is unique in that it has seventeen historic districts that extend from the piazza. Like otherTuscanhill towns, it was settled in the time of theEtruscans, between 900 and 400 BC. According to local legend, Siena was founded bySenius and Aschius, two sons ofRemusand, thus nephews ofRomulus, after whom Rome was named.
“At the end of the third century, the city wasChristianizedbySant'Ansano, known as the ‘Baptizer of the Sienese,’ who was punished by the Roman authorities governing Siena with the test of fire and boiling oil, imprisonment, and finally beheading.”
“A little much, but I appreciate the creativity,” said Trak. Lauren sneered at him, shaking her head. “Sorry, little one.”
“Enzo, I don’t see a lot of industry here. What is it that keeps the city alive?” asked Kari.
“Oh, there is much here. Unlike many large cities, we don’t build smokey factories or allow for big, unattractive signs. The main activities are tourism, services, agriculture, handicrafts, and light industry.
“In the past, it was agriculture that comprised almost one hundred companies. There is little manufacturing in the city, with the exception of one of our great specialties, particularly during the holidays. Do you know this, Señora Sara?”
“Panforte!” she smiled.
“Yes. It is very popular here.” They walked for more than an hour as Enzo shared his love of his country and the people. Luckily for them, he also loved their food and loved sharing it with the team. “Come. We will have our meal here in Siena and then say farewell.” Alec pushed to the front of the group, Tailor hot on his heels.
“I’m following the little man.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
By the time they reached Tuscany, the sky had turned a beautiful shade of purple and pink as the sunset welcomed them. Although not a large villa like the one outside of Rome, they were in a converted villa turned hotel. The rooms were smaller, but it didn’t matter. They were in Tuscany.
“I will not be your chef tonight,” he smiled, “but the chef is excellent. Dinner is at seven and served family style. All guests are welcome to join.”
Settled for the next two days, the team enjoyed a wonderful meal and then decided to take a walk around the area. Hand-in-hand, they passed the historic chapels, municipal buildings, and homes.
“I’m going to look in this shop,” said Lena. The other wives followed as the men stood outside. Lena stared at her friends, speaking in a low voice. “Did you see them? The same kids we saw in Rome.”
“I saw,” said Kari. “Do you think they’re being used or are just scamming us?”
“I’m not sure, but if we tell the guys they’re going to be chasing after little kids for the next few days. They already trust us, so maybe we could get them to speak with us.”
“It’s worth a try,” said Mary. She turned and walked toward the children standing in the aisle of the little boutique. “Hello, there. Do you remember me?”
The boy gave a peculiar nod, holding out his hand but not in a beggar sort of way.
“That’s not how this works,” said Mary. “How did you get from Rome all the way to Tuscany? Are you following us? Are you in trouble?”
The little boy backed away from her, shaking his head as he did.
“You’re not in trouble,” said Kari. “We can help you.”
His lips moved, obviously saying something rapidly in Italian, but they couldn’t hear him. The three other children followed him out of the store. By the time Kari, Mary, and the others were in the street, the children had disappeared.
“Okay,” said Faith, “we all agree something is up with those kids, but we’re not going to say anything to the guys. We’ll see if Enzo can give us any insight, and then we’ll figure out what to do. But I do not want this beautiful trip going sideways.”
“Agreed,” said Kari.
“Same,” said Erin.
When the women walked outside, the guys were still laughing and talking, completely oblivious to the kids who had left the store. For once, the wives were relieved that they were so distracted they didn’t pay attention to the details around them. Wilson turned to Sara, smiling.
“Nothing? Not one souvenir?” he grinned.
“Oh, there were a few things, but we have time tomorrow if I decide to return. The man in there said there’s a wonderful chocolate and gelato shop on our way back. What do you say to a late-night snack?”