A Cat Called Montpellier
The Sweet-smelling Flower Girl of Lucerne
An extract from "The Mystery of the Silver Lady."
INT. The House of Lombardy, Italy - NIGHT
We open on a dimly lit hallway as long as it is wide.
Off-screen footsteps approach, heavy, fast and with
purpose. Suddenly lanterns loom into view carried by
sinister ministerial-types and men of the Church. Off
screen a voice is heard whispering, a child's voice,
soft and tranquil. "Milos. Is that you? I've a
confession to make yet only you must hear what it is I
have to say. Promise me you won't say a word to anyone?"
Slowly a figure appears. Trance-like CLAUDIA LOMBARDIE
emerges from the gloom the officious prattle of
footsteps dissipating into silence. Ten-something
Claudia has a pretty face her long auburn locks the
trait of the Lombardy family. But the Lombardy dynasty
has long been in decline. However, through those
delicate child's eyes there is a whisper of Providence
yet unseen by past generations, a secret to be told!
"I promise," comes a voice casually.
Then a door flies open revealing a group of men. A
mountain of guy wearing a suit steps forth clearly out
of breath, sweating profusely. This is Giuseppe
Donaletto, lawyer to the Lomardy family for many years.
He has a quiet face, a person to trust but also the kind
one would not wish to cross either. "Ah, there you are
Claudia. We've been looking for you everywhere. It's
time we were going, my dear."
Claudia turns back into the gloom raising a finger to
her lips sealing a Code of Silence.
"Whoever were you talking to, Claudia?" asks the
lawyer taking a step closer.
"No one!" replies she.
Without further utterance the girl leaves with the
group. For a moment doubting her and his own wisdom the
lawyer steps into the gloom. A shiver falls over him.
